Our century, more akin to the early Church than to the Christendom of the High Middle Ages, is in desperate need of re-evangelization. Before you can go out and proclaim the Good News, you have to interiorize it first. “In Defense of Theology” means, to me, defending and proclaiming the salvific faith and tradition that has formed mystics, theologians, Popes, Doctors of the Church, fathers and mothers, families, and saints. It is a call to teach, proclaim, and defend the Church’s wealth of treasures to this generation of Catholics.
So why a newsletter? "In Defense of Theology” is a way for me to walk with you as you learn theology, discover the depth of the intellectual tradition of the Church, and ultimately grow in your love of Christ and His Church. My hope is that this will be a resource to you in your intellectual journey. However, most Catholics do not have the ability to attend lectures in theology and philosophy (because seriously, who has the time and money).
Since it is my job to teach theology to parishioners and Catholics, and I was blessed to learn theology and philosophy in seminary, I believe I can help you in your journey. I’ll share and send you essays that dive deep into theological topics to help you think more clearly about the Church’s teachings. I’ll share, every Friday, a deep theological post based off of the Sunday Gospel to help you enter more deeply into Mass on Sunday. You’ll also get insider access to courses I’m only giving to Catholic parishioners locally.
Whether you sign up for free or upgrade to a paid subscription, I hope you’ll join me in this formation. Let’s do this together.
Free subscribers have access to
Theology essays to assist in intellectual formation (usually between 1,500-2,500 words)
Well-researched and orthodox Catholic theological writing (with many, many, footnotes, 15 or more)
Articles and studies on niche Catholic theology you won’t get elsewhere (The Successio Apostolica, Ordo Amoris, St. Thomas on Charity, etc.)
The Digital Theology Coffee Shop (*The Chat*), where you get access to me and others like you, to ask questions and engage other Catholic theology topics
Paid subscribers receive all free content plus
Full access to any paid-only posts
More in-depth research projects I’m working on
Access to monthly long-form theology essays (Tracing the doctrinal development of the dogma of Purgatory, etc.)
Quarterly Digital Journal of the 6-7 best essays of the previous quarter.
Access to me and the ability to start new threads in The Chat
My sincere gratitude for helping me and my growing family because being a paid subscriber means you are directly supporting my work
Whatever level you choose, welcome and thank you! I can’t wait to walk with you on your Catholic intellectual journey.
Writing, Speaking, or Podcast Requests
If you would like to contact me regarding possible writing projects, speaking engagements, or podcast appearances, message me on Substack or email me at dpmaddox3@gmail.com.
About me
I’m a husband and father of two boys(James-1 and Thomas-still in the womb!). My current role is the Director of Parish Faith Engagement at St. Lawrence Catholic Parish where I teach theology and philosophy classes and lead book studies ranging from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s Spirit of the Liturgy, to an in-depth 6 month study of the four Constitutions of Vatican II: Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes, Lumen Gentium, and Sacrosanctum Concilium.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theological Studies from St. Joseph Seminary College and a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
I have taught RCIA for the past 2 years as well as taught numerous classes, given parish courses, and presented many talks to a wide variety of audiences ranging from discernment, the Theology of the Body, Church History, philosophy, beauty as a transcendental, and many more.
I’m the co-host of Saints in the Parish Podcast, a podcast for parishioners in the pews wanting to grow in holiness with over 800 subscribers on YouTube.
Click here to watch the podcast on YouTube: Saints in the Parish Podcast
