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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.