“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, p 27

In this first episode of our series on Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, we explore what the Catholic Church has to say about artificial intelligence, the digital revolution, and what it means to be truly human.Pope Leo argues that AI is not simply another technological innovation. Instead, it is reshaping the way we work, communicate, think, and understand ourselves. Drawing on the biblical stories of the Tower of Babel and Nehemiah, he challenges us to build a future rooted not in pride or efficiency alone, but in human dignity, communion, and the common good.This video covers:* Why Pope Leo compares aspects of the digital age to the Tower of Babel* How AI is changing society and human relationships* The difference between unity and uniformity* Why technology is neither inherently good nor evil* The Catholic understanding of artificial intelligence and human dignity* How Christians can remain deeply human in an increasingly digital worldThis is Part 1 of our chapter-by-chapter journey through Magnifica Humanitas. Whether you're interested in Catholic social teaching, AI ethics, technology, philosophy, or theology, I hope these reflections encourage you to read the encyclical for yourself and join the conversation.If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing and sharing your thoughts in the comments: How can we remain "profoundly human" in the age of artificial intelligence?TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction01:12 Why We're Reading Magnifica Humanitas 03:15 The Lay of the Land: AI and the Digital Revolution06:48 Big Tech Today Has More Power than Governments09:36 We Must Act Now, Before a Crisis10:31 The Tower of Babel vs. Nehemiah14:26 Unity vs Uniformity18:07 The "Babel Syndrome" 20:48 The "Way of Nehemiah"23:36 We Are All Responsible for What Happens Next25:15 The Morality of AI Depends on How We Use It26:33 Remaining Profoundly Human27:37 What's Coming in Part 2

Faith is more than intellectual belief. If we think about it, even the devil technically *believes* in God. So what does true faith actually look like?

In this episode of Catechism 101, we talk through four key signs of faith from the Catechism: Faith is free, active, overflowing, and dynamic.

This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

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How does faith actually work?

There's a gap between logically knowing something is true and actually believing it. In this episode of Catechism 101, we unpack exactly what it takes to cross that gap.

This episode covers:

• The difference between knowing something is true and actually believing it
• Why faith is a gift from God
• The four things that have to happen to make an act of faith
• Why the will matters just as much as the intellect
• Why God is the most credible source there is.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Introduction

2:11 — Why we can't force faith

3:39 — The ocean metaphor

4:44 — Breaking down an act of faith

7:56 — Why the information source matters

13:25 — What to do if you're struggling to believe

CRASH COURSE CATHOLICISM

A series on Catholic teaching and why it makes sense.

▶ Previous episode — What Is Faith?: https://youtu.be/dSs_AxrpiKE

▶ Full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw6henAD9rk0-RxLqLoqycLVftmfFo9-r

▶ Read the blog post: https://www.caitlinwest.com/post/how-faith-works

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

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#HowFaithWorks #CatholicFaith #CatholicTeaching #Catechism #Catholicism

What is the Theology of the Body? Why was it developed, and why is it still relevant today?

In this episode, we begin our next deep dive (!) by telling the story of the development of ToB. From the fallout of the sexual revolution to Humanae Vitae and Pope St. John Paul II’s revolutionary vision of the human person, we ask why TOB remains one of the Church’s most important teachings today.

This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Humanae Vitae

Christopher West: "What Is the Theology of the Body? | Introduction to Theology of the Body"

Godsplaining, "Does Christian Marriage Really Have Two Ends?"

What is faith, really?

In this episode of Catechism 101, we unpack what faith actually means according to Catholic teaching. Spoiler: it's NOT blind faith.

This episode covers:

• Why "blind faith" (fideism) is something the Catholic Church actively rejects
• The story of Saint Augustine that explains exactly what faith is
• Why faith and reason aren't opposed to each other
• How to explore the mysteries of faith without switching your brain off

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Introduction
1:05 — The problem with blind faith
2:00 — Saint Augustine and the tiny angel
3:34 — What the story teaches us
6:38 — The mysteries are yours to explore

CRASH COURSE CATHOLICISM
A series on Catholic teaching and why it makes sense.
▶ Next episode — How Faith Works: https://youtu.be/bG9Ppx4Z2DM
▶ Full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw6henAD9rk0-RxLqLoqycLVftmfFo9-r
▶ Read the blog post: https://www.caitlinwest.com/post/what-is-faith-actually

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

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#WhatIsFaith #CatholicFaith #CatholicTeaching #Catechism #Catholicism

"At the hour of death we are going to be judged on what we have been to the poor, to the hungry, naked, the homeless."

Mother Teresa lived this truth with radical simplicity and unwavering love. From the streets of Calcutta, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, restoring dignity to those the world had forgotten. Today, her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity, whose work reaches the most vulnerable across the globe.

In this episode, we explore the life and witness of Mother Teresa, reflecting on the foundations of her sanctity: deep prayer, devotion to the Eucharist, joy and cheerfulness, the embrace of suffering, and a life poured out in self-giving love.

This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Come Be My Light: The private writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"

Something Beautiful for God (book)

Something Beautiful for God (documentary)

Mother Teresa's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech

Acceptance Speech VIDEO

Bishop Barron on Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

Bishop Barron on Mother Teresa and Her Sisters

Ascension:

How Mother Teresa Set the World on Fire

3 Life-Changing Lessons We Learn from Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa’s Special Message for Mothers Everywhere