Wadi Cherith artwork

Wadi Cherith

68 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -

At Wadi Cherith the exiled prophet Elijah, journeying outside of Israel, was fed each day by ravens, an ambiguous and sometimes maligned bird. Join Fr. Alex Roche and Fr. Anthony Dill every month to discuss a whole range of unconventional topics from a Catholic perspective, finding spiritual nourishment in unexpected places. www.wadicherith.com

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Episodes

Song of Songs- A Love Story

March 05, 2024 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

This is not a podcast for the faint of heart.  Song of Songs is a controversial, passionate, and "earthy" book of the Bible which explores both human and divine love. Join us as we walk with King Solomon, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Teresa of Avila, and some of your favorite popes in exploring romantic love in this beautiful corner of sacred scripture. 

Barbie and Oppenheimer- Theological Blockbusters

January 26, 2024 03:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

The cultural phenomenon Barbenheimer took the movie world by storm during the summer of 2023. As both films gear up for the Oscars,  we discuss surprisingly convergent theological themes like faith's intersection with physics, the reality of death, and the search for meaning and identity in these two hit movies. Warning-spoilers. This episode was recorded live for Theology on Tap in the Diocese of Scranton at Sabbatini's Bottle Shop in Exeter, PA on January 25, 2024.

The Star of Bethlehem- A Christmas Episode

December 16, 2023 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Two thousand years ago something happened in the night sky that inspired stargazers from the east to find a mighty king who had been born in Israel.  For centuries astronomers and theologians alike have attempted to discover just what those wise men saw. Join us as we explore the meaning behind the Star of Bethlehem that led the Magi to the newborn Christ in Matthew's Gospel. For more information look up The Star of Bethlehem by Michael R. Molnar Have a Merry Christmas from your friends a...

“Nada te turbe”- St. Teresa of Ávila and the Spanish Inquisition

November 25, 2023 01:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

"Let nothing disturb you"-- That is St. Teresa of Avila's advice to anyone who desires to grow in their relationship with God. Join us today as we discuss this holy woman and doctor of the Church who pushed the boundaries of theology and spirituality during the height of the Spanish Inquisition. In this episode, we discuss some misconceptions about the Spanish Inquisition (it was still bad, but not for the reasons you think it was!), the great insights we can receive from St. Teresa, and ho...

Harry Potter- The Moral Life at Hogwarts

October 27, 2023 03:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB

For this year's Halloween episode we are joined by guest host Fr. Pat Arensberg as we discuss the popular book and movie series, Harry Potter. Join us as we discuss the use of magic in literature, our sense of uniqueness in the spiritual life, sacrifice, and complex moral characters.

"In the beginning..."- Creation Stories in Genesis

September 14, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MB

Fr. Alex Roche and Fr. Anthony Dill discuss and debate the creation stories in Genesis. Evolution, Creationism, God’s Providence, Enlightenment Deism, human agency, work, loneliness, selfishness, boundaries, and love will all be mentioned in this conversation.  This episode is part of an 8-part series of educational and theological talks on our role as stewards of God’s Creation, provided by the Diocese of Harrisburg. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Holy Spirit Parish in Palm...

Radiant Darkness- The Beauty of Negative Theology

August 26, 2023 08:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MB

This podcast focuses on seeing God in unexpected places, but today we discuss an essential theological concept- "apophatic" or "negative theology". Following the thought of great theologians like St. Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and St. Maximus the Confessor, we discuss God's transcendence and unknowability. Join us to discover what this ancient theology can teach us about prayer, discernment, and humility.

In the Belly of a Fish - Jonah and Mercy

July 28, 2023 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

Wadi Cherith is back, and we're here to discuss the Book of the Prophet Jonah.  Join us as we discuss mercy and hypocrisy, death and resurrection, fish and mammals, all in this short but powerful book.

The Dream of the 90s is Alive- The Theology of a Decade

February 09, 2023 01:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MB

Join us to discuss our favorite decade. Stone Temple Pilots, girl altar servers, OJ Simpson, and more. "Don't have a cow, man"

A Christmas Carol- A Christmas Episode

December 16, 2022 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Scrooge, Marley, Tiny Tim, Fozzy the Bear, and Billy Murray! If you love Christmas, you'll join us for this special holiday episode as we discuss the theology of Charles Dickens' beloved story, A Christmas Carol. "Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!"

Short "Scary" Story 1 - Halloween Imagination Followup

October 31, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Join us as we try a new Halloween tradition, trying to take turns creating and narrating a scary short story.

Short "Scary" Story- Halloween Imagination Followup

October 31, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Join us as we try a new Halloween tradition, trying to take turns creating and narrating a scary short story.

"The Hope of Salvation"- 1 Thessalonians and Early Christianity

October 02, 2022 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the very first book written in the New Testament, St. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians.

"The Hope of Salvation"- First Thessalonians and Early Christianity

October 02, 2022 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the very first book written in the New Testament, St. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians.

Growing Peas in the Monastery - Reflections on Gregor Mendel

August 16, 2022 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Join us for another trip to the 19th century to look at the vocation and work of the Father of Genetics, Gregor Mendel. 

"Get a Hobby!"-Motorcycles, Recreation, and God

June 19, 2022 17:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

We live in a work-obsessed culture where time is only well-spent if it's spent getting something. Join us to discover why our down-time is much more closely related to our relationship with God than our work time. In particular we will discuss our own favorite hobby--motorcycles!

Sons of David: The Story of Israel's Greatest King- Part 3

May 08, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

As David's reign comes to an end his many sons begin to take center stage. What do the sins and successes of David's sons tell us?

David and Bathsheba: The Story of Israel's Greatest King- Part 2

April 06, 2022 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

David takes the throne, conquers the city of Jerusalem, and demonstrates that even Israel's greatest king is deeply flawed.

David Begins: The Story of Israel's Greatest King- Part 1

February 23, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

From throwing rocks at a giant to the craziest wedding dowry of all time, the Biblical story of King David has something for everyone. Join us as we discuss the origin story of one of the most important figures in the Bible in the first part of a three-part series. 

American Prophet- The Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 17, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Martin Luther King, Jr. is the most influential American religious figure of all time. His speeches, most of which are sermons at the core, proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Join us as we discuss the theological contributions and insights of this American prophet. Theme song by Holly Serio Music www.wadicherith.com

Home Alone- A Christmas Episode

December 18, 2021 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Today we discuss our thoughts on 1990s Christmas classic, Home Alone. You'll hear about, in descending order of importance: The Incarnation Our Lady of Guadalupe John Candy Micro Machines Join us as we try to force theology into a movie everyone was just trying to enjoy. Be sure to follow and review!

Queen of Persia- The Subtle Theology of the Book of Esther

November 17, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

You don't have to watch HBO to see top-notch political maneuvering, just break open the Book of Esther! Esther explores some fascinating ideas, including Exile, feminism, and revenge, all while never explicitly mentioning God (well, kind of). Join us as we discuss this underrated part of the Old Testament. Happy Purim (in March)! www.wadicherith.com https://www.facebook.com/HollySerioMusic/

"Fear and Trembling"- A Catholic Reflection on Horror

October 20, 2021 09:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Spooky. Join us for our Halloween special episode where we discuss werewolves, draculas, frankensteins, and the theological value of horror. 

Mr. Hershey's Chocolate- Morality and the American Dream

September 24, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

In 1876 Milton Hershey had a dream to make a chocolate bar that every American could afford. He succeeded. The story of Milton Hershey includes terrible injustices, inspiring altruistic endeavors, and perhaps the most iconic American brand of them all.  Join us as we discuss the story of one man's pursuit of his dream and what it tells us about the intersection of morality, industry, and the need for leisure. 

Slammin' Sammy- The Prophet Samuel and a Changing World

July 14, 2021 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

Rapidly changing times. Outsiders taking the lead. The voice of God in unexpected places. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark All of our favorite themes connect in the story of the prophet Samuel. Join us this week as we talk about one of the Old Testament's most important figures...and Ewoks...

Talkin' Bout an Evolution- Darwin and God

May 05, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

What do antibiotics, free will, and Galapagos finches have in common?  Yup, we're talking about evolution again. If you'd like to hear more listen to our four part review of Kenneth R. Miller's book Finding Darwin's God entitled, predictably, "Finding Darwin's God"- Parts 1-4.

"The First Observer of Marvels"- The Hubble Space Telescope, Wonder, and Awe

April 28, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

Check out some of these pictures (https://hubblesite.org/resource-gallery/images) and tell me the Hubble Space Telescope doesn't lead you into deep contemplation about the wonders of our God.  

"I'm on a Boat"- Noah's Ark for Grown-Ups

April 21, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

It might be the first Bible story you ever learned, but how much time can you honestly say you've spent reflecting on the story of the great flood from the book of Genesis?  Join us as we explore themes of chaos, environmental catastrophe, and God's desire to remember and preserve us.

Noah's New Creation- The Flood, Chaos, and God

April 21, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

It might be the first Bible story you ever learned, but how much time can you honestly say you've spent reflecting on the story of the great flood from the book of Genesis?  Join us as we explore themes of chaos, environmental catastrophe, and God's desire to remember and preserve us.

Wadi Cherith- The Prophet Elijah and Our Podcast

February 17, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Why does our podcast have such a weird name?  In this episode we discuss the Prophet Elijah, including what happened at the Wadi Cherith.  Listen as we examine what Elijah can teach us about finding wisdom from unexpected sources, the dangers of creating idols for ourselves, and why it's important to sometimes journey outside of Israel to hear God's voice.

Attila the Fun- The Huns, the Romans, and the Christian View of History

February 10, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

It's a name we all know, but might not know much about. In this episode we discuss the Scourge of God, Attila the Hun, and his role in the Fall of the Roman Empire.  What can this episode in history teach us about how Christians think about the end of the world, politics, and the role of the Church in history?  Join us to find out.

Attila and the Empire- The Huns, the Romans, and the Christian View of History

February 10, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

It's a name we all know, but might not know much about. In this episode we discuss the Scourge of God, Attila the Hun, and his role in the Fall of the Roman Empire.  What can this episode in history teach us about how Christians think about the end of the world, politics, and the role of the Church in history?  Join us to find out.

"Well, what if there is no tomorrow?"- The Theology of Groundhog Day

February 01, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

As proud sons of Pennsylvania, Groundhog Day (the movie and the holiday) has a special place in our hearts.  From the importance of Groundhog Day as a celebration of the Presentation of the Lord to Bill Murray's hilarious depiction of one man's struggle to overcome the monotony of life and find fulfillment, there is plenty to discuss this week.  "That's right woodchuck chuckers, it's GROUNDHOG DAY!"

All Dogs go to Heaven?- Animals and God's Plan for Salvation

January 20, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

The Bible describes salvation as the glorification of God's creation.  What does this mean for our friends that crawl, swim, and fly?  What will be the role of animals in the New Heaven and New Earth?  Fr. Anthony and Fr. Alex discuss.

ET Phone Rome- Extraterrestrial Life and Catholicism

January 13, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

Do aliens exist? We don't know. How would the discovery of life on other planets influence Catholic theology? We're not sure. Do you want to tangle with the Space Cops? Absolutely not. Join us to discuss all the reasons that Catholics should not feel threatened by wondering whether or not we are alone in the universe...

"Sorry I'm not a Robot"- Emotions in the Christian Life

January 06, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

Listen to this if you have emotions. Fr. Anthony Dill and Fr. Alex Roche debate the importance of letting passions or emotions into one's spirituality. We are all affected by passions as humans. Should we incite them or should we try to keep them muted? This may be our biggest disagreement yet!

