104 - Bible Questions Pt. 3

104 - Bible Questions Pt. 3

Author: Dr Caitlin West November 28, 2025 Duration: 33:16

caitlinwest.com


FINAL EPISODE OF THE DEEP DIVE LET'S GOOOO

In this episode, we consider common moral problems that people encounter when they read the Bible. Why does the God of the Old Testament seem so angry and cruel, while Jesus seems merciful and loving? Why does God give such harsh punishments to people in the Old Testament? Does the Bible condone things like slavery and genocide? What about all those people who do terrible things in the Bible?


Basically just a few really easy simple questions that aren't at all controversial, you're welcome.

This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Contact the podcast: ⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Matthew 22:37-40

Isaiah 13:9

2 Kings 13

Joshua 11:8-9

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 42, 53

Trent Horn, Hard Sayings

Jimmy Akin, Genocide in the Bible

Joe Heschmeyer, Did God Command Genocide in the Old Testament?

The Bible in a Year, Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and Hail

Catholic Answers:

The Reason for Divine Wrath

Does God Have Emotions?

Does the Bible Support Slavery?

Pope Benedict XVI: God and the World: Believing and Living in Our Time

The Catholic Encyclopedie, Slavery and Christianity

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II.i, Q.79

Fr Mike Schmitz:

Did God Change?

Old Testament God vs. New Testament God

Pints With Aquinas, The Problem of Violence in The Old Testament? /W Trent Horn

Bishop Robert Barron, Understanding Violence in the Old Testament

Breaking In The Habit, Why is God so Angry in the Old Testament?


For anyone curious about the foundations, traditions, and everyday implications of the Catholic faith, Crash Course Catholicism offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point. Hosted by theologian Dr Caitlin West, this podcast breaks down complex theological concepts, historical context, and Church teachings into clear, manageable conversations. Each fortnightly episode focuses on a specific topic-from the sacraments and scripture to moral philosophy and liturgical practice-providing listeners with a structured yet engaging overview. Dr West’s approach is both scholarly and welcoming, making centuries of tradition feel relevant and comprehensible. Whether you're a lifelong parishioner seeking a refresher, someone exploring spirituality, or simply a person with questions about the world's largest Christian denomination, this series is designed to inform without overwhelming. Tune in for a calm, considered journey through the pillars of Catholic thought, all delivered in short, easy-to-digest segments perfect for a daily commute or quiet moment of reflection. You can find more from Dr Caitlin West and the podcast at her website.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Crash Course Catholicism
Podcast Episodes
45 - The Eighth Commandment: The Media and Art [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." What are the obligations of the news media to the truth? What's the relationship between truth and beauty? Is all art beautiful? In this episode we wrap up our di…
44 - The Eighth Commandment: Lies! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Is it ever okay to lie? Can gossip be a mortal sin? Is it okay to publicly call someone out for doing the wrong thing? In this episode we continue our discussion…
43 - The Eighth Commandment: Truth! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Is there such thing as objective truth? Is it ALWAYS better to tell the truth? Are there situations where it's better to lie? (Pls excuse the the background cicad…
42 - The Seventh Commandment: Capitalism, Socialism, and Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
"You shall not steal." What does a just economic system look like? Is work necessary? Do wealthy nations have an obligation to help poorer ones? This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Seven of…
41 - The Seventh Commandment: Private property and theft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
"You shall not steal." What actually constitutes stealing? Is anything absolutely my own? How much should I give to others? In this episode, we begin our discussion of the seventh Commandment. This episode covers Part Th…
40 - The Sixth Commandment: Marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:04
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What is the point of marriage? Is divorce a sin? What about contraception, or IVF? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of the sixth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Se…
39 - The Sixth Commandment: Sex and Chastity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What is the purpose of sex? Does the Catholic church just have a massive negative hang-up about it? In this episode, we continue our discussion of the sixth Commandment. This episode cov…
38 - The Sixth Commandment: Gender [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:16
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What does it mean to be a man or a woman? Does difference between men and women mean inequality and sexism? In this episode, we begin our discussion of the sixth commandment. This episod…
37.5 - The Fifth Commandment: War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:38
"You shall not kill." What constitutes a "just war"? Is it permissible to accumulate weapons of mass destruction? In this mini episode, we wrap up our discussion of the fifth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three,…
37 - The Fifth Commandment: Abortion and euthanasia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
"You shall not kill." Is abortion ever morally permissible? What about euthanasia? What does the Church teach about people who have committed suicide? In this episode we continue our discussion of the fifth Commandment.…