Practical Theism

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A place where charitable dialogue takes place on the topics of faith, God, and life. The Christian worldview permeates all aspects of human life and through this podcast we attempt to share about our journey of understanding truth.

Josh Smith


    • Sep 19, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 90 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Practical Theism

    Was The Early Church Catholic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 39:00


    Keith Nester shares his amazing insight through many different topics and aspects of his faith journey!

    Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 38:06


    Sean Hussey of Cold Brews and Catholic Truths shares some insight!

    Protestant Pastor Keith Nester Conversion to Catholicism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2021 49:01


    Keith Nester shares his amazing insight through many different topics and aspects of his faith journey!

    Conversion Back to Catholicism with Sean Hussey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2021 31:53


    Sean Hussey of Cold Brews and Catholic Truths shares some insight!

    When Satan Attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2021 32:23


    Satan, The Devil, Hades, The Evil One, El Diablo - the prince of darkness goes by many names, but there is one truth that presides in the life of a believer: He attacks us the closer we draw into the light. But How exactly does the devil attack people? Is it physical? Is it mental? How do we know when we are being spiritually attacked? Dave Brunsman dives into helping us understand this.

    Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy with Father Leo Patalinghug

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2021 24:58


    What are the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that the Catholic Church talks about? Are they derived from Scripture? Father Leo Patalinghug jumps into these questions, how we see these lived out in the life of the church in today's podcast episode. See more of Father Leo's work at: https://platinggrace.com/ Join the Plating Grace Academy at: https://academy.platinggrace.com/

    Spiritual Direction with A Spiritual Director

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 34:49


    Chad Torgenson found his calling as a Spiritual Director with a focus on Ignatian Spirituality. What exactly is a spiritual director? Do you need one? When should you seek one out? These are some of the questions we dove in to ask Chad! See more of Chad's work at: https://wakingupcatholic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3hfw4kBOgNDWuvQvn0XijA Get Chad's Book at: https://wakingupcatholic.com/waking-up-catholic-book/

    Cooperating With God's Will

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 46:12


    The Christian faith says that God has a plan for your life. That doesn't mean it is easy to follow that plan! Travis "T-Rev" Carter jumps into action gear showing how listening and stepping with God's plan can open dramatic new opportunities for you. Find T-Rev on the following places! https://twitter.com/trevmusic https://www.instagram.com/trevmusic

    Cancelling The Cancel Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2021 35:22


    The Cancel Culture has seen a massive rise over the past year. Dave Brunsman dives into a discussion about what the cancel culture is, where we are seeing it today, and how we address it from a Christian perspective.

    Using New Media To Evangelize with Spirit Juice Studios

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2021 42:08


    Saint John Paul II encouraged young creatives to take an active role in evangelization with the new media. Nobody has done this more effectively than Spirit Juice Studios. From working with big names like Bishop Robert Barron to working with local parishes and the USCCB, Spirit Juice Studios is using their talents to spread the gospel. In today's podcast, Rob Kaczmark, owner and founder of Spirit Juice Studios talks about creative evangelization in 2021. See more of Spirit Juice Studios Work here! https://www.spiritjuicestudios.com/ Spirit Juice Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6zyBe0R9fLOBmv7bu_VW_A

    Joyful Christians with Father Leo Patalinghug

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 28:13


    Some Christians seem to have joy, others not so much. Is the Gospel message of Christianity intended to produce joy in the believer? Find out what Father Leo Patalinghug of Plating Grace ministries gives his perspective on this perplexing proposition! See more of Father Leo's work at: https://platinggrace.com/ Join the Plating Grace Academy at: https://academy.platinggrace.com/

    The ONE Problem In The Catholic Protestant Discussion - With Chris Bray

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 37:19


    Why can't Catholics and Protestant Christians get along? While there are a LOT of agreements and disagreements, they seem to stem back to this ONE thing. Canadian Catholic Musician and apologist Chris Bray dives into this 1 thing with us today! Learn about it, how to discuss it, and how to move past it to continue the dialogue. See more of Chris' work at: https://www.chrisbraymusic.com/ All That Catholic Stuff Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQ7P0TW6_QZC7ozcgxOEYQ Hear Chris' Music: https://www.chrisbraymusic.com/music

