Episode 9 – Know Your Weapons pt. 4 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen turn to the virtues as the Christian’s interior armor. Dr. Thigpen begins by distinguishing virtue from vice: virtue is a habit of doing good, while vice is a habit of wrongdoing. Using the image of ruts worn into a road, he explains how repeated choices gradually shape the soul, making it easier either to choose what is good or to fall repeatedly into the same weakness. The armor St. Paul describes, then, isn’t simply something placed around us from the outside. Through grace and faithful practice, faith, hope, love, truth, and the other virtues become part of who we are, strengthening the mind, heart, and will against temptation.

The conversation looks closely at faith as both believing what God has revealed and entrusting ourselves to Him, hope as the helmet that protects the mind from discouragement and despair, and love as the breastplate protecting the heart and our ability to choose what is good. Truth guards us against the father of lies, while readiness to share the Gospel gives Christians firm footing as they move through the world. Dr. Thigpen concludes with humility, the soil in which the other virtues grow and one of the strongest protections against spiritual pride. Rather than trying to fight alone, Christians are called to recognize their weakness, depend upon God, receive the graces of the sacraments, and allow trusted people to speak truth into their lives.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare Chapter 5:

Prayer and fasting, worship and adoration, Scripture and sacraments and sacramentals all provide the weapons of our spiritual warfare. With them we go on the offensive against the Evil One. But the virtues provide our defensive armor.

As Blessed Pope Paul VI once observed, St. Paul “used the armor of a soldier as a symbol for the virtues that can make a Christian invulnerable.” They are our best defense against his attacks, for they guard our minds and hearts from his deceptions and temptations. A lapse in virtue is in fact a chink in our armor that makes us vulnerable.

Each of these virtues, then, and all the others as well, play a vital role in protecting us from enemy assault as the armor we must wear. St. Paul sums it up: “Put on, therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience. Bear with one another, if anyone has a grievance against any other; even as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection” (Col 3: 12– 14). Only with such armor will we be fully covered and protected from the Evil One’s attacks.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How does this episode help clarify the difference between a sacramental and something superstitious or magical? Why is holy water so closely connected to baptism and spiritual warfare? What stood out to you in St. Teresa of Avila’s testimony about holy water? How can sacramentals help create a culture of holiness in a Catholic home? Why is faith and interior disposition so important when using blessed objects? What did you learn about the spiritual meaning of the St. Benedict Medal? How does the rosary become more than simply a set of beads in the life of prayer? In what ways can blessed crucifixes, medals, holy water, and other sacramentals serve as reminders to turn back to God? Which sacramental has been most meaningful in your own spiritual life, and why?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA10 – Know your Armor – The Virtues” – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 9 – Know Your Weapons pt. 4 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen continue their discussion of sacramentals by focusing on blessings and the way ordinary material things can be set apart for God’s service and protection. Dr. Thigpen explains the difference between blessings any Christian may offer, such as blessing food or a parent blessing a child, and those blessings reserved to clergy. He then turns to holy water, showing how it recalls baptism and the Christian’s rescue from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. Drawing on the testimony of St. Teresa of Avila, the conversation highlights the spiritual power associated with holy water while keeping the emphasis firmly on faith, God’s grace, and the prayer of the Church.

The episode also explores blessed salt, medals, crucifixes, and the rosary, while carefully distinguishing sacramentals from superstition or magic. Dr. Thigpen explains that blessed objects do not possess independent power. Rather, they dispose the faithful to receive God’s grace and help create a culture of holiness in the home and in daily life. Particular attention is given to the St. Benedict Medal and the rosary as reminders of Christ’s victory and Our Lady’s intercession in the spiritual battle. The episode closes with a simple but important insight: sacramentals should continually lead us back to prayer, because the safest place in spiritual warfare is to remain deeply rooted in Christ.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Chapter 4:

