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Considering Catholicism

Considering Catholicism

By: Greg Smith
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Catholic Church, faith, culture, and history are explained clearly and simply for anyone curious about historic Catholicism. Faithful to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality World
Episodes
  • Baptism, Part 2: Adults (#369)
    Aug 21 2025

    In this second part of the baptism series, Greg Sshifts to adults and older children, explaining when infant rules end (around age seven per canon law) and how personal intention takes over. He outlines the OCIA process for unbaptized catechumens, adaptations for ages 7-18, and recognition of most Protestant baptisms if Trinitarian. Canon law is walked through step-by-step, with practical US insights and unusual cases like emergency baptisms or impediments for those in unrepented sin handled orthodoxly and charitably. He strengthens the discussion by emphasizing baptism's regenerative nature as being "born again," contrasting it with evangelical symbolic views, and highlighting Protestant diversity on the sacrament.

    Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism!

    Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/

    Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

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    28 mins
  • Baptism, Part 1: Infants (#368)
    Aug 18 2025

    In this first part of a two-episode series on Catholic baptism, Greg explores the doctrinal heart of the sacrament, explaining why infants are baptized and how it aligns with Scripture and ancient Church tradition. He clarifies that baptism brings regeneration—being "born again"—with references to the Catechism and Bible, while contrasting it with common Protestant views. The episode then dives into canon law's guidelines for infant baptism, including requirements for parents, godparents, and the "founded hope" of a Catholic upbringing. Practical parish insights and exceptional cases, like baptisms for children of same-sex couples, are handled with orthodox clarity and pastoral charity. He also bolsters the discussion with analogies for baptism's ontological change and the varied Protestant positions on the sacrament.

    Check out previous episodes on this topic: #139, "Why Does the Church Baptize Infants?" and #209, "Are Catholics Born Again?"

    Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism!

    Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/

    Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

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    42 mins
  • Old Progressives vs. Young Trads: Generational Battles in the Pews (#367)
    Aug 14 2025

    Greg and Cory dive into the often-confusing generational conflicts simmering in many Catholic parishes, where aging baby boomers shaped by 1960s and 70s pop culture clash with younger millennials and Gen Z seekers craving transcendence and tradition. They explore how boomers emphasized horizontal community and cultural relevance, leading to beige churches and casual liturgies, while today's converts yearn for vertical worship, smells and bells, and a countercultural faith rooted in the Church's 2,000-year history. Drawing from their own journeys as converts, Greg and Cory debunk myths tying these tensions solely to Vatican II, instead pointing to broader cultural shifts and the need for principled arguments over aesthetic preferences. They warn against repeating boomer mistakes by making the Church a slave to generational trends, urging listeners to focus on continuity, charity, and faithfulness to Christ.

    Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism!

    Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/

    Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

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    46 mins
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