Vatican II and You- Why Ecumenical Councils Matter

December 30, 2020 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

Time to gather the wolfpack, the 5 families, the flock, the gaggle, the herd, the [insert collective noun here], because today we talk about what happens when the Church from around the world gathers to speak with one voice.  Join Fr. Anthony Dill and Fr. Alex Roche to discuss Ecumenical Councils throughout history and why we should be paying attention to our most recent council, Vatican II.

The Pope against the World (in 1870)

September 09, 2020 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Join Fr. Anthony Dill and I for perhaps our nerdiest podcast yet.  After reading David Kertzer's The Pope Who Would be King: The Exile of Pius IX and the Emergence of Modern Europe we discuss the ending of the 1100 year-old Papal States, Blessed Pius IX, and the beginning of the new nation called Italy.  Sound esoteric and unrelatable?  Well, maybe you're kind of right, but we'll see if we can find a few ways to learn from this crazy period of Church and world history...

The Pope against the World- Pius IX and the Unification of Italy

September 09, 2020 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Join Fr. Anthony Dill and I for perhaps our nerdiest podcast yet.  After reading David Kertzer's The Pope Who Would be King: The Exile of Pius IX and the Emergence of Modern Europe we discuss the ending of the 1100 year-old Papal States, Blessed Pius IX, and the beginning of the new nation called Italy.  Sound esoteric and unrelatable?  Well, maybe you're kind of right, but we'll see if we can find a few ways to learn from this crazy period of Church and world history...

"Will Ferrell" w/ Fr. Victor Ingalls

September 02, 2020 11:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."  Join us to talk about the theology of Will Ferrell, the role of comedy and satire in our culture, and listen to the weird way Fr. Victor pronounces mature..."matour"..."matour-ity"...weird. www.wadicherith.com

"Jurassic Park" w/ Fr. Pat Arensberg

August 26, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

Fr. Pat Arensberg and I talk about our plans to genetically engineer dinosaurs.  Of course the movie teaches us to never believe the illusion that we have complete control, but this time... Special thanks to Holly Serio Music for our theme song. www.wadicherith.com

"Life, uh, finds a way" - The Theology of Jurassic Park

August 26, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Fr. Pat Arensberg and I talk about our plans to genetically engineer dinosaurs.  Of course the movie teaches us to never believe the illusion that we have complete control, but this time... Special thanks to Holly Serio Music for our theme song. www.wadicherith.com

"Life, uh, finds a way" - Jurassic Park and Theology

August 26, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

Fr. Pat Arensberg and I talk about our plans to genetically engineer dinosaurs.  Of course the movie teaches us to never believe the illusion that we have complete control, but this time... Special thanks to Holly Serio Music for our theme song. www.wadicherith.com

Book Review - "Finding Darwin's God" w/ Fr. Anthony Dill - Part 4

June 26, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Part four of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 8-9 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  This concludes our book review.

"Finding Darwin's God" w/ Fr. Anthony Dill - Part 4

June 26, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Part four of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 8-9 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  This concludes our book review. www.wadicherith.com

"Finding Darwin's God" - Part 4

June 26, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Part four of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 8-9 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  This concludes our book review. www.wadicherith.com

"Finding Darwin's God" - Part 3

June 12, 2020 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Part three of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 6-7 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  If you would like to read along you can pick up the book and join us next week (June 18) to discuss chapters 8-9.  

"Finding Darwin's God" w/ Fr. Anthony Dill - Part 3

June 12, 2020 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Part three of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 6-7 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  If you would like to read along you can pick up the book and join us next week (June 18) to discuss chapters 8-9.  

Book Review - "Finding Darwin's God" w/ Fr. Anthony Dill - Part 3

June 12, 2020 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Part three of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 6-7 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  If you would like to read along you can pick up the book and join us next week (June 18) to discuss chapters 8-9.  

"Finding Darwin's God" - Part 2

June 04, 2020 20:00 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MB

This week is the long-awaited part two of our first book discussion.  This week we discuss chapters 3-5 of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution" by Kenneth R. Miller from Brown University.  If you would like to read along you can pick up the book and join us next weeks(June 11) to discuss chapters 6-7.