The Bible Timeline Show (with Jeff Cavins)

What does it mean to belong in the Catholic Church? Perhaps, you have heard the Catholic Church referred to as a family or as a community. That sounds nice, but what does it actually mean for the identity of the Church and her members? Jeff Cavins and Dr. Scott Sollom dive into the idea of Church as relational, as family. They discuss the different ways in which it is essential that the faithful see themselves as a family in relationship with God and each other.

Does the Catholic Church have any actual authority, and where does this authority come from? The Church has existed for over two millennia and encompasses over a billion members worldwide. However, does this longevity and size imply that God founded it and granted it divine authority?

Scripture scholar Fr. Pablo Gadenz joins Jeff Cavins on The Bible Timeline Show to examine the biblical evidence for the authority bestowed upon the Church by Jesus Christ. The two explain the nature of this authority and why it is an indispensable characteristic of the one true Church.

When should you stand firm in your morals and beliefs, even in the face of opposition? Many aspects of Christianity counter prevailing culture, often leading to persecution or discomfort. But how far should we go to uphold truth and morality? In this discussion, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins delve into this question, drawing insights from accounts found in 1 and 2 Maccabees. They explore strategies for navigating persecution and stress the importance of defending what is good and true.

If you would like to learn more or help support the construction of the Duluth Newman Center visit www.bulldogCatholic.org/donate.

Duluth Newman exists so that God may be loved and glorified and His people may be saved and sanctified. We do this by offering students the opportunity to get involved in Bible studies, have access to the Sacraments daily, and enter a community of deep fellowship. Over the last 20 years, bulldogCatholic has grown beyond the borders of Duluth through Fr. Mike's collaboration with Ascension on projects like The Bible in a Year Podcast and his Ascension Presents videos. Our goal is to do our best to make sure each person who is involved with bulldogCatholic feels Seen, Known, and Loved.

Do you ever feel imprisoned by sin? Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites underwent captivity on multiple occasions, enduring a 70-year exile. In an insightful conversation, Fr. John Riccardo joins Jeff Cavins to delve into this period of Exile as depicted in the Bible Timeline. Beyond merely exploring historical events, they draw parallels to contemporary experiences of feeling imprisoned or alienated. Fr. Riccardo argues that individuals today face something even more insidious than exile—being held captive by the power of sin. Fr. Riccardo and Jeff dissect the root causes underlying this spiritual captivity and offer pathways toward liberation from sin's grasp.

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Fr. John Riccardo is a missionary and ACTS XXIX Executive Director. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996. In 2019, after 23 years in parish ministry, he founded Acts XXIX to proclaim the gospel in an attractive and compelling way and to equip clergy and lay leaders for the age in which God has chosen us to live. Fr. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Gregorian University, and the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. You can learn more about the Rescue Project at https://www.actsxxix.org/.

The Babylonian Exile was a dark time for the Israelites. Jeff Cavins chose the color for this time period in the Bible Timeline because of the "blues" that the Jews were experiencing in exile, distant from God's presence in the Holy Temple. In this episode, Fr. Joseph Taphorn joins Jeff Cavins to explore the various ways in which modern Catholics may find themselves or their loved ones in a state of spiritual exile. Whether grappling with addiction, seeking deliverance and healing, or confronting the challenges of children straying from the Faith, Fr. Taphorn and Jeff Cavins offer timeless insights and practical guidance to help us navigate these trials and reclaim our role as ambassadors of Christ.

Fr. Joseph Taphorn was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997. After serving as a parish priest, he went on to study canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome and served in various leadership roles in the curia of the Archdiocese of Omaha for 15 years. Fr. Taphorn founded the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Omaha and served there for several years before accepting the invitation to serve as rector of The Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2019.

Fr. Joseph Taphorn was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997. After serving as a parish priest, he went on for further studies in canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome and served in various leadership roles in the curia of the Archdiocese of Omaha for 15 years. Fr. Taphorn founded the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Omaha and served there for several years before accepting the invitation to serve as rector of The Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2019.

For many people, the word "idolatry" calls to mind images of a golden calf or an Egyptian sphynx. Is the sin of idolatry still relevant in our world today? Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. joins Jeff Cavins in discussing the issue of idolatry, both in the time of the prophet Hosea and in the modern world. Together they explore the unique story of the prophet Hosea and the message that he brought to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Through this Old Testament story, Jeff and Fr. Gregory reveal the significance of idolatry in the world today and how best to battle it.

