Justin Hibbard

Why Catholic?

A Christianity and Religion & Spirituality podcast

About the show

Dive into the what and why behind Catholic beliefs with Justin Hibbard - former Evangelical Pastor, Apologist, and Catholic convert. whycatholic.substack.com

Newest episodes

#200 - Voices of Why Catholic Listeners

Nov 14, 2026 35 min

For this milestone 200th episode, Justin is joined by 12 listeners of the Why Catholic podcast who share their stories of growing deeper in, returning to, or coming home into the Catholic Faith. Join Justin and Fr. Kenneth Parsad on a pilgrimage to France in April 2027. Learn more at whycatholic.substack.com/pilgrimage SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. Thank you to the contributors for this episode: * Fr. Kenneth Parsad (Park City, Utah, USA) - Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s Catholic Church * April (Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA) * Grant Adams (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) * Casey Allison (Huntsville, Alabama, USA) from Come Awake * Sam Nunnely (Florida, USA) from It’s Okay to be Catholic * Amy Thomas (Fort Lee, Virginia, USA) from The Catholic Pilgrim * Kenny Burchard (Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA) from The Coming Home Network and Catholic Bible Highlights * Tiffany (Midway, Utah, USA) * Michael (Rheinland-Pfalz, GERMANY) * Ben Sabo (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA) * Kate (Dallas, Texas, USA) * Larry (Park City, Utah, USA) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#199 - Reflections on Lumen Gentium

Nov 5, 2026 16 min

Justin Hibbard concludes our first part of our ongoing series on Vatican II with a conclusion of Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church). In this episode Justin provides a brief summary of Lumen Gentium and some key takeaways. READ: Lumen Gentium SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) * #194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4) * #195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5) * #196 - Lumen Gentium (Part 6) * #197 - Lumen Gentium (Part 7) * #198 - Lumen Gentium (Part 8) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#198 - Lumen Gentium (Part 8)

Oct 24, 2026 28 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 8 - On the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the Mystery of Christ and the Church (sections 52-69). In this episode, you will learn how the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Mother of God, protected from the stain of original sin and given the place of Queen of Heaven, is exalted above all created beings in Heaven and Earth. And she is the exemplar of the Church and example for the Church, as one who puts her entire focus on faithfully serving Jesus. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:36Commentary begins at 22:22 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) * #194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4) * #195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5) * #196 - Lumen Gentium (Part 6) * #197 - Lumen Gentium (Part 7) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Similar podcasts

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Ascension

Evening Light Specials jadams@eveninglight.net (Various)

Message of The Day (MoTD) Message of The Day

The Bible Recap Tara-Leigh Cobble

Pastor Pastor The NETS Center

Inspired... with Simon Guillebaud Great Lakes Outreach

Joyce Meyer Enjoying Everyday Life® TV Audio Podcast Joyce Meyer

Spurgeon's Sermons Rev Charles Spurgeon

All episodes

The newest 50 of 201 episodes

#200 - Voices of Why Catholic Listeners

Nov 14, 2026 35 min

#199 - Reflections on Lumen Gentium

Nov 5, 2026 16 min

#198 - Lumen Gentium (Part 8)

Oct 24, 2026 28 min

#197 - Lumen Gentium (Part 7)

Oct 17, 2026 17 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 7 - The Religious (sections 48-51). In this episode, you will learn how those who take religious vows of poverty, ch astity, and obedience consecrate themselves totally to God and serve the Church through their unique vocations and are an example to all Christians that this earth is not our home. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:47Commentary begins at 13:16 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) * #194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4) * #195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5) * #196 - Lumen Gentium (Part 6) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#196 - Lumen Gentium (Part 6)

Sep 14, 2026 16 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 6 - The Religious (sections 43-47). In this episode, you will learn how those who take religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience consecrate themselves totally to God and serve the Church through their unique vocations and are an example to all Christians that this earth is not our home. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 2:03Commentary begins at 11:30 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) * #194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4) * #195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5)

Sep 10, 2026 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 5 - The Universal Call to Holiness (sections 39-42). In this episode, you will learn how every member of the church, whether clergy or laity, is called to holiness by following the example of Jesus Christ. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:11Commentary begins at 14:24 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) * #194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4)

Sep 7, 2026 23 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 4 - the Laity (sections 30-38). In this episode, you will learn how the laity perform a critical role in the life of the Church by being examples of Christ to the secular world, living out their vocations as husbands and wives, influencing the world toward greater virtue, and assisting the clergy within the Church. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:20Commentary begins at 18:37 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) * #193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3)

