Stoking the Embers

Most Catholics know their doctrine, but few ever examine their attitude. In this episode, I break open why humility, obedience, unity, and a teachable spirit are essential for becoming a saint — and how a bad attitude can quietly push you toward heterodoxy, division, or even apostasy. Featuring commentary on a Colorado Springs schismatic group and what their story reveals about the dangers of spiritual pride.Follow me on  X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | DiscordKEY HIGHLIGHTS (Bullet Points for Description or Show Notes)Why attitude determines destiny — holiness isn’t just about doctrine; it’s about disposition.Humility as the first requirement of sainthood — the virtue that unlocks every other virtue.Filial vs servile obedience and why Catholics must obey the Church with trust, not fear.How Protestants misunderstand “worship” and why biblical worship requires sacrifice, priest, and altar.A real-world example of bad Catholic attitude: the Colorado Springs schismatic group ignoring excommunication.Why radical traditionalism and sedevacantism differ by “half a hair.”Why unity is not optional — the Church mirrors the eternal through its oneness.Why orthodoxy without charity can still lead you astray.The danger of Catholics resisting correction — the growing trend I see after 30 years in evangelization.The mystical body of Christ and why obedience to the Church is obedience to Christ. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

A viral clip sparks a firestorm—and in this episode,I break down the pushback, the misconceptions, and the spiritual psychology behind anti-Catholic hostility. Learn how to respond to Protestant objections, understand true biblical worship, and get encouraged to stand strong in your Catholic identity. This one is part apologetics, part spiritual boot-camp, and all Firebrand.Don’t forget to follow me on socials ( X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeEpisode Highlights• Why anti-Catholic comments are usually a sign of respect-in-disguise• The difference between Catholic worship and Protestant “worship”• Why religion is not optional—it’s part of how humans were created• Understanding biblical worship: priest, altar, sacrifice• Why prayer ≠ worship, biblically• Why people misunderstand Catholic devotion to Mary and the saints• How to understand claims about Mary’s “fear”• What’s missing in the “I don’t need religion to be good” mindset• How the sacraments give the supernatural strength needed for salvation• A strong exhortation for fallen-away or lukewarm Catholics to come back nowCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:21 Going Viral and Facing Pushback05:50 Defending Catholic Worship13:57 Catholics Worship Mary?22:05 Did Man Make Religion? 23:13 The Importance of Religion in Achieving Goodness23:52 Do I need Religion26:31 The Role of Religion in Morality and Ethics30:05 Mary's Sinlessness and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

In this punchy, fast-moving episode of Myths & Mystery, I tackle three of the most stubborn misconceptions about the Catholic faith—myths that confuse non-Catholics and even mislead some Catholics themselves. From the Real Presence in the Eucharist, to the true meaning of the Immaculate Conception, to the Church’s so-called “changing teachings,” each segment cuts through the noise with clarity and unapologetic Catholic truth.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | DiscordThen, just when listeners think they’ve heard it all, the episode ends with a surprise “true or false” lightning round about the nature of God—ending in a revelation that will challenge something almost every Christian has casually assumed.This is Catholic teaching presented with confidence, clarity, and a bit of suspense—classic “Catholic firebrand”.📒 Show NotesMyth #1 — The Eucharist Is “Just a Symbol”The Church has never taught symbolic presence. Once consecrated, the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Pure and simple.Myth #2 — The Immaculate Conception Refers to JesusNope. The Immaculate Conception refers to Mary’s conception, preserved from original sin by a special, anticipatory grace won by Christ on the Cross.Jesus is not only Mary’s Son—He is also Mary’s Savior.Myths and Mystery_Myth #3 — “The Church Changes Her Teaching All the Time”Doctrine doesn’t change. Ever.Understanding can deepen, disciplines can shift, but the truth entrusted to the Church remains constant.Sacred Tradition does not change.Bonus Round — Three True-or-False Questions About GodIs God a man? No.We call Him Father because Jesus revealed Him that way—not because God has gender.Does God change His mind? No.His mind is perfect; Scripture’s language is accommodative.Myths and Mystery_Does God love “unconditionally”?Shockingly: No—not in the way people casually use that term.T.J. tees this up for the next episode… and it’s a cliffhanger worth returning for.