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In part 11 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 7th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Nicaea. Why did the Byzantines suddenly decide that icons were idolatrous and how far did they go to rid the Church of sacred art? What were the primary arguments between the iconoclasts and the iconodulias? What did the 2nd Council of Nicaea decide that shaped the course of Christianity? And what are some modern iterations of iconoclasm? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.* Follow Justin on Facebook.SOURCES:* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* New Advent: 2nd Council of Nicaea* Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Nicaea* Video: General Councils 7: Nicaea II (Anglican Source)* Video: Did the Second Council of Nicaea CONDEMN statues?! w/Dr. Fastiggi* Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source)* Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts* Episode 127: Gnosticism and the New Testament* Episode 126: The Three Different Ten Commandments* Catholic Answers: Relics* Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source)PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381)* Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431)* Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451)* Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553)* Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists* Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 10 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the efforts to appease the monophysites by inventing two heresies: monoenergism and monotheletism. Why were these Christological positions condemned at the Third Council of Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.* Follow Justin on Facebook.SOURCES:* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts* The Rise of Islam* Correspondence between Patriarch Sergius and Pope Honorius* New Advent: 3rd Council of Constantinople* Third Council of ConstantinoplePREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381)* Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431)* Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451)* Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553)* Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 9 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the pivotal history that occurred over 127 years between The 2nd Council of Constantinople of 553 and the 3rd Council of Constantinople of 680. This episode covers the two major heresies of the day, the Filioque controversy, the war between the Byzantines and the Persians, the Christological gag order, the rise of Islam, and the heresy that led to the Third Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.* Follow Justin on Facebook.SOURCES:* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* New Advent: Henoticon* Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts* Byzantine – Sasanian War of 602–628 DOCUMENTARY* Orthodoxy Chronicles: The Filioque Controversy - The Orthodox & Catholic Positions* Prophet Muhammad Explained in 13 Minutes* St. John of Damascus’ Critique of Islam* The Rise of Islam* Episode 113: The Great Popes* Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * New Advent: 3rd Council of ConstantinoplePREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381)* Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431)* Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451)* Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 8 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 5th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Constantinople. In this episode, you’ll learn about the schisms that occurred after the Council of Chalcedon, the fall of Rome and the Western Roman Empire, and the rise of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire), as well as the decisions at the 2nd Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.* Follow Justin on Facebook.SOURCES:* Details and map of the fall of the Western Roman Empire* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* New Advent: Henoticon * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52)* History of the Popes Podcast (Episode 74: Everyone Hates Vigilius)* The Tome of Pope Leo I* Episode 113: The Great Popes* New Advent: 2nd Council of Constantinople* Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Constantinople* New Advent: Three Chapters* Pontifacts: 61. Vigiliius* Pontifacts: Council Episode - The Second Council of ConstantinoplePREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381)* Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431)* Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 7 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 4th Ecumenical Council - The Council of Chalcedon. What happened when the theological sheriffs Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch died? How did the Second Council of Ephesus almost become the fourth ecumenical council? And what major theological debate did the Council of Chalcedon decide on that is accepted by almost all Christian sects? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Map of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52)* The Tome of Pope Leo I* Episode 113: The Great Popes* Episode 111: Papal Infallibility* New Advent: Robber Council of Ephesus* New Advent: First Council of Chalcedon* Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of Chalcedon* Early Christian Schisms - Ephesus, the Robber Council, and Chalcedon - Extra History - Part 4* Charlie Kirk on Mary as the Solution to Toxic FeminismPREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381)* Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Map of the Roman Empire in 5th Century* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52)* Council of Ephesus | Church Councils Explained (Part 3)* New Advent: First Council of Ephesus* Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of EphesusPREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 5 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the First Council of Constantinople. What did they accomplish that the Council of Nicaea left incomplete? Which heresies did they address? And why is this council sometimes referred to as an “unecumenical