Episode Description
In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Mark Brumley, president of Ignatius Press and longtime contributor to the Catholic apologetics movement. Together, they reflect on the rise of Catholic apologetics in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, a time marked by doctrinal confusion, limited catechetical resources, and strong evangelical critiques of the Catholic faith.
Brumley shares his personal journey from unaffiliated theism to evangelical Christianity and ultimately to Catholicism, highlighting how historical research, Scripture, and engagement with early Church writings led him to embrace the Catholic Church. The conversation explores the challenges Catholics faced before the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the impact of Catholic Answers, and the importance of clear, reasoned explanations of the faith.
The discussion then turns to contemporary apologetics, including the influence of digital media, responses to the New Atheism, the renewed interest in Christianity among young people, and the importance of presenting both rational arguments and the broader narrative of salvation. Brumley and Dauphinais emphasize that apologetics serves evangelization by removing intellectual obstacles and inviting people into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
The episode concludes with reflections on faith and reason, the renewal of biblical literacy among Catholics, current cultural challenges, and the enduring mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, confidence, and charity.
Resources:
Links to Mark Brumley's books
How not to Share Your Faith: https://a.co/d/04lPO6My
The Seven deadly Sins of Apologetics: https://shop.catholic.com/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-apologetics-digital/
Websites:
https://www.catholic.com/profile/mark-brumley
Catholic Mass Times App | Find Catholic Churches Near Me:
The most popular app worldwide for finding Catholic Mass times near me. Confession times. Adoration. 110,000+ churches. Updated in 2025:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...https://catholicmasstimes.com/
▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80
▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:
https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL
▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu
▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/
▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/
Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.