Blessings and blessed objects. Both the blessings that are properly given by clergy (such as those in the Liturgy) and the blessings spoken by lay people as part of their daily lives (such as a table grace) are important sacramentals. They can sanctify our thoughts, our actions, and our surroundings in a way that repels the Enemy. We see their power most clearly when used to remedy the demonic infestation of a building or object through a priestly blessing with holy water. Throughout the centuries, the testimony of many Christians, including a number of saints, confirms that objects blessed by a priest, through the power of the Church’s intercession, can repel demonic powers. Again and again, evil spirits have recoiled in dread, not just from the Sign of the Cross, but also from holy water and blessed oil, crosses, crucifixes, medals, candles, or salt. These can be used by priests in exorcisms as well as by lay Christians in everyday life. So the faithful sometimes keep such sacramentals in their homes. The home itself (as well as other buildings) can be blessed by a priest as well.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How does this episode help clarify the difference between a sacramental and something superstitious or magical? Why is holy water so closely connected to baptism and spiritual warfare? What stood out to you in St. Teresa of Avila’s testimony about holy water? How can sacramentals help create a culture of holiness in a Catholic home? Why is faith and interior disposition so important when using blessed objects? What did you learn about the spiritual meaning of the St. Benedict Medal? How does the rosary become more than simply a set of beads in the life of prayer? In what ways can blessed crucifixes, medals, holy water, and other sacramentals serve as reminders to turn back to God? Which sacramental has been most meaningful in your own spiritual life, and why?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA9 – Know your Weapons pt. 4 – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 8 – Know your Weapons pt. 3 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor turn to the Church’s sacramentals and their place in the spiritual battle. Dr. Thigpen explains that sacramentals are sacred signs established by the Church that dispose us to receive grace and help sanctify the circumstances of life. He distinguishes them from the sacraments while showing why they matter so deeply: through the prayer and intercession of the Church, sacramentals become genuine occasions of grace. The discussion also explores the importance of rites, liturgical form, and proper authority, especially in relation to exorcism, where the Church’s wisdom and discipline protect both the afflicted and those who seek to help them.

The conversation then moves from major and minor exorcisms to one of the most familiar and powerful sacramentals in Catholic life: the Sign of the Cross. Drawing on St. Athanasius and St. John Vianney, Dr. Thigpen explains why the Cross is so feared by the enemy. It proclaims the victory of Christ and reminds the Christian of his or her identity in the One who has already defeated Satan. The episode also highlights the importance of blessed crucifixes and other sacramentals in the home, not as magical objects, but as visible signs joined to faith, prayer, and the Church’s intercession. This is a strong reminder that Catholic spiritual warfare is rooted not in superstition or improvisation, but in Christ, His Church, and the means of grace He has entrusted to her.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Chapter 4:

The weapon of sacramentals The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes sacramentals as sacred signs that bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, especially of a spiritual kind, that are obtained through the Church’s intercession. Through sacramentals, we are disposed to receive the primary effect of the sacraments, and they make holy various occasions in life (see CCC 1667).

Exorcism. Since ancient times, Christians have recognized the power of the Church’s intercession as it’s displayed through the use of sacramentals. Most notably, the ministry of exorcism is itself a sacramental. In an exorcism, the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the Devil’s power and withdrawn from his dominion. Just as Jesus performed exorcisms, He has given the Church the power and office to perform them (see CCC 1673).

According to Church law, only a priest with the bishop’s permission can perform a major (or solemn) exorcism— that is, the rite required to free a demon-possessed person. Any priest, however, can perform a minor exorcism in cases other than possession. These involve private prayers and blessings, either spontaneous or as provided by the ritual of the Church. They may be helpful in cases of oppression, obsession, and even infestation. In addition, the Rite of Infant Baptism and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) contain prayers of exorcism.

The Sign of the Cross. St. Athanasius wrote that before the coming of Christ, demonic powers used to deceive the pagans into worshipping them and obeying their oracles. “But now,” he observed in the fourth century, “since the divine appearance of the Word [Christ], all this deception has come to an end. For by the Sign of the Cross, if a man will only use it, their deceptions are driven out.”

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How did this episode deepen your understanding of what a sacramental is? Why is it important to distinguish sacramentals from the sacraments? What does the Church’s careful use of rites teach us about humility and obedience in spiritual warfare? Why is proper authority especially important when dealing with exorcism? What dangers can arise when someone tries to act outside the authority given by the Church? How does the Sign of the Cross proclaim Christ’s victory over evil? Why does Dr. Thigpen stress that sacramentals are not magical objects? What role do blessed crucifixes and other sacramentals play in your home or daily prayer? How can making the Sign of the Cross more intentionally deepen your awareness of Christ’s presence and protection?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA8 – Know your Weapons pt. 3 – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 6 – Know your Weapons pt. 1 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen begin a rich discussion on one of the most hopeful themes in the spiritual life: the weapons God has given His people for the battle. Far from leaving Christians defenseless, the Lord equips them with divine means to overcome the enemy’s strongholds. Dr. Thigpen explains that these strongholds can take many forms, including sinful habits, spiritual wounds, unhealthy relationships, and patterns of thought that give the enemy a foothold. Yet the answer is not fear or frantic effort. It begins with prayer, the essential weapon that keeps the soul in living communion with God and opens the heart to His strength, wisdom, and protection.

