The Open Door

WCAT Radio
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Please join us at The Open Door! We discuss everything from art to politics, from foreign policy to technology - all in light of the Church's doctrine and intellectual tradition. The Open Door aims to be an intellectual and spiritual feast for Catholics and others who are looking for thoughtful discussion about our world and all of reality.

  1. APR 30

    Episode 316: Fr. Richard O Connor on Dialectics (April 29, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Fr. Richard O Connor on Dialectics.

    1h 2m

  2. APR 9

    Episode 315: Fr. Richard O Connor on his book Pastoral Lessons (April 8, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski interview Fr. Richard O Connor on his book Pastoral Lessons: A Study in Pastoral Theology, Theory and Practice (April 8, 2026).  This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the priestly vocation in light of Christ’s threefold office as King, Prophet, and Priest. Drawing from Scripture, Vatican II, the Catechism, and the writings of St. John Paul II, O Connor blends theology with lived parish experience. This guide equips seminarians, clergy, and lay leaders to shepherd, teach, and sanctify God’s people with wisdom and pastoral charity. Pastoral Lessons: A Study in Pastoral Theology, Theory and Practice by Fr. Richard O Connor | En Route Books and Media

    1h 12m

  3. MAR 17

    Episode 314: David Lyons, Columbus, OH, Office of Catholic Advocacy and Social Doctrine (March 12, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview David Lyons, Director of the Office of Catholic Advocacy and Social Doctrine for the Columbus diocese. This article https://catholictimescolumbus.org/local/human-life-and-the-social-order-the-work-of-the-office-of-catholic-advocacy-social-doctrine/ highlights some of his work. The panel focuses on efforts to combat what he calls industrial gambling, corporate domination of the housing market and "data centers' binges on public utilities like electricity and water."

    1h 6m

  4. FEB 17

    Episode 313: The Panelists on Just War Theory (February 16, 2026)

    What exactly does the Church's just war teaching entail? For governments and for citizens, whether in the military or not? What might be relevant here from the conventions or treaties enacted since the 19th century which are examples of positive law but also efforts to specify what's obligated by natural law?Fr. Stratmann writes that "If we consider the conditions which justify a war from the standard of Catholic morality we find that war is almost an impossibility. Defence or restoration of justice are the only justifications for war." p. 63.Fr Stratmann writes, "It is, to begin with, almost impossible to decide who is the original aggressor - whether it is the side which declares war, or that which issues the ultimatum or that which has necessitated the ultimatum" p. 44. And elsewhere he writes of the difficulty of knowing where to place blame, given the old grudges and injustices which occur between countries. In light of this, what can we say about the justice of any war?Does the level of military technology affect just war theory, e.g., can we say that any particular means of waging war is or can be legitimate simply because it is in common use? I am thinking of aerial bombing, which seems to be usually or always wrong, except perhaps when used against a purely military target such as a fleet of enemy warships. Can we make a good argument that a just war is no long impossible given the kinds of armaments employed today?Is this teaching really practical? Does it hamper the actions of governments in protecting their nations? Do government leaders have the right to embrace the idea of Death but not Sin, when that means death for their citizens as well?Does a single nation have the authority or right to act as a police force throughout the world, especially given our proclivity to favor our own interests and pretend that we are acting on behalf of international law or morality?What concretely could a nation, inspired by Christian principles, do to further the cause of peace? Or the Church?

    1h 2m

  5. JAN 29

    Episode 312: Fr. Jacek Norkowski and Stephen Blendell on Homeopathy (January 28, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Fr. Jacek Norkowski and Stephen Blendell on Homeopathy. Some questions asked: What is homeopathy? What is its history?How does it differ from allopathic medicine? What are the philosophical bases of both systems? Why might a Catholic prefer homeopathy because of the Thomistic philosophical and theological traditions? How do both homeopathy and allopathy presuppose a certain understanding of human nature? Is homeopathy more congruent with a Thomistic understanding than with a Cartesian understanding of how a living organism functions?Do we know how homeopathy works? What do we say to critics who claim it is merely a placebo or that it has never been validated by proper scientific testing?Why are some Catholics suspicious of homeopathy?In Europe, what is the situation with homeopathy? Is it accepted in most of the national health plans of EU nations? What do you see as its future? What are the barriers to its increased acceptance? In particular, how do allopathic practitioners view homeopathy? In the U.S. I've noticed a slight increase in allopaths who are willing to take it seriously.