⭐ Key Highlights (Bullet-Point Version)* The Eucharist is not symbolic; it is truly Jesus Christ.* The Immaculate Conception refers to Mary, not Christ.* Mary was preserved from original sin by Christ’s future sacrifice.* The Church does not change doctrine—ever.* Sacred Tradition remains constant.* God has no gender; “Father” is revealed language.* God’s “changing His mind” in Scripture is metaphorical.* “Unconditional love” isn’t quite what people think—and T.J. sets up a big explanation for next time.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | DiscordCheck out CatholicFirebrand.com - My personal Newsletter, with rundowns of the week’s publications and podcasts, and exclusive commentary.Stoking the Embers is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

A raw and honest look at the muck and mire weighing down Catholic life — from media lies to spiritual negativity — and the surprising strategy that helps you break free, cooperate with grace, and rise toward the eternal. A fiery, practical episode for Catholics who want clarity and holiness in a messy world.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok | DiscordSee the episode page at Stoking the Embers for Show Notes, Segment by-Segment breakdown, and a full description (like a short blog)Subscribe to:* StokingTheEmbers.com — the flagship.* CatholicFirebrand.com — his personal commentary newsletter.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:34 Controversy Over Vatican Document18:00 Fulton Sheen’s Prophetic Insights34:37 Debunking Fake News about the Vatican46:50 Get out of Spiritual Muck and Mire!LINKSPope ‘Invites Trans Activist to Meeting at Vatican’Moving Beyond Confession - From Confirmations to Affirmations⭐ KEY HIGHLIGHTS* The Vatican’s clarification on “co-redemptrix” is not an attack on Marian devotion — it’s a guardrail against misunderstanding.* Catholics often distrust the Magisterium more than they realize — and that’s a spiritual problem.* Fulton Sheen’s prophetic commentary hints that we may be witnessing the “end of Christendom” — not the end of Christianity.* Lies destroy culture because lies erode the good, the true, and the life-giving.* Independent Catholic media is just as capable of misleading as secular outlets.* The devil uses negative thoughts to blunt the fruit of confession.* Spiritual renewal requires changing not only behavior, but thought habits.* The finite world is meant to stretch toward the eternal — which means you can’t spiritually stay “level.”* “Don’t psych yourself out. Psych yourself up.”* Your thoughts must rise with your actions if you want to grow in holiness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.comThis isn’t just a crash course in Thomistic Philosophy, it’s also a treatment of my personal metaphysical approach to sainthood. Hang on tight though the first have, because the second half brings everything together. I get into Aquinas’ third way of proving God’s existence: the argument from necessary being. But there’s more to this episode than just a crash course in Thomistic philosophy. By explaining Aquinas’ thoughts on cogent and necessary being, I also set up a broader point later on in the episode when I talk about how we possess th potential for sainthood in our very being/existence. Using a tree’s need for sunlight as an example, I clarify these philosophical concepts. I also share a personal story from my childhood about my curiosity (there’s a point to it). The episode wraps up with reflections on personal being and sainthood, highlighting the importance of discovering and embodying one’s true nature.Follow me on X Instagram and TikTok

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.comNOTE: Some references are dated and no longer relevant—such as “Catholic Adventurer” (my former ‘identity’) Catholic Experience, and Locals CommunityAquinas considered causality as part of the evidence for God’s existence. Nothing can cause itself; everything has a cause. If we trace every effect/cause backwards, we eventually get to a “First Cause” tha…

The Church says Catholics should stop using the term Co-Redemptrix — but why? In this bold episode, I break  down what actually changed, what didn’t, and why the deeper crisis isn’t Mariology but obedience. A raw, insightful look at pride, confusion, and the desert the Church is walking through today.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTokMy personal Newsletter, with rundowns of the week’s publications and podcasts, and exclusive commentary - CatholicFirebrand.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