The conversation goes on to explore several foundational weapons in spiritual warfare: prayer, worship, Eucharistic adoration, fasting, and Sacred Scripture. Dr. Thigpen emphasizes that prayer is not merely asking for help, but entering more deeply into adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and intercession. He also reflects on the power of fasting as a way of strengthening prayer and loosening the bonds of evil, and on the example of Christ in the desert, who used the Word of God as a sword against temptation. This episode is both practical and encouraging, reminding listeners that the spiritual battle is real, but so are the divine gifts placed in our hands for victory in Christ.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Chapter 4:

The weapon of prayer In writing to the Ephesians, St. Paul goes on to identify several specific pieces of armor, and weapons as well. Indispensable in this list of the spiritual warrior’s equipment is prayer. “With all prayer and supplication,” he insists, “pray at all times in the Spirit, and  .  .  . be vigilant in all perseverance and all supplication for all the saints” (Eph 6: 18).

The weapon of worship Of course, prayer isn’t just a private matter. Praying not just for others, but with others, forms an important part of spiritual warfare. And the most perfect prayer in which we can join with our fellow warriors is the prayer of the Mass.

Worship is a spiritual weapon. When we worship God, we enter into His presence in a powerful way. Because demons tremble at His presence, they are reluctant to follow us there.

The weapon of Eucharistic adoration Outside of Mass, the other great refuge from the Devil and his wiles is prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

The weapon of fasting Throughout Sacred Scripture, we find that when God’s people fast, the power of their prayers is increased, especially when they are engaged in spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament, the Lord told Isaiah that a fast properly undertaken would “loose the bonds of wickedness  .  .  . undo the thongs of the yoke  .  .  . let the oppressed go free” (Is 58: 6).

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

What stood out to you most in Dr. Thigpen’s description of spiritual strongholds? Why is prayer the first and most essential weapon in spiritual warfare? How does prayer keep the soul connected to God’s strength and guidance? What did you find most helpful in the discussion of adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and intercession? Why is Eucharistic adoration such a powerful help in the spiritual battle? How does fasting strengthen prayer and sharpen spiritual vigilance? What does Jesus’ response to Satan in the desert teach us about using Sacred Scripture? Which of these spiritual weapons do you most need to grow in right now? What practical step can you take this week to deepen your use of prayer, fasting, worship or Scripture?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA6 – Know your Weapons pt. 1 – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hears Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 7 – Know your Weapons pt. 2 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor reflect on the immense power of the sacraments in the Christian battle. Far from being optional devotions or familiar religious routines, the sacraments are concrete channels of divine grace given to strengthen, heal, and protect the faithful. Dr. Thigpen explains how baptism delivers a soul from the kingdom of darkness and brings it into the kingdom of Christ, while reconciliation loosens the enemy’s grip through forgiveness and healing. The Eucharist places the believer at the heart of Christ’s victorious sacrifice, and confirmation deepens the power of the Holy Spirit within the soul for spiritual combat.

The conversation also highlights the grace of the anointing of the sick, matrimony, and holy orders, showing how each sacrament has a unique role in spiritual warfare. Whether strengthening the sick against fear and despair, fortifying marriage and family against division, or equipping priests and bishops to serve and protect the flock, the sacraments reveal that the Christian life is not lived alone or unarmed. Dr. Thigpen presents spiritual warfare not as a narrow subject limited to extraordinary experiences, but as a way of understanding the whole life of grace. This episode is a powerful reminder that the Church’s sacramental life is one of the greatest treasures given to believers in the struggle against evil.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Chapter 4:

