God Already Knows, Can I Really Choose?

In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure explore the enduring relevance of Plato's philosophical works, emphasizing their significance in contemporary Catholic thought. Throughout the episode, the friars emphasize the importance of revisiting classical philosophical works like Plato's dialogues to enhance one's understanding of faith and reason. Key Themes Discussed: Socratic Method and Dialogue Theory of Forms Virtue and the Good Life Plato's Influence on Christian Thought Application to Modern Faith Practice   Plato's 5 Dialogues https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Dialogues-Euthyphro-Apology-Classics/dp/0872206335 Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman is joined by Biblical scholar Curtis Mitch, co-editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. Together, they explore how Catholics can fruitfully read Scripture with the aid of historical context, commentary, and Church Tradition.  Key Topics: What makes a Catholic Study Bible unique How historical and cultural context enriches Scripture reading The purpose of commentary and Church tradition in interpretation Practical tips for using the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Encouragement to read Scripture not just for information, but for transformation To purchase the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: https://ignatius.com/ignatius-catholic-study-bible-2h/ Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony delve into the theological concept of Divine Simplicity and a fundamental doctrine in classical theism, particularly within the Thomistic tradition. What IS God? What are His limitations? What is He made of? Key Points: Divine Simplicity Explained Theological Implications Philosophical Foundations Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas Practical Relevance Divine Simplicity  Join Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure this August in North Carolina at the annual Men's Retreat!   https://godsplaining.org/mens-retreat-august-2025/ Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

Humans make mistakes...humans composed the Bible...so does the Bible have mistakes? On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Bonaventure discuss the differences in the Gospels, intention of the writers, the Catholic approach to Scripture, and help us really understand Divine Inspiration. Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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 leads a Calvinist pastor to become a Catholic theologian? In this episode, Dr. John Bergsma joins Fr. Gregory to share his powerful conversion story—from a deep love of Scripture in the Reformed tradition to finding its fulfillment in the Catholic Church. They also explore the Biblical concept of the Year of Jubilee—a time of mercy, restoration, and freedom—and how it reveals the heart of Christ’s mission and the Church’s sacramental life. Topics include: Why Scripture led Bergsma to Catholicism The role of the Eucharist and apostolic tradition How the Jubilee points to confession, mercy, and spiritual renewal A must-watch for anyone interested in conversion, biblical theology, or the beauty of Catholic tradition. Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor stpaulcenter.co/Jubilee  stpaulcenter.com stpaulcenter.com/jubilee stpaulcenter.co/jubileecompanion Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Patrick lead us into understanding suffering and evil, the benevolence of God, free will, harmony, and goodness. Does God cause the evil to test us or to eventually bring about the good? Are good and evil two forces against each other? What are the saints' view on the topic? Jesus, I Trust in You! Join the friars in Providence, Rhode Island for the annual All Comer's retreat! More info here: https://godsplaining.org/abba-father-cultivating-confidence-in-our-heavenly-father-all-comers-retreat/ Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony take us to the Day of Recollection in Dallas, Texas to discuss meditation and devotions they recommend to the Passion of Christ in this bonus episode of Godsplaining.  Fr. Patrick's book entitled, "Given for You", can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Given-You-Eucharistic-Stations-Cross/dp/1639663134#:~:text=Book%20overview&text=The%20Stations%20of%20the%20Cross%20help%20us%20to%20better%20understand,in%20a%20close%2C%20personal%20way. Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

Freedom. Perception. Spontaneity. Interior vs Exterior. Free Will. Intellect. On this week's episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure delve into how God's all-encompassing knowledge coexists with our ability to make genuine choices. Can we actually choose what we do? Does God cause EVERYTHING? Do we have a say at all?  Sign up for the Men's Retreat here! https://godsplaining.org/mens-retreat-august-2025/ Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

In this special guest episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory engages in a compelling conversation with Connor Boyack—author, speaker, and president of the Libertas Institute. They delve into the intersection of Catholic social teaching and classical liberal values, exploring how faith informs our understanding of freedom and the role of education in shaping a virtuous society. Topics Covered: The moral foundation of liberty Faith and public discourse The role of parents in education Connor's work with the Tuttle Twins series Principles and modern policymaking 🔗 Learn more: godsplaining.org  https://connorboyack.com/ https://tuttletwins.com/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Brand-Search-Sol8&utm_term=tuttle%20twins&utm_content=623319494079 Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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

This bonus episode of Godsplaining takes us to Dallas, Texas, to hear Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure talk all things related to the merit of the Cross of Christ. Why was the instrument of the Cross specifically necessary?  Where does Love come into play? Why was the Passion necessary?  Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast      Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop our NEW merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars 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