Ritual isn’t superstition—it’s rhythm. In this episode, TJ Haines shares practical ways to bring sacred rhythm into your ordinary day: from morning prayers to prayer corners and holy moments woven through daily routines. Simple habits, powerful grace.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTokFollow StE on X and FacebookMy personal Newsletter, with rundowns of the week’s publications and podcasts, and exclusive commentary - CatholicFirebrand.comConsider joining my Discord server, The Firebrand ForumMain Topics Covered:* Why Ritual Matters* Ritual connects body, mind, and soul.* It’s how we order our lives toward heaven.* Men often have a natural inclination toward ritual; women benefit equally through discipline and intention* Tip #1 – Sanctify the Start and End of Your Day* Begin the day before touching your phone: make the Sign of the Cross and offer a short prayer.* End the day with an Examination of Conscience.* Reflect on: “Did my life today demonstrate that I believe in Jesus Christ?”* Focus on one or two areas for conversion and ask God’s help to do better tomorrow.* Tip #2 – Create a Domestic Prayer Corner* Designate a “temple” space in your home—a shelf, a corner, or a small table.* Include a crucifix, Bible, candles, icons, or holy water.* Light real candles (safely) as an act of devotion; they set a sacred tone and symbolize offering yourself to God* TJ contrasts authentic ritual objects with “synthetic” faith experiences (e.g., electric candles, recorded bells).* Tip #3 – Link Prayer to Your Daily Rhythms* Connect prayer with ordinary activities:* Grace before meals—even when eating alone.* The Angelus at noon.* Cross yourself when leaving home or hearing a siren.* Pray for the dead when you see a funeral procession.* Turn mundane tasks (like washing dishes or folding laundry) into moments of prayer* “Moments have meaning—they will have happened forever. Bring them with you into eternity.”* Bonus Ideas Mentioned:* Keep a “Saint Companion” for each week.* Burn a votive candle for special intentions.* Make your prayer life something your schedule has to move around—not the other way around* Audience Q&A Highlights:* Discussion on the perpetual virginity of Mary and how to respond to anti-Catholic remarks with acts of reparation.* Addressing modern tendencies toward “synthetic” faith experiences.* Brief preview of next episode on Sacred Tradition and why Protestants misunderstand it🔥 Major Highlights & Pull Quotes* “Ritual isn’t superstition—it’s rhythm. It’s the way we bring heaven’s order into our daily chaos.”* “When your feet hit the floor in the morning, make the Sign of the Cross. That’s the first victory of the day.”* “Moments have meaning. Once they happen, they will have happened forever.”* “The rest of your day should move out of the way for your prayer life, not the other way around.”* “A candle costs you something—it’s a little sacrifice, a flicker of your own offering to God.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

In a world that’s gone lukewarm, it’s time to stoke the fire. Here are five bold, practical, and spiritual ways to stay fired up in your Catholic life. This is not just a pep talk. It’s a spiritual wake-up call. NOTE: read the notes I was using, with a little more detail, in this blog post here. Video Version on YoutubeWhether you’re a practicing Catholic, a returning wanderer, or someone who just feels the flame is burning low and going out, these are your marching orders. This is the first “Firebrand forum” episode. More to come.🔥 “A glowing ember dies down if it’s not stoked.”If you’re ready to reignite your zeal for Jesus Christ and live the faith like it matters, this episode is for you.🧭 Show Notes0:00 – Welcome to The Firebrand Forum* TJ greets the live audience with his trademark mix of humor, warmth, and energy.* Quick backstory on Stoking the Embers and the mission to turn sparks into a fire seen from space.3:00 – Why Even Practicing Catholics Need a Reboot* The danger of spiritual complacency.* Why being “comfortable” in faith can quietly smother your fire.5:00 – Tip #1: Keep the Flame Fed — Daily Prayer & Sacraments* Prayer isn’t optional; it’s oxygen for your soul.* St. Francis de Sales’ timeless wisdom: “Half an hour of meditation a day—unless you’re busy. Then, an hour.”* Confession as monthly maintenance for your spiritual engine.13:00 – Tip #2: Stay Close to the Saints & Scripture* Saints aren’t distant heroes—they’re companions who’ve walked the same path.* Why daily Scripture—even just a few verses—can ignite divine insight.* “The saints were where you are.” Learn from them.23:00 – Tip #3: Practice Small Acts of Love* You don’t need to do great things—just consistent ones.* How small daily sacrifices build holiness brick by brick.25:00 – Tip #4: Keep Community Around Your Flame* “Lone embers grow cold.”* Why authentic Catholic community is non-negotiable.