The Open Door

WCAT Radio
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Monthly

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. Aug 14

    Episode 321: Jeb Smith, author of Missing Monarchy (August 14, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Jeb Smith, author of Missing Monarchy: Correcting Misconceptions About The Middle Ages, Medieval Kingship, Democracy, And Liberty. When you think of democracy, what comes to mind? Comparing democracy to monarchy, are you thankful to be living free rather than suffering oppression under a medieval tyrant? What if you could be evidentially shown that the democracy you hold so dear is not only less ideal than you’ve been taught, but is actually inferior to the kingdoms of the Middle Ages? Get ready for a real history lesson you won’t soon forget. In Jeb Smith’s latest work Missing Monarchy, he uncovers eye-opening facts about the Medieval period, kingship, democracy, and more. When you learn how societies of our past addressed their governmental needs, you may begin to perceive that our current system isn't the utopia it is commonly portrayed as. And as you come to understand how power is wielded under our democracy, you just might start missing monarchy too.  https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Monarchy-Correcting-Misconceptions-Democracy/dp/B0D6BJPSFY

  2. Jul 23

    Episode 320: Matthew Vander Vennet on the Sacra Doctrina Project (July 22, 2026)

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Matthew Vander Vennet about the Sacra Doctrina project. What is the Sacra Doctrina project?What do you see in the current practice of theology that needs correction or enhancement?On your website you speak of "speculative theology" as the foundation for theology. In current usage speculative generally means making good guesses or musing about something. Is that what you mean by "speculative theology"?How is good theology related to good philosophy? How is St. Thomas important for both these sciences?One of the issues in current theological discussion involves the question of whether historical and cultural particularities ought to be the starting point for theology or whether we can know certain universals from which we can then deduce other facts, even though we must still take account of historical and cultural facts. Can you comment on this, and on how differing approaches to this question have affected Catholic intellectual life since the Council?

  3. Jul 2

    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.

  4. 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)

  5. 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/

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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."

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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
    321
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright WCAT Radio
  • Show Website
    The Open Door

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