    The Genius of Ignatian Spirituality With Chad Torgenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 34:54


    Ignatian Spirituality is a discipline in the spiritual life pioneered by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This is one discipline that I have personally found very practical applications to daily life and I think everyone should consider trying it to continually renew the inner self. Chad Torgenson of Directional Faith walks us through Ignatian Spirituality in today's Podcast! See more of Chad's work at: https://wakingupcatholic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3hfw4kBOgNDWuvQvn0XijA Get Chad's Book at: https://wakingupcatholic.com/waking-up-catholic-book/

    3 Arguments For God's Existence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2021 39:09


    When was the last time you heard a logical argument for the existence of God? Something beyond simply: Believe! Trent Horn jumps on the podcast to share 3 arguments for the existence of God, showing their strengths and weaknesses. He also teases us up with what he believes to be the best argument against the existence of God. You don't want to miss this! Check out Trent's stuff at: https://www.trenthorn.com/ www.trenthornpodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvySGkfy1W8fda287KMj2CA See Trent's books mentioned in the podcast and more at: http://www.trenthorn.com/books/

    From Poverty to Piety: How One Man Found God Through Suffering

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 49:45


    Travis "T-Rev" Carter has a story that is enough to break any person down. From the loss of his mother in a brutal death, Travis comes out the other side as a strong believer that God had a plan. Why? Find out. Travis "T-Rev" Carter has a story that is enough to break any person down. From the loss of his mother in a brutal death, Travis comes out the other side as a strong believer that God had a plan. Why? Find out. Find T-Rev on the following places! https://twitter.com/trevmusic https://www.instagram.com/trevmusic

    Is Being Good The Goal Of Christianity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 44:59


    Many religious skeptics claim that all religion is intended to make good people. Is that right?

    Christians & Politics in America

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 46:57


    Should Christians get involved in Politics? Louie Luepke dives into his thoughts on the topic. Follow us on our Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/practicaltheism Follow Josh on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/joshyyred/ Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All Rights Reserved.

    Ep. 2: Is Jesus Relevant Today? With Dave Brunsman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 79:19


    Is Jesus Relevant today in 2021? There are many secular belief systems that want to keep Jesus and religion in particular out of the public square. But with all of the turmoil going on today, is that really what we need? Or, perhaps, is it possible we need Jesus now more than ever before? Follow us on our Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/practicaltheism Follow Josh on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/joshyyred/ www.practicaltheism.com

    Ep. 1: Why Are People Leaving Christianity? with Dave Brunsman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 71:50


    With pew research studies showing that there is an increase in the number of the "nones" or the non religiously affiliated, Josh dives into why people are leaving Christianity with RCIA Director Dave Brunsman. Not only that, they discuss what Christians can do to bring people back into the faith through Love.

    Jesus' Last Word On The Cross & Consuming The Lamb

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2020 7:07


    Jesus commits his spirit to God the father in his last words before he dies. The veil breaks in two. He quotes yet another psalm. Oh and we are supposed to consume the lamb? Watch it on Youtube! https://youtu.be/EMdpevle7RE

    It Is Finished - What Jesus Meant And Thirsted For

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 8:33


    Th 5th and 6th last saying of Jesus is what we are covering today when he comments, quotes and fulfills the Psalm in saying "I Thirst". After taking a sip of soured wine, he claims "It is finished". But what exactly was finished? Let's explore a possibility! Watch on Youtube! https://youtu.be/5ssAvIu5TsY

    Why Have You Forsaken Me? The Real Atonement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 7:46


    Taking a look at Jesus' words on the cross, Eli Eli Lama Sabachtani. What did Jesus mean by it? Also, did God REALLY separate himself from Jesus at this point on the cross? Watch on Youtube! https://youtu.be/29yYTM9HegQ

    Woman, Behold Your Son - Mary, The New Eve

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 6:28


    In Jesus' declaration of Mary as "woman", Jesus was not being anti women or masagionistic in any way. Rather, he was guiding us to a fundamental connection between Mary and Eve in the garden. Watch on Youtube! https://youtu.be/zP4ZWT6QRC4

    Christianity and Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 3:37


    Panic is swarming the globe around the current pandemic that is plaguing our world. It is important as Christians to put the pandemic into perspective and to seek how God is looking to work with YOU through it.