* Dealing with hecklers, hostility, and anti-Catholic noise with grace (and a bit of fire).36:00 – Tip #5: Expect Resistance and Press On* Spiritual fire will meet the wind—don’t mistake resistance for failure.* The wisdom of St. Ignatius: “When we are on God’s side, the enemy stirs a thousand difficulties.”* How God uses resistance to make you stronger.40:00 – Wrap-Up & Mission Reminder* TJ’s closing message: God takes you seriously. Take your faith seriously, too.* Connect on Substack, TikTok, or anywhere @RealTJHaines.* “Keep your fire burning bright. The world needs your light.”🔑 Key Points Covered* Why spiritual comfort is dangerous—and how to overcome it.* How to build a consistent prayer life rooted in honesty, not perfection.* The Saints as living proof that holiness is possible in ordinary life.* The power of small, daily acts of love and sacrifice.* The need for Catholic community to keep your fire alive.* How to interpret resistance as a sign of grace, not defeat.* The truth that spiritual fire always meets the wind—but it’s made stronger by it.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTokFollow StE on X and FacebookMy personal Newsletter, with rundowns of the week’s publications and podcasts, and exclusive commentary - CatholicFirebrand.comConsider joining my Discord server, The Firebrand Forum This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

“They Live” isn’t really about aliens—it’s about blindness.In this episode, T.J. Haines tears into the eerie accuracy of John Carpenter’s They Live, showing how the film’s “glasses” reveal not aliens, but our willingness to believe lies. From the Church to culture, he shows how people today see what isn’t there—and ignore what’s right in front of them.SOCIALSFollow me on… X | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookStE is also on… 𝕏 | FacebookMy personal newsletter - rundowns, highlights and exclusive content available nowhere else catholicfirebrand.comLINKSThe Quiet Ember, short article on “They Live”🔑 Key Points* They Live reveals the cost of willful blindness — both cultural and spiritual.* The “glasses” represent courage to face truth, not secret knowledge.* The Church’s teachings haven’t changed; perception has.* Discernment is the spiritual discipline that keeps us free.* Truth and charity must walk together — without one, the other collapses.🕰️ Chapter Highlights00:00 — Welcome and announcement of Stoking the Embers05:30 — What They Live teaches about seeing truth09:00 — Modern blindness: comfort over clarity12:30 — Clearing confusion about Church teaching30:00 — How to recognize manipulation and spiritual lies44:00 — Final exhortation: “Put on the glasses” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

An awareness of God’s will, and a sincere and earnest desire to serve that will, is a gift of infinite value! Follow me on… X | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookStE is also on… 𝕏 | FacebookRead the full article https://stokingtheembers.substack.com/p/how-i-went-from-my-will-to-thy-willI don’t think we usually see it that way, though. Even I didn’t fully understand that until very recently. I said in a post on StE that for most of my life, I couldn’t bring myself to say, ‘What is your will, Lord? Tell me, and I will do it!’ The closest I could get was, ‘What is your will, Lord? Tell me, and I’ll consider it.’For most of my life, I approached God’s will like a bad swimmer afraid of deep water. If invited to swim, I’d first want to test the water and see if it was too cold, too choppy; see if it was too deep, and whether there was anything to grab onto if my swimming failed me and I started to be overcome by the water. I didn’t trust myself (still don’t!), and I didn’t truly trust what God might ask me to do.”That only changed over the past few months.. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This podcast is accompanied by an article, for those who are here to read, and aren’t interested in podcasts.Description: I respond to Pope Leo XIV’s comments about Cardinal Cupich’s decision to honor Senator Dick Durbin with an award. The Pope urged Catholics to look at Durbin’s “overall record” — a fair point rooted in Catholic moral tradition — but his remarks raised bigger questions about clarity, consistency, and what the faithful need from their shepherds. I explore why the Church’s message can’t afford to blur moral lines, why abortion and immigration are not morally equivalent issues, and what justice and mercy really demand of us as Catholics in today’s world.Article: This was produced from the transcript of the podcast. It’s partially AI-generated, with my own edits. It’s my thoughts, my commentary, my structure, my edits and insertions. Cardinal Blase Cupich planned to give an award to Senator Dick