93 - Common Atheist Objections Pt. 1

93 - Common Atheist Objections Pt. 1

Author: Dr Caitlin West May 25, 2025 Duration: 33:24

"Atheists don't need to substantiate their position; the burden of proof lies with the theist because they're the one making a positive claim to belief."

"God is just something people turn to for comfort."

"Atheists just believe in one god fewer than Christians do."

"There is no evidence for the existence of God."

"If God is good and He loves me, then why is He so difficult to find?"

In this episode, we cover some common objections to belief in God.

⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.

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

References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Catechism pts. 36-38

⁠What happens when we seek God but can't find Him? with Alex O'Connor and Fr. Pine⁠

⁠DEBATE: God's Existence - Alex O'Connor Vs. Trent Horn⁠Bertrand Russell and Frederick Copleston Debate⁠

Alex O'Connor, This is Why I Don't Believe in God

Ben Watkins: Why I Am An Atheist

Atheists Respond to The Fine Tuning Argument for God

Good example of rhetorical language: The All-Time Best Arguments Against Religion

Dan Barker, Losing Faith in Faith

Britannica, Flying Spaghetti Monster

Capturing Christianity:

Is There Really "No Evidence" for God?

Why I Am/Am Not a Christian

Top 10 Christian vs. Atheist Debates EVERYONE Should Watch

Paul Chamberlain: Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith

John DeRosa, One Less God Than You

Fr Gregory Pine, If God Exists, Where Is He?

Bishop Barron:

Bishop Robert Barron on Who God Is & Who God Isn't

Bishop Barron on Atheism and Philosophy

Bishop Barron on Stephen Hawking and Atheism

The best atheist arguments, explained by a Catholic bishop | Bishop Robert Barron

Catholic Answers:

How to Speak to an Atheist

Atheists keep making this terrible argument.

Is there sufficient evidence for God’s existence?

Can science prove or disprove the existence of God?

10 Possible Reasons for a ‘Hidden’ God

Does it Matter That Science Can't Detect God?

How Science Proves God's Existence

Trent Horn,

Answering Atheism

The "Evil God" Challenge (REBUTTED)

William Lane Craig vs. Frank Zindler, Atheism vs. Christianity

Summa Theologiae, 1.12

Word on Fire: How Can Anyone Say They "Know" Catholicism is True?



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
74 - St. Carlo Acutis: An ordinary teenager who became a saint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
Pope Francis has just announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis is going to be the first millenial saint. Carlo Acutis was an ordinary teenager who died suddenly at the age of 15. He was known for his love of God, and in parti…
73 - How Freedom Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
If the point of my faith is to set me free, why are there so many things I *have* to do as a Catholic? What should I do when I feel like I'm doing things because I have to and not because I want to? What's the difference…
72 - How Vocation Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:56
Does everyone have a vocation? How do I know what my vocation is? Can I say no to God's call? What if I make the wrong choice? In this episode, we discuss what it means to live out our call to holiness and apostolate in…
71 - St. Gianna Beretta Molla: Wife, Mum, Doctor, Saint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in 1922. As a young woman, she wanted to be a missionary but eventually saw that God was calling her to marriage and family life. She became a pediatrician, and she and her husband Pietr…
70 - How Indulgences Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
What's an indulgence? How do I obtain one? Is it true that the Catholic church sold indulgences in the past? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on penance and contrition in the lead-up to Holy Week. Donate via Pa…
69 - How to go to Confession (and make it a good one!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:18
What should I say in the confessional? What happens if I forget one of my sins, or forget to say my penance? Can non-Catholics go to confession? This episode is a practical guide for going to confession. Donate via PayPa…
68 - Lent and Easter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
What are the origins of Lent? Do I have to give something up? Why is there no mass on Good Friday? How long does the Easter season last? (Hint: ages) In this episode, we discuss the Lenten and Easter Seasons. Donate via…
67 - Ecumenism and Apostolate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) How does the Catholic church dialogue with other faiths and denominations without compromising on the truth? Why is it important to have friends who don't…
66 - Unity and Diversity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
How do we balance unity and diversity within the Catholic church? Do Catholics have to accept every single one of the official teachings of the church? Does union with the pope mean accepting and believing every single t…
65 - Gifts and Charisms of the Holy Spirit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
What are charisms? Do Catholics believe that people can speak in tongues? How do I know what my unique gifts are? Happy New Year! Welcome to our first episode of 2024! ⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠:https://www.paypal.com/donate/…