Most Catholics know their doctrine, but few ever examine their attitude. In this episode, I break open why humility, obedience, unity, and a teachable spirit are essential for becoming a saint — and how a bad attitude can quietly push you toward heterodoxy, division, or even apostasy. Featuring commentary on a Colorado Springs schismatic group and what their story reveals about the dangers of spiritual pride.Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | DiscordKEY HIGHLIGHTS (Bullet Points for Description or Show Notes)

Why attitude determines destiny — holiness isn’t just about doctrine; it’s about disposition.

Humility as the first requirement of sainthood — the virtue that unlocks every other virtue.

Filial vs servile obedience and why Catholics must obey the Church with trust, not fear.

How Protestants misunderstand “worship” and why biblical worship requires sacrifice, priest, and altar.

A real-world example of bad Catholic attitude: the Colorado Springs schismatic group ignoring excommunication.

Why radical traditionalism and sedevacantism differ by “half a hair.”

Why unity is not optional — the Church mirrors the eternal through its oneness.

Why orthodoxy without charity can still lead you astray.

The danger of Catholics resisting correction — the growing trend I see after 30 years in evangelization.

The mystical body of Christ and why obedience to the Church is obedience to Christ.

A viral clip sparks a firestorm—and in this episode,I break down the pushback, the misconceptions, and the spiritual psychology behind anti-Catholic hostility. Learn how to respond to Protestant objections, understand true biblical worship, and get encouraged to stand strong in your Catholic identity. This one is part apologetics, part spiritual boot-camp, and all Firebrand.

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Episode Highlights

• Why anti-Catholic comments are usually a sign of respect-in-disguise• The difference between Catholic worship and Protestant “worship”• Why religion is not optional—it’s part of how humans were created• Understanding biblical worship: priest, altar, sacrifice• Why prayer ≠ worship, biblically• Why people misunderstand Catholic devotion to Mary and the saints• How to understand claims about Mary’s “fear”• What’s missing in the “I don’t need religion to be good” mindset• How the sacraments give the supernatural strength needed for salvation• A strong exhortation for fallen-away or lukewarm Catholics to come back now

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:21 Going Viral and Facing Pushback05:50 Defending Catholic Worship13:57 Catholics Worship Mary?22:05 Did Man Make Religion? 23:13 The Importance of Religion in Achieving Goodness23:52 Do I need Religion26:31 The Role of Religion in Morality and Ethics30:05 Mary's Sinlessness and Final Thoughts

A raw and honest look at the muck and mire weighing down Catholic life — from media lies to spiritual negativity — and the surprising strategy that helps you break free, cooperate with grace, and rise toward the eternal. A fiery, practical episode for Catholics who want clarity and holiness in a messy world.

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See the episode page at Stoking the Embers for Show Notes, Segment by-Segment breakdown, and a full description (like a short blog)

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:34 Controversy Over Vatican Document

18:00 Fulton Sheen’s Prophetic Insights

34:37 Debunking Fake News about the Vatican46:50 Get out of Spiritual Muck and Mire!

LINKS

Pope ‘Invites Trans Activist to Meeting at Vatican’

Moving Beyond Confession - From Confirmations to Affirmations

⭐ KEY HIGHLIGHTS

* The Vatican’s clarification on “co-redemptrix” is not an attack on Marian devotion — it’s a guardrail against misunderstanding.

* Catholics often distrust the Magisterium more than they realize — and that’s a spiritual problem.

* Fulton Sheen’s prophetic commentary hints that we may be witnessing the “end of Christendom” — not the end of Christianity.

* Lies destroy culture because lies erode the good, the true, and the life-giving.

* Independent Catholic media is just as capable of misleading as secular outlets.

* The devil uses negative thoughts to blunt the fruit of confession.

* Spiritual renewal requires changing not only behavior, but thought habits.

* The finite world is meant to stretch toward the eternal — which means you can’t spiritually stay “level.”

* “Don’t psych yourself out. Psych yourself up.”