Durbin for his work on immigration. The Senator ultimately declined the award after public outcry and objections from several bishops about honoring a public figure who supports abortion rights. But ahead of that, many Catholics — clergy and laity alike — were outraged, and not without reason. Durbin is openly pro-choice, and the optics of honoring him within a Catholic context are troubling. The Holy Father, when asked about the controversy, responded that we should look at the “overall work” of the senator — his full record of service — rather than focus on one issue.Here’s what the Holy Father said when asked about his thoughts on the issue:“I think that is very important to look at the overall work that a senator has done during forty years of service in the United States Senate. I understand the difficulty… but I think as I myself has spoken to the past, it’s important to look at many issues that are related to what is the teaching of the church. Someone who says I’m against abortion, but says I’m in favor the death penalty is not really pro life; someone who says that I’m against abortion, but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life so they’re very complex issues.”At first, I was disappointed by the Pope’s comments. But before I get to that, I want to be fair. The idea of looking at someone’s total body of work is not wrong, or bad teaching. In fact, it’s consistent with Catholic moral tradition. We are called to see the whole person — not only their sins but also their virtues and good works. That’s how we see each other, and it’s how God sees us. He doesn’t define us solely by our failings but judges us by the totality of who we are. In that sense, the Pope’s comment is sound.Still, there’s a problem. While it’s true that we must take the whole person into account, the faithful are left feeling abandoned when Church leaders speak in ways that blur moral clarity. The Pope could have easily added a single sentence affirming that abortion remains a grave moral evil. He didn’t. That omission left faithful Catholics holding the bag — trying to reconcile compassion with conviction while appearing foolish in the eyes of a world eager to make the Church look inconsistent, or at least “progressive” where faithful Catholics are seen as being stuck in the past.Not All Issues Are EqualThe Holy Father drew a comparison between abortion, the death penalty, and the treatment of immigrants, suggesting that a true pro-life stance must encompass all these areas. That’s true in one sense — the dignity of human life is consistent from womb to tomb. But the issues are not morally equivalent. The Church’s teaching on abortion is absolute: the deliberate taking of innocent life is always a grave sin. Immigration policy, however, involves prudential judgment — moral reasoning about how best to apply principles of justice and charity to complex social realities.No one argues that immigrants should be treated inhumanely. But it is not immoral to enforce immigration law or to expect that citizens should have priority in jobs and benefits funded by their taxes. St. Thomas Aquinas himself recognized that communities have the right to regulate entry and membership for the common good. We find this in the Summa Theologiae, where he discusses the Mosaic law’s rules for admitting foreigners into Israelite society.“The Law excluded the Gentiles from the fellowship of the people, not wholly and for all time, but in certain respects and for a fixed time; both for the safeguarding of the people’s faith and for the preservation of peace. For if foreigners were allowed to mix with that people indiscriminately, there might be danger to the faith, either through the people being seduced by their idolatry, or through the foreigners blaspheming God’s name.”— Summa Theologiae, I–II, q. 105, a. 3, ad 1We can debate how best to apply that teaching, but it is not on the same moral plane as abortion. One is an intrinsic evil; the other is a matter of prudence.Justice and Compassion Must Both Be RealThe narrative that immigrants — legal or illegal — are being treated cruelly in America is not always supported by reality. Many receive medical care, housing, and assistance that struggling citizens can’t access. When I was unemployed I received much less money per-month than immigrants receive in financial benefit. Is that just? Is it justice that a working-class family, barely getting by, sees their taxes fund benefits for people who entered the country illegally? That question deserves attention, too.There are indeed good and decent people who come here seeking a better life, and want to live the American dream. But there are also criminals, drug traffickers, and violent offenders among them. The Church must be compassionate, but compassion does not mean ignoring