Sep 4, 2026 37 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 3 - On the Hierarchical Structure of the Church and in Particular on the Episcopate (sections 18-29). In this episode, you will learn order how Jesus, in order to preserve the unity of His Church, established a perpetual system of bishops to lead, shepherd, and govern the Church. The bishops are the successors of the apostles with the Pope the successor of Peter - the visible Head of the whole Church. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:26Commentary begins at 30:25 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * #63 - Not all Catholics are Roman Catholics * #110 - Papal Supremacy * #111 - Papal Infallibility EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) * #192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2)

Aug 11, 2026 33 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 2 - On the People of God (sections 9-17). In this episode, you will learn how God saves us in community - which is the Catholic Church of which Christ is the mediator. And each member of the Catholic Church is to preach the Gospel to all people that they might be incorporated into the Church and be saved. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 1:26Commentary begins at 25:00 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II * #191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1)

Aug 7, 2026 22 min

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Church (sections 1-8). In this episode, you will learn how the Church is God’s plan of salvation, and Christ is the One Mediator and Head of the Church. The Church contains the fullness of truth, and all those who will be saved will be incorporated into the one Church. READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium Reading begins at 2:05Commentary begins at 18:25 SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: * #190 - Introduction to Vatican II Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#190 - Introduction to Vatican II

Aug 4, 2026 14 min

Justin Hibbard begins a new, highly requested series examining each of the documents of the Second Vatican Council. In this introductory episode, he talks about his reasons for doing this series, a brief history of Vatican II, the hierarchy of documents produced by the council fathers, the format for this series, and why it’s important to study the council’s documents. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube * Follow Why Catholic on Facebook * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Papal Encyclicals - The Second Vatican Council * Episode 174 - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) * A Pastoral and Dogmatic Council Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#189 - Presentation on the First 8 Ecumenical Councils

Jul 31, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Following his series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard was invited to do a presentation on the councils. In this part 1 series, Justin tells the story of how the Church began the practice of holding a council to settle a debate, what led to the first ecumenical council, and how each of the first 8 (the Eastern Councils) unfolded. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Episode 146 - Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#188 - Serve in the Mass

Jul 29, 2026 17 min

Justin Hibbard is joined by Lauren Hammerberg and Sommer, Frankie, and Artie Brown to discuss the benefits and joys of serving in the Mass. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#187 - The Colors of the Mass

Jul 23, 2026 15 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. In this episode, you’ll learn the 6 seasons of the liturgical calendar, the colors associated with the calendar, and the difference between solemnities, feasts, and memorials. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * US Catholic - For Everything there is a (Liturgical) Season * Our Liturgical Calendar: Visual Thinking Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#186 - The Transcendence of the Mass

Jul 15, 2026 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about how the Mass transcends our individuality, our time and space, and our familiarity. What was the craze with the evangelical seeker-sensitive movement, and how does the Catholic Mass take an entirely different approach? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#185 - When Jesus Shows Up at Mass

Jun 17, 2026 16 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on The Mass by looking at the four areas where Jesus shows up at Mass: in the Word, in the Eucharist, in the Priest, and in the people. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES Can Sinful Priests Celebrate Mass? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#184 - Orient Yourself to the Mass

Jun 10, 2026 20 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about what it means to orient ourselves to the Mass. For Catholics, Mass isn’t a worship service we attend. It’s core to who we are. Learn how preparation and perspective can totally change how we think about the Mass, how we interact with the Mass, and how Mass can transform us. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Utah Catholic church offers Mass for repose of soul of late LDS president * The Eucharist at the Core: Flannery O’Connor and Elizabeth Ann Seton by Dr. Peggy Rosenthal * Why did St. Padre Pio’s Mass last for 3 hours? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#183 - The Jewish Roots of the Mass

Jun 2, 2026 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Jewish roots of the Mass. How must we understand Jesus’ command to “Do this in remembrance of me?” within the context of the Judaism. In this episode, Justin explores how Passover serves as the context of the Passover, focusing on the elements of leaven, the Afikoman, the Cup of Redemption, and the sacrifice of the Lamb. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES: * Explanation of the Afikoman * Book: The Fourth Cup by Scott Hahn * Video Presentation of the Fourth Cup by Scott Hahn - Part 1 & Part 2 * “Culture and Collective Memory” by Leon Wieseltier * Book: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#182 - Reimagining the Mass

May 26, 2026 18 min

Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the Mass by focusing on the sacramental and mystical nature of Mass. Is Mass just a bunch of rote rituals? Or have we been looking at it all wrong? Hear why story, imagination, and the Jewish understanding of remembrance are key to entering into the Mass. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis BBC Movie (1988) * 85 Years Ago Today: J.R.R. Tolkien Convinces C.S. Lewis that Christianity is the Truth Myth by Justin Taylor, The Gospel Coalition * Myth Became Fact by C.S. Lewis * Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (Project Gutenberg free ebook) * Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#181 - Why Catholic and Not Eastern Orthodox?