The weapon of the sacraments Christ has given the seven sacraments to His Church as channels of grace into our lives. That grace is powerful to transform us into the image of Christ and to see us safely home to heaven. No wonder, then, that the Devil hates the sacraments and tries to keep us from receiving them. They, too, are weapons of our warfare, each one with a special power to protect us and to send the demons away from us.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How does this episode deepen your understanding of the sacraments as weapons in spiritual warfare? What stood out to you most in Dr. Thigpen’s description of baptism as liberation from the kingdom of darkness? Why is the sacrament of reconciliation so powerful in loosening the enemy’s hold on the soul? How does the Eucharist strengthen a Christian for the spiritual battle? What does confirmation reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in making us strong for combat? How can the anointing of the sick help a person facing fear, suffering, or discouragement? In what ways does matrimony become a place of spiritual protection and strength for the family? Why is it especially important to pray for priests, deacons, and bishops in the midst of spiritual warfare? What sacrament do you most need to draw from more intentionally right now?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA7 – Know your Weapons pt. 2 – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 5 – Know Your Commander and Comrades – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen shift the focus from the enemy to the great help God has given His people in the battle. Dr. Thigpen reflects on Jesus Christ as the victorious commander who has already conquered Satan through His Passion, death, and Resurrection. Because of Christ’s triumph, Christians do not fight from fear or uncertainty, but from hope and confidence. The conversation highlights the power of Sacred Scripture in spiritual warfare, especially the words of Christ and the witness of St. Paul and St. John, which strengthen the soul to resist accusation, doubt, and intimidation.

The episode also explores the heavenly and earthly comrades who accompany Christians in the struggle. Dr. Thigpen speaks beautifully about the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose humility crushes the pride of the ancient serpent, the saints who intercede as seasoned veterans of the spiritual battle, and the holy angels who guard and assist the faithful. He also gives needed attention to the support of fellow Christians, reminding listeners that no one is meant to fight alone. Through prayer, encouragement, wise counsel, and shared faith, the Body of Christ protects and strengthens its members. This is a deeply consoling episode that reminds us the battle is real, but so is the communion of help God has placed around us.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How does this episode deepen your confidence in Christ’s victory over evil? Why is it important to remember that Christians fight from Christ’s triumph rather than from fear? What part of the discussion on Scripture most stood out to you in facing temptation and accusation? How does Mary’s humility reveal the way God overcomes the pride of the enemy? What comfort do you find in the saints as companions and intercessors in spiritual warfare? How has your understanding of the angels been shaped or corrected by this conversation? Why is spiritual friendship so important in the Christian life and in times of battle? Have you experienced the encouragement of a faithful Christian friend at a moment when you needed strength? What practical step can you take this week to ask more intentionally for the help of Christ, Our Lady, the saints, the angels, and your fellow Christians?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA5 – Know Your Commander and Comrades – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 4 – Extraordinary Activity – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor turn to the subject of extraordinary demonic activity and the Church’s response to it. Dr. Thigpen explains the distinctions often made between infestation, oppression, obsession and possession, while carefully stressing that these realities are far less common than ordinary temptation and must never be approached in a sensational or reckless way. He emphasizes the wisdom of the Church in requiring discernment, medical evaluation when needed and the guidance of trained priests and appointed exorcists. This conversation helps listeners understand that knowledge of the battle is important, but curiosity or spiritual bravado can open the door to serious danger.

At the heart of the episode is a strong call to humility, order and trust in Christ’s authority working through His Church. Dr. Thigpen and Kris McGregor reflect on the difference between prayers that ask God for deliverance and those that directly address demonic powers, underscoring why authority matters in spiritual warfare. The discussion also highlights the strength given through baptismal identity, the sacraments, sacramentals, Scripture, prayer and the protection of the domestic church. The tone remains deeply hopeful throughout. Christians are not left helpless before evil. Christ has given His people real spiritual weapons and the Church stands ready to help those who suffer, always drawing them back toward healing, freedom and wholeness in Him.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

Why is it important to distinguish ordinary temptation from extraordinary demonic activity? What did you find most helpful in Dr. Thigpen’s explanation of infestation, oppression, obsession and possession? Why does the Church insist on discernment and medical evaluation before concluding that a person is suffering demonic affliction? How does this episode challenge sensational or fear-based approaches to spiritual warfare? Why is humility so important when confronting evil? What is the difference between prayers asking God for deliverance and prayers that directly address demonic powers? How does the Church’s structure of authority protect both the afflicted person and those who are trying to help? What role do the sacraments and sacramentals play in spiritual protection? How does this episode strengthen your confidence in Christ’s care for those who suffer spiritual attack?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

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Episode 3 – Temptation – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor continue their reflection on the Christian’s ongoing struggle with temptation. Even though Satan has already been decisively defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the spiritual battle continues in this present age as a time of testing, purification, and growth in holiness. Dr. Thigpen explains that temptation, in its most common form, is often subtle, ordinary, and persistent. Rather than dramatic manifestations, the enemy more often works through quiet suggestions, lies, doubts, distortions and discouragements meant to turn the soul away from trust in God.

