Recorded in 1996. Bishop Williamson continues his commentary on the Prologue of St. John (verses 6–14), moving from the eternal existence of the Word to His entry into history.
Key topics include:
The Witness: The distinction between the Uncreated Light (The Word) and the created light (John the Baptist).
The Tragedy of Rejection: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." A theological look at the rejection of Christ by the Jewish leadership.
Adoptive Sonship: How belief in His name gives us the power to become the "sons of God"—not by nature, but by grace.
Et Verbum Caro Factum Est: A profound defense of the Incarnation against the Docetist heresy (which claimed Christ only "seemed" human). The Bishop explains why the reality of Christ’s flesh and blood is essential for salvation.
Recorded in 1996. Bishop Williamson provides a line-by-line commentary on the famous Prologue of St. John (Verses 1-18). This lecture tackles the most profound theological concepts in Scripture regarding the Holy Trinity and the Incarnation.
Key topics include:
The Logos: Understanding the Greek concept of "The Word" and its eternal pre-existence with God the Father.
Creation: How all things were made through Him.
The Mystery of the Incarnation: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us."
Light vs. Darkness: The fundamental spiritual battle introduced in the very first verses.
Recorded in 1996. In this opening lecture, Bishop Richard Williamson lays the foundation for the study of the Gospel of St. John. He explains why St. John is symbolized by the Eagle—soaring directly to the heights of the Divinity of Christ—unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) which focus more on His humanity.
Bishop Williamson delivers a speech focusing on traditional Catholic views regarding gender roles, both within the church and society at large. He discusses the historical perspective of women not singing in church, citing Pius X and St. Paul to argue that liturgical functions should be reserved for men. Williamson extends this argument to broader societal roles, suggesting that women are naturally suited for different functions than men, emphasizing traditional family structures and roles. He critiques modern equalitarian views, suggesting they conflict with natural law and divine order. Williamson also touches on the impact of liberalism on gender roles, the importance of men leading in faith and family, and the natural differences between men and women in reasoning and emotion. The speech concludes with a call for a return to traditional values in family and societal structures, highlighting the spiritual and practical implications of these roles.
Originally held on December 29 2012.
In his lecture, Bishop Williamson explores the dichotomy between the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church and the liberal ideologies that have infiltrated society over the past two centuries. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the encyclicals of the popes, especially those written in the last 200 years, as a means to grasp the Catholic Church's stance against the rising tide of liberalism. Bishop Williamson argues that modern liberalism, with its emphasis on the deification of man and the relegation of God to the sidelines, stands in direct opposition to the Catholic worldview, which places God at the center of the universe.
The lecture delves into the historical context of the Church's teachings, highlighting the shift in papal perspectives post-Vatican II and the contamination of the Church by modern liberal thought. Bishop Williamson criticizes the modern interpretation of liberty, particularly religious liberty, as corrupt and contrary to the Church's teachings. He points out the failure of Catholics to fully understand their faith, attributing this to a lack of catechism and proper religious education.
Bishop Williamson also touches upon the importance of critical thinking and reading as tools for Catholics to maintain their faith in a world that increasingly moves away from God. He challenges the notion that the Catholic religion is merely a source of comfort, instead highlighting the often difficult and demanding nature of true faith. The lecture concludes with a call for Catholics to engage more deeply with their faith, to think critically about the teachings of the Church, and to recognize the inherent conflict between the principles of modern liberalism and Catholic doctrine.
The transcript is a lecture given by Bishop Williamson, discussing historical events from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and how they are viewed from both a liberal and Catholic perspective. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding history and criticizes the lack of historical education in schools. They discuss events such as the Inquisition, the Reformation, Europe's religious wars, the Peace of Westphalia, the Enlightenment, and the American and French Revolutions. The lecture highlights the conflicting mentalities of the two perspectives and the necessity of returning to Catholicism to stabilize society. Bishop Williamson also discusses the importance of separating Catholic and liberal thinking, and the need to bring back the authority of the Catholic Church and the kingship of Christ to stabilize society.
The transcript is a lecture given by Bishop Williamson, discussing historical events from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and how they are viewed from both a liberal and Catholic perspective. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding history and criticizes the lack of historical education in schools. They discuss events such as the Inquisition, the Reformation, Europe's religious wars, the Peace of Westphalia, the Enlightenment, and the American and French Revolutions. The lecture highlights the conflicting mentalities of the two perspectives and the necessity of returning to Catholicism to stabilize society. Bishop Williamson also discusses the importance of separating Catholic and liberal thinking, and the need to bring back the authority of the Catholic Church and the kingship of Christ to stabilize society