    1h 11m

  6. JAN 9

    Episode 311: Paul List on his book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed (January 7, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Paul List on his book co-authored with Ali Ghaffari entitled Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed. J.R.R. Tolkien stated that he wrote his mythology to be enjoyed by readers - and yet, that was only the beginning. But are there more to Tolkien's words beyond the "fairy tale?" For decades, interpreters have guessed at the underlying messages contained within Tolkien's mythology. Yet until now, no one has pulled together a comprehensive interpretation of the deeper, hidden messages within the greatest mythological tales ever told. In 'Mount Doom, ' Paul List and Ali Ghaffari show how Tolkien began with the most significant true myth, the Creation story from the book of Genesis, adapted it to the creation of an individual human being, brought in a prophecy about the greatest threat to humanity - idolatry and slavery as a result of over-reliance on digital machinery and artificial intelligence.  Tolkien's mythology is his warning to humanity and his hope for the revival of Western civilization. This complete reinterpretation of the Lord of the Rings mythology will forever change how the world understands J.R.R. Tolkien and his life's work. https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Doom-Prophecy-Tolkien-Revealed/dp/1956267735

    1h 3m

  7. 12/12/2025

    Episode 310: Panel Discussion on Why People Leave the Church (December 10, 2025)

    In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder hold a panel discussion on why people leave the Church.

    1h 2m

  8. 11/19/2025

    Episode 309: Dr. Virginia Arbery and George Hawley on the book Catholics and the American Polity (November 19, 2025)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Dr. Virginia Arbery & George Hawley on a book co-edited by Pieter Vree and Thomas Storck entitled Catholics and the American Polity: Approaches & Contestations. "Anti-Catholicism is one of the distinguishing marks of American history. Today, as the Church's institutional influence wanes, anti-Catholicism is once again surging. Yet Catholics mustn't retreat from civic engagement, for the Catechism says that 'intervening directly' in the 'political structuring and organization of social life' is our 'vocation.' How are we to accomplish this? Three theories have gained prominence: integralism, regime change, and the 'Benedict Option.' In this book, twenty-five thinkers grapple with the questions of whether Catholics have a 'place at the table' of American public life and how we might fulfill our vocation vis-à-vis the structuring and organization of the same." -PIETER VREE  "What is America-a nation, a proposition, an experiment? And if a proposition or an experiment, how does America relate to the Church's own robust tradition of political thought? Is it something that a Catholic can or ought to make his peace with? This timely collection of essays highlights a range of opinion, from enthusiastic acceptance of a propositional Americanism to an equally strong rejection of such. Catholics who have not closely examined the philosophical or theological roots of American tradition or the implications of our own Church's thought, will find in this volume more than one helpful starting point for their own pondering on what it means to be both Catholic and American in the twenty-first century." -THOMAS STORCK  Contributors Virginia L. Arbey - Casey Chalk - Will Hoyt - George Hawley - Kan Ito - A. James McAdamsPreston R. Simpson - Mark Barrett - Charles A. Coulombe - Christopher BeitingKarl Keating - Gracjan Kraszewski - Jude Russo - Marek Jan Chodakiewicz - Christopher ZehnderJohn M. Grondelski - James G. Hanink - Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist. - Thomas Storck - Edwin DygaRobert McTeigue, S.J. - Jason M. Morgan - Thaddeus Kozinski - John C. Médaille - Al Kresta  https://www.amazon.com/Catholics-American-Polity-Approaches-Contestations/dp/1998492583/

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Please join us at The Open Door! We discuss everything from art to politics, from foreign policy to technology - all in light of the Church's doctrine and intellectual tradition. The Open Door aims to be an intellectual and spiritual feast for Catholics and others who are looking for thoughtful discussion about our world and all of reality.

Information

  • Creator
    WCAT Radio
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    316
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright WCAT Radio
  • Show Website
    The Open Door