Matt Fradd's Blog, page 47
August 20, 2020
Jesus Wrote with His Finger on the Ground
This is the second in a three-part series we’re doing on John 8:1-11 (The woman caught in adultery).
August 17, 2020
Free Speech & “Cancel Culture” w/ Dave Rubin
Want to know how to disagree without being disagreeable? Join two guys with a few different viewpoints — Dave Rubin and me — for an open and agreeable discussion!
Here are just a few of the topics we cover:
We have the freedom to put our thoughts out there but shouldn’t expect the world to bend to our demands.
When we command the world to act a certain way we can rush to judgment, which often leads to cancel culture.
Cancel culture is the exact opposite of tolerance.
Our freedom of speech means we can say things others may not agree with – about God, abortion, homosexuality, etc. – but that doesn’t mean we can’t respect each other.
Pull up a barstool, grab a pint and enjoy free speech at its finest!
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—————————- GIVING ——————————
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd
This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn’t be possible without you. I can’t thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously!
Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show.
—————————- LINKS ——————————-
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————————— MY BOOKS —————————
Does God Exist: https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=fradd&qid=1586377974&sr=8-9
Marian Consecration With Aquinas: https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=fradd&qid=1586379026&sr=8-4
The Porn Myth: https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx
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The post Free Speech & “Cancel Culture” w/ Dave Rubin appeared first on Pints with Aquinas.
August 13, 2020
The Woman Caught in Adultery
Today we’ll begin a three-part series on John 8:1-11 (The woman caught in adultery).
August 10, 2020
What does the Bible say about priests?
It’s a new episode of Pints with Aquinas, and I welcome back my friend, Dr. Andrew Swafford—this time to talk about the Biblical basis for the priesthood.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible says about the priesthood (or if it says anything at all about it), then this episode is for you.
Dr. Swafford and I dive deep into the topic and answer such questions as:
What does a “priest” really mean?
Why doesn’t the Catholic Church ordain women?
Why do we call priests “Father” when Christ tells us to call no earthly man your father?
What is apostolic succession?
Why do we need another mediator, if Christ is already the mediator between us and God?
And more!!
I think you’re going to really love this episode! Enjoy!
—————————————— SPONSORS ——————————————
Hallow: https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/80833e8
Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/ (use promo code: mattfradd)
STRIVE: https://www.strive21.com/
—————————- GIVING ——————————
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd
This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn’t be possible without you. I can’t thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously!
Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show.
—————————- LINKS ——————————-
Website: https://pintswithaquinas.com/ Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd
FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: https://www.strive21.com/
—————————- SOCIAL —————————–
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattfradd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd
————————— MY BOOKS —————————
Does God Exist: https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=fradd&qid=1586377974&sr=8-9
Marian Consecration With Aquinas: https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=fradd&qid=1586379026&sr=8-4
The Porn Myth: https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx
————————— CONTACT —————————-
Book me to speak: https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform
The post What does the Bible say about priests? appeared first on Pints with Aquinas.
May 12, 2017
My Hour Long Radio Debate On Pornography
I recently engaged in an hour long radio debate on the topic of pornography with Charlotte Rose, a sexual freedom campaigner, and Adam Scarborough of the Campaign Against Censorship.
There are so many things I wish I had said and a few things I wish I had not. Such is the nature of live debate. Nevertheless, I think it was a fruitful discussion.
Listen below:
http://mattfradd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Is-porn-harmful-to-society_-Matt-Fradd-Charlotte-Rose-and-Adam-Scarborough.mp3
Get my new book, The Porn Myth.
February 21, 2017
What’s the Deal With Relics? Is There Biblical Support for Them?
Today we chat with Aquinas about relics. What are they? How should we reverence them? (we’ll define and distinguish between dulia, hyperdulia, and latria) And what, if any, Biblical support is there for them?
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An Excerpt From Aquinas
“As Augustine says (De Civ. Dei i, 13): “If a father’s coat or ring, or anything else of that kind, is so much more cherished by his children, as love for one’s parents is greater, in no way are the bodies themselves to be despised, which are much more intimately and closely united to us than any garment; for they belong to man’s very nature.”
It is clear from this that he who has a certain affection for anyone, venerates whatever of his is left after his death, not only his body and the parts thereof, but even external things, such as his clothes, and such like.
Now it is manifest that we should show honor to the saints of God, as being members of Christ, the children and friends of God, and our intercessors.
Wherefore in memory of them we ought to honor any relics of theirs in a fitting manner: principally their bodies, which were temples, and organs of the Holy Ghost dwelling and operating in them, and are destined to be likened to the body of Christ by the glory of the Resurrection.
Hence God Himself fittingly honors such relics by working miracles at their presence.”
ST III, Q. 25, A. 6.
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February 17, 2017
February 13, 2017
What is Grace? Why is it Important?
February 2, 2017
Thomas Aquinas on Closed Borders
Thanks to everyone supporting PWA on Patreon.
