Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

with Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld
  • 4.8 (22)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A Catholic podcast brought to you by the Archdiocese of Regina where we attempt to navigate this winding road of faith in Jesus Christ so that we might know him more intimately, love him more profoundly and together serve him more deeply in our daily lives.

  1. APR 1

    Why Does God Allow Suffering? Faith, Evil, and Hope Explained

    TF | S03 E19 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a powerful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: If God is always helping us, why is there so much suffering in the world? Drawing on Christian theology, Scripture, and real-life experience, they explore the problem of evil, distinguishing between natural suffering and moral evil, and examining how faith understands both. The conversation highlights how God does not cause suffering—but works through it, bringing grace, growth, and hope even in the most difficult moments. Through insights from the Psalms, the Cross, and everyday life, this episode offers a deeply honest and hopeful look at suffering—encouraging listeners to seek the full truth of their lives, practice gratitude, and trust that evil does not have the final word. 01:14 Student Questions 02:23 Why God Allows Pain 03:19 Natural vs Moral Evil 05:24 Death and Sin 10:07 Grace Changes Perspective 12:41 Holy Indifference Ignatius 14:47 Evil Feels Like Winning 17:57 Hope Through Suffering 18:59 God Doesn't Waste Pain 20:18 Remembering Past Grace 20:56 When You Would Trade It 23:04 Trust Beyond Answers 24:17 Christ in Gethsemane 25:08 Despair After the Cross 27:11 John the Baptist Doubts 29:30 Guilt Over Graces 30:15 Why Me to Why Not 32:10 Evil Defeats Itself 33:08 Problem of the Good 35:30 Gratitude in Hard Times 40:24 Truth Not Denial 42:04 Wrap Up and Thanks

    43 min

  2. MAR 3

    How Do I Know It’s God? Catholic Discernment, Consolation, and Desolation Explained

    TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me? Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God. The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives. 00:19 Podcast Welcome 03:22 Question God Speaking 03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics 05:05 Silence and Self Awareness 05:58 Ignatius Story and Boredom 08:21 Consolation vs Dopamine Crash 10:40 Examen and Honest Reflection 12:02 True Voice vs False Voice 15:59 Church and Moral Guardrails 18:31 Crime and Punishment Example 20:52 Everyday Choices and Consolation 21:45 Fruits Of The Spirit 22:32 Consolation Versus Desolation 23:53 Do Not Decide Desolate 24:35 Dad Story And Space 27:58 Lies Reduce Your Options 29:03 Temporary States And Clarity 31:44 Many Good Choices 33:42 Discernment In Sacraments 36:13 Garden Conditions For Growth 38:05 God Changes Our Minds 38:44 Closing Thanks And Blessing

    41 min

  3. FEB 17

    Eucharist, Adam and Eve, and Images of Jesus: Catholic Theology Explained

    TF | S03 E17 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore key questions in Catholic theology and Scripture, beginning with Eucharistic theology, Eucharistic miracles, and why belief in the Real Presence does not depend on miracles alone. Drawing on questions from Grade 9 and 10 students at Miller High School in Regina, the conversation also includes Adam and Eve, and what these teachings reveal about the unity of the human family as well as a discussion on images of Jesus in art, examining historical accuracy, cultural expression, and how enculturated imagery helps communicate the Gospel across time and place. 00:00 Intro 01:13 The Plaid Episode 02:05 Questions from Miller High School 03:25 Addressing the Population Question 05:46 Theological Interpretations and Science 18:04 Scriptural Narrative and Loose Ends 21:53 The Importance of Originality in Interpretation 22:53 Science and Faith: Complementary Tools 23:31 What Did Jesus Look Like? 28:11 Cultural Representations of Jesus in Art 33:47 The Theology of Icons and Art in Christianity 40:10 Conclusion and Reflections

