Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - December 19, 2011

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Dec. 19

4:00 – The Stones Cry Out: The Apologetics of Archaeology
Many times over the past few years Steve Ray has knelt in prayer at the tombs of Peter and Paul – and of Jesus, with tears welling up. “It’s true! It’s historical! I believe.” For Catholics, archaeology of the historical events of the New Testament confirms our trust in scripture and the Church. As we read Scripture and dig in the dirt, we remember, “It is not true because I believe, I believe because it is true.” Steve Ray is here to discuss the archaeology of the Bible.

4:40 – CDC's First-Ever National Study on Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Confirms Need for Extreme Makeover
Research released Wednesday reveals that about 20 percent of women are raped in their lifetime and, in most cases, the attacker is someone the woman knows. This first ever study by the CDC finds that nearly one in five women has been raped in her lifetime, one in four has experienced serious physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in her life and one in six has been a victim of stalking. Teresa Tomeo says "this study is another example of how the culture is impacting women, men and society as a whole." She also says that the study barely mentions the influence of the media and makes NO mention in its section covering violence and "reproductive health" of women forced to have abortions. Teresa joins us.

5:00 – Ohio Legislature holds hearings “heartbeat bill”
Opponents of an Ohio bill banning abortions at the first detectable fetal heartbeat told senators Tuesday the measure is unconstitutional, radical and cruel and would effectively ban abortion in the state. Interested parties, including clergy members and doctors, also spoke to a committee considering what’s referred to as the “heartbeat bill,” which would give Ohio the most stringent abortion limit in the nation. Catholic constitutional scholar Lee Strang testified and joins us today.

5:20 – Kresta Comments - Bishops Attacked By Left and Right. What’s a Catholic to Think?

5:40 - NBC Names Howard Stern As New Judge on 'America's Got Talent'
Today, the Parents Television Council called out NBC for choosing Howard Stern as a judge on "America's Got Talent." In response to the announcement, PTC president Tim Winter issued the following statement: “In an act of desperation for a flailing network, NBC has hired Howard Stern – a performer who is synonymous with shock, profanity and obscenity – as a judge on a prime-time talent competition. Not coincidentally, in just over three weeks the network will be standing before the United States Supreme Court arguing for the right to use the F-word at any time of the day, even in front of children. “ We look at this with Melissa Henson from PTC