May 19, 2026 29 min

Justin Hibbard answers one of his most frequently asked questions - Why Catholic and not Eastern Orthodox? In this longer than normal episode, Justin Hibbard addresses the anti-Catholicism that’s at the root of Protestantism, takes a deep dive into the historical record of the Church, delves into the longstanding conflict between Rome and Constantinople, and calls attention to the Catholic Church’s efforts towards Jesus’ call to unity. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Episode 70: The Four Marks of the True Church * Episode 63: Not all Catholics are Roman Catholic * Episode 64: The Purpose of a Well-Defined Hierarchy * Episode 72: Eastern & Ukrainian Catholicism with Fr. Dcn. Anthony Dragani * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 175: Reflections on the 21 Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#180 - The Ascension

May 17, 2026 16 min

Why did Jesus have to ascend into Heaven? In this episode, in conjunction with the solemnity of the Ascension, Justin Hibbard examines the events of the Ascension, why Jesus ascended into Heaven, and how they line up with events in the Exodus story. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Episode 48: The Poetry of Pentecost * Episode 108: The Jewish Roots of the Papacy Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#179 - 2027 Pilgrimage to France with Fr. Kenneth Parsad

May 12, 2026 41 min

Join Justin Hibbard and Father Parsad on an epic pilgrimage to France in April 2027, as we trace the paths of French Saints. We'll visit cities like Lisieux, Normandy, Paris, Toulouse, Mont-Saint-Michel and more. Every day will include an apologetics talk by Justin Hibbard and private Mass at some of the world's most iconic churches celebrated by Fr. Parsad. In this episode, you’ll also learn about Fr. Parsad’s formation and how he went from a recording artist in the Philippines to a priest in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. For more information about the pilgrimage, go to whycatholic.substack.com/pilgrimage. Link to go directly to Select International Tours booking site. Watch the video version of this episode here. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. MORE ABOUT FR. KENNETH PARSAD * Fr. Parsad sings at Mass celebrated by Pope Francis * TV Interview with Seminarian Kenneth Parsad * Still Music Video Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#178 - When Protestant Clergy Become Catholic

May 5, 2026 21 min

In this episode, Justin Hibbard shares what some common experiences that Protestant Clergy face on their journey to the Catholic Church. He shares some of the lessons learned at the second annual Clergy Convert Conference and draws on his story as well as the stories of others who have made the leap from Protestant clergy one day to Catholic laity the next. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * The Coming Home Network * The Journey Home Show * St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology * EWTN: First-ever ‘clergy convert conference’ to take place in May Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#177 - St. Athanasius of Alexandria

May 2, 2026 17 min

On May 2nd, the Catholic Church celebrates the life of St. Athanasius - Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Born in the late 200s in Alexandria - one of the major hubs of Christianity. While we remember St. Athanasius as a hero of the early church, he had lots of enemies in his day, who sent him into exile on five different occasions. We often think that the First Council of Nicaea did away with the Arianism, but as you’ll learn in this episode, it was church fathers like St. Athanasius that fought Arianism in the trenches. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SHOW NOTES * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#176 - The 22nd Ecumenical Council of Pope Justin

Apr 21, 2026 19 min

In the series finale of the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard applies key takeaways from the ecumenical councils to a hypothetical scenario if he were Pope and convening the Church’s 22nd ecumenical council. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution * Episode 172: The Council of Trent (1545-1563) * Episode 173: The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) * Episode 174: The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) * Episode 175: Reflections on the 21 Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#175 - Reflections on the 21 Ecumenical Councils

Apr 14, 2026 19 min

Justin Hibbard reflects on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with 6 lessons learned. What is the point of an ecumenical council? How did geopolitics play a role in these councils? What do these councils teach us about the problem of schism? How do these councils speak to the Catholic Church being the historic, true church? What’s the relationship between some of the councils and the crusades? And what is our responsibility today with respect to these councils? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution * Episode 172: The Council of Trent (1545-1563) * Episode 173: T...

