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Occasional reflections on things that come into my mind — plus links to episodes of my radio show / podcast, “Free Expression”

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Communicating Substance

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MY SHOW “FREE EXPRESSION”
COVERS TOPICS THAT MATTER

I begin each episode of my radio show, “Free Expression,” by explaining…

“This program is all about conveying the Christian message — from a Catholic point of view — and defending the liberty which makes it possible to do that.”

A show that merely explained the mechanics of communicating would have limited appeal. So I interpret communication broadly, touching on a wide variety of topics addressed in the many messages with which we’re bombarded these days. And I try to demonstrate their importance to our lives as people of faith.

The “Catholic” point of view is mine, of course. Any topic is necessarily approached from a particular perspective.

And in the process of addressing such diverse subject matter, I’m trying to defend the liberty inherent in the show’s title, “Free Expression.” Sometimes I offer my defense explicitly, sometimes merely by exploring an issue that might be controversial or out of political favor.

In all of this, it’s content that matters.

Truth.

Which, after all, is the substance of the Christian message.

I hope this doesn’t sound too highfalutin’. The show is really quite down-to-earth. I discuss important things with intelligent people, and try to offer useful insight and practical information.

The latest episodes — accessible online at: https://billkassel.podbean.com — illustrate my approach…

Episode 83 — (1) Data analyst Terry Poplava examines survey results indicating why people leave or remain in the Catholic Church; (2) Dan Donaldson of the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance describes the upcoming online Heroic Men’s Summit.

Episode 82— (1) Bryan Mercier of the Catholic Truth evangelism apostolate emphasizes the importance of answering young people’s questions about the Faith; (2) Carolyn Astfalk, president of the Catholic Writers Guild discusses her organization and its upcoming conference; (3) Joel Stepanek describes the 10th National Eucharistic Congress planned for 2024.

Episode 81 — (1) Jonathan Feldstein of the Genesis 123 Foundation shares his experience of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel; (2) Anne DeSantis on the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation’s planned Marian event; (3) vocalist Anna Nuzzo on music in worship.

Episode 80 — (1) Insights into the struggle against pornography addiction from Dann Aungst, founder of the Road to Purity apostolate and author of “From One Addict to Another”; (2) Fr. Sebastian Walshe of “Catholic Answers” reflects on the beatitudes, as discussed in his new book, Heart of the Gospel.

Episode 79 — (1) Tommy Valentine of the activist group Catholic Vote describes the growing trend of violent attacks on parishes and other Church-related facilities; (2) graphic designer Anthony Foti offers advice on designing effective Catholic websites.

Episode 78 — (1) Communications professor Wes Jamison examines how activists are exploiting churches to promote the movement for “animal rights,” as laid out in his book, What Would Jesus Really Eat?: The Biblical Case for Eating Meat.

Episode 77 — (1) Aaron Terr of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression defends an online satirist charged with voter suppression over a humorous meme; (2) educator Charlotte Cushman warns that “woke” activists are subverting Montessori education; (3) scholar John-Paul Heil discusses the responsibility of the Christian writer.

As you can see, the show covers a wide range of concerns — all of which have spiritual and moral implications.

So please, tune in to “Free Expression.”

If you’re located in the south-central Michigan broadcast area, catch the show on FM-93.3 or AM-1510 Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9:00 p.m., or Mondays at 12:30 p.m.

Anywhere in the world — any time of the day or night — you can stream or download from PodBean at…

https://billkassel.podbean.com/

____________

 

After you’ve had the chance to tune in, please let me know what you think of “Free Expression.” I’d also appreciate your suggestions on topics we might cover, interesting people we might speak with, concerns that touch the lives of believers.

Leave a comment below, or use the Contact page. I look forward to hearing from you…

https://www.billkassel.com/contact/

 

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My Brother’s Keeper — Comments from Readers…

From the opening words of Bill Kassel’s novel we are drawn into the complex and colorful world of first century Israel. The reader is caught up in the drama of Christ through the eyes of Jesus’ natural family. Kassel’s work is unconventional, exciting and controversial, offering fresh insights and inspiration for believers and non believers alike.
—Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Blogger and Author

My Brother’s Keeper was, for me, a most gratifying reading experience. The book is beautifully written. And even with my limited early Christian history knowledge, I could tell that it had been exhaustively researched. I consider it a significant literary achievement. It was a privilege to read it.
—Gordon Boardman
Kalamazoo, MI

It makes the Gospels come alive in a new way. I loved it.
Frank Berkemeier
Jackson, MI

