Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 11, where Jesus begins with a striking phrase: “Suppose one of you has a friend.” In this Gospel passage, Christ explores the complexities of human friendship, exposing the double privation we often experience—having nothing to give and receiving nothing in return. Yet this need draws us toward something deeper. Jesus reveals Himself as the wisest and best...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ectplus.org In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. John Brungardt discusses his formation as a Catholic philosopher and his contribution to the series with Natural Philosophy: An Introduction. He reflects on his education at Thomas Aquinas College and the Catholic University of America, the influence o...

What is natural philosophy, and why does it matter today? In this edition of In Focus, Dr. John Brungardt explores the meaning, scope, and enduring significance of natural philosophy—the ancient discipline that investigates change, motion, and the principles of the physical cosmos. Drawing on the insights of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, Brungardt t… This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Gospel accounts of Martha, who appears in both Luke 10 and John 11. Often seen as overshadowed by her sister Mary, Martha is revealed as a woman of deep insight—attuned to the relationships around her. But Jesus does not leave her in the realm of observation. Instead, He draws her into personal union, speaking directly to her: “Do you believe this?” Her resp...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Gospel of Luke, where a scholar of the law asks Jesus the question at the heart of every human life: What must I do to inherit eternal life? At first, the scholar and Jesus appear to agree—but something deeper is revealed. The scholar seeks to justify himself, reducing salvation to something achievable by his own effort. But divine life is not earned or engi...

Where are theological notes and censures discussed in the Church’s tradition? Fr. Dylan Schrader traces the development of this important tool in Catholic theology, highlighting early modern scholastics like Francisco Suárez, Robert Bellarmine, and the Salmonte Censas, as well as more recent figures such as Constantine Coser and Sisto Cardacchini. He al… This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus declares that the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. At first glance, it seems God is in need—but in truth, He needs nothing. Out of sheer goodness and love, God freely chooses to involve us in His saving work. Our labors are not burdens but privileges, grounded in divine initiative. God does not depend on us—but He de...

What role do theological notes play in the life of faith? In this video, Fr. Dylan Schrader explores how these notes help clarify the Church’s teachings—distinguishing what must be believed from what may be debated. Drawing on the tradition of the Church, he highlights how theological notes serve both obedience and understanding, offering guidance amid … This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Gospel of Matthew, where Peter professes Jesus as the Christ—not by insight or reason alone, but by grace. Every act of faith, hope, and love is made possible because God acts first. The Church, the papacy, and our own return to Christ are never of human origin—they are the work of God, who draws us to himself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to disc...

In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Fr. Dylan Schrader recounts his path to the priesthood and his theological formation, shaped by a diverse religious upbringing, seminary education, and academic research. From his early years at a high school seminary to studies at Conception Seminary College and the Catholic University of America, Fr. Schrader reflects on the intel...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, highlighting how the Eucharist is not a human invention but a gift received from the Lord. In the Mass, we don’t merely recall Christ’s sacrifice—we proclaim it, and through the sacraments, Christ himself comes to us, unchanged and always relevant. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subs...

What are theological notes, and why do they matter? In this edition of In Focus, Father Dylan Schrader examines the history, function, and enduring value of theological notes and censures in Catholic theology. Drawing on the Church’s magisterial tradition, moral and canonical distinctions, and the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, Schrader shows how… This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, showing how justification by faith brings about real peace with God—not symbolically, but truly. Through grace and the sacraments, God pours his divine life into us, transforming us from within. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/su...

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Gospel of John, showing how Jesus breaks through fear and locked doors to give us his peace—personally and powerfully. That same peace reaches us today through the sacrament of confession, where Christ forgives sins and gives us himself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www....

Summary In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Daniel Keating reflects on his article on deification and offers a personal account of the formation—spiritual, intellectual, and ecclesial—that has shaped his theological vocation. From his early years in Cleveland to his Jesuit education, studies at Oxford, and life in Christ… This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Fr. Cuddy reflects on the Gospel of Luke, showing how the Ascension is not Christ’s departure but the fulfillment of the Father’s promise. From heaven, Jesus remains present—working through the Holy Spirit and the sacraments to bring salvation to all, in every time and place. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.e...

What does it mean to become “partakers of the divine nature”? In this edition of In Focus, Dr. Daniel Keating explores the rich Christian doctrine of deification—from its biblical foundations to its development in the early Church. Drawing on Scripture, the Church Fathers, and sacramental theology, Keating traces how deification is not merely symbolic b… This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

What does it mean to keep Christ’s word? Fr. Cuddy explores love, obedience, and true union with Jesus—not from a distance, but in sacramental communion. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

In this reflection on John 13, we consider what makes the “new commandment” truly new. Jesus calls us not merely to love, but to love as He loves—a supernatural love made possible only through grace. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Executive Director Gideon Barr and General Editor Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. share the story behind the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology—its mission, growth, and vision for the Church. They touch on key projects like the Catholic Handbook series, the global reach of the website, and how ECT makes rich, faithful theology accessible to anyone seeking deeper understanding. This is a public episode. If...

In this reflection on John 10, Fr. Cajetan Cuddy explores the Christian’s identity—not as self-invented, but as revealed by Christ Himself. Theology becomes the way we see clearly: faith seeking understanding, shaped by the Shepherd who knows His sheep. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Discover the key figures and foundational texts—like Veritatis Splendor and The Sources of Christian Ethics—that have shaped modern Catholic moral theology and renewed the Church’s understanding of freedom, virtue, and the moral life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Ryan Connors explains how Catholic moral theology can only be truly understood in light of Christ, the sacraments, and the Church's complete theological vision. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

In this reflection on the final chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Fr. Cajetan Cuddy explains that reason, though noble and necessary, finds its fulfillment not in certainty but in charity. Faith is the act of the intellect, yes—but it is an intellect moved by charity, trusting in the word of the Lord who knows all things. As the disciples cast their nets at the bidding of the unrecognized Christ, so t...

What sets moral theology apart from other disciplines? Unlike theology that studies God, Christ, or the Church directly, moral theology focuses on graced human action—how our choices, aided by grace, draw us closer to God. In this video, Fr. Ryan Connors explores how moral theologians approach human acts not sociologically or psychologically, but theologically: as the path by which man is perfecte...