council?”HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on the Arian Century - beginning with episode 39)* First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2)* New Advent: First Council of Constantinople* Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Constantinople* Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 4 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened in the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea? Did the Church become unified, or did it devolve into disarray and abandon Nicene Christianity? Why was the 4th century perhaps one of the most pivotal centuries for Christianity? And what led the Church to once again gather for a second council, this time in Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27)* First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1)* First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2)* New Advent: First Council of Nicaea* Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Nicaea* Original Nicene Creed of 325 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In Part 3 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the first ecumenical council in Church history - the Council of Nicaea. What does Santa Claus have to do with this council? Who attended this council? What did this council decide? And how did this council change the course of history while also failing to be all that effective within the next few decades?HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Best St. Nicholas Memes* The Might be Giants - Istanbul (not Constantinople)* Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27)* First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1)* New Advent: First Council of Nicaea* Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Nicaea* Original Nicene Creed of 325* Excursions on the Canons of the Council of Nicaea Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 2 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses some of the challenges in the early church particularly in the third to early fourth centuries that led to the Council of Nicaea. Why was an ecumenical church council really only possible in the early fourth century? What were some of the key places, people, and events that led to the church desperately needing to meet in order to keep the Church (and the Roman Empire) from splitting apart?HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27)* First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1)* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Church History by Eusebius* Timeline of the Roman Emperors* Chi Rho Symbol* Constantine the Great* Roman Empire Under Constantine* Thalia by Arius Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard kicks off our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with an introduction. What is an ecumenical council? Why aren’t all councils and synods considered ecumenical? Why are these councils called? And how do Catholics consider the outcome of these councils’ decisions? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.SHOW NOTES:* Episode 11: From Baptist Pastor to Faithful Catholic* The Journey Home - Justin Hibbard* Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma* Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by RC Sproul* Simply Catholic: What is an Ecumenical Council* Catholic Answers: The Authority of Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special interview episode of Why Catholic, Justin Hibbard is joined by Katherine Mosco Depfer. Katherine shares how she went from growing up in a Catholic bubble, to abandoning her faith at college, and the radical reversion she experienced as a prodigal daughter. She gives practical advice for Catholic parents as well as Catholic teens.Interested in having Katherine speak at an event or a retreat, you can email her at katherine.mosco@gmail.com or find her on Instagram @missmosco. This episode is also available in video format on YouTube. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard concludes our series on the Catholic approach to prayer by addressing the claim made by many Evangelicals: “Religion is man’s way to get to God; Christianity is God’s way to get to man.” Is that true? Is all religious practices Pharisaical and a distraction from a relationship with Jesus? Or does religion actually help us pursue the heart of God?Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SHOW NOTES:* Why I Hate Religion but Love Jesus by Jeff Bethke* Bishop Barron on "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"* Fr. Pontifex - Why I Love Religion, And Love Jesus* Episode 73: Faith Seeking Understanding* Episode 131: Why Prayer is so Hard* Episode 135: Intentional Prayer Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation on our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer, Justin Hibbard talks about how Scripture teaches us that prayer is our most powerful weapon. Why do we often neglect prayer for more practical measures, and how can the Christian learn to arm themselves with prayer?Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.SHOW NOTES:* Politico: Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows* Pro-Abortion Protests Held at Catholic Churches All Over the Country | EWTN News Nightly* Episode 105: The Upside Down Kingdom* This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti* The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis* Episode 131: Why Prayer is so Hard* Episode 33: The Trinity: a Blueprint for Marriage Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer by focusing on the rhythm of prayer. How has the Catholic Church cultivated a practice of ordering our day around prayer? How do common Catholic prayers create a rhythm that helps us to pray? What are some ideas on how we can cultivate a more purposeful and disciplined prayer life? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.SHOW NOTES:* Video: Islamic Call to Prayer in Baghdad, Iraq (2003)* Sing the Hours on YouTube* Episode 107 - Interview with Paul Rose, Creator of Sing the Hours* History of the Liturgy of the Hours* Divine Office - Liturgy of the Hours Website* iBreviary - Best app for the Liturgy of the Hours* The Rosary* The Divine Mercy Chaplet* The Jesus Prayer* The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe