William Hemsworth's Blog, page 76

Typology and the Bible

Typological readings, however, can reinforce our Jesus Christ first, everything in light of Jesus readings of the Bible. We can, and should, read the Bible typologically. We should also pay attention to the way the First Testament imagery and characters shape the New Testament expectation and portrayal of Jesus by keeping the First Testament material in mind first as we open the pages of the New Testament.

Typology and the Bible

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 47

Hope you had a blessed weekend!   Time for another Catholic Meme Monday. Found this during a visit to the church bathroom. An uplifting message!! These saints help me daily. God reminds of this important message often. Not necessarily Catholic related but this helped shift my perspective on a trying and difficult day. […]

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 47

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill – Lessons Learned?

I’m nearing the end of listening to the podcast series on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. It has struck me to the core in more ways than one. I’ve recommended it on Facebook multiple times, but I feel like an echo chamber doing so. I can hear myself shout it from the mountain […]

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill – Lessons Learned?

The Eucharist In The Old Testament

Earlier today I was honored to be a guest of Gary Michuta on His Hands On Apologetics radio program that airs on Virgin Most Powerful radio. Please check out the program and subscribe to Gary’s show as it will help you grow and defend the Catholic faith. His show air Monday-Friday at 1pm EST.

Show On The Eucharist

Global Faith And Media Study Released

This article is a little different from others that have been written on this column.  Longtime readers know that I tend to focus on articles focusing on Evangelism, Apologetics, and Christian living.  However a new study that focusing on Global faith and media was recently released.  It revealed some fascinating finding regarding the relationship between faith an media.

Global Faith and Media Background

The study consisted of the input of 9,489 people from 118 different countries as well as 30 in depth interviews with members of the media.  Of the 18 nations represented 5 countries, or 3,666 of the respondents, said they were highly religious.  Nigeria, India, South Africa, and the United states were in the top four.  Another 5 countries, or 2,301 respondents, responded as being middle of the way.  Countries such as Canada and Mexico were at the top of this list.  Finishing the list are 8 countries, or 3,522 respondents who categorized themselves as secular.  Some countries at the top of this list were the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Some Surprises In The Study

There were some interesting surprises when it comes to the religious nature of some of these countries.  As previously stated, there were 5 countries who categorized themselves as religious.  The fifth country on the list was China.  This is surprising as China is a self professed Atheistic country and has a horrible track record when it comes to persecution of Christians and other people of faith in the country.

One other surprise is with a country that was categorized as being “middle of the way”.  This country is the great nation of Mexico.  Though Mexico does not have an official religion, 83% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic and pilgrims from all over the world visit the country every year for various pilgrimages.

What The Global Faith And Media Study Shows

The study showed some interesting trends when it comes to the relationship between faith and media.  For example:

53% of respondents say the media actively ignores religion as an aspect of society and culture.59% of respondents believe it’s important that the news media cover a diverse set of faith and religious perspectives.63% of people globally say that high quality content on faith and religion is needed in their respective countries.

Not only that, but the study revealed a growing gap between the needs of the faithful and the coverage of faith that the media gives.  It also shows that people of faith have an increasing desire for better news coverage.

Among the respondents there was a desire for religious stereotypes to be addressed.  61% of respondents say that the media helps in spreading religious stereotypes (for the record I would agree), and 78% believe stereotypes should get the same, or more, attention as race and gender stereotypes.

What Does The Media Say?

The members of the media that were interviewed helped shed some light on the situation.  There is agreement among those in the media that coverage of matters of faith has become increasingly marginalized.  They also said that sue to budget cuts there are fewer and fewer journalists to cover faith and religion.  There is also a fear of getting it wrong or appearing to be impartial, especially when one is reporting on their own faith.  They were also honest and said that faith matters don’t always result in clicks.

There is much to this survey and it is very interesting to dive into.  I encourage you to check it out here.

University of St. Thomas-Houston to Launches Digital Evangelization Series

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cba7j-11f6d83

Life is lived out on social media, and Catholics are very much a part of the movement. Harnessing the expertise of major Catholic influencers who evangelize effectively on social media platforms, the University of St. Thomas-Houston MAX Studios, in partnership with the Word on Fire Institute, is announcing an innovative video series to demonstrate how to bring the light of the Gospel to the digital world. Each episode of the series, The New Evangelization and New Media, will spotlight one of today’s most interesting and compelling Catholic influencers to share their experiences in experimenting with technology and media to get to the heart of our culture and reach their specific audience. They will share their successes and failures, get real about the challenges they face on a particular platform, and explain why it’s important for Catholics to see the value of engaging authentically in a digital space. The lineup of influencers slated for the first round includes Australian singer-songwriter and YouTuber Fr. Rob Galea, Jonathan “Bearded Blevins,” who launched a ministry for gamers on Twitch, Waco’s mom-blogger and Word on Fire Fellow Haley Stewart, better known as @haleycarrots on Instagram, and America’s Next Top Model Season 3 contestant Leah Darrow to demonstrate the need for evangelization on Facebook. The second round of production, featuring Catholic influencers from TikTok, Twitter and in the podcast space, will be announced in the coming weeks. About Bridget Richardson: Bridget Richardson is a producer with MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas-Houston and loves to engage in conversation with just about anyone. She has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Electronic Media with a Theatre minor from University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She received her MA in Faith and Culture from UST Houston.

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What A Convert Can Expect During The Easter Triduum With Charles Johnston

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9hcxk-11ee462

Charles Johnston comes back to the show to discuss what someone coming into the church can expect during the Easter Triduum.  Charles takes us from Holy Thursday to the Easter vigil and explains the symbolism and deep meaning of everything that is going on.

 

Go to Amazon and check out Charles’s book titled “The Beauty of the Mass”.

 

Check him out on facebook at (2) Now That I’m Catholic | Facebook

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Speaking For The Unborn: With Dr. Steven Christie

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-36fm7-11dad43

Dr. Steven Christie joins me today to discuss his book Speaking For The Unborn: 30-Second Pro-Life Rebuttals to Pro-Choice Arguments.  In this interview he discusses how he spent 25 years in the Pro-Choice movement and how he became Pro-life.  He also gives great tips on developing 30 second arguments that get the opposition thinking.  Visit his website www.speakingfortheunborn.org for free resources to protect the unborn.

 

About Dr. Steven Christie:

Dr. Steven Christie is a physician specializing in oncologic radiology and body imaging. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology. He is also an attorney and member of the Florida Bar. Aside from his medical and legal work, Dr. Christie also lectures regularly on Catholic social issues, particularly marriage, family, and the dignity of life. He and his wife, Dr. Grazie Christie, live in the Miami area and are the proud parents of five children.

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The Early church Fathers

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-28s5n-11d6be5

This episode is an interview I ad with David Skuban of the Catholic Canuck Podcast.  We discuss some of the church fathers that impacted my conversion.  Be sure to check out his podcast at https://shows.acast.com/the-catholic-canuck-podcast

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Is Confession To a Priest biblical?

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-czfem-11d0ac2

In this episode I discuss whether confession to a priest is biblical.  I go from the old testament to the new to make the case for the catholic position.

 

this episode is an appearance that I make on March 11, 2022 on Gary Michuta‘s Hands on Apologetics radio program that airs Monday-Friday at 1pm EST on Virgin Most Powerful radio.

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