TF | S03 E14 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain what the Catholic Church teaches about the rapture, death, and divine judgment. They unpack where modern rapture theories came from, what Scripture actually says about the end times, and how God’s justice and mercy meet in the moment of death. A clear, Catholic guide to some of Christianity’s most misunderstood beliefs.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

01:12 Classroom Questions and Podcast Reflections

05:12 Discussing the Rapture and Death

07:34 Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context

11:10 Human Nature and the Desire for Escape

20:29 The Left Behind Series and Pop Culture

21:00 The Influence of 'Left Behind' and Nicholas Cage

21:18 The Gospel's Answer to Fear and Hope

21:33 Catholic Church's Caution on End Times Predictions

22:37 Human Desire for Control and Prophecy

23:15 The Overlap of Rapture and Prosperity Gospel

23:47 Endless Deferrals in Rapture Predictions

25:23 The Moment of Death and Biological Ambiguity

27:46 Particular Judgment and Encounter with Christ

33:17 Speculations on Hell and Eternal Judgment

36:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain why our production schedule has been a little... sporadic, shall we say. But fear not, for we have a plan!

Part of that plan includes taking a short break over the next few weeks. We will be back in January with new episodes of Thinking Faith.

Until then, Merry Christmas!!

Archbishop Donald Bolen shares a reflection inspired by the presepi of Naples, nativity scenes that reveal the tired, longing faces of ordinary people waiting for a Messiah. This Christmas, we are invited to notice the quiet coming of Christ into the rubble of our wounded world, to recognize God’s hidden presence in our daily lives, and to find hope, courage, and compassion this Christmas.

| Re-TF | E05 | In this special episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Archbishop Don Bolen joins the conversation for a rich reflection on Christmas, the Incarnation, and hope in a broken world. Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections on the Nativity and his own love of nativity scenes, Archbishop Bolen explores what it truly means to believe in a God who becomes flesh.

This conversation looks beyond words to the heart of incarnational faith—a faith expressed through presence, accompaniment, and walking with others, especially in times of grief, loss, and suffering. A timely and deeply pastoral reflection for Advent and Christmas, this episode invites listeners to rediscover how Christ’s birth continues to transform lives today.

| S03 E13 | Deacon Eric Gurash and guest, Michelle Braden from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry unveil an exciting new teen sacramental preparation initiative—designed for young people who previously missed Baptism, Confirmation, or other sacraments. This episode explores how monthly gatherings, community-building, team-building, and flexible catechesis create a welcoming environment where teens can grow in faith, build relationships, and prepare for the sacraments in a supportive, belonging-focused setting.

Contact Michelle Braden at [email protected] to learn more!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:54 Introducing Michelle Braden and the New Initiative

02:11 Challenges and Reasons for the New Program

04:32 Program Structure and Goals

05:55 Community Building and Sacramental Preparation

10:14 Parish Involvement and Mentorship

17:31 Call for Volunteers and Conclusion

17:44 Introduction to the New Program

18:03 Monthly Meetings and Source Event Integration

19:30 Initial Sessions and Getting to Know Each Other

20:52 Building Community and Fun Activities

21:39 Importance of Personal Connections

23:44 Flexibility and Adapting to Group Dynamics

29:19 Encouraging Participation and Open Invitation

29:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Re-TF | E04 | As the Advent season moves quickly into Christmas, we invite you to take a few moments to step out of the frantic pace of the holidays and discover the hidden gifts and graces that only a contemplative attitude can reveal.

Re-TF | E03 | Keep awake and stay alert. These advent themes invite us to foster and develop what is known as a Contemplative Attitude - a particular way of being within the world that is 'highly tuned' to the presence of Christ in our midst. In this part one of a two-part Advent retreat, Deacon Eric reflects on this call to keep watch and how we might foster a contemplative attitude this Advent this week on Thinking Faith!

| TF S03 E12 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to questions from grade 9 and 10 students at Miller Catholic High School. They dive into topics such as the nature of purgatory, offering metaphors and practical examples to help understand the process of purification. They explain how angels, including fallen angels, fit into Christian theology, touching on the distinctions between angels and humans. Finally, they tackle the question of whether Muslims, Christians, and Catholics serve the same God, exploring the nuances and commonalities in beliefs about God across these faiths.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:47 Opening the Email Bag

02:04 First Question: What is Purgatory Like?

02:36 Understanding Purgatory Through Metaphors

04:09 The Process of Purgatory in Life

11:46 Protestant Perspectives on Purgatory

20:10 Next Question: Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Beings

23:39 The Rejection of the Material by Fallen Angels

24:34 God's Presence in the Material World

26:45 The Role of Angels in Understanding Humanity

27:52 Do Angels Do Math?

30:12 Comparative Religion: Do Muslims, Christians, and Catholics Serve the Same God?

38:51 Understanding the Relationship Between Catholics and Other Christians

43:34 Engaging with Questions from Young People

44:15 Conclusion and Blessings

| S03 E11 | In this Thinking Faith Q&A episode, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld answer questions from grade nine and ten students at Miller Catholic High School in Regina about faith, Scripture, and salvation. This week, they explore how to discern when Jesus speaks literally or symbolically, and whether anyone can be certain of heaven, offering a hopeful perspective on faith, mercy, and trust in God.

This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving2025

00:00 Introduction and Overview

05:08 Classroom Questions

06:33 Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation

11:35 The Bread of Life Discourse

18:58 Trust and Understanding

22:30 How can we know we're going to heaven?

25:16 Understanding God's Mercy and Judgment

26:59 The Concept of Final Judgment

27:33 Particular vs. Final Judgment

28:36 Hope and Confidence in Salvation

30:35 The Question of Hell

31:55 Rationalizing Evil Deeds

36:10 Faith and Science: Creation and the Big Bang

37:19 Interpreting Genesis and Scientific Theories

46:52 The Role of Faith and Science in Understanding Creation

48:54 Conclusion and Future Discussions

| S03 E10 | This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to more thoughtful questions from the St. Jerome’s Youth Group in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Together, they explore some of the most profound mysteries of Christian faith — free will, sin, and God’s purpose for humanity. Why would God create people knowing they would sin? How essential is free will to genuine love and faith? What does redemption reveal about the worth of every human being?

Drawing from theology, personal experience, and pastoral ministry, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett reflect on how young people can grow in faith through both questions and community.

This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving2025

04:29 Podcast Questions

07:31 The Story of Mary and Joseph

10:21 Moral Complexities and Sin

29:35 The Silence of God in Jephthah's Story

30:45 The Goodness of Creation and Human Life

32:12 The Value of Human Existence Despite Sin

34:08 Parental Perspective on Sin and Goodness

37:22 Freedom and Authentic Love

38:32 The Role of Freedom in Human Goodness

44:36 AI and the Future of Human Good

46:09 The Inevitability of Sin and God's Response

53:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts