FACTS

Are recent popes contradicting their predecessors on the death penalty? What does “inadmissible” mean, and how does it fit with earlier Catholic teaching?Dr. Stephen Boyce is joined by Suan Sonna from‪@intellectualcatholicism‬ and Daniel Vecchio to examine the debate, including comparisons with the statements of Pope Pius XII and Pope Innocent III. We’ll consider their words in context, the scope of papal authority, and the distinction between doctrinal development, prudential judgment, and contradiction.Do the apparent tensions hold up under closer examination? Let’s look at the sources.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce walks through St. Jerome’s Letter 15 to Pope Damasus, written while Jerome was living in the Syrian desert amid the divisions of the Antiochene schism. Eastern Christians were divided among rival bishops, while theological controversy surrounded the expression “three hypostases.” Jerome understood the orthodox meaning intended by some who used the phrase, but he feared that its ambiguity could also suggest three divine substances.Rather than deciding the controversy by himself, Jerome appealed to Pope Damasus and the Roman See. He describes Rome as the “chair of Peter,” the rock upon which the Church is built, the house in which the Paschal Lamb is rightly eaten, and the Ark of Noah. Although he follows no leader except Christ, Jerome declares that he communicates with the chair of Peter and asks Damasus to determine which terminology he should use and with whom he should remain in communion at Antioch.This letter provides an important window into Jerome’s understanding of ecclesial unity and the resolution of schism. For Jerome, agreement with the Roman See was not merely an expression of admiration for Rome. He looked to the successor of Peter for an authoritative judgment capable of identifying orthodox communion and bringing clarity to a divided Church.

Join me for a special Daddy-Daughter Date Podcast as my daughter and I explore the life of her patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi.
Most people know Francis as the saint who loved animals, but his story is much bigger than that. We talk about his wealthy upbringing, his dreams of becoming a knight, his conversion, his encounter with lepers, the call to “rebuild my Church,” his friendship with St. Clare, his radical poverty, the Christmas scene at Greccio, his meeting with the Sultan during the Crusades, the stigmata, and his final years.
Along the way, we talk about what Francis can teach us about following Christ, caring for others, making peace, loving creation, and becoming holy in everyday life.
This episode is meant to be fun, thoughtful, and simple enough for kids while still taking the history and faith of St. Francis seriously.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

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What really happened during the Fourth Crusade?Historian Dr. Thomas Madden joins me to explain how the crusade began, why Egypt was its original target, and how financial problems with Venice led the crusaders toward Zara and ultimately Constantinople. We also discuss Pope Innocent III’s response, the role of the Byzantine prince Alexios, the sack of Constantinople in 1204, and the myths surrounding its violence and destruction.Finally, we examine who bears responsibility and whether the Fourth Crusade permanently divided Eastern and Western Christianity.Subscribe to FACTS with Stephen Boyce New episodes weekly on Scripture, Church history, and theology.Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #theFACTSpodcast #StephenBoyce #ChurchHistory #EarlyChurchHistory

What does it look like to pursue authentic love and relationships in a culture increasingly shaped by hookups, dating apps, social media, and casual commitment?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce is joined by EveRosemary (https://www.instagram.com/theeverosem...) for a conversation about modern dating from a Catholic perspective. We discuss hookup culture, chastity, saving $ex for marriage, dating apps, situationships, expectations between men and women, and why so many young adults seem to desire marriage while struggling to form lasting relationships.Can Catholic dating offer something different from what modern culture has normalized? And how can Catholics pursue relationships centered on genuine love, commitment, and ultimately marriage?Join us for an open conversation about Catholic dating in the age of hookup culture.Topics include: Catholic dating • Hookup culture • Chastity • Dating apps • Social media • Situationships • Marriage • Modern relationships • Catholic teaching on se*ulityhttps://www.theeverydaysaint.com/