From Pennsylvania, Fr. Gregory graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He previously served as the Assistant Director of Campus Outreach for the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC, and associate pastor of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught at Bellarmine University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He is host of the Godsplaining podcast, a contributor on the Pints with Aquinas show, and a co-host of the Catholic Classics podcast.

Fr. Gregory is the author of Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly (Our Sunday Visitor, 2022) and co-author with Matt Fradd of Marian Consecration With Aquinas: A Nine Day Path for Growing Closer to the Mother of God (TAN Books, 2020).

What is so important about the Song of Songs? The Old Testament book Song of Songs may seem like mere love poetry to some, but it holds profound theological insights. In this enlightening discussion, Fr. John Burns joins Jeff Cavins to uncover the profound meanings and importance of the Song of Songs. Fr. Burns reveals the deep truths it conveys about God's love for humanity. Through their dialogue, you'll recognize the Song of Songs as a crucial component of Scripture deserving close attention and contemplation.

Is the priesthood really important? Delving into the history of the Old Testament priesthood, we see many times when priests failed. Even in contemporary times, Catholic priests are not without fault. However, the Sacrament of Holy Orders continues to play an essential role in the Church. In a conversation with Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Selenski sheds light on the essence of the priesthood. He articulates his profound joy in his vocation and expounds on his deep love for his faith and the mission of evangelization.

Life can be very challenging. The trials and tribulations we encounter on a daily basis can often feel overwhelming, even insurmountable. Throughout the Bible, we find stories of individuals grappling with the hardships of existence, ranging from mild inconveniences to profound crises. Amidst these narratives, some find solace and strength in their relationship with God, while others falter and turn away.

In this episode, Melissa Overmyer joins Jeff Cavins to discuss the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. Together, they unravel the circumstances that precipitated this prolonged wandering and explore the varied responses of the Israelite community.

Melissa and Jeff draw parallels between the ancient desert wanderings and the modern-day "deserts" many of us traverse. Drawing from her personal experiences, Melissa recounts moments of profound adversity in her own life. She candidly shares her journey through these trying times, emphasizing her faith's pivotal role in navigating the landscapes of despair and uncertainty. She shares invaluable insights into the transformative power of faith amidst life's most arduous trials.

Did you know that understanding the Passover can help you gain a better understanding of the Last Supper and the Mass? There is so much from Scripture, even the Old Testament, that can help Christians understand their faith better. Jeff Cavins is joined by Dr. Edward Sri to take a deep dive into the Passover. They explain the historical landscape and the events leading up to the Passover event. From here, they reveal the significance of what Jesus did at the Last Supper and what still happens today in the Mass.

Are you familiar with the story of Abraham and Isaac? For many, this story is difficult to understand. How can a good and benevolent God ask a father to sacrifice his only son? In an illuminating discussion, Jeff Cavins and Dr. Margaret Turek delve into this famous Scripture narrative. Together, they unravel the layers of meaning within the story of Abraham and Isaac, shedding light on how it unveils the depths of God's love and wisdom.

Dr. Margaret Turek is originally from the Midwest. She earned a B.A. at the University of San Francisco where she studied in the St. Ignatius Institute, an M.A. at the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology, and a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Prior to her graduate studies, she received spiritual formation as a Carmelite for six years. Dr. Turek's scholarly interests include Trinitarian theology, Soteriology, and the re-integration of Dogmatic Theology and Spirituality. Before joining the faculty at STPSU in 2001, she was a tenured Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Dallas. She also teaches in the Deacon Formation Program for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of Oakland.

Can faith and science find common ground? For many departing from Christianity, science stands as a primary reason for their disbelief. They argue that Christian beliefs and scientific teachings are inherently incompatible.

Join Jeff Cavins and Fr. Robert Spitzer as they tackle this perspective head-on. Together, they navigate the creation narratives, engaging with topics such as the Big Bang Theory and evolution. Drawing upon his expertise in science and theology, Fr. Spitzer illuminates the beautiful relationship between faith and science.
This is a conversation you do not want to miss.

Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., is the founder and president of the Magis Center of Faith and Reason. A scholar, teacher, author, and seasoned leader, Fr. Spitzer is pre-eminently a theologian and philosopher. His other fields of expertise, however, include management science, finance, ethics, and physics. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1952, Fr. Spitzer entered the Society of Jesus in 1974, was ordained a priest on June 11, 1983, and took final vows April 4, 1992.

Is the Catholic priesthood in the Bible? What is the difference between the priests in the Old Testament and Catholic priests today? The history of the priesthood is lengthy and can be very complicated, but you can understand it!

Jeff Cavins is joined by Dr. John Bergsma to give a thorough narration of the priesthood starting in Genesis and journeying all the way to today. As Jeff Cavins said, "This is one of the best I've heard of someone going through a study of the priesthood."

You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Who are the Patriarchs? What do we know about their lives? Jeff Cavins is joined by Biblical scholar, Dr. Mary Healy, to examine the lives of some of the key figures in the Old Testament: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Together, they discuss the trials, failings, and achievements of each man's life. They also weave their stories together to show how God worked through them to bring about his will and eventually the salvation of the world.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode–WalletWin, Catholic financial formation for the whole family. Visit https://walletwin.com to find out more.

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You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Destruction, death of innocents, warfare…all themes that you will find in the pages of the Old Testament. The Bible is not free of pain, suffering, and evil, sometimes making it difficult to read. Why did God allow these things? Was it his will that these things happen? If you are asking these questions, good. Dr. Andrew Swafford joins Jeff Cavins to answer these questions and lead us to a better understanding of why bad things happen in Sacred Scripture.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: SanctiFind. Learn more at https://www.sanctifind.com/.

You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

You may have never been in an actual desert, but perhaps you have experienced an internal desert. Maybe you have gone through intense loneliness or doubted God. These are some of the experiences that the Israelites went through in the actual desert.

Join Jeff Cavins and his guest Fr. Boniface Hicks as they discuss the Desert Wanderings. They dive into the failings of Moses, the Israelites’ distrust, and how those experiences are not much different than ours today. What do you do when you find yourself in the desert?

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO.

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You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Why is liturgy important, and what is its historical significance? The history of liturgy extends back to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. In a conversation with Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta, Jeff Cavins delves into the significance of liturgy and the concept of sacrifice. They explore how liturgy shapes our relationship with God and trace its origins to the era of the Divided Kingdom.

You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

King Saul, King David, and King Solomon were among the earliest and possibly the most influential monarchs of Israel. What qualities distinguished them as remarkable rulers, and where did they encounter challenges and setbacks? Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio (Dr. Italy) engages with Jeff Cavins in a detailed exploration of the lives of these three kings. They delve into their triumphs and downfalls, giving you a deeper understanding of these historical figures. Join this enlightening conversation to gain a more comprehensive insight into the lives of these three iconic kings.

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Further information on St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry’s Discounted Spring 2024 Course for “Mary, Mother of God” can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/marycourse/

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You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Have you ever undergone a period of exile in your life? In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were taken into exile, with some tribes becoming entirely assimilated into other nations. Is this sense of exile something we can relate to today? Do we occasionally find ourselves lost in the surrounding culture? Sister Alicia Torres joins Jeff Cavins to discuss the Exile time period in the Old Testament and contemporary forms of exile, such as fractured relationships, addiction, and a loss of faith.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO.

Discover CURO, the Catholic health and wellness alternative. Receive personalized Catholic wellness coaching, spiritual direction, and Christ-centered health sharing options. Be a part of an uplifting community of individuals and families who share Christ's healing love with one another. Wherever you're at in your health and wellness journey, you can learn more or join today at https://cmfcuro.com/.

You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Esther is a well-known name among Christians, yet her story is often overlooked. Nevertheless, there is profound wisdom in Esther's narrative that illuminates how God employs seemingly unlikely individuals to fulfill his purpose. In this insightful conversation, Jeff Cavins and Deacon Bob Rice delve into the story of Esther, highlighting how her demonstration of prudence and courage remains relevant to us today.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO.

Discover CURO, the Catholic health and wellness alternative. Receive personalized Catholic wellness coaching, spiritual direction, and Christ-centered health sharing options. Be a part of an uplifting community of individuals and families who share Christ's healing love with one another. Wherever you're at in your health and wellness journey, you can learn more or join today at https://cmfcuro.com/. You can also call them at (800) 840-7471.

You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/