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Reflect on the Christian origins of modern democracy in your free copy of Evangelization & Culture
Is America a Christian nation? What are the promises and perils of democracy? How is Catholicism democracy’s greatest friend and toughest critic? In this beautifully designed 153-page publication, you will reflect on the relationship between Church and state.
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Learn how to find joy in your everyday life.
In this issue of Evangelization & Culture, we explore the nature of joy. David Baird graces us with the lessons about authentic joy that he learned, in part, from a small, sprouting lemon tree. Rabbi Jonathan Blake reminds us of the joys we overlook in our incessant search for that which we lack. Ryan T. Anderson and Alexandra DeSanctis consider the joy to be found in a post-Roe world. Fr. Stephen Gadberry walks us through the simple joys of being a country priest. And in our Special Feature, Fr. Blake Britton shares with us the winsome joy of Catholic evangelization.
“Democracy forever teases us with the contrast between its ideals and its realities, between its heroic possibilities and its sorry achievements.”
AGNES REPPLIER
Issue No. 21 | democracy
Bishop Robert Barron on Democracy
Bishop Robert Barron on Democracy
BISHOP BARRON
What does the structure of American democracy say about the Founders’ understanding of human nature? Reflect on what democracy is and why it works.
On the Christian Origins of American Politics
On the Christian Origins of American Politics
DR. KODY W. COOPER
Is America a Christian nation? What did Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America identify as the essential condition of freedom? Contemplate the inherently Christian principles that are riddled throughout America’s founding documents.
Is Democracy Ethical?
Is Democracy Ethical?
TOM HOOPES
Does democracy better us or ruin us? Muse on how Hoopes’ faith in democracy was almost shattered by the realities of working on Capitol Hill, but then restored by the witness of Mother Teresa.
The Primacy of Christ
The Primacy of Christ
FR. LEONARD ANDRIE
What are the 2 errors Christians should avoid when engaging in the political arena? Contemplate your own willingness to serve God above all else in the contentious political landscape we live in.
St. Thomas More: Lessons on Integrity & Allegiance
St. Thomas More: Lessons on Integrity & Allegiance
ANGELA JENDRO
How did St. Thomas More, the patron saints of politicians, withstand threats of treason and imprisonment when he refused to support Henry VIII’s decision to separate from Rome? Be inspired by More’s witness to hold on to our integrity by always keeping our allegiance to God before all else.
Lessons in Faith and Democracy from Mr. Smith
Lessons in Faith and Democracy from Mr. Smith
MATT PAOLELLI
How does the 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington warn us against corruption and the undermining of liberty? Reflect on how we must fend off the corrupt temptations of power, money, or influence when they compromise our principles.
Find all of this and more in your free copy.
Get a physical copy of Evangelization & Culture four times a year.
Bishop Barron has set out to create a beautiful and intellectually stimulating quarterly journal that gives Catholics and seekers alike a smart and practical reflection of the Word on Fire ethos. This award-winning publication covers topics such as creativity, economics, cinema, Scripture, humor, freedom, the Eucharist, joy, and much more. We’ll send you the latest edition when you sign up today, and you’ll also get online access to all past issues!
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Issue 20
Sport
Issue 19
Artificial Intelligence
Issue 18
Conversion
Issue 17
Education
Issue 16
Pope Benedict XVI
Issue 15
Suffering
Issue 14
Joy
Issue 13
The Eucharist
Issue 12
Childhood
Issue 11
The Four Last Things
Issue 10
Freedom
Issue 9
Poetry
Issue 8
Humor
Issue 7
The Catholic Sensibility of Bishop Barron
Issue 6
Hope
Issue 5
Scripture
Issue 4
Cinema
Issue 3
The Digital Age
Issue 2
Economics
Issue 1
Creativity
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“I’ve been a Word on Fire Institute member for a year now. One of the greatest parts of being a member is receiving Evangelization & Culture. Although the art work and production values are stunning, it’s the depth and quality of the articles that truly make it shine. I would stack it up against any periodical on the planet today.”