    The Thief On The Cross St. Dismas - 7 Last Sayings Of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 9:08


    St. Dismas who was the theif on the cross that defended Christ, to which Christ replied "Today you will be with me in paradise." What does this tell us about the nature of salvation, and the penitent man? Watch it on YouTube! https://youtu.be/i2W2nUWdSIo

    Father Forgive Them - 7 Last Sayings Of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 11:15


    While hanging on the cross, Jesus bore the sin of humanity. He uttered 7 last sayings thought, which present keen insight into truths about God, Christ, and the fulfilment of the covenant. In John 23:34, we see the first of these sayings, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do". Watch on Youtube! https://youtu.be/NkztY-LhJNM

    Who Is God? The Gospel Of Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 8:23


    A lot of new age thinking has this idea that we are God. We are God in our life. I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding of what and who Christians say God is. Is the true "good news" the one of me myself and I? Or is it something deeper?

    Freedom Through Weightlifting And Keeping The Commandments

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2020 8:39


    In today's gospel reading from John 8, we see that keeping the words of Christ produces life not death. When we are the follower of someone, we make a daily decision to heed their advice and follow their teaching. There is something more with Christ though and the commands that he makes. Following truth, is the deepest desire of the heart, but when we rest in that, we find ultimate peace and fullfillment.

    Walking Through Words and Discipleship | John 8:31-42

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 13:23


    In reflecting on the gospel for today, I had a number of thoughts to share about the "Word" of God, how it is not confined to Scripture alone and that our conforming to the Word is what discipleship and sonship is all about. If we are sons and daughters of the covenant family, then as Jesus says, we need to do the work of the Father! Very interesting reflection today! Enjoy.

    Who Is Jesus Through A Jewish Lens

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 10:50


    Jesus made very clear identifications with himself as God when seen through a Jewish lens. In looking at the Gospel reading today from John chapter 8, we see how Jesus is using the old testament scriptures and the Jewish tradition to share with his followers his true identity and also point forward to his crucifixion.

    Transcendent Justice | How God's Mercy Exceeds Expectation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 9:10


    When Jesus sees the men who want to stone the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8, we see his radical justice at work. He condemns the men who want to judge the woman, pointing to the reality that it is God that judges us, but then the story takes a turn that we might not expect, but it reflects God's justice and his transcended mercy for us all.

    The Idol Factory Is Open For Business!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2020 8:38


    The big problem with humanity is our nature. We have a tendency to place all of our focus on the things and goods of this world that cannot ultimately satisfy the soul. But rather, the move that Christianity makes is to place ultimate worship on God, the creator, the ground and sustainer for all of creation. As an infinite good, he ultimately can satisfy the longings of the soul.

    Living the Adventure of Faith!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2019 48:36


    Faith is an adventure that is lived out through life! Do you see your faith that way? It can completely transform how you approach your daily life.

    Bishop Barron To Light A Fire On The Earth Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2019 15:18


    I just finished Bishop Barron's book "To light a fire on the Earth" which dives into a bit more of a personal space interview style with Bishop Robert Barron. I found the book to be enlightening, learning more about one of my favorite evangelists, and definitely helped me gain more focus and clarity in my own journey. Highly recommended!

    My Conversion (Reversion) To Catholic Christianity Testimony Part 3/3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 37:29


    My journey back tot he Catholic Church was marked by a lot of things, but primarily it was marked by an intellectual journey. I was fascinated by the Catholic Intellectual tradition and it made sense of Christianity to me in a way that the faith never had before. I started to see the world through a different lens, the lens of the true Jesus, the true God, that is love and that transformed my thinking. This is the part of my testimony where God's Grace so invaded my life to transform it. While I don't go into all of the doctrinal things that I went through on my faith journey in this video, I hope you enjoy it non the less!