    41 min

  4. FEB 4

    Archdiocese of Regina Lenten Retreats Bring Catholic Social Teaching to Life

    TF | S03 E16 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash is joined by Tashia Toupin to explore a series of Lenten retreats on Catholic Social Teaching offered by the Social Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of Regina. Through prayer, Scripture, art, and small group discussion, these retreats invite participants to deepen their understanding of key themes such as the dignity of work, economic justice, and the Catholic roots of social justice. With retreat locations in Esterhazy, Estevan, Regina, and Swift Current, this initiative makes faith-based social justice formation accessible across the diocese, helping Catholics live the Gospel more fully during the Lenten season. Sign up to receive more information: https://archregina.flocknote.com/ArchdioceseofRe2 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Meet our guest 01:53 Social Justice Commission Overview 03:26 Catholic Social Teaching and Its Roots 10:01 Lenten Retreat Themes and Readings 14:55 Understanding God's Plan 16:15 Reflecting During Lent 16:58 The Purpose of these Retreats 19:04 Upcoming Retreats and Logistics 21:33 Engaging with the Community 26:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    28 min

  5. JAN 27

    Understanding the Trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit Explained

    TF | S03 E15 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to student questions about God, Jesus, and the Holy Trinity. Exploring Scripture, Church history, and Christian theology, they unpack how the doctrine of the Trinity developed, the divine and human natures of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith. This thoughtful conversation offers clear answers to common questions about Christian belief and helps listeners better understand how God is one yet three persons. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:39 New Season Format and Production Insights 01:18 Engaging with Miller High School Students 03:18 The Nature of God, Jesus, and the Trinity 06:03 Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity 18:09 Understanding Condescension in the Incarnation 18:46 Scriptural Examples of God's Condescension 19:28 The Mystery of Jesus' Knowledge 20:10 The Dual Nature of Jesus 21:43 The Trinity and the Incarnation 23:52 The Relationship Between God and Creation 28:41 Exploring the Holy Spirit's Role 34:59 The Filioque Controversy 38:03 Concluding Thoughts on the Trinity

    39 min

  6. JAN 13

    The Rapture, Death, and Judgment: What Catholics Really Believe

    TF | S03 E14 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain what the Catholic Church teaches about the rapture, death, and divine judgment. They unpack where modern rapture theories came from, what Scripture actually says about the end times, and how God’s justice and mercy meet in the moment of death. A clear, Catholic guide to some of Christianity’s most misunderstood beliefs. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 01:12 Classroom Questions and Podcast Reflections 05:12 Discussing the Rapture and Death 07:34 Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context 11:10 Human Nature and the Desire for Escape 20:29 The Left Behind Series and Pop Culture 21:00 The Influence of 'Left Behind' and Nicholas Cage 21:18 The Gospel's Answer to Fear and Hope 21:33 Catholic Church's Caution on End Times Predictions 22:37 Human Desire for Control and Prophecy 23:15 The Overlap of Rapture and Prosperity Gospel 23:47 Endless Deferrals in Rapture Predictions 25:23 The Moment of Death and Biological Ambiguity 27:46 Particular Judgment and Encounter with Christ 33:17 Speculations on Hell and Eternal Judgment 36:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

    40 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    A Christmas Message from Thinking Faith

    This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain why our production schedule has been a little... sporadic, shall we say. But fear not, for we have a plan! Part of that plan includes taking a short break over the next few weeks. We will be back in January with new episodes of Thinking Faith. Until then, Merry Christmas!!

    3 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Seeing Christ in a Weary World: Archbishop Don Bolen’s 2025 Christmas Message

    Archbishop Donald Bolen shares a reflection inspired by the presepi of Naples, nativity scenes that reveal the tired, longing faces of ordinary people waiting for a Messiah. This Christmas, we are invited to notice the quiet coming of Christ into the rubble of our wounded world, to recognize God’s hidden presence in our daily lives, and to find hope, courage, and compassion this Christmas.

    5 min
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4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

A Catholic podcast brought to you by the Archdiocese of Regina where we attempt to navigate this winding road of faith in Jesus Christ so that we might know him more intimately, love him more profoundly and together serve him more deeply in our daily lives.

Information

  • Creator
    with Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 Archdiocese of Regina Creative Commons Some Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

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