94 - Common Atheist Objections Pt. 2

94 - Common Atheist Objections Pt. 2

Author: Dr Caitlin West June 11, 2025 Duration: 35:14

www.caitlinwest.com


"The fact that people's religion tends to align with the culture and country that they grew up in shows that religion is just a cultural construct"

"There are so many hypocritical people who have used religion to abuse others, to start wars, or to seek power. These people undermine the validity of religion."

"We no longer need God; science explains everything we need to know."

"If God exists, then why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?"

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of objections to belief in God.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Pew Research Center, The Global Religious Landscape

St. Thomas Aquinas, The Summa Theologiae, 1.2

Trent Horn, Answering Atheism

National Catholic Register,

Does God Want Everyone to Be Catholic?

The Problem of Evil: Actually, It's Complicated

Catholic Answers:

Christian HypocrisyAre You a Hypocrite?How can the Church be true when it produces hypocrisy?

How to Answer the Problem of Evil

The Problem of Evil

Fr Mike Schmitz,

"Judgmental, Bigoted, Homophobic, Elitist, and Hypocritical" (The World’s Perception of Christians)

Are All Catholics Hypocrites?

Augustine of Hippo: God Enlarges the Capacity of Our Soul that He may Fill Us with His Presence

G.K. Chesterton on the Problem of Evil

Bishop Robert Barron,

Is Science Opposed to Faith?

Bishop Barron on Scientism and God's Existence

Bishop Barron on God, Tsunamis, and the Problem of Evil

Bishop Barron on Atheism and Philosophy

Bishop Barron Comments on Stephen Fry, Job, and Suffering

The Thomistic Institute,

The Problem of Evil (Aquinas 101)

Freedom (Aquinas 101)

Fr Gregory Pine, Does the Presence of Evil Disprove the Existence of God?

Word on Fire Institute, How the Problem of Evil Points to God's Existence

Peter Kreeft, God's Answer to Suffering

William Lane Graig on the Problem of Evil

The Counsel of Trent, God vs evil (with Alex O’Connor, Joe Schmid, and Cameron Bertuzzi)

Capturing Christianity, God Allows Evil and God is Evil?


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.
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