ALLAN
What You Get Today
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$27 / month 30-Day FREE Trial
Cancel anytime. No contracts.
Your card will not be charged until after the 30-day trial.
You can keep the Evangelization & Culture journal even if you cancel.
What is the Word on Fire Institute?
Bishop Barron is on a mission to provide faithful, comprehensive, and interactive formation to every Catholic.
In just 6 short years, over 25,000 people from around the world have been trained by handpicked experts in the life of prayer, what the Church teaches, and, crucially, why those teachings are beautiful, good, and true.
The Word on Fire Institute is for you whether you are a cradle Catholic, recent convert, or even if you have no religion but are looking for more meaning and clearer answers in life.
Get access to 55+ courses, monthly live seminars, and a vibrant community today!
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A Message from Dr. Matthew Petrusek, Senior Director of the Word on Fire Institute
What is the Word on Fire Institute?
Bishop Barron is on a mission to provide faithful, comprehensive, and interactive formation to every Catholic.
In just 6 short years, over 25,000 people from around the world have been trained by handpicked experts in the life of prayer, what the Church teaches, and, crucially, why those teachings are beautiful, good, and true.
The Word on Fire Institute is for you whether you are a cradle Catholic, recent convert, or even if you have no religion but are looking for more meaning and clearer answers in life.
Get access to 55+ courses, monthly live seminars, and a vibrant community today!
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A Message from Dr. Matthew Petrusek, Senior Director of the Word on Fire Institute
Pray
Living in greater joy, peace, and freedom can only be done through a deeper encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. Be trained in the life of prayer and participate in community groups that can help deepen your prayer life.
Learn
Bishop Barron has stated that the dumbing down of the faith has been a pastoral disaster. Learn from Bishop Barron and other handpicked experts in the comfort of your home on topics like theology, writing, faith and science, philosophy, and the Bible.
Gather
The Institute serves as a digital base for faithful Catholics and fellow seekers of the Lord. Participate in lively and respectful debates. Learn from others and share your own experiences. Make new friends. Join a diverse community united on a shared journey to pursue beauty, truth, and goodness.
Evangelize
We’ve all heard Bishop Barron’s unwavering call to Proclaim Christ in the Culture. But how do we do that amidst the busyness of our lives and within an apathetic and sometimes hostile society? Become confident in your ability to be a witness to Christ and learn how to feed souls hungry for beauty, peace, and purpose in a fallen world.
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We are building a digital city of God, a community of communities, a place to be Catholic with and for others.
Find your community here.
Word on Fire Institute Communities enable our members to learn directly from leading experts in apologetics, theology, writing, critical thinking, and faithful discipleship; sharpen their understanding of the truths of Catholicism by watching live presentations and participating in active conversations; and personally engage with fellow truth-seekers who are united by an abiding love for the Lord and a willingness to heed his command to evangelize the world.
Writing Community
This community is intended to help you hone the craft of writing in a myriad of genres and also to engage in a meaningful way with other writers through constructive feedback. Led by Dr. Holly Ordway, the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture for the Word on Fire Institute.
Book Club
This community reads and discusses great works of literature and teaches members to critically engage with the written word in order to foster a love of learning. Led by Haley Stewart, Editor of Word on Fire Votive.
Theology for Evangelists
This community seeks to provide its members with foundational theological knowledge for the sake of expanding their evangelical tool boxes. Led by Dr. Richard DeClue, SThD, Professor of Theology for Word on Fire.
Course Community
This community offers its members a weekly walk-through lesson-by-lesson of the latest course in the Institute. It’s a vibrant place to continue learning together. Led by Rachel Bulman, author and speaker.
Evangelization & Culture Community
This community, connected with the Evangelization & Culture podcast and journal, is for intellectual discussions and in-depth analysis of cultural topics relevant to us as Catholics today. Led by Dr. Tod Worner, MD, Managing Editor of the Evangelization & Culture journal and Host of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast.
