Why did a writer who defended so many deeply Catholic ideas stop just short of becoming Catholic—and what can that tell us about faith, history, and influence?

In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and ⁠Joseph Pearce⁠ ⁠ explore the fascinating tension at the heart of C.S. Lewis’ life and thought. Mr. Pearce is a Visiting Professor Literature at Ave Maria University and author of C. S. Lewis and the Catholic Church, published by ⁠Ignatius Press⁠.

They highlight why Lewis remains essential reading for Catholics, pointing to his strong affirmation of doctrines like purgatory, sacramental life, and the inseparable unity of faith and reason.

Pearce and Dauphinais reflect on the paradox that Lewis’ distance from Catholicism may have expanded his reach, making him a trusted voice for non-Catholics while quietly leading many readers toward the Church.

While also highlighting Pearce's books: C.S Lewis and the Catholic Church⁠

Relevant Episodes:

Why Catholics Should read the Classics w/Joseph Pearce | Ep. 184

Defending the Faith Today with C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity w/Dr. Andrew Swafford | Ep. 169

The Four Loves of C.S Lewis w/David Bates | Ep. 109

What if our modern obsession with justice is actually missing its foundation?

In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show,

Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. Stephen Brock explore the meaning of justice through the lens of Thomas Aquinas.

They contrast the classical view of justice as a virtue—a habit of giving others what is due—with modern approaches that reduce it to rights, power, or social systems, often influenced by thinkers like Thomas Hobbes. Fr. Brock argues that today’s intense desire for justice can become distorted when separated from God, leading to frustration, false solutions, or utopian thinking.

Drawing on Aristotle and the Christian tradition, the conversation highlights how justice begins in the moral character of the person, is formed within the family, and ultimately finds its fulfillment in God, who alone can fully set things right. The episode offers a concise but rich reflection on virtue, society, and the deeper meaning of justice in a world searching for it.

Check these out:

The Philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas: A Sketch

The Light That Binds: A Study in Thomas Aquinas’s Metaphysics of Natural Law

More Episodes like this:

The Summa for Beginners: Aquinas and Theology w/Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.

Exploring the Catholic Spiritual Life w/ Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.

What happens when timeless stories of faith are told in a way that feels immediate, human, and deeply personal? In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Peter Atkinson about the vision behind The Merry Beggars and its rapid growth through audio storytelling. Peter recounts his path from Ave Maria University to pursuing acting, and how an unexpected pivot during the pandemic led to a creative breakthrough. Now working with Relevant Radio, The Merry Beggars produces immersive audio dramas that present the lives of the saints in a compelling and accessible format for modern audiences.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of portraying saints as fully human—people who struggled, suffered, and chose courage and faith. These stories, they explain, help listeners better understand their own spiritual journeys, especially in moments of difficulty and doubt. The episode also explores themes of ongoing conversion, the meaning of suffering, and the reality of God’s mercy, ultimately pointing to a larger goal: shaping culture by forming hearts and imaginations through consistent, high-quality storytelling grounded in faith.

Related Episodes:

Faith, film, and the art of story telling w/ Daniel Bielinski

Sharing the Catholic Faith with Generation Alpha w/ Ambrose Bean

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