#174 - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965)

Mar 24, 2026 21 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by examining the 21st and most recent ecumenical council. Why was this by far the largest ecumenical council? Who beyond the Bishops attended this council? How did the council fathers wrestle power away from the Curia? What decisions did it make? How did it call for liturgical reforms? And why has Vatican II received a bad rap? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 15: Vatican II - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Timeline of Vatican II * Vatican News: An Overview of the Second Vatican Council * A Pastoral and Dogmatic Council PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Gre...

#173 - The First Vatican Council (1869-1870)

Mar 17, 2026 15 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by examining the Catholic Church’s 20th council - the First Vatican Council. After 306 years, why did the Church decide to call another council? What were the major social factors going on at the time? And why was this council particularly controversial? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: Decrees of the First Vatican Council * New Advent: Vatican Council * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 14: Vatican I - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Episode 104: The Nuclear Football * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of...

#172 - The Council of Trent (1545-1563)

Mar 10, 2026 18 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant revolution: the Council of Trent and the Counter Reformation. What social revolutions were at play that delayed this council from starting? What decisions were made at this 19th ecumenical council? And how did the church continue the counter-reformation after its conclusion? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: The General Council of Trent * New Advent: The Council of Trent * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 13: Lateran V and Trent - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * 95 Theses - Martin Luther * Papal Encyclicals Online: Exsurge Domine - Condemning the Errors of Martin Luther - Pope Leo X - 1520 * Papal Encyclicals Online: Decet Romanum Pontificem - Papal Bull of Excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers - Pope Leo X - 1521 * Episode 56: Indulgences - The Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * Episode 120: The Deuterocanonicals and Protestant Budget Bibles * Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Ep...

#171 - The Protestant Revolution

Feb 17, 2026 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by exploring the uprising against the Catholic Church in Europe known as the Protestant Reformation. But was it really a reformation, or was it a revolution? Who were the key players in this movement, and did the movement ultimately succeed in its goals? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 13: Lateran V and Trent - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * 95 Theses - Martin Luther * Papal Encyclicals Online: Exsurge Domine - Condemning the Errors of Martin Luther - Pope Leo X - 1520 * Papal Encyclicals Online: Decet Romanum Pontificem - Papal Bull of Excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers - Pope Leo X - 1521 * Episode 56: Indulgences - The Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * Episode 120: The Deuterocanonicals and Protestant Budget Bibles PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First...

#170 - The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517)

Jan 20, 2026 18 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by The Fifth Lateran Council. How did the Age of Discovery influence the Church? What were some of the major problems scandalizing the Catholic faith? And how did the Church’s 18th ecumenical council prove to be too little too late? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 12: The Councils of Lyons II & Florence - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Fifth Lateran Council * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Fifth Lateran Council * Episode 112: Not all Popes are Saints * Showtime Series - The Borgias PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414...

#169 - The Council of Florence (1431-1445)

Jan 13, 2026 19 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Council of Florence, which occurred in Basel, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome. What began as an attempt to thwart papal supremacy led to one of the most potentially significant councils in history as the Eastern Greek Church united with the Western Latin Church. Would that unity survive? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 12: The Councils of Lyons II & Florence - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Council of Florence * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Council of Florence * Ancient Faith Radio: Bishops-Part 42: The Council of Florence (Orthodox Source) * Laetentur Caeli * Episode 63: Not all Catholics are Roman Catholic * Shameless Popery: Why I’m not Orthodox PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: Th...

#168 - The Council of Constance (1414-1418)

Jan 6, 2026 20 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council by examining the 16th Council - the Council of Constance, which met to solve the dilemma of three rival popes. How did the council solve the Great Western Schism, and how did it address some of the forerunners of Protestantism? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 11: The Council of Constance - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Council of Constance (1414-18) * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Council of Constance PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#167 - The Avignon Papacy & the Great Western Schism

Dec 30, 2025 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical by examining the history between the Councils of Vienne and Constance. Why did the papacy move from Rome to Avignon? Who were the seven French Popes that make up the Avignon Papacy? And how did the return of the papacy to Rome lead to the Great Western Schism where three men claimed to be the rightful Pope? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Nine Popes in Avignon * Catholic Answers: Was Avignon the Babylon of the West * Video: General Councils 11: The Council of Constance - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Unam Santam - Pope Boniface VIII * Video: The Palace of the Popes in Avignon PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#166 - The Council of Vienne (1311-1312)