A central focus of this conversation is the importance of vigilance over the mind and senses. Dr. Thigpen describes how images, memories, wounds, and inner accusations can be manipulated by the enemy through deception and misinterpretation. Drawing on St. Francis de Sales and St. Ignatius of Loyola, the episode highlights how so-called “little temptations” can gradually form habits that shape the soul toward either vice or virtue. Yet the tone remains deeply hopeful. Scripture, prayer, humility and devotion to Our Lady remain powerful helps in resisting the enemy’s stealth and in strengthening the heart for faithful perseverance. Listeners are reminded that the battle is real, but so is the grace that leads to victory.

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

How does this episode help you understand why spiritual warfare continues even after Christ’s victory? What did Dr. Thigpen mean by describing temptation as a form of testing? Why are subtle temptations often more dangerous than dramatic or obvious ones? How can memories, wounds, and past accusations become points of spiritual vulnerability? What stood out to you in the teaching from St. Francis de Sales about “little temptations”? How do repeated small choices gradually shape the soul toward either vice or virtue? Why is guarding the senses so important in the spiritual life? How can Scripture help answer the lies and accusations of the enemy? What practical step can you take this week to become more vigilant over your thoughts and reactions?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA3 – Temptation – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 1 – “Why does God allow evil” – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor deepen the conversation by reflecting on St. Paul’s call in Ephesians to “put on the armor of God.” Dr. Thigpen explains that spiritual warfare is not reduced to a few prayers or techniques, but is bound up with the whole Christian life. Growth in holiness, communion with God, and the cultivation of virtue form the true armor of the disciple. Faith, hope, love, humility, and wisdom are not abstract ideals. They are concrete protections that help the soul resist the lies, temptations, and assaults of the enemy. The closer one draws to God, the less power deception has over the heart.

The episode also takes up the difficult but necessary question of why God allows the devil to tempt and afflict human beings. Drawing from Scripture, St. Augustine, St. Catherine of Siena, St. John Vianney, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Dr. Thigpen shows that God permits temptation not for our destruction but for our strengthening, purification, and deeper reliance on grace. Listeners are encouraged to use the Word of God as Christ did in the desert, to persevere in prayer, and to take refuge in Our Lady, whose obedience and maternal aid remain powerful in the spiritual battle. This conversation is sober but filled with hope, reminding us that the enemy is real, but Christ has conquered, and the faithful are never left defenseless

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

What does this episode teach about the relationship between virtue and spiritual protection? How does Dr. Thigpen expand the meaning of the “armor of God” beyond simply saying prayers? Why is it important to remember that our struggle is not ultimately against flesh and blood? How does this episode help answer the question of why God allows temptation and evil? What part of St. Catherine of Siena’s teaching most stood out to you and why? How did Christ’s use of Scripture in the desert model a way for us to respond to temptation? What role does prayer play in resisting the enemy, according to St. John Vianney? How does devotion to Mary strengthen confidence in the spiritual battle? In what area of your life do you most need to “put on the armor of God” right now?

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA2 – Why does God allow evil? – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“Help from the Saints” – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare Chapter 9:

WORDS FROM THE SAINTS

The saints are veterans of the spiritual war that continues to rage in this world. Their insights, born of long experience in combat with the Enemy, can make us wise and strong in battle.

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D.

The“Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D, is the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author and award-winning journalist, Paul has published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, fiction and collections of poetry and prayers.

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977 summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with Distinction in the Major of Religious Studies. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993 he was named as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008 Paul was appointed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to their National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He has served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings,speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA13 – Help from the Saints – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 1 – “Know Your Enemy” – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this opening conversation of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen begin by addressing a truth too often ignored in modern Christian life: the reality of spiritual warfare. Dr. Thigpen explains that many people live unaware that a battle for the soul is taking place, even while Sacred Scripture clearly warns the faithful to remain sober, watchful, and steadfast against the attacks of the devil. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and his own experience, he speaks candidly about the danger of dismissing the existence of Satan and the demons, especially when Jesus Himself confronted and cast out demonic powers during His earthly ministry.