justice or pretending the situation isn’t complex. It’s one thing to affirm the dignity of every person — quite another to equate that affirmation with an endorsement of open borders or unregulated migration.What the Faithful Need from Their ShepherdsUltimately, what disappointed me most about the Pope’s remarks was not their content, but their absence of pastoral reassurance. Catholics who objected to honoring Senator Durbin were not all being reactionary or irrational. Many of them were acting from a sincere sense of fidelity to the Church’s moral teaching. Their concerns deserved acknowledgment — not quiet dismissal.RELATED: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This isn’t really about me, it’s about you. I wanted to give a fuller explanation of why I’m “exiting the game” of this apostolate, and also share what was behind it—an understanding of the importance of serving the Will of God. How do we recognize God’s will, and what should be our attitude toward its service?I share my story, the history of my apostolate, the history of the rise and abrupt fall of my professional brand, how all of that informed a period of deep reflection and a closer walk with God. I share “me” only to inform you and to build up your wisdom for your own Catholic adventure. The form of this episode is “me discussing me” but you’ll find out that it’s really about me trying to help you through my sharing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.comYou won’t need Scooby and the Gang to solve this mystery. I’ve already done it.Free audio version (full episode, one day only) A Paid Subscribers’ Episode, with a 10 minute FREE preview. Looking for the full episode? Free for one day only, in another post - In this new episode I take on a claim that just won’t die: that Vatican II is to blame for the c…

Do aliens exist? Drawing from Scripture, theology, and the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, I take on one of the most intriguing questions in our time. I explore why belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life is not only unlikely but also theologically problematic. But this is also a lesson about angels and demons! It’s a necessary component, not random. I talk about the nature of angels and demons, examine UFO sightings with both logic and faith, and explain why what people often call “aliens” may be better understood as demonic manifestations—or even human technology cloaked in secrecy.BONUS: What if these ARE aliens? They’re not. But as a fun thought experiment, I explain why, if these are aliens, humanity should be very afraid! CHAT! There’s a chat thread for this topic. Free and paid members, chime in in the chat, and share your own thoughts and ideas about the existence of aliens.📖 Show NotesKey Topics Covered:* Scripture on Humanity’s Place in Creation: Genesis 1 and Colossians 1 reveal why mankind is God’s highest earthly creation, making other intelligent species unnecessary.* The Redundancy Problem: Why God wouldn’t create another race of “men” with free will and intellect on another planet.* UFO Sightings Examined: Natural phenomena, government technology, or something spiritual? Why most footage fails the logic test.* Theological Issues with Aliens: Would they need a Redeemer? If so, who—and how? Why Christ’s one sacrifice makes alien redemption impossible.* Angels and Demons 101: What Aquinas teaches about angelic nature, free will, infused knowledge, and why demons can manifest physically—with limits.* Demonic Deception: How alleged ghostly encounters and UFO sightings may be tactics to confuse, terrorize, and pull us away from God.* A Thought Experiment: If aliens did exist, could God allow them as punishment for mankind’s global transgressions—similar to Israel’s history in Scripture?TakeawayAliens? No. Angels and demons? Yes. Our faith and reason point to humanity’s unique place in creation—and warn us not to be distracted by phenomena that might, in reality, be spiritual deceptions.CHAPTER* 00:00 Introduction and Tonight's Topic * 00:54 Exploring the Existence of Aliens * 02:58 Scriptural Insights and Human Uniqueness * 08:14 Analyzing UFO Sightings and Theological Implications * 25:49 Debating * 39:04 Understanding Angels and Demons This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.comI open the show with a candid and fiery reflection on the current state of Catholic evangelization online. I express my deep concerns about the growing number of unqualified, under-formed voices who dominate independent Catholic media, and challenge the idea that good intentions and internet access are enough to represent the voice of the Church. Follow…