Women’s Formation Community
This is a community to strengthen women in the knowledge that their lives are critically important to the flourishing of the Church and the world, and to embrace with deeper confidence the particular gifts that have been entrusted to them.
Led by Liz Kelly, author and retreat director who holds an MFA in creative writing and a master’s degree in Catholic Studies.
Homeschool Parent Formation
This community offers formation, support, and resources for families interested in or already engaged in homeschooling. Led by Vanessa Lopez, a veteran homeschooling mother who holds a master’s degree in English and a master’s degree in biblical studies and theology.
Primary Educators’ Formation Community
This community is for formation for educators in grade levels Pre-K–6 in Catholic schools. The goal of this community is to continue the professional and personal formation of primary Catholic school teachers. Led by Rose Coleman, who holds a master’s in religious education and a master’s in education.
Secondary Educators’ Formation Community
This community is for grade 7–12 Catholic educators and administrators or those who are interested in Catholic education or wish to better support the educator or administrator in their life who is in a Catholic school. Led by Dr. Melissa Mitchell who holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from The George Washington University.
Word on Fire UK
This community serves as a platform for UK members of the Word on Fire Institute to engage with one another in order to learn the faith and to meet for development, discussion, and discipleship. Led by Brenden Thompson, Word on Fire UK Program Director.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
This community offers the Catholic approach to disability: recognizing the inherent dignity of each human person. Members will experience support and education as they advocate together for greater respect for human dignity. Led by Mark Bradford, Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Word on Fire Institute.
Spanish Community
This community provides a place online to deepen in the Catholic faith for Spanish-speakers from all over the world. Led by Fr. Ignacio Amorós Rodríguez-Fraile, a priest of the diocese of Maldonado-Punta del Este-Minas (Uruguay), rector of the Divine Mercy Shrine of Maldonado-Punta del Este, and university professor.
Art for Evangelists
This community is for artists and artisans that want to place their craft at the service of Beauty, Truth, and the Good, and would like to connect in a spirit of mutual support and encouragement with others. Led by Silvina Sironi, veteran homeschool mom and an artist of many media, but mostly a carver of icons.
Faith & Science
One of the top reasons people leave the Church is the false notion that faith and science are at odds. It’s time to put that myth to rest once and for all. Learn how faith and science not only do not conflict with each other but, in fact, are mutually complementary and illuminating.
6 COURSES
Justice & Virtue
What does it mean to be a good person and to treat others justly? Secular culture fails to provide an adequate answer to these questions–with disastrous consequences for social stability and individual happiness. Learn how the Church not only cares about justice, including social justice, and good character, but also provides a better moral and political alternative to the reigning ideologies of our day.
3 COURSES
Popular Culture
Popular culture is important to the Church precisely because it’s where the people are, especially the young. Learn how to identify and make good use of the “seeds of the Word” in entertainment, politics, and even stand-up comedy to evangelize the culture.
3 COURSES
Prayer &
Sanctification
There is no greater evangelical power in the world than the saints, those who embody the Good News in their very lives–and all of us are called to become saints. Learn how to deepen your prayer life and conform yourself, by the grace of God, ever more perfectly to Christ's will.
3 COURSES
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The largest Catholic
Community online.
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Nine course categories to deepen your faith and sharpen your mind.
What you’ll be receiving today, plus what you’ll continue to receive each month, are time-tested principles to live your life by and to share with others; principles grounded in the beautiful, the good, and the true; principles Bishop Barron wants to share with all Catholics and people of good will. Over 55+ courses from handpicked experts are organized into 9 categories. Start where you want and learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home or on the go with our free downloadable app.
Bishop Barron
Learn from Word on Fire Founder, Bishop Robert Barron, through a series of lectures on a variety of topics. These courses provide in-depth analysis and discussion on an array of Catholic faith topics. His passion for shaping evangelists and educating the faithful is evident.
Introductory
You will lay a solid foundation with the 8 principles of Word on Fire and learn how to apply them to your daily life. Then journey through the fundamentals of Catholicism—all with the goal of becoming a better evangelist.
Evangelization
Being an effective evangelist requires having a full toolbox to engage a diverse and multifaceted secular culture. Learn practical tips to adapt your evangelical strategy to different audiences, including the indifferent, the open-minded, and those who claim to have no religion.
The Bible
The Bible seems incomprehensibly mysterious and confusing to many people. For example, should we read it literally? Is it, as some critics claim, irrational, immoral, and anti-science? This track will give you the tools you need to understand the meaning of the Old and New Testaments and how the Bible, rightly interpreted, can be the Church’s greatest evangelical tool.
The Church
What does the Church actually teach about some foundational tenets of the faith? These courses provide phenomenal teaching and food for thought to help you grow deeper in your Catholic faith.
Science
One of the top reasons people leave the Church is the false notion that faith and science are at odds. It’s time to put that myth to rest once and for all. Learn how faith and science not only do not conflict with each other but, in fact, are mutually complementary and illuminating.
Philosophy & Theology
Philosophy is essential to making a robust defense of the faith and explaining why it is true, good, and beautiful. Equip yourself with the best answers to the toughest questions. Theology is the study of God and his work in the world. The more we understand God and his purposes in and through his Church, the better we can love and serve him. This array of courses provides a deeper understanding of both philosophy and theology.
Art & Literature
One of Word on Fire’s founding principles is to “lead with beauty.” A jaded culture frequently balks at “truth claims” and is highly skeptical of “morality.” Beauty, however, retains the power to break through the cynicism, leading, eventually, to the true and the good. Learn how the Church’s expansive repository of art, literature, music, architecture, and more can still stir the secular soul.
Español
Los cursos que ofrecemos se imparten en español, brindando formación y educación profunda para los miembros del Insituto. Estos cursos no son traducciones, sino que se preparan y se imparten en español para que tanto los hablantes nativos como aquellos familiarizados con el idioma crezcan en confianza y habilidad para poder evangelizar Cristo en la cultura.
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“It has fostered a hunger in me to know God more deeply and to love Him more profoundly.”
AGGIE
Pray
“My faith has deepened and allowed me to share the beauty of our Church in ways I never expected.”
–DANIEL
Learn
“The courses are one of my favorite resources at the Institute. Some people listen to television or the radio while working around home. I listen to Word on Fire courses.”
–MARSHA
Gather
“I have journeyed alongside fellow sinners striving to be saints who encourage, challenge, and teach by word and example how to love God, love others, and go forth to share the Good News.”
–THERESA
Evangelize
“I particularly work with children, and I find I can express much more skillfully theological concepts to them in ways that are true to the faith but accessible.”
–ANDREA
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Pray
“My faith has deepened and allowed me to share the beauty of our Church in ways I never expected.”
DANIEL
Learn
“The courses are one of my favorite resources at the Institute. Some people listen to television or the radio while working around home. I listen to Word on Fire courses.”
MARSHA
Gather
“I have journeyed alongside fellow sinners striving to be saints who encourage, challenge, and teach by word and example how to love God, love others, and go forth to share the Good News.”
THERESA
Evangelize
“I particularly work with children, and I find I can express much more skillfully theological concepts to them in ways that are true to the faith but accessible.”
ANDREA
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Word on Fire Digital
You will also get access to ALL of Bishop Barron’s past films along with downloadable and printable PDF study materials, which are perfect for in-person small group studies!
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Word on Fire Digital
You will also get access to ALL of Bishop Barron’s past films along with downloadable and printable PDF study materials which are perfect for in-person small group studies!
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“One of the best things I’ve done is become a member of the Word on Fire Institute which has enriched my life in every way.”
