When God 'Hardens' Hearts: Free Will, Pride, and Grace

When God 'Hardens' Hearts: Free Will, Pride, and Grace

Two Catholic dads unpack difficult Bible passages about God "hardening" hearts (Exodus, Joshua) and reconcile this language with human free will using the sun/wax/clay analogy. They explore examples like Pharaoh, Judas, and opposing kings, and draw on Augustine to explain how pride, power, and refusal to surrender lead to hardened hearts. The episode finishes with practical takeaways: cultivate a broken, receptive heart through surrender and grace, watch for signs of pride, and apply these lessons at home while continuing their study of Joshua and other warrior books.

When the Sun Stood Still: Faith, Warfare, and Worship in Joshua

Josh and Tim unpack Joshua (chapters 6–10), exploring Jericho, Ai, and the famous sun-standing miracle. They connect Israel’s battles to liturgical worship, discuss the necessity of worshipping God the right way, wrestle with faith and science in Scripture, and reflect on surrender, the fear of the Lord, and God’s desire for a contrite heart.

When Walls Fall: The Battle of Jericho and Achan's Sin

Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, walk through Joshua chapters on the Battle of Jericho and Achan’s sin—covering the unusual siege, archaeological notes about the collapsed walls and stored grain, the brutal aftermath for Achan, and how these stories point to themes of humility, communal responsibility, and God’s relentless search for humanity. They weave Scripture with personal anecdotes, reflections on grace (Bishop Barron and Fr. Mike Schmitz quotes), and what it means to prepare the way for the Lord.

Easter, a Pope’s Passing, and the Stones of Gilgal

On this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh Vegors and Tim Summers pray for Pope Francis after his passing, reflect on leadership in the Church during the Easter season, and share personal reactions. They dive into Joshua chapters 4–6, exploring the stones of Gilgal, the second circumcision, the end of the manna, the commander of the Lord, and the lead-up to the battle of Jericho. The hosts discuss the value of tradition and communal Bible study, and encourage a ‘both-and’ approach to theological and political tensions in the Church today.

The Eucharist Everywhere: How Joshua Points to Christ

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim dig into the opening chapters of Joshua, tracing themes of prayer, courage, and leadership. They explore Eucharistic and baptismal symbolism—from the Ark and the Red Sea to the Jordan River and the city of Adam—and reflect on how the Old Testament points toward Christ. Using map study, personal stories, and practical insights, they discuss how petition prayer shapes and purifies believers, why listening to God builds true courage, and what humble obedience looks like for modern leaders and families.