Are Combat Sports Morally Wrong?

Martial arts can cultivate discipline, courage, strength, and preparedness—but what happens when fighting becomes entertainment? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony wrestle with the morality of combat sports, including MMA and boxing. Is there a legitimate place for violence and aggression in the Christian life? How are self-defense and martial arts different from fighting for spectacle? And should Christians be concerned about entertainment built around watching one person physically harm another? The friars discuss virtue, courage, self-defense, the history of combat sports, the discipline found in martial arts, and the potential physical and spiritual dangers of turning violence into entertainment. Is watching UFC or MMA morally different from watching other sports? When does athletic competition become blood sport? And what does our attraction to violent spectacle do to us as viewers? Listen to the episode to hear what the friars have to say, then let us know what you think in the comments.   Join the men of Exodus 90 and Fr. Gregory Pine for a Holy Speech Challenge starting Oct 1st: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining   For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   TOMORROW: Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick for the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage Young Adult Vigil on Friday, Sept. 25th from 6-9pm. This is a free event for young adults. Register: https://godsplaining.org/dominican-rosary-pilgrimage-young-adult-vigil-2026/   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101879094-17193693 St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

Why has Brideshead Revisited endured as one of the great Catholic novels? Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure dive into Evelyn Waugh’s masterpiece and its unforgettable exploration of grace, conversion, sin, beauty, Catholic culture, and God’s relentless pursuit of the human heart. From Charles Ryder’s encounter with the Flyte family to Sebastian’s struggles, Julia’s conversion, and Lord Marchmain’s powerful final moments, Brideshead Revisited portrays a God who continues to draw His children back to Himself, even when they resist Him. The friars discuss their favorite characters and scenes, the novel’s depiction of Catholic life, and what Waugh’s famous “twitch upon the thread” reveals about the mysterious workings of grace. Warning: This episode contains spoiler alerts!   Grab your copy of Brideshead Revisited: https://amzn.to/4gS9r0Y Watch the 1981 British television series adaptation: https://amzn.to/4xc6gqX   Join the men of Exodus 90 and Fr. Gregory Pine for a Holy Speech Challenge starting Oct 1st: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   Attn: Young Adults! Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick for the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage Young Adult Vigil on Friday, Sept. 25th from 6-9pm. This is a free event for young adults. Register here: https://godsplaining.org/dominican-rosary-pilgrimage-young-adult-vigil-2026/    Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony are headed to Pittsburgh, PA for a Day of Recollection on Saturday, Nov. 21st at Epiphany Church! Learn more and register: https://godsplaining.org/thy-will-be-done-a-day-of-recollection-in-pittsburgh-pa/    Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101879094-17193693  St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org

What does Divine Mercy really mean, and why is it so central to the Christian life? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, joins Fr. Gregory to unpack the message of Divine Mercy, the extraordinary life of St. Faustina, and the profound connection between God’s mercy and the sacraments. Fr. Alar is a priest of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception and serves as provincial superior for the congregation’s province. A prominent teacher and evangelist of the Divine Mercy message, he is also the author of Understanding Divine Mercy and Understanding the Sacraments. In this episode, Fr. Alar explains why Divine Mercy goes to the very heart of the Gospel message. He and Fr. Gregory discuss what it means to call mercy God’s “greatest attribute,” the relationship between the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy, and the rich symbolism contained in the Divine Mercy image. They also explore some of St. Faustina’s extraordinary experiences, the authority Christ entrusted to priests in the Sacrament of Confession, and the remarkable promise associated with Divine Mercy Sunday. Can any sin be greater than God’s mercy? What’s the difference between trusting in mercy and presuming upon it? And what does Jesus desire to accomplish in us through Divine Mercy? Tune into the full conversation to find out and let us know your questions on Divine Mercy in the comments below.   Learn more about the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception: https://marian.org/ Secure your copies of Fr. Alar's books: Understanding Divine Mercy: https://amzn.to/46O7RbF Understanding the Sacraments: https://amzn.to/4A5AtL4    Attn: Young Adults! Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick for the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage Young Adult Vigil on Friday, Sept. 25th from 6-9pm. This is a free event for young adults. Register: https://godsplaining.org/dominican-rosary-pilgrimage-young-adult-vigil-2026/   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101879094-17193693 St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

How should Catholics think about mental health? Is anxiety or depression primarily a psychological issue, a spiritual struggle—or can it be both? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure discuss the relationship between faith, therapy, psychology, and mental health. They explore why psychological struggles are real without defining the whole person, when it may be appropriate to seek professional help, the role of spiritual direction and Christian community, and why psychological and spiritual health should be integrated rather than confused. They also consider a difficult reality: sometimes healing doesn't happen in the way we hope. What does the Christian life look like when a struggle must be managed rather than completely resolved? Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101879094-17193693 St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org

Do Catholics really have to go to Mass every Sunday? And why does the Church call it an “obligation”? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Patrick Briscoe unpack the Sunday Mass obligation and explain why obligation and freedom aren’t enemies. In fact, having certain non-negotiable commitments can free us from constantly having to decide what matters most. The friars discuss why Sunday Mass should be a question of when—not whether—why even a less-than-ideal Mass is still worth attending, how worship gives God what He is due, and why the Mass provides a foundation for the entire week. They also explore what can be lost in being “spiritual but not religious,” the importance of worshiping as a community, and the surprising freedom that comes from allowing our lives to be ordered toward God.   Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining   For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://amzn.to/4x85dbv St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

Fr. Bonaventure welcomes Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, back to Godsplaining for a conversation about St. Ignatius of Loyola and the discernment of spirits. How do we recognize what is drawing us toward God, and what is pulling us away? How should we respond when we experience discouragement, confusion, anxiety, or spiritual desolation? What role should our emotions play in the spiritual life? Drawing from his latest book Thinking Like a Saint: Discernment of Spirits in the Catholic Tradition, Fr. Gallagher explains St. Ignatius’ practical rules for discernment and how they can help Catholics move from simply reacting to their interior experiences to understanding and responding to them. Fr. Gallagher also explains why Ignatian discernment isn’t uniquely Ignatian in its substance, but is deeply rooted in the broader Catholic spiritual tradition, including the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, St. John of the Cross, St. Thomas Aquinas, and others. Listen and learn how to become more attentive to the movements of your heart, recognize the action of the good spirit and the enemy, and live with greater spiritual freedom.   Get your copy of Thinking Like a Saint: Discernment of Spirits in the Catholic Tradition: https://ignatius.com/thinking-like-a-saint-tlsp/ Listen to Fr. Gallagher's podcast on Discerning Hearts: https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/fr-timothy-gallagher-discernment-of-spirits/ Look into Ignatian Discernment Institute's Upcoming Events: https://www.discernment.institute/events    Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1 Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/ St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392 Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

What if your biggest toxic trait could actually point you toward the Saint you need most? Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony take on some of today’s most common “toxic traits” and pair them with the Saints who show us a better way. They tackle everything from narcissism and holding grudges to ghosting, impulsivity, FOMO, and gaslighting. As shown through the lives of the Saints, the friars clarify that holiness doesn’t entail losing your personality. Christ sanctified the Saints' unique personalities, weaknesses, strengths, and struggles—and He wants to do the same with us. your toxic trait and the Saint you would pair it with? Let us know in the comments. All you Holy Men and Women, pray for us!   Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining   For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1 Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/ St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392 Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

What do you do when you've been genuinely hurt by someone in the Catholic Church? What if a therapist, friend, or loved one tells you that leaving the Church is the answer? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure discuss church hurt, trauma, abuse, forgiveness, and the difficult distinction between the holiness of the Church and the failures of her members. The friars explore why Catholics shouldn't dismiss real experiences of pain or mistreatment, why the failures of priests and other Catholics don't negate Christ's promises to His Church, and how someone who has been hurt can begin to heal without abandoning the faith. During their discussion they offer practical advice for Catholics struggling to return to a parish or trust Church leaders again—including when it may be appropriate to create space, attend another parish, seek professional and spiritual guidance, and allow healing to unfold over time. What does forgiveness require? Does forgiveness always mean reconciliation? And can God bring something new out of even our deepest wounds? Listen to the full episode to hear what the friars have to say.   Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining   For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Join Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1 Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/ St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392 Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org 

Why are more people cutting off family members, friends, and loved ones? What does the rise of “no contact” reveal about the way we understand relationships? Fr. Gregory sits down with Ethics and Public Policy Center Fellow and author Noelle Mering to explore the growing phenomenon of fractured relationships. They discuss the influence of social media and therapy-speak, the meaning of “toxic” and “traumatic,” our increasing discomfort with disagreement, and the temptation to treat relationships like online spaces that can simply be blocked, muted, or unfollowed. Noelle and Fr. Gregory also consider how politics and ideology can reshape our understanding of family, obligation, and identity—and why Christian faith offers a radically different vision of love: one rooted in relationship, responsibility, forgiveness, and the dignity of the person in front of us.   Pre-order No Contact by Noelle Mering here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/804101/no-contact-by-noelle-mering/ Check out her book Awake, Not Woke: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/awake-not-woke-a-christian-response-to-the-cult-of-progressive-ideology Follow her work with Theology of Home: https://theologyofhome.com/   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1 Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/ St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392 Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org

Why do Catholics, and Thomists in particular, have such a problem with René Descartes? Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick Briscoe take another look at one of the most controversial figures in modern philosophy. From “I think, therefore I am” and the mind-body problem to Descartes’ Catholic faith and surprising Augustinian influences, they ask whether the father of modern philosophy deserves his reputation. Was Descartes really the enemy of the Catholic philosophical tradition? Or have Catholics been too quick to dismiss him? What thinkers and philosophers would you like the friars to discuss next? Let us know in the comments!   Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining   For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic   Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected] Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining   Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/   Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1 Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/ St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392 Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/   Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining   To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org