エピソード

  • Is the Catholic Church Infallible?
    2025/11/06

    In this episode, Winston tackles the big question: Is the Catholic Church infallible? Building on the previous episode (“When Did the Catholic Church Begin?”), he breaks down what “infallible” really means—both in general and in the context of Church teaching. Winston explains how the Church’s claim to infallibility applies only to official teachings on faith and morals, not to every word spoken by popes or bishops.

    He dives into the biblical foundations for this belief, exploring Jesus’ words to Peter (“whatever you bind on earth…”) and the promise of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church “into all truth.” Winston also unpacks the relationship between Scripture and the Church—how the Church, through divine guidance, discerned which writings belong in the Bible—and addresses the common objection that the Catholic claim to infallibility is “circular reasoning.”

    Ultimately, he shows that both Protestants and Catholics rely on faith in God’s guidance, but that the Catholic understanding best fits the historical and biblical evidence of Christ establishing a Church protected from error.

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    12 分
  • When did the Catholic Church begin?
    2025/09/17

    In this episode, Winston explores the question: When did the Catholic Church begin? Tracing history backward from today’s thousands of denominations to the earliest centuries of Christianity, he explains the Catholic claim that the Church founded by Jesus on Peter in 33 AD is the same Church that exists today. Drawing from Scripture, the structure of the early Church, the role of bishops and apostolic succession, and the unanimous beliefs of the first Christians, Winston shows how the Catholic Church has remained unbroken through history.

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    13 分
  • Why do Catholics confess to a priest?
    2025/08/13

    Many wonder why Catholics go to a priest to confess their sins and what the biblical and theological reasons are behind this practice. In this episode, the third in a series on salvation and forgiveness, we explore how Catholics seek assurance that their sins are truly forgiven.

    We begin by revisiting key ideas about free will in salvation and the unforgivable sin. Then, we discuss how to be absolutely certain that we have genuinely accepted God’s forgiveness—not just through prayer or feeling sorry, but in a way that brings real peace. What role does confessing out loud to another person play? What spiritual and emotional benefits does it offer? And how does the sacrament of reconciliation provide Catholics with the certainty that their sins are forgiven?

    We examine Jesus’ giving of authority to the apostles to forgive sins, the biblical foundation for confession to a priest, and why this authority continues today. Whether you are Catholic or simply curious, this episode offers clear insight into a practice that is often misunderstood.

    If you have questions or want to suggest a future topic, visit winstonpodcast.com.

    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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    10 分
  • What is the Unforgivable Sin? (Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit)
    2025/07/30

    What is the Unforgivable Sin? In this episode, we explore the sobering concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—the one sin Jesus calls "unforgivable." We begin with the key Gospel passages, then dive into rich insights from saints like Augustine, Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, and others to unpack what this sin truly is: the persistent, willful rejection of God's mercy. Far from limiting God's forgiveness, this teaching highlights the boundless mercy of God and the serious responsibility we each have to respond to His grace. We also discuss how this doctrine combats both despair and presumption, and why it matters for every believer. Next week, we’ll look at repentance and how to return to grace after mortal sin.

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    10 分
  • Once Saved Always Saved? Or can you "lose" your salvation?
    2025/07/23

    In this episode Winston discusses the debate Once saved, always saved - or can someone lose their salvation? He unpacks what the doctrine of eternal security actually claims, contrasts it with the belief that one can fall away from grace, and presents two key arguments against once saved, always saved: free will and the existence of the unforgivable sin. Citing Scripture, Church tradition, and voices like John Wesley, Winston invites listeners to consider whether salvation is a fixed state or something we must continue to cooperate with throughout life. Next week, the series continues with a deep dive into Jesus’ teaching on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

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    11 分
  • How has my conversion to Catholicism shaped my intimacy with God?
    2025/07/10

    In this episode, Winston answers two listener-submitted questions: What do you love most about God? and How has your conversion to Catholicism shaped your intimacy with Him? He’s joined by a special guest and close friend, David Hair, who also shares his heartfelt responses. Together, they reflect on the beauty of God’s faithfulness, the power of reason in coming to know Him, and the transformative intimacy found in the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and confession. Both speak from the unique perspective of Catholic converts, offering personal stories, Scripture, and encouragement to lean deeper into God's abundant grace.

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    13 分
  • Do Catholics "pray" to saints?
    2025/06/25

    In this episode, we explore the question, “Do Catholics pray to the saints?” by building on two foundational ideas: what a saint is and whether those in heaven can hear us. We clarify that "prayer" simply means to ask earnestly—historically used even between people—and not exclusively in worship. Catholics don't pray to saints in the same way we pray to God. Instead, we ask the saints—our fellow members of the body of Christ who are now in full communion with God—to pray for us. This practice, called the intercession of the saints, is rooted in early Christian tradition and Scripture. Ultimately, it's about unity in the Body of Christ and supporting one another on the journey to heaven.

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    9 分
  • Can those in heaven hear us?
    2025/06/18

    If you spoke to your relative who is in heaven, can they hear you?

    In this episode, I explore the heartfelt question: Can our loved ones in heaven hear us when we speak to them? I begin with a personal reflection—speaking to my late grandfather—and unpack both the emotional and theological reasons many believe the answer is yes. Drawing from Catholic teaching, I explain that those in heaven are fully alive in Christ and united with us as one body, experiencing the beatific vision and God’s omnipresence. I also address common objections, such as concerns about sorrow in heaven and biblical verses like Ecclesiastes that seem to suggest otherwise. Ultimately, I propose that heavenly joy isn't diminished by knowing our earthly struggles—and in fact, our loved ones in heaven may pray for us to join them one day. I close by inviting listeners to share their own thoughts or questions for future episodes.

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    10 分