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.