Home Podcasts Why Catholic?
Why Catholic?

Why Catholic?

Justin Hibbard 185 Episodes Jun 17, 2026

Why Catholic? explores the reasons behind Catholic teachings and traditions. Host Justin Hibbard, a former Evangelical pastor and apologist who converted to Catholicism, delves into theological questions and personal insights. The podcast aims to explain the 'what' and 'why' of Catholic beliefs for both Catholics and those curious about the faith.

Episodes

#185 - When Jesus Shows Up at Mass Jun 17, 2026 1018 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 NOTESCan Sinful Priests Celebrate Mass? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe
#184 - Orient Yourself to the Mass Jun 10, 2026 1258 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 t
#183 - The Jewish Roots of the Mass Jun 2, 2026 1144 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
#182 - Reimagining the Mass May 26, 2026 1139 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 F
#181 - Why Catholic and Not Eastern Orthodox? May 19, 2026 1779 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’
#180 - The Ascension May 17, 2026 961 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
#179 - 2027 Pilgrimage to France with Fr. Kenneth Parsad May 12, 2026 2509 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 abou
#178 - When Protestant Clergy Become Catholic May 5, 2026 1275 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 Inst
#177 - St. Athanasius of Alexandria May 2, 2026 1069 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
#176 - The 22nd Ecumenical Council of Pope Justin Apr 21, 2026 1184 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
#175 - Reflections on the 21 Ecumenical Councils Apr 14, 2026 1176 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
#174 - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) Mar 24, 2026 1312 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?SOC

Recommended