* Your thoughts must rise with your actions if you want to grow in holiness.

This isn’t just a crash course in Thomistic Philosophy, it’s also a treatment of my personal metaphysical approach to sainthood. Hang on tight though the first have, because the second half brings everything together.

I get into Aquinas’ third way of proving God’s existence: the argument from necessary being. But there’s more to this episode than just a crash course in Thomistic philosophy. By explaining Aquinas’ thoughts on cogent and necessary being, I also set up a broader point later on in the episode when I talk about how we possess th potential for sainthood in our very being/existence. Using a tree’s need for sunlight as an example, I clarify these philosophical concepts. I also share a personal story from my childhood about my curiosity (there’s a point to it). The episode wraps up with reflections on personal being and sainthood, highlighting the importance of discovering and embodying one’s true nature.

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NOTE: Some references are dated and no longer relevant—such as “Catholic Adventurer” (my former ‘identity’) Catholic Experience, and Locals Community

Aquinas considered causality as part of the evidence for God’s existence. Nothing can cause itself; everything has a cause. If we trace every effect/cause backwards, we eventually get to a “First Cause” tha…

The Church says Catholics should stop using the term Co-Redemptrix — but why? In this bold episode, I break down what actually changed, what didn’t, and why the deeper crisis isn’t Mariology but obedience. A raw, insightful look at pride, confusion, and the desert the Church is walking through today.

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Ritual isn’t superstition—it’s rhythm. In this episode, TJ Haines shares practical ways to bring sacred rhythm into your ordinary day: from morning prayers to prayer corners and holy moments woven through daily routines. Simple habits, powerful grace.

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Main Topics Covered:

* Why Ritual Matters

* Ritual connects body, mind, and soul.

* It’s how we order our lives toward heaven.

* Men often have a natural inclination toward ritual; women benefit equally through discipline and intention

* Tip #1 – Sanctify the Start and End of Your Day

* Begin the day before touching your phone: make the Sign of the Cross and offer a short prayer.

* End the day with an Examination of Conscience.

* Reflect on: “Did my life today demonstrate that I believe in Jesus Christ?”

* Focus on one or two areas for conversion and ask God’s help to do better tomorrow.

* Tip #2 – Create a Domestic Prayer Corner

* Designate a “temple” space in your home—a shelf, a corner, or a small table.

* Include a crucifix, Bible, candles, icons, or holy water.

* Light real candles (safely) as an act of devotion; they set a sacred tone and symbolize offering yourself to God

* TJ contrasts authentic ritual objects with “synthetic” faith experiences (e.g., electric candles, recorded bells).

* Tip #3 – Link Prayer to Your Daily Rhythms

* Connect prayer with ordinary activities:

* Grace before meals—even when eating alone.

* The Angelus at noon.

* Cross yourself when leaving home or hearing a siren.

* Pray for the dead when you see a funeral procession.

* Turn mundane tasks (like washing dishes or folding laundry) into moments of prayer

* “Moments have meaning—they will have happened forever. Bring them with you into eternity.”

* Bonus Ideas Mentioned:

* Keep a “Saint Companion” for each week.

* Burn a votive candle for special intentions.

* Make your prayer life something your schedule has to move around—not the other way around

* Audience Q&A Highlights:

* Discussion on the perpetual virginity of Mary and how to respond to anti-Catholic remarks with acts of reparation.

* Addressing modern tendencies toward “synthetic” faith experiences.

* Brief preview of next episode on Sacred Tradition and why Protestants misunderstand it

🔥 Major Highlights & Pull Quotes

* “Ritual isn’t superstition—it’s rhythm. It’s the way we bring heaven’s order into our daily chaos.”

* “When your feet hit the floor in the morning, make the Sign of the Cross. That’s the first victory of the day.”

* “Moments have meaning. Once they happen, they will have happened forever.”

* “The rest of your day should move out of the way for your prayer life, not the other way around.”

* “A candle costs you something—it’s a little sacrifice, a flicker of your own offering to God.”