(Recorded Course) Dispelling Historical Distortions Part Two: The Galileo Affair, Anti-Semitism in the Church, "Hitler's Pope" with Gary Michuta

Register for this course and learn the role the Catholic Church plays in history. We’ll dive into the hot topics of Galileo, anti-semitism, and the Church’s role during World War II.

How to get the most out of Dispelling Historical Distortions Part Two:

The Galileo affair, Anti-Semitism in the Church, "Hitler's Pope"

 With Gary Michuta:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 12

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: Some familiarity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be beneficial but not necessary.

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested High School Credit: One full semester Theology

Instructor: Gary Michuta

Instructor Email: gmichuta@hotmail.com

Course Description: For centuries, successful attempts have been made to paint the Catholic Church in the worst possible light. These distortions in history is known as "no-popery history." These myths have been repeated so often that they are often defended today as undeniable truths. In this second part of a two part series, students will learn several of the key historical myths that every defender of the Faith should know such as the condemnation of Galileo, anti-Semitism in the Church, and the "Hitler's Pope" myth.

Course Outline:

  • Class #1 - Later Additions to "No-Popery" History

  • Class #2 - Science before Galileo

  • Class #3 - What Happened with Galileo?

  • Class #4 - The Myth of the War between Science and Religion

  • Class #5 - Answering Common Objections

  • Class #6 - Is Catholicism Anti-Semitic?

  • Class #7 - Anti-Semitism: the Crusades, the Inquisition, and World War II.

  • Class #8 - Answering Common Objections Regarding Anti-Semitism.

  •  Class #9 - Pope Pius XII and the Nazis

  • Class #10 - Communist Russia and the myth of "Hitler's Pope"

  • Class #11 - Answering Common Objections

  • Class #12 - How to Answer "No-Popery" Objections  / Mock Dialog

Course Materials: 

Recommended but not required: 

Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History by Rodney Stark

Hitler, the War, and the Pope and  Disinformation: Former Spy Chief Reveals Secret Strategies for Undermining Freedom, Attacking Religion, and Promoting Terrorism by Ronald Rychlak

Homework: Expect to spend at least 30 minutes outside of class per week. Weekly quizzes are provided to reinforce learning. Quizzes are automated for immediate feedback.