BETTY
“I was an under-catechized ‘none’ who rediscovered faith through the Word on Fire podcast and books. Once I realized how little I had learned growing up, I wanted to go deeper to understand my faith and the Church. Since joining the Word on Fire Institute, I have grown in leaps and bounds. The Word on Fire Institute has quality content for education in the faith, which is exactly what I was seeking.”
PETER
“If you want to grow and share your faith and join a vibrant community, the Word on Fire Institute is a perfect fit.”
KELLY
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FAQs
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The Word on Fire Institute is FOR YOU if you are a cradle Catholic, recent convert, college-aged Catholic, young-mom-or-dad-with-a-busy-schedule Catholic . . . or if you LOVE Jesus and are seeking to commit to him in a deeper way. All those from other or no faith traditions who are looking for deeper meaning and clearer answers are also welcome.
Bishop Barron has said, “We are in unprecedented times and are in great need of a surge of holy men and women who can proclaim Christ as Lord within the culture.”
He wants to transform the culture, starting right now. But this can only begin with personal formation of yourself. The Word on Fire Institute provides the tools you need to have a devoted prayer life and understand the faith in an accessible way that is rooted in the tradition. Using these tools, you will have the confidence to be a witness to your faith in your everyday life. Being an evangelist isn’t necessarily being a missionary off in a foreign land. To be an evangelist is simply to be a Christian, and living a Christian life.
Yes! Bishop Barron has set out to create the most beautiful and intellectually stimulating publication to give Catholics and seekers alike a smart and practical journal that is reflective of the Word on Fire ethos.
Leading with Beauty is one of the founding principles of Word on Fire. In a world that balks at objective truth and inherent goodness, the beautiful can act as a non-judgmental playing field in which we can begin a discussion.
That is why we have created Evangelization & Culture, the Journal of the Word on Fire Institute.
Each issue includes over 100 pages, with articles from a wide range of people, including articles from Bishop Barron, interviews with current Word on Fire Institute members, and content from some of the greatest minds today.
This journal is gorgeously designed with full-color imagery throughout. The perfect magazine-like book to keep on your coffee table to share with guests!
No worries! About 15% of the Institute is outside the USA . . . and that number is quickly growing!
And the best part is, no additional shipping costs are required! You still get Evangelization & Culture shipped to you for free when you sign up today.
This is highly unlikely. With that said, if our communities, courses, videos, and print journal are not for you, then you can cancel anytime. Even if you cancel your subscription, you can keep your copy of Evangelization & Culture.
When you sign up today, you will get immediate access to over 55 courses and films organized into 9 course categories, appropriate formation for anyone, no matter where you are in your journey. You will also get access to the monthly live seminars with Q&As on pressing topics in the culture. We will send you a physical copy of Evangelization & Culture 4 times every year and you will have digital access to all past issues.
You can start connecting with 25,000+ others in the brand-new interactive online communities. Watch all of Bishop Barron’s feature-length films and study programs. Access all the above on your computer or the iOS and Android Apps.
You will get a 30 day FREE trial to all the above. As soon as your 30 days are up, your subscription will auto-renew each month at $27/month. Your membership goes directly back to support initiatives at Word on Fire.
Yes. For sure! We’ve received countless stories of people who have come into the faith from all of the free Word on Fire content from Bishop Barron online. And that’s part of our strategy! To proclaim Christ in the culture is to create things that are good, true, and beautiful.
However, Bishop Barron wants to continue to form others in the Word on Fire ethos and the 8 Principles of the Word on Fire movement. The Word on Fire Institute kicks it up a notch, and Bishop Barron is seeking Catholics who want more direct formation so as to live out their faith in a serious way.
Simply email help@wordonfire.institute or call us at 866-928-1237 and we’ll be happy to help.
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Word on Fire
Privacy
Contact us at help@wordonfire.institute or (866) 928-1237
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Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
Word on Fire
Privacy
Contact us at help@wordonfire.institute or (866) 928-1237
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Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
Word on Fire
Privacy
Contact us at help@wordonfire.institute or (866) 928-1237
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Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.