Today on Kresta - October 20, 2011

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Oct. 20

4:00 - Pope Declares a “Year of Faith”
Pope Benedict XVI has announced a special “Year of Faith,” dedicated to rousing a “new impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead men out of the desert in which they often find themselves, to the place of life, of friendship with Christ.” The Year of Faith will begin on October 11, 2012: a date that marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II. Pope Benedict notes that the date is also the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which he describes as “a precious and indispensable tool” for the task of evangelization. Matthew Bunson is here to discuss this major announcement.

4:20 – AP: “Challenges loom as world population about to hit 7 billion” Really?
As of Oct. 31, according to the U.N. Population Fund, there will be 7 billion people inhabiting the earth. The Associated Press reports it this way: “Is catastrophe inevitable? Not necessarily. But experts say most of Africa - and other high-growth developing nations such as Afghanistan and Pakistan - will be hard-pressed to furnish enough food, water and jobs for their people, especially without major new family-planning initiatives.” The executive director of the U.N. Population Fund, says “There are 215 million women worldwide who need family planning and don't get it. If we can change that, and these women can take charge of their lives, we'll have a better world." Steve Mosher of the Population Research Institute has a different view.

4:40 – Qaddafi Dead: What Comes Next?
Two months ago we talked with Dr. Walid Phares about an article he wrote entitled “After Qaddafi-- Insurgency, Democracy or Jihad?” Muammar Qaddafi is now dead and the question is even more germane. What happens now? Dr. Phares joins us again.

5:00 – Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed By Christ And Not Conformed To The Culture
Teresa Tomeo knows from experience that the self-image of American women is being distorted by pop culture. With its emphasis on youth, physical beauty, and sexuality, the secular media is encouraging women--and girls--to see themselves primarily as sex objects. Teresa has pulled together the latest research on social behavior and trends in order to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Teresa joins us to show us that women can shed the toxic messages that objectify and enslave them and embrace the truth about being a beloved daughter of God.