Imagine that ‘Don’ Vito Corleone, boss of the Corleone crime family, left his life of crime and took his Catholic faith seriously. How would such a man, intent on not only living a holy life, but on fulfilling his duty as a father, convince his sons to follow his lead and return to the Catholic faith? I think it would sound something like this…NOTE: Originally published 7/14/2023, republished 6/26/2025 with VoiceOver The Voiceover included above is my performance as “The God-Father” speaking to his sons. My children, I have something important to tell you. As you all know I have renounced my former life and the Corleone Family, thank God is now completely legitimate. I have met with Fr. Fonte, and the heads of the other five parishes and came to an agreement that, after giving my confession, as part of my penance I would have this conversation with my sons.So here we are.My sons, attending mass is not just a religious duty, but also a way to show respect and loyalty to God. It’s also a way to demonstrate our commitment to tradition and values as a family. So, my dear sons, I strongly encourage you to practice this faith of ours. Without faith, a man is not truly a man. I know that. In this world, it is not always easy to believe. It is surrounded by pain, suffering, and despair. But I urge you to look beyond these things and remember that this is the path that God has put you on. Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok I want to remind you that faith is the only way to find true peace and true happiness. You ask me “Poppa, what if it’s too hard? What should I do?” Well, I would say, you should act like a man! Sniveling is alright for children. But there is no excuse for a man to run away from his duty. No excuse.Santino, you once said to me ‘Pop, pop, the Church has too many problems, priests doing wrong,’ and all of this. But understand that every good family has their villains. Sadly, who knows that better than we do? We’re changing our ways now, thank God, but it’s true that everywhere in life there are weeds that grow with the wheat. Everywhere there are men and even women who bring shame on their families. But that is not a excuse to leave the family! Always remember that, Santino, and all of my sons. Loyalty is never negotiable.So, my sons, take this to heart. Show your respect to the faith of our family heritage and above all respect to God. Every day he’s making you an offer you shouldn’t' refuse. If you trust me, if I have your respect, then honor me by trusting and respecting Him. If you enjoyed this, say so with a comment or tapping “Like” (or both). Subscribe, or upgrade to Paid for an enhanced experience and some extra content. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.comThis is a followup (sort of an after show) to a recent podcast I recorded live on my Instagram. But here I go just a little deeper, as I talk about the importance of going beyond the surface of the Catholic experience, and journeying “into the deep”. The real riches of the faith lie in its depths, not on the surface. Using examples from my own experienc…

The great deceiver; the man of iniquity. What’s should we understand about the Antichrist? In this episode I discuss the characteristics and deceptions of the Antichrist, the trials the Church must endure, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. I talk about some clues and “signs” we’re seeing in the human culture even today, and some hints we’re seeing even in Catholic culture. Could the Antichrist already be among us? Tune in to find out what I think! BELOW: Chat Thread, Chapters timecode, Afterthoughts (Paid only)Follow me on: TikTok | Instagram | PAID SUBSCRIBERS: There’s an “Afterthoughts” section down below, with a writeup of what the Fathers had to say about the Antichrist. Be part of the adventure. Subscribe for free.Chapters* 00:26 Introduction to the Antichrist Discussion* 01:06 Engagement and Audience Interaction* 03:57 Clarifying Misconceptions about the Antichrist* 07:32 The Church's Ultimate Trial* 09:38 The Great War Between Good and Evil* 16:31 The Deception of the Antichrist* 25:21 Recognizing Truth in a World of Lies* 32:09 Engaging with the Audience* 33:20 Instagram Experiment: Will It Work?* 33:59 Understanding Social Media Algorithms* 35:40 The Church Fathers and the Antichrist* 39:10 The Antichrist in Revelation* 41:36 Cultural Shifts and the Antichrist* 45:18 Signs of the Antichrist Today* 49:40 The Church's Resilience and Future* 56:11 Final Thoughts and FarewellThank you, Ellis, The Critic. , Michael Koopman, PricklyPublius, Dear Clary, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.AfterthoughtsPaid Subscribers Only: The Fathers Weigh In on the AntichristThis was moved off of this post and made into its own post. Link below. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe

The Catholic Church is old—dusty, crusty, and ancient. Why would any rational person base their life on what this 2,000-year-old institution says? That’s a question I’ve heard a lot over the years, but I’m hearing it a lot more lately. It’s often the star of the show in social media comments, and YouTube commentary. No actual arguments, no logical responses, just “The Catholic Church is old, the Bible is ancient. Ignore them”The Catholic Adventurer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.So why should modern people want to be guided by an ancient institution?Before we roll our eyes at something “so old and dusty“ let’s ask a deeper question: Does being old automatically mean being out of touch—or could it mean having something valuable to say? We don’t usually dismiss a person’s wisdom just because they’ve been around the block a few times. The only time we disregard or even devalue a person’s wisdom is if they have cognitive decline, or because older people tend to be so set in their ways that nothing bring them to reexamine or reconsider what they believe. But those concerns shouldn’t apply to the church. Let’s get into it, talking about why the Church is wise, and why Her wisdom can be trusted and shouldn’t be devalued or disqualified.Don’t trust anyone over 2,000?Our elder relatives are usually loved and respected for their wisdom and anecdotes, as much as for their old-timey tales. But we’re sometimes selective about the pearls of wisdom we accept from them. We distrust their perspective on our modern age, feeling we’re more advanced or more sophisticated today than the world and era that gave them some of that outdated wisdom. Too old. Too grouchy. Too senile. Their timeless wisdom has expired and needs to be renewed. That’s how some people view the Catholic Church: wise maybe, but irrelevant because its wisdom is outdated and flawed. Why should we listen to her?Here’s why!...She’s 2,000 for a reasonYes, the Catholic Church is 2,000 years old. But instead of that being a liability, it’s a treasure. The Church has lived through it all—every war, every plague, every empire, every cultural revolution, every uprising and every cultural collapse. The Church has seen everything, and has responded to every cultural shift or calamity it has lived through, in the form of encyclicals, papal bulls, doctrine, sacred tradition, and teaching. While there’s no “Mr. Catholic Church”—an actual 2000 year old man holding all of this knowledge and perspective in his head—the Church, as the Mystical Body of Christ, is like a Mr. Catholic Church whose knowledge and wisdom hasn’t faded or died, but is ever-fresh and new and passed on in an unbroken line of succession. The Church transcends every time in which she finds herself. She’s always “been there, done that”. So we’re not talking about a doddering old man muttering in a rocking chair. We’re talking about the collective, time-tested wisdom of the Body of Christ passed down faithfully over millennia.“But she never changes!”That’s a common critique—and a fair one if you’re talking about someone who refuses to grow. But with the Catholic Church, it’s not about refusing to grow—it’s about upholding the truth, which doesn’t change. Here’s the heart of it: truth doesn’t change. Not after one year, not after 2,000 years, not after 5 billion years. Once truth is revealed—doctrinal or moral truth—that truth is fixed. Not because “we say so” but because reality says so. Truth is reality, and reality is set in stone, even if we come disjointed from it. Taking a stand on the Truth is not the same as refusing to change, it’s refusing to play make-believe. It’s refusing to say that evil is good, and that virtue is actually vicious.But the Church does revisit those unchanging truths to understand how they apply to new, complex situations: gender identity crises, biotech ethics, digital addiction, AI, broken family structures. The Church brings 2,000 years of wisdom into conversation with modern challenges. She doesn’t rewrite truth. She discerns its application with care, depth, and prayer.Wisdom that grows deeper, not outdatedSo yes, the Catholic Church is old. Yes, she’s rooted in ancient Scripture and sacred tradition. And yes, she refuses to compromise on Truth, and upholds the eternal truths entrusted to her. But she’s not asleep. She’s always reflecting, always revisiting those truths to shepherd her children through new terrain. The Church is a worthy teacher—steady, tested, alive, and guided by the Holy Spirit.So maybe the dusty Catholic Church deserves a little more credit. The Church is a steady and reliable refuge and guide. She may be 2,000, but she’s still the absolutely reliable voice of truth and sanity you’ll find in this world.Listen to Holy Mother Church.God bless you, and God be with you.The Catholic Adventurer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stokingembers.com/subscribe