    My Conversion (Reversion) To Catholic Christianity Testimony Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 35:58


    In part 2 of my journey, I talk about my time away from the Catholic Church. After making rounds to different non catholic churches and other christian faith traditions, I started to see that not everything was as it seemed. There were inconsistencies in some of the doctrines verses what I was reading in Scripture and this led to even more confusion. Things such as what is the Eucharist? What role do works play in salvation? Do we really go by the bible alone? Do I need to get rebaptized? All of these experiences led to the moment, which we will get to in part 3, which set me ablaze in my journey for Christ.

    My Conversion (Reversion) To Catholic Christianity Testimony Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2019 25:41


    My testimony is a journey through and through. It is pretty lengthy, so I am breaking it into 3 parts. Stay tuned for more!

    What Is Your Identity In Christ?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2019 51:44


    I had the opportunity to do my first public talk at The Sower service at St. Clare's in Canyon Country this past week. It was such a great experience! I spoke on What is your identity in Christ? How do you go about seeking out your purpose as a Christian? I hope that you enjoy it!

    Setting New Year Goals For 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2019 26:53


    Setting goals for the new year is hands down one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Even better, set measurable actions that you can accomplish every week and month and make THOSE the barometer of your success!

    Why I'm Excited About 2019!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2018 9:42


    Latest episode of Practical Theism

    Cultural Vs. Biblical Fatherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2018 8:46


    Fatherhood is a huge topic in todays society whether we want to recognize it or not. A lot of our breakdown in the society today can be derived from a lack of examples. We need to take a deeper look at how we view fatherhood and put the pieces back together.

    Pascal's Wager | Where Are You Placing Your Bet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2018 7:16


    Blaise Pascal placed a wager when he was alive and argued that it was more logical to believe in God than to not. Can this be a valid way to come to belief?

    SmallFoot Movie Review | Christian Themes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2018 5:28


    SmallFoot the Warner Entertainment Group's latest animated movie is filled solid with a crucial element of religious underpinning, and it isnt what you would expect.

    God Is Non Competitive

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2018 8:12


    One of the most essential aspects about God that theists believe is what we would call teh "non competitiveness" of God. God is not some physical being like the gods of Greek mythology. Rather, God can necessarily invade his creation, without disrupting it!

    Making God In Your Own Image

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2018 7:35


    We all have a tendency to look at God and see him through our own ideal perception sometimes. I dislike this, therefore God dislikes that. This is a dangerous proposition and one that we need to be very wary of when we talk about who and what we mean when we say God. Making God in your own image does nothing to further the conversation about God's existence.

    The Problem With Humanity: And God's Solution

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2018 11:15


    When you look at the basic tenets of Christianity it boils down to the fact that humanity has an issue. There is something that is fundamentally missing from the human dynamism. We were created with a specific intent and purpose, but somewhere along the way we became distant to that purpose. We became disfigured. But Christianity also presents the true solution to getting us back on line.

    On Leaving The Catholic Church & Scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2018 18:12


    These are trying times for the Catholic Church with all of the Scandal arising again. But I think that there are some important things that we need to think with while we look at and deal with scandal in the church. And the last thing we need to do, is run away.

    Who Wrote The Bible?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2018 4:34


    God wrote the Bible, that is undisputed among Christians, but in what sense or manner did He do this? To answer this, we have to look at how we know the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant. We break the surface of that question here.

    Idols Are Bad! And You Probably Have Some

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2018 4:43


    We all have idols in our lives. And they are not the greatest thing to have our attention on because they throw life way out of balance!

    What is a covenant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2018 5:22


    How does a covenant differ from a contract? What is involved in God's covenant? Covenant is the primary theme throughout the scriptures and it is vital that we look at God's dealings with humanity through that lens.

    Live Life Extremely

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2018 5:36


    Do you live your life in an extreme way? One that stands out to others? That is exactly how you should be as that is exactly what you were made for.

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