Is there a right way to study theology? In order to communicate the truths of our faith, it is incredibly helpful to study it well. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle give their recommendations for how to approach theology so that you can help others know God better. They also share some of the current books and writings they are currently reading.
Snippet from the Show
Knowledge is the first step of love. To love God, you need to know him.
Shownotes
Start with the Creed
The Creed is like the pathway for studying theology. It is your guide and will help you organize what you need to study. If you use the Creed as your “study outline,” you will not lose sight of the goal and you will stay on track.
Also, Start with the Catechism
If the Creed is your pathway, the Catechism is the walls alongside the pathway to keep you on the path. The Catechism is incredibly dense with what we believe as Catholics. Pay attention to the paragraphs in the margins. The paragraphs listed in the margins are those paragraphs that relate to the paragraph you are currently in. Another resource for reading the Catechism is the Compendium. Finally, looking up and reading the resources listed in the Catechism will help further your understanding.
Study the Heresies and How the Church Responded
Oftentimes, when we hear heresies summarized, it seems obvious why they are wrong. However, if you really study them, it can become apparent why the heresy developed in the first place. As you study the heresies, be sure to also study how the Church responded. Figure out where the heretic went wrong.
Resources for Studying the Catechism
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition
- Ascension App
- Catechism in a Year Podcast
- Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
What Mike and Dave Are Currently Reading
- The Thomistic Response to the Nouvelle Théologie
- Basically anything by Erik Varden
- The Wellspring of Worship by Jean Corbon
- “Carrion Comfort” by Gerard Manley Hopkins
- The Unity of Philosophical Experience by Etienne Gilson
Resources
- Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com
- Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and be added to the Every Knee Shall Bow email list.
- Visit Dave’s website www.thecatholictruthaboutangelsanddemons.com and www.artofevangelization.com
- Visit Mike’s website at www.layevangelist.com
Meet Your Hosts
Michael “Gomer” Gormley
Michael spent 17 years in full-time parish ministry and is now the Mission Evangelist for That Man Is You!, a men’s apostolate for Paradisus Dei. Michael is a frequent speaker at conferences, retreats, and parish missions all over the US and Canada.
He is the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, and hosts three Catholic podcasts: Every Knee Shall Bow, Catching Foxes, and Becoming God.
Michael is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and has four beautiful and hilarious children: Kateri, Cecilia, Noah, and Thomas.
Dave VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of fourteen and has since dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ.
He is a speaker and retreat leader who focuses on proclaiming the universal call to holiness, authentic Catholic spirituality, spiritual warfare and deliverance. Additionally, Dave has over ten years of experience assisting priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance.
Dave married his late wife Amber in 2010. He now resides in Pittsburgh with his five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie and Louisa.
