The Open Door

WCAT Radio

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. 2h ago

    Episode 319: The Open Door with Dr. Virginia Arbery on Nationalism (July 1, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder talk with Virginia Arbery about Nationalism.

    1h 5m

  2. Jun 14

    Episode 318: Jared Staudt, editor of The American Catholic Land Movement (June 10, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Jared Staudt, editor of The American Catholic Land Movement (June 10, 2026)

    1 hr

  3. May 22

    Episode 317: Dr. Richard Spinello on the Essential Role of Philosophy in Catholic Theology (May 20, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Richard Spinello, a professor at Boston College, on the relationship between philosophy and theology, particularly within the Catholic tradition. Spinello emphasized the importance of philosophy in theological education, highlighting the need for a solid philosophical foundation, especially in ethics and metaphysics. The conversation also touched on the decline of Thomism in modern academia and the influence of modern philosophy on theology, particularly the challenges posed by relativism and postmodernism. The panelists agreed on the necessity of a metaphysical dimension in Catholic philosophy and the need for a revival of Thomistic studies. For more on this point, see Spinello's Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth (Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Karol Wojtyła)  This book unfolds the intersecting life stories of four important Catholic philosophers of the 20th century, namely, Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Wojtyla, and examines the salient themes of their respective philosophies. Exploring the lives of these four individuals will unlock for the reader the nature of Catholic philosophy, which always aspires to a higher wisdom and the discovery of the hidden harmony of the universe. The spiritual itinerary of these faithful scholars is part of a larger story, therefore, of the intimate relationship between faith and reason that is at the heart of Catholic intellectual life.  https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/fourcatholicphilosophers/

    1h 5m

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    319
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright WCAT Radio
  • Show Website
    The Open Door