Contest between Truth and Falsehood in the Church - Fr. Byron Hagan

In this episode of Newman on Tap, host Ron Snyder interviews Father Byron Hagan, a priest and former Nashville musician who came to Catholicism largely through the influence of John Henry Newman. Father Hagen explains how Newman served as an intellectual and spiritual bridge for evangelicals seeking deeper roots, ultimately drawing many — including himself — into full communion with the Catholic Church. The conversation centers on Newman's sermon "Contest between Truth and Falsehood in the Church," exploring how the struggle between truth and falsehood plays out not just in grand historical moments but in the everyday choices of individual Christians. Newman's concept of conscience is highlighted as central to his thought — conscience as the "aboriginal vicar of Christ" that connects personal moral reasoning to the teaching authority of the Church. The discussion touches on politics and public life, with Newman's view that Christianity cannot be compartmentalized — a Christian's public allegiances and political choices carry genuine spiritual weight. The episode closes with a beautiful passage on faith and reason from the sermon, connecting Newman's vision to Matthew Arnold's Dover Beach and the enduring relevance of Newman's thought for our own time.

To approach Newman's majestic thought it is highly recommended to download the formatted sermon at www.newmanontap.com. Comments and suggestions are appreciated on the same site.