Fr. Josh answers questions about whether all world religions are the same, how to accept a partner’s sexual history in a dating relationship, and how to let go of past sufferings and hurts.
*Please note: This episode contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children – parental discretion is advised.
Snippet from the Show
We can reverence the fact that there are true, good, and beautiful aspects of different world religions, but we should always invite people to discover Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Shownotes
Timestamps
- Glory Story (2:37)
- Are all religions the same? ( 4:39)
- How I accept my partner’s sexual history? (11:24)
- How do I let go of past sufferings and hurts? ( 15:31)
Questions
Are All Religions the Same?
I was recently having a conversation about religion with a Muslim friend. It opened my eyes to a lot of similarities in our beliefs and values (such as creation, the importance of family, etc). However, my friend was arguing that all religions are “basically the same” and I feel like I was not able to articulate very well the uniqueness of Catholicism and why it actually is different from Islam for example. Do you have any advice on how to have this conversation while remaining respectful and recognizing our shared values and origins?
Thanks!
-Alisa
Accepting a Partner’s Sexual History
I’ve had a lot of difficulty coming to terms with my partner’s extensive sexual history which she recently disclosed. She’s not the same person she was then, but it goes against everything I was taught as a catholic. I want to be able to forgive her the same way God does for all of us but I’m having a really hard time. Any advice?
-Max
Letting Go of Past Hurts
Hey Father Josh! I enjoy listening to your podcast, and I’m enjoying your new YouTube videos!
I have a question about letting go. I have a hard time letting go of the past. It’s hard for me to let go of the sufferings, hurts, and pain of the past. I also struggle with letting go of good times (Ex. I replay moments of when I was happy and content when I have to live with a certain suffering or pain). All this prevents me from seeing God’s Grace before me and I’m blinded by my mind going to the past.
Now that you probably have Elsa singing “Let It Go” running through your mind, can you please give me any advice as to how to just let things go in order to see God’s presence in the present?
Thank you, and may God continue to bless your ministries!
-Anonymous
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Fr. Josh Johnson
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.
Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.
