Ever wonder how we got into the mess we're in? Why is the modern world so opposed to the Christian faith? What went wrong and how do we get back on track? These are pretty tough questions, which is fine because I've got a pretty smart guest. Today on the Art of Catholic I brought in Dr. Andrew Jones. He's got a PhD in Medieval History and is an expert on the Church in the High Middle Ages. He's also the Executive Director at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Some of you will remember him from Episode 51 when he spoke about the Crusades. But as big a topic as that was, this is even bigger. Dr. Jones is going to use his deep knowledge of Catholic history to drop a bomb on the modern world. Namely, he'll expose some of the underlying reasons things are the way they are (a fat mess), and give some direction as to the solution. He spells it all out in his new, fat book titled "Before Church & State" that took 10 years to write. (Yes, 10 years.) Here's the thing I love about Andrew. He's a contrarian. Not just because he likes to argue, but because he loves the truth. Andrew lives to totally destroy the anti-Catholic paradigms and false narratives with which we were all taught to believe...stuff we didn't realize was anti-Catholic! Among other things, we'll discuss: Why the modern categories of Church and State are totally anti-Catholic The lie of "public" and "private" in the realm of faith How the modern world has re-defined religion and boxed us in Why modernism wants everyone to be the same (even while preaching "individualism") Why the term "religion" is code for "things that don't really matter" to the modern world How 13th century France points to a better structure founded on charity Why Catholics must forcefully reject modernity's definition of Christianity Why the term "religious liberty" is a hoax Why all Catholics should understand the notion of "Sovereignty" I'm sure you've noticed this is a big list. Well this is a big episode...a very important episode. I'm guessing you're going to walk away from this one thinking, "Whoa...I might need to re-think some things." God bless! Matthew Grab your FREE copy of my quick guide to deeper prayer 8 Ways To Jumpstart Your Prayer Life!  It's an easy step-by-step guide to help you rocket to God!   Don't miss a show! Subscribe to The Art of Catholic by clicking this link and then clicking "View in iTunes" under the picture and then "Subscribe"!     Check out the new video about my pilgrimage to the Holy Land!  It's the trip of a lifetime! Click here for trip details.