Kresta in the Afternoon

In a recent interview, renowned atheist Richard Dawkins said he identifies as something of a “cultural Christian,” though he still thoroughly rejects the theological teachings of Christianity. Dawkins dreams of a world without religion, but still seems to recognize fruits of Christianity. We talk more about the Church’s contribution to civilization with Jared Staudt.

The resurrection theme can be found throughout classic Literature. Marcus discusses how the theme is used in the works of Lewis and Tolkien.

In a new Spanish-language book “The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI,” Pope Francis writes that he was “used” in the 2005 conclave in an effort to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, though he supported the candidacy of the man who soon became Pope Benedict XVI. Matthew Bunson joins us with more on this and other stories.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples, but Thomas is not there to see it and later doubts their story. We talk more about the reading with Peggy Stanton.

When faced with the question of why there is so much suffering in the world, the default Christian answer is because of Adam’s sin. But the fossil record shows that animals were dying long before humans inhabited the planet. So what in the Created order changed as a result of Adam’s sin? Matthew Ramage joins us.

In a recent interview, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops, described the Church as “a rainbow, with the colors that are not excluded but, together, create harmony.” We talk more about this vision for the Church with Peter Herbeck.

Belief is a central part of human experience. We believe that the sun is the center of the Solar System. We believe (or at least hope) that warm weather will eventually return. And as Christians, we believe that Jesus rose from the dead. But what does this kind of belief mean? David Fagerberg is our guest.

In today’s daily Gospel reading, we are taken on the Road to Emmaus, which is followed by a meal. It is in the breaking of the bread that the disciples realize they are seeing Jesus. We talk more about the reading with Dr. Marcus Peter.

GK Chesterton’s bibliography is extensive, and his crowning achievement is The Everlasting Man. It’s the book that started a young atheist named CS Lewis down his path towards Christianity. But due to its style and obscure references, it’s a book that is often lost on contemporary readers. Dale Ahlquist, the leading authority on Chesterton, helps us understand it.

On Monday, March 25, New York Police Officer Jonathan Diller died in the hospital after he was shot during a routine traffic spot in Queens. His funeral Mass was held on Holy Saturday. Fr. Michael Duffy, who presided over Jonathan’s wedding and his funeral, joins us to share more about him and what it was like to have a funeral as we waited for Easter.

The Resurrection is the single greatest event in human history. Without it, Christianity loses all meaning. Even among skeptics and those who reject Christianity, there are elements of Jesus’ life and Resurrection that are beyond dispute. We’ll talk about it with Justin Bass.

Christians have historically understood that Jesus rose to life in His crucified body, citing his encounter with Thomas. But some scholars now argue that Christ’s Resurrected body was a “spiritual” body “purged of every element of flesh and blood.” How can we square that with reports of Jesus eating with His disciples and inviting them to tough his wounds? We examine it with Dr. James Ware.

The Gospel of John briefly recounts St. Thomas’ encounter with the Resurrected Lord, who insisted that Thomas put his fingers into His wounds – wounds that apparently did not heal, despite His Resurrection. How can these wounds help us connect more to Christ? We talk with Dr. Jonathan Heaps.

Do you remember people talking about the “Three Rs” of education – reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic? They’re the most basic building blocks of education and lay the foundation for everything that follows. What if we apply that principle to the greatest event in human history? We explore the Three Rs of the Resurrection with Carl Olson.

Christ has completed the mission He came to Earth to do – he has been crucified for our transgressions and lies in the tomb. As we await the joy of Easter, Al shares some thoughts on the meaning of this day.

On Holy Thursday we commemorate the first Mass, recognizing Jesus as our Great High Priest. But did Jesus intend for the priesthood to continue, or was it merely a feature of the Old Covenant? John Bergsma joins us with a look at the roots of the priesthood.

Last week the Secretary General of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops laid out his vision for the Church: “I always imagine the Church as a rainbow, with the colors that are not excluded but, together, create harmony. A harmony that, of course, would be missing where there was a conflict.” Matthew Bunson has more.

In a piece for Foreign Policy last year, Lucas Webber observed that with the US out of Afghanistan, “the local branch of the Islamic State has turned its sights on a new enemy: Russia.” And last week ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack at a Moscow concert venue that left nearly 140 people dead. Lucas joins us.

Today is the anniversary of Mother Angelica’s death on Easter Sunday, 2016. Dave Vacheresse worked with her for years, and he shares how she took him on a journey from fear to faith with a life of grace and mercy.

Muslims around the world have been observing Ramadan, just as Christians have been observing Lent. Zubair Simonson participated in Ramadan fasts and feasts with his family for years, but it wasn’t until he became Catholic that he really began to understand the purpose of fasting. He joins us.

In the midst of rapidly changing social norms, the challenges of Catholic public witness have become increasingly difficult and frustrating. It's hard -- and getting harder -- to discern the proper relationship between our Catholic Faith and American political life. Democrat, Republican, third party, or independent -- how do we make sense of it all? Ken Craycraft joins us.

Haiti continues to sink deeper into chaos. On March 12, Prime Minster Ariel Henry announced he would resign once a transitional presidential council is formed. But when experts estimate that 80% of Haiti’s capital is controlled by violent gangs, is there any hope? Sean Forrest of Haiti180 tells us more about what’s going on and the work he does there.

Critics of religion such as Richard Dawkins often claim that the Old and New Testaments portray two very different Gods, and that the God of the Old Testament is vicious, petty, selfish and vindictive - hardly the type of deity anyone would want to worship. Other critics claim that Christ's work in the New Testament renders the Old Testament irrelevant. We know both these claims are false, but...

Why was the Cross necessary? What happened during Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem? Whatever happened to Barabus? We'll discuss the answers with Jimmy Akin.

The significance of Christ's sacrificial love is unchanging. But over the centuries, the way it has depicted has changed, just like any other art form. As we continue to prepare for the Triduum, we'll talk with Sandra Miesel about how crucifixes have changed.