Dec 17, 2025 17 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard uncovers one of the most controversial councils - the Council of Vienne (Vienne, France… not Vienna, Austria). How did this council become a puppet of the French Monarch, begin the Avignon Papacy, and result in the unjust dissolution of the Knights Templar? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The Council of Vienne - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Council of Vienne - New Advent * Video: General Councils 10: Lyons I and Vienne - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Unam Santam - Pope Boniface VIII * The Types of Papal Documents and Weight of Each PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#165 - The Second Council of Lyon (1274)

Dec 9, 2025 19 min

It’s the end of the Great Schism between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church! Well… sort of. Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Church’s 14th ecumenical council - the Second council of Lyon, where Pope Gregory X tackled ending the Great Schism, the crusades, papal election reform, and a few other reforms. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The Second Council of Lyons. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Council of Lyons - New Advent * Episode #114 - The History of Papal Elections * Episode #63 - Not All Catholics are Roman Catholic PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#164 - The First Council of Lyon (1245)

Dec 2, 2025 15 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Council by examining the 13th general council. How did an unruly emperor lead to this council and force it take take place in France? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * First Council of Lyons - 1245 - Papal Encyclicals Online * First Council of Lyons (1243) - New Advent * Video: General Councils 10: Lyons I and Vienne - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Episode #56 - Indulgences: the Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#163 - The Fourth Lateran Council (1215)

Nov 18, 2025 20 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils with an examination of the Catholic Church’s 12th council - the Fourth Lateran Council. What made this different than the other three Lateran councils that occurred in rapid succession, and why is it considered the most influential council of the Middle Ages and one of the most impactful in Church history? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Fourth Lateran Council 1179 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Fourth Lateran Council - New Advent * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * The Pillar Sunday School: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica * Episode #58 - No Salvation Outside the Church PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#162 - The Third Lateran Council (1179)

Nov 5, 2025 19 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by explaining the Catholic Church’s 11th council - the Third Lateran Council. How did a 20-year schism made up of 4 antipopes lead to this council, and what reforms did this council seek to implement for both the Church and general society? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Third Lateran Council 1179 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Third Lateran Council - New Advent * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#161 - The Second Lateran Council (1139)

Oct 29, 2025 13 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Second Lateran Council - the Catholic Church’s 10th general council. How did a fake pope prompt this council, and what were the decisions that were made in the three short days of this council’s duration? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Second Lateran Council 1123 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Lateran Council - New Advent * Second Lateran Council: History & Text - EWTN * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#160 - The First Lateran Council (1123)

Oct 21, 2025 17 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council with the First Lateran Council - the first general council to occur in the West and the first general council with the Pope as presider (and even in attendance). In this episode you’ll learn about the investiture controversy and the tension between the government and the church that led to a further separation of church and state. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * First Lateran Council 1123 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * First Lateran Council - New Advent * Commentary on the First Lateran Council - Daniel Castellano * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Didactus Papae * Episode 125 - The Blessing and Curse of Chapter and Verse * Episode 103 - Kings to Fight Our Battles PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#159 - The Great Schism

Oct 14, 2025 15 min

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by talking about the major fallout between the Eastern and Western Church in 1054. How did this Great Schism change the trajectory of future ecumenical council? And were the events of 1054 truly earth shattering, or was is this event overblown by historians. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The History of Byzantium: The Great Schism * Video: General Councils 8: Constantinople IV - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * New Advent: The Eastern Schism * Episode 112: Not All Popes are Saints * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 137: The Importance of Grieving for Pope Francis * Episode 63: Not All Catholics are Roman Catholic PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#158 - The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870)

Oct 7, 2025 18 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the eighth ecumenical council - the fourth council of Constantinople. Learn how this council marked a turning point both in church councils and in church history between the East and the West. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Papal Encyclicals Online: Fourth Council of Constantinople * New Advent: Fourth Council of Constantinople * Video: General Councils 8: Constantinople IV - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas (Anglican source) * Video: Against Photius on the Filioque 1: Scholastic Answers (Catholic source) * Audio: Bishops - Part 30: The Tumultuous 9th Century Part 1 (Orthodox source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#157 - Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils

