Bonus Points

We all know some Bible stories, but do we know THE story? In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're summarizing the main plot of Sacred Scripture. Spoiler alert: It's a love story. Today's episode is on the longer side, but when you consider that we're summarizing a 1,500 page book...well, 40 minutes is still a pretty good deal. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Most of us know that we should be reading the Bible more...but if you've ever picked it up and tried, you know that this isn't always easy. In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're beginning a new series on how to start reading Sacred Scripture. We'll start with "What is the Bible?" and why we should read it. In future episodes, we'll get a "bird's eye view" of the story, talk about how to pray w...

Most Catholics accept Pope Francis, formerly known as Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, as the legitimate pope. But if you ask a (very) selective group in Kansas, they’ll tell you that it’s really Pope Michael, formerly known as Dave. Is Pope Michael the real pope? Short answer: No. Long answer: Nooooooooooo. Find out more in this episode of Bonus Points. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Since I started this show, no topic has been suggested as frequently as this one. Do the movies get it right when they depict exorcisms? Are demons real? What can they do to us and what can we do to them? In this episode of Bonus Points, we talk about how demons interact with us and what we can do to fight back. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Ben Kenobi may have said, "Trust your feelings," but should you? Jedi philosophy has a lot to say about emotions and attachments, and in this episode of Bonus Points, we'll see how that compares with the Catholic approach. This is part three in our "Star Wars & Spirituality" series; check out episodes 004 and 009 for the first two parts. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

It is simple, yet profound. It is a way of simultaneously calling upon the powerful name of Jesus and obeying St. Paul's command to "pray without ceasing." I'm referring, of course, to the Jesus Prayer. A classic from the Byzantine world, there is something here for everybody. In this episode of Bonus Points, we talk about what the Jesus Prayer is, where it comes from, and how to do it. Website: h...

Since the Early Church, we have always venerated the physical remains of the saints. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about why we venerate relics, where they come from, and how we know that they're real. This is going to be a real first-class episode, no bones about it. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Four episodes in one week!? It must be a special occasion: the Sacred Paschal Triduum! There's so much that happens during our liturgies this week, and a lot of it is only seen once a year. On this episode of Bonus Points, we will go through Holy Saturday's Easter Vigil with a missal in hand and talk about some of the unique elements. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Welcome to the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the most sacred season of the liturgical year. There's so much that happens during our liturgies this week, and a lot of it is only seen once a year. On this episode of Bonus Points, we will go through Holy Thursday and Good Friday with a missal in hand and talk about some of the unique elements. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Since January, I have been participating in Exodus 90, a ninety-day spiritual exercise for men. Fasting, cold showers, holy hours, and more...it's a tough (but good) three months! As the 90 days draw to a close, I reflect on how my experience has been and which of the disciplines gave me the most trouble. It's another Bonus Points bonus episode! Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

This week, I'm answering more questions submitted by you, the listener. Which apostle would I want with me in a fight? What's the deal with aliens? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this episode of Bonus Points! Questions: What is the best Star Wars movie? Which apostle would you like to have with you in a fight? What is your opinion on Christianity in the Lorax cinematic univers...

How do you make a saint? In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll walk through the process of canonization, from the opening of the cause to the honors of the altar. Why is a miracle required, and how do we know it was a real miracle? Find out in this second episode of a series on the communion of saints. Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Catholics are known for having a strong devotion to the saints, but is this a good thing? In this episode of Bonus Points, we talk about why Christians should not be afraid to pray to the saints and how to grow your own devotion to the heroes who have gone before us.  This is the first episode of a series on the communion of saints! Website: https://www. BonusPointsPodcast.com

Scripture doesn't tell us much about Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He's more of the "strong, silent" type. But what can we know about him? That's the question on today's episode of Bonus Points. Website: https://www.bonuspointspodcast.com

A Bonus Points bonus episode! Over spring break, I went on a silent retreat, and I can’t wait to tell you what it’s like. Website: BonusPointsPodcast.com 

This is getting out of hand. Now there are two of them! Two episodes of Star Wars & Spirituality, that is. In this episode of Bonus Points, we’re finding similarities between Revenge of the Sith and Genesis 3. We’ll also see what Anakin’s fall can tell us about all sin. Make sure you check out Christ-Centered Life, a new podcast from my good friends Mark and Kendra. Link: https://www.youtube.c...

Today, I’m answering questions submitted by listeners. Can you smack your guardian angel? Did Jesus have any siblings? Can you smack the pope? Tune in and find out! Questions: Would it be considered worse to worship a false god or no god? What would happen if you accidentally smacked your guardian angel? (And could your guardian angel smack you?) Did Jesus have any biological brothers or sisters?...

The Catholic world includes an incredible diversity of approaches to the spiritual life, and every religious community has their own unique focus and personality. Today, we’re looking at one of my favorites. They’re prayer pros. They’re contenders at contemplation. They’re Carmelites.

The original title of this episode was We Talk About Encanto. It was supposed to be a play on "We Don't Talk About Bruno" but it felt like a stretch. Anyway, in this episode, we talk about Encanto. (Credit for the final title of this episode goes to my wife, who is much smarter than I am.)

Sometimes we become so familiar with certain Bible stories that we have no idea how much is waiting beneath the surface. Today, we’re going to find references to ALL 7 Catholic sacraments by going deeper with a few familiar passages from John’s Gospel.

What does a Jedi have in common with a monk? It's not a joke, it's the topic of today's episode! We'll also compare the Force with the Holy Spirit in this first episode in our series on Star Wars.

Most believers recognize that prayer is important, but few would say that they’re good at it. Today, we talk about how to form a prayer habit and take your prayer to the next level.

In this episode, we're looking at one of my favorite movies: Jurassic Park. This movie raises a few interesting theological questions, like whether it is morally acceptable to clone dinosaurs. We'll also talk about whether dinosaurs are kosher under the Law of Moses, and more!

What is this show and why should you care? Those are the questions for this first, introductory episode of Bonus Points.