96 - The Bible: Introduction

96 - The Bible: Introduction

Author: Dr Caitlin West July 8, 2025 Duration: 29:12

www.caitlinwest.com


What is the Bible, really, and how do we read it? How can we say that the Bible is both the Word of God and the work of human authors? What should we do when we come across a tricky passage that we don't know how to interpret?

Welcome to our next deep dive! In these next few episodes, we'll unpack some of the most common questions about the Bible, and lay a foundation for how to approach it as Catholics.


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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: 50

Crash Course Catholicism
Podcast Episodes
Catechism 101: The Argument from Contingency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:27
In this episode, we continue our series on St Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways by exploring his Third Way: the Argument from Contingency. Aquinas begins with a simple but profound observation: the things we encounter in the wor…
Catechism 101: The Argument from Efficient Causality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:14
<p>In this episode, we explore <strong>St Thomas Aquinas' Second Way</strong>, also known as the <strong>Argument from Efficient Causality</strong>. This is a classic cosmological argument for the existence of God.</p><p…
Catechism 101: The Argument from Motion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:15
In this episode, we explore St Thomas Aquinas’ First Way, also known as the Argument from Motion. This is one of the most influential philosophical arguments for the existence of God.Building on our introduction to cosmo…
Catechism 101: The Cosmological Argument for God's Existence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:29
How do we know that God exists? Can reason lead us to God?In this episode, we begin a new series exploring one of the most famous arguments for the existence of God: St Thomas Aquinas’ cosmological argument.Before diving…
120 - Truth & Freedom Under Threat | Magnifica Humanitas Part 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
In Part 4 of our series on Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, we explore Chapter 4, which describes how artificial intelligence is reshaping truth, work, and freedom.Pope Leo warns that AI is not simply changing…
Conversations Ep. 2 – Bit by Bit with Lucinda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:25
Conversion doesn't always happen in a single blinding moment of clarity. Sometimes, like drops of water slowly filling a glass, conversion to the Catholic faith is the result of countless conversations, experiences, and…
Catechism 101: How to be Certain God Exists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:04
“God, the first principle and last end of all things, can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 36In this episode of Catechism 101,…
118 - Social Doctrine in the Digital Age | Magnifica Humanitas Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
What does Catholic Social Doctrine have to say about artificial intelligence?In Part 2 of our series on Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, we explore chapters 1 and 2 of the encyclical and discover why the Church…