This was a fascinating book! It was not what I thought it was going to be. I thought the main character, James the Just, was going to turn out to be one of Jesus’ Apostles and the book would describe what it was like to spread the Good News. Instead, it came from the perspective of a family member who was not 100% sure that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only that: James the Just had a sort of friendship with Pontius Pilate. The entire book put you in the Holy Land while Jesus walked. It was a fascinating read. I would recommend it, and already have!
—Carol McHale
Reviewer for
Good Reads

Bill Kassel has taken a very different approach to the Christian story. His is not the conventional Christmas card portrait of the Holy Family. Rather, he has delved deeply into the earliest writings in Church Tradition and offered some compelling suppositions about what was going on around Jesus and how the people closest to him might have been effected by it. He has crafted a plot that’s engaging to the modern reader and, surprisingly, doesn’t contradict Scripture.”
—Fr. Joe Krupp
Columnist
Faith Magazine

If I lived in the time of Jesus, who would I think He was? What would I have believed about Him? Would I have espoused His teachings? It wasn’t like being raised Catholic in the 20th century. My Brother’s Keeper made me realize in a fresh new way how hard it was, in Jesus’ time, for many people — especially Jews — to believe in Jesus and how amazing His mission really was.
—Cheryl Nael
Ave Maria Radio

This book is one of my favorites. My Brother’s Keeper, from page one, invites you to go deeper into the daily life and time of Christ. Most of us are very familiar with the scriptures that give us an account of his life. This book takes you to a personal level that creates a very real image of not only the people but how Christ’s relationships and decisions created a life outside of themselves. How Jesus related to his family, and how his family saw him, bring a very realistic aspect to his life, and created the beginnings of a more personal understanding of Christ in my own life.
—Chris Hoyt
Osseo, MI

Well worth reading. Kassel Takes Biblical facts, Historic facts, Jewish facts and traditions, and weaves them into a compelling narrative. The dialogue is believable and enlightening. You really feel like you are there it is so well written and believable. I honestly couldn’t put it down even though I know the end as the Bible tells it. Kassel captures the emotions of the characters and they are believable. A very compelling and enjoyable read.
—D. Clark Wonderland
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Bill Kassel has created a vivid landscape for his characters that can be clearly seen felt and almost touched. The Interaction between the characters is understated and dutiful with silent respect. The reader can almost hear their thoughts in humble reverential tones. The relationships between the characters comes across as genuine and the narrative moves along smoothly. And the storyline in engaging. All in all a very good read.
—Al Ferber
Poet & Author

The subject matter and historical period are interesting to me so I find this a good read. I am Catholic but I think the book would be of interest to any Christian who would like to read a fictionalized rendering of what life might have been like for Jesus’ brother, James.
—M.D. Garnett
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Read this book. ’Tis a very interesting speculation about the family of Joseph, James and Jesus as the Jewish foundation to the Catholic faith.
—Ralph Wasche
White City, OR

“…a book of history, and, yes, entertainment. Even though we all know how it will end, I can’t put it down! It’s one of those stories you find yourself thinking of when you go about your daily routine …. Whether you are a Christian or not, this is an awesome read.”
—Nancy Ryan
Book Reviewer
Simply Hers
Magazine

Bill Kassel explores the impact Jesus’s birth and ministry had on his family, specifically Joseph and Joseph’s son James. Diligent research vividly describes the geography of the region and portrays the culture and politics of Judaism at that time. Not the typical retelling of the story of Jesus. Kassel poses questions that challenge the reader to rethink basic premises and meditate on new perspectives and their impact on the reader.
—Christine DeNuccio
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Fantastic! Transported me back to Jesus’ time. And a new perspective on James. Great read.
—“Book Bug”
Reviewer for
Barnes & Noble

Reading “My Brother’s Keeper” is like being part of the part of the crowd at the crucifixion. Mr. Kassel transports you into the Word. I was there and understood the life of Jesus and his family situation.
I am a Protestant, and there are a few things I can’t agree with, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Mr. Kassel’s grasp of the English language. I was there with my Savior.
—Gail Gioia
Upper Black Eddy, PA

Kassel relates the life and ministry of the Savior of the world through an inspired, historical, and personable lens… His faith, research, and talent shine through the portrayals of the characters James the Just, Simon Peter, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary the Mother of our Lord, Pontius Pilate, and various others. I commend his authorship and recommend “My Brother’s Keeper” to any seeking to kindle a love for those who shared in the Master’s mortal life and ancient Israel. Kassel adheres to the biblical accounts of Christ’s life, expounding with full creative license potential causes, emotions, and situations that might have occurred among the ancient Jews. I pray that you enjoy the story of James the Just, and join him in discovering a greater love for the Son of God, and our fellow men.

—Drew Hooper
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

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