Many of you have written to me about this issue of open borders/immigration/emigration.
In this short podcast I share a little from what Aquinas has to say with regard to how the Jewish people in the OT dealt with foreigners.
The Catechism
Here’s what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about welcoming foreigners:
“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens” 2241.
The Summa
Here’s what I read from Thomas:
“Man’s relations with foreigners are twofold: peaceful, and hostile: and in directing both kinds of relation the Law contained suitable precepts.
For the Jews were offered three opportunities of peaceful relations with foreigners.
First, when foreigners passed through their land as travelers.
Secondly, when they came to dwell in their land as newcomers. And in both these respects the Law made kind provision in its precepts: for it is written (Exodus 22:21): “Thou shalt not molest a stranger [advenam]”; and again (Exodus 22:9): “Thou shalt not molest a stranger [peregrino].”
Thirdly, when any foreigners wished to be admitted entirely to their fellowship and mode of worship. With regard to these a certain order was observed. For they were not at once admitted to citizenship: just as it was law with some nations that no one was deemed a citizen except after two or three generations, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 1).
The reason for this was that if foreigners were allowed to meddle with the affairs of a nation as soon as they settled down in its midst, many dangers might occur, since the foreigners not yet having the common good firmly at heart might attempt something hurtful to the people.
Hence it was that the Law prescribed in respect of certain nations that had close relations with the Jews (viz., the Egyptians among whom they were born and educated, and the Idumeans, the children of Esau, Jacob’s brother), that they should be admitted to the fellowship of the people after the third generation; whereas others (with whom their relations had been hostile, such as the Ammonites and Moabites) were never to be admitted to citizenship; while the Amalekites, who were yet more hostile to them, and had no fellowship of kindred with them, were to be held as foes in perpetuity: for it is written (Exodus 17:16): “The war of the Lord shall be against Amalec from generation to generation.”
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January 18, 2017
3 Ways The Catholic Church Contributed to the Protestant “Reformation”
The Church, being not a museum of saints but a hospital for sinners, is always in need of reform.
This was true in the apostolic age, it is true in our own, and it was true in the age of the infamous (or famous; depending whose side you’re on) Martin Luther.
But it’s my contention (as I mentioned in an earlier post) that what was brought about in the 16th century by Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and company was not a reform, but a revolt.
Why? Because ‘reform’ means to make changes in order to make something better. And while this may have been the intention of the revolters, it most certainly wasn’t the outcome, which splintered christendom into a myriad of competing sects.
With that caveat, here are three ways the Church contributed* to the Protestant “reformation”.
1. Immorality and Political Power
By the 16th century, many churchmen seemed to have forgotten their spiritual duties. The cardinals, even in Rome were living openly immoral lives while the Popes focued their energies on gaining and extending their political power.
2. Nepotism and Simony
Churchmen at all levels practiced nepotism (favoring friends and family by giving them bishoprics, etc.) and simony (the buying and selling of ecclesiastical privileges).
For example, in order to ensure that he would be Pope, Julius II engaged in bribery. His election only took a few hours and the only votes he didn’t receive were his own and that of his main opponent, Georges d’Amboise.
The Church was in such a bad state that even humanist scholars, particularly in Germany, openly mocked the Church for her immorality and ignorance.
3. Abuse of Indulgences
While Pope Leo X (reigned from 1513 – 1521) should have urged churchmen to repent and to begin living moral lives, he did not. What he did do was make a deal with Albert of Brandenburg, (archbishop of Magneburg in Germany) who was requesting that the Holy Father also make him archbishop of Mainz (another city in Germany).
The Pope said he would allow it if Albert paid an enormous amount of money to the Roman curia. To help Albert, the Pope allowed him to take one half of the funds raised in the indulgences for St. Peter’s basilica and use it to pay the debt.
Now, Instead of telling people to repent of their sins and go to confession, the preachers who were sent throughout Europe focused mainly (if not exclusively) on how much people needed to pay. These preachers spoke as if the simple giving of money could buy them an indulgence or for family members still in purgatory.
Dominican friar Johann Tetzel had a rhyme he would use to manipulate people into giving money: “When copper coin in coffer rings, The soul from purgatory springs.”
Don’t Brush Under the Rug
These truths aren’t something we as Catholics should attempt to explain away or brush under the rug. Rather, we should acknowledge them honestly, recognizing that none of this invalidates the claims of the Catholic Church—anymore than the sins of Judas (an apostle chosen by Christ!) invalidate the truth of apostolic authority.
Finally, it’s interesting to note that, even during the darkest days of the Catholic Church, the deposit of faith handed down through the apostles was never changed. Popes may have been (and sometimes were) fornicators, gluttens, and thieves, but none the Church’s official teaching on these things were ever altered.
May God continue to protect his Church.
Pints With Aquinas
Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and, in particular, the thought of St. Thomas? Subscribe to my podcast, Pints With Aquinas here.
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* which is not at all the same thing as saying it was responsible for it.
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