This episode also lays an important foundation for understanding the difference between ordinary temptation and more extraordinary forms of demonic activity. Dr. Thigpen explains who demons are, how they work through deception and temptation, and why discernment, virtue, and fidelity to Christ are essential in resisting them. The conversation is both sober and hopeful. While the enemy is real, the greater truth is that Christ has already won the victory. For the Christian, spiritual warfare is never about fear but about living under the authority of Jesus Christ, using the weapons God has given His Church and trusting that “greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.”

A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D.

The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. 

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA1 – Know Your Enemy – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“Aids in the Battle” – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. 

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare Chapter 7:

For in spite of all the witness of creation and of the salvific economy inherent in it, the spirit of darkness is capable of showing God as an enemy of his own creature, and in the first place as an enemy of man, as a source of danger and threat to man. In this way Satan manages to sow in man’s soul the seed of opposition to the one who “from the beginning” would be considered as man’s enemy— and not as Father. Man is challenged to become the adversary of God! The analysis of sin in its original dimension indicates that, through the influence of the “father of lies,” throughout the history of humanity there will be a constant pressure on man to reject God, even to the point of hating Him: “Love of self to the point of contempt for God,” as St. Augustine puts it. POPE JOHN PAUL II, DOMINUM ET VIVIFICANTEM (PAPAL ENCYCLICAL, 1986), 38

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D.

The“Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

Paul Thigpen, Ph.D, is the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author and award-winning journalist, Paul has published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, fiction and collections of poetry and prayers.

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977 summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with Distinction in the Major of Religious Studies. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993 he was named as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008 Paul was appointed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to their National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He has served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings,speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA12 – Aids in the Battle – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 11 – “Keep the Enemy Out of the Camp” – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D.

Dr. Thigpen offers insights on the Manual for Spiritual Warfare Chapter 6:

Satan has his Trojan horses as well. He sometimes tempts us to embrace what looks like a desirable gift. But despite the attractive appearance, it’s actually a catastrophe waiting for an invitation to invade. Playing with a Ouija board, for instance, may seem innocent enough, a diversion indulged in for the simple pleasure of satisfying curiosity. But such boards have been known to provide demons with easy access to those who thought them only a harmless game. To play with them is to play with fire.

Exorcists have in fact reported cases in which this practice— and other, more obviously serious, sins— have opened the gates of a soul to extraordinary demonic phenomena. Actions and activities commonly reported to have such terrifying consequences include satanic rituals; witchcraft, sorcery and so-called “white magic”; participation in religious cults; occult practices, such as Ouija boards and fortunetelling; séances, channeling, and other forms of necromancy (attempts to contact the dead); substance abuse; sexual sin; and abortion.Seeking the attractive “gift” of pleasure, power, secret knowledge, or (in the case of abortion) even escape from responsibility, some have committed these sins, and in doing so have opened themselves to demonic infestation, oppression, obsession, and even possession.

Blessed Pope Paul VI noted this danger when he warned that many Christians in modern times are “exposing their souls— their baptized souls, visited so often by the Eucharistic Presence and inhabited by the Holy Spirit!— to licentious sensual experiences and to harmful drugs, as well as to the ideological seductions of fashionable errors. These are cracks through which the Evil One can easily penetrate and change the human mind.”

In addition, forgiveness is crucial to deliverance from the Evil One, because a bitter heart gives him a foothold in our lives. “Take heed lest anyone be lacking in the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it, many be defiled” (Heb 12: 15). Those especially who have suffered a grave injustice must seek the grace to let go of the offense and pray for the offender, so that resentment doesn’t ferment into malicious bitterness.

If we’re ever tempted to invite the Enemy into our “camp” in any of these ways, we must recognize the Adversary’s deception and reject his offer firmly and immediately. And if we’ve ever committed such sins in the past, but have never confessed them, we need to confess them to God, seeking forgiveness and healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Visit here for other episodes in this series:
Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D.

The“Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here

 Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., is the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul has published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, fiction and collections of poetry and prayers.

Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977 summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with Distinction in the Major of Religious Studies. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993 he was named as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges.

In 2008 Paul was appointed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to their National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He has served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

The post POA11 – Keep the Enemy Out of the Camp – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.