Sep 23, 2025 19 min

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard takes time to reflect on the first seven. These seven are not only recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches but many Protestant groups recognize them as well. In this episode, Justin gives a brief overview of the first seven councils and challenges Orthodox and Protestant claims about these councils. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Overtime with Bill Maher: Ben Shapiro, Tim Alberta (HBO) * Most Evangelicals Believe Some Heresy * What Does It Mean That the First Seven Church Councils Were Ecumenical? (Reformed Protestant source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#156 - The Second Council of Nicaea (787)

Sep 17, 2025 21 min

In part 11 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 7th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Nicaea. Why did the Byzantines suddenly decide that icons were idolatrous and how far did they go to rid the Church of sacred art? What were the primary arguments between the iconoclasts and the iconodulias? What did the 2nd Council of Nicaea decide that shaped the course of Christianity? And what are some modern iterations of iconoclasm? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: 2nd Council of Nicaea * Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Nicaea * Video: General Councils 7: Nicaea II (Anglican Source) * Video: Did the Second Council of Nicaea CONDEMN statues?! w/Dr. Fastiggi * Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source) * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * Episode 127: Gnosticism and the New Testament * Episode 126: The Three Different Ten Commandments * Catholic Answers: Relics * Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Ep...

#155 - The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681)

Sep 9, 2025 16 min

In part 10 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the efforts to appease the monophysites by inventing two heresies: monoenergism and monotheletism. Why were these Christological positions condemned at the Third Council of Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * The Rise of Islam * Correspondence between Patriarch Sergius and Pope Honorius * New Advent: 3rd Council of Constantinople * Third Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#154 - War Among the Monotheists

Sep 2, 2025 17 min

In part 9 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the pivotal history that occurred over 127 years between The 2nd Council of Constantinople of 553 and the 3rd Council of Constantinople of 680. This episode covers the two major heresies of the day, the Filioque controversy, the war between the Byzantines and the Persians, the Christological gag order, the rise of Islam, and the heresy that led to the Third Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: Henoticon * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * Byzantine – Sasanian War of 602–628 DOCUMENTARY * Orthodoxy Chronicles: The Filioque Controversy - The Orthodox & Catholic Positions * Prophet Muhammad Explained in 13 Minutes * St. John of Damascus’ Critique of Islam * The Rise of Islam * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * New Advent: 3rd Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553) Get full access to Why Catholic? a...

#153 - The Second Council of Constantinople (553)

Aug 26, 2025 18 min

In part 8 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 5th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Constantinople. In this episode, you’ll learn about the schisms that occurred after the Council of Chalcedon, the fall of Rome and the Western Roman Empire, and the rise of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire), as well as the decisions at the 2nd Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Details and map of the fall of the Western Roman Empire * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: Henoticon * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * History of the Popes Podcast (Episode 74: Everyone Hates Vigilius) * The Tome of Pope Leo I * Episode 113: The Great Popes * New Advent: 2nd Council of Constantinople * Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Constantinople * New Advent: Three Chapters * Pontifacts: 61. Vigiliius * Pontifacts: Council Episode - The Second Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Coun...

#152 - The Council of Chalcedon (451)

Aug 19, 2025 19 min

In part 7 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 4th Ecumenical Council - The Council of Chalcedon. What happened when the theological sheriffs Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch died? How did the Second Council of Ephesus almost become the fourth ecumenical council? And what major theological debate did the Council of Chalcedon decide on that is accepted by almost all Christian sects? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Map of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * The Tome of Pope Leo I * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * New Advent: Robber Council of Ephesus * New Advent: First Council of Chalcedon * Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of Chalcedon * Early Christian Schisms - Ephesus, the Robber Council, and Chalcedon - Extra History - Part 4 * Charlie Kirk on Mary as the Solution to Toxic Feminism PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

#151 - The Council of Ephesus (431)

Aug 12, 2025 18 min

In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Map of the Roman Empire in 5th Century * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * Council of Ephesus | Church Councils Explained (Part 3) * New Advent: First Council of Ephesus * Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of Ephesus PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

See all 200 episodes

–

0 ratings from members

Rate this podcast

No reviews yet — be the first member to rate "Why Catholic?".

This podcast, its content and its artwork are not owned by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Castquire.

#200 - Voices of Why Catholic Listeners

Share this podcast

Live Chart rankings

#179 Christianity 🇦🇪 AE

Chart history

🇦🇪 Christianity Best #111

Podcast details

Created by: Justin Hibbard
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 14, 2026
Episodes: 201
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 22 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

Is this your podcast?

Claim it to show it on your profile. Using the email from your RSS feed approves it instantly.

Keep listening

Discover more podcasts like this.

Browse podcasts See the charts