In this episode of Catholic Unscripted, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert are joined by Fr Joshua Waltz for a searching conversation about authority, tradition, and the present crisis within the Catholic Church.

As confusion spreads across the ecclesial landscape, many faithful Catholics find themselves wrestling with difficult questions: What does obedience mean in practice? How do we respond to apparent contradictions in leadership? And how do we remain faithful without falling into bitterness or despair?

Fr Waltz offers a deeply theological and pastoral reflection on these tensions, drawing from Scripture, tradition, and lived priestly experience. The discussion explores the difference between authentic authority and administrative power, the role of the Church in forming conscience, and the spiritual dangers of fragmentation in an age of online reaction and suspicion.

This is a conversation about fidelity to Christ and the Church He founded.
Fr Josh moving Vocation story can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqATi2zbaBw

Topics Discussed

The meaning of authority in the Catholic Church
Obedience and its limits
Tradition as living inheritance, not nostalgia
The spiritual dangers of division and reaction
How confusion affects the faithful
The difference between frustration and rebellion
The priest’s role in guarding unity
Remaining hopeful without denying reality
Faithfulness in an age of ecclesial tension

Key Themes

Authority as service, not domination

Unity without naivety

Tradition as continuity, not rupture

Obedience rooted in truth

Spiritual maturity in turbulent times

About the Guest

Fr Joshua Waltz is a Catholic priest known for his pastoral clarity and theological depth. He speaks frequently on questions of authority, tradition, and the spiritual life in the modern Church.

Subscribe & Support

If you value thoughtful Catholic conversation rooted in fidelity to Christ and His Church:

👉 Subscribe to Catholic Unscripted
👍 Like this video
🔁 Share with someone seeking clarity

Your support helps us continue these important discussions.