Practicing Catholic

Why Patriotism is Actually a Christian Virtue

Practicing Catholic

Show Notes

What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition.

Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the foundation of patriotism. They reflect on God's providence, civic responsibility, and how Catholics can love their country without idolizing it.

The conversation also offers practical ways to contribute to the common good through family life, local communities, and charitable engagement in an increasingly divided culture. Plus, they answer a listener question about maintaining relationships with family members who have left the faith.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

Get American Pilgrimage by Dr. Christopher Shannon here: https://catholic.market/books/american-pilgrimage/?srsltid=AfmBOopYpTM47rxVjDIxQo7yk3uu7RIJMFnrwvg7mreqtcS6ev9Lp0XJ

More from Practicing Catholic

Oct 19, 2026

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, along with Jordan, debrief their trip to the beatification of Fulton Sheen. They look back at Cardinal Tagle’s homily and the three keys it offers for being an authentic missionary evangelizer: communion with Jesus, humility, and poverty. They also reflect on Sheen’s description of himself as a “porter” leading people to the door of God’s house.

Oct 12, 2026

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, joined by guest producer Madison Frank, talk about how to fend off discouragement, one of the devil's favorite tools. Taylor shares the sting of being sent down after his first-round draft and a missed penalty kick in the Final Four. Scott shares the steps he takes to climb out of a funk and the prayers and saint quotes that help.

Oct 5, 2026

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger begin praying through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, not as experts but as novices just starting out. They share how each of them came to Ignatius, and the episode also includes a send-off for their producer, Emily LeGrand.

Sep 28, 2026

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger talk with guest Eileen Spinner, a hospice counselor and author, about the guided Catholic journals she co-created with Sister Gianna Casino.

Sep 21, 2026

This week on Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger celebrate Archbishop Fulton Sheen just days before his beatification in St. Louis. Emily joins the conversation as the guys trace Sheen's remarkable life story and reflect on why his witness has meant so much to them personally.

See all episodes →