The Raising Catholic Podcast

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Raising Catholic is just two Catholic dad's (and best friends) on opposite sides of the country, raising their families and deepening their faith as they study the Bible one book at a time. Join Josh Vegors (Nashville, TN) and Tim Summers (Reno, NV) every week to talk through their thoughts on scripture, life, and the world.

  1. Jul 15

    When Warriors Worship: 2 Maccabees 4–6

    Hosts Josh and Tim read 2 Maccabees chapters 4–6, exploring a priestly author’s focus on the ruined temple, Judas Maccabeus as a David-like leader, and the repeated theme of putting God first amid relentless battles. They unpack vivid battle details (including war elephants), sacrificial heroism, the pragmatic limits of victory (a peace accepted because of famine), and the call to authentic faith — "God doesn’t have grandchildren." The episode closes with a personal relics story that brings faith and tradition to life, and a look ahead to how the next chapters may continue the pattern of peaks and valleys in Israel’s struggle.

  2. Jul 8

    Davidic Echoes: The Maccabean Hero Reborn

    Two Catholic dads dive into 1 Maccabees chapters 1–3, unpacking its David and Joshua echoes, the crisis of faith under Hellenistic oppression, and how liturgical life and constant prayer sustain resistance. They wrestle with righteous violence, collaboration with oppressors, and the ongoing need for community and discernment.

  3. Jul 1

    Grandma’s Creek and the Maccabees: Memory, Faith, and Home

    Two Catholic dads share personal memories of grandparents, loss, and the power of place, then dive into 1–2 Maccabees to explain its importance for understanding Jesus’ time, the Jewish canon, Hanukkah, the Ark, and Catholic practices like praying for the dead. They introduce a "three by three" study plan to read three chapters and discuss three resonant points each week.

  4. Jun 24

    Cities of Refuge and the Rhythm of Faith

    Two Catholic dads—Josh Vegors and Tim Summers—walk through the Book of Joshua, focusing on land distribution, the Levites’ cities, and the six cities of refuge. Their conversation links biblical structure to modern concerns: the role and burdens of priests, the importance of liturgy and sacramentality, and how culture and politics are shaped by what people worship. Practical takeaways include why ordered liturgy forms a life of surrender and freedom, how priests balance sacramental ministry with parish management, and how biblical practices like cities of refuge reveal God’s aim to preserve holiness and curb vengeance.

  5. Jun 17

    When God 'Hardens' Hearts: Free Will, Pride, and Grace

    Two Catholic dads unpack difficult Bible passages about God "hardening" hearts (Exodus, Joshua) and reconcile this language with human free will using the sun/wax/clay analogy. They explore examples like Pharaoh, Judas, and opposing kings, and draw on Augustine to explain how pride, power, and refusal to surrender lead to hardened hearts. The episode finishes with practical takeaways: cultivate a broken, receptive heart through surrender and grace, watch for signs of pride, and apply these lessons at home while continuing their study of Joshua and other warrior books.

  6. Jun 10

    When the Sun Stood Still: Faith, Warfare, and Worship in Joshua

    Josh and Tim unpack Joshua (chapters 6–10), exploring Jericho, Ai, and the famous sun-standing miracle. They connect Israel’s battles to liturgical worship, discuss the necessity of worshipping God the right way, wrestle with faith and science in Scripture, and reflect on surrender, the fear of the Lord, and God’s desire for a contrite heart.

  7. Jun 3

    When Walls Fall: The Battle of Jericho and Achan's Sin

    Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, walk through Joshua chapters on the Battle of Jericho and Achan’s sin—covering the unusual siege, archaeological notes about the collapsed walls and stored grain, the brutal aftermath for Achan, and how these stories point to themes of humility, communal responsibility, and God’s relentless search for humanity. They weave Scripture with personal anecdotes, reflections on grace (Bishop Barron and Fr. Mike Schmitz quotes), and what it means to prepare the way for the Lord.

  8. May 27

    Easter, a Pope’s Passing, and the Stones of Gilgal

    On this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh Vegors and Tim Summers pray for Pope Francis after his passing, reflect on leadership in the Church during the Easter season, and share personal reactions. They dive into Joshua chapters 4–6, exploring the stones of Gilgal, the second circumcision, the end of the manna, the commander of the Lord, and the lead-up to the battle of Jericho. The hosts discuss the value of tradition and communal Bible study, and encourage a ‘both-and’ approach to theological and political tensions in the Church today.

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About

Raising Catholic is just two Catholic dad's (and best friends) on opposite sides of the country, raising their families and deepening their faith as they study the Bible one book at a time. Join Josh Vegors (Nashville, TN) and Tim Summers (Reno, NV) every week to talk through their thoughts on scripture, life, and the world.

Information

  • Creator
    raisingcatholic
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Raising Catholic Podcast