Mahon McCann

Hey hey, it’s been a while!!We are back with another explosive podcast conversation with Mr Jordan Bates:Jordan is the Founder of Council of Kings. He’s a father, husband, co-founder of Apotheosis, men’s leadership coach, and the author of six books. Jordan has been immersed in transformational work for fifteen years and in Men’s Work for the past six years, training with respected leaders and organizations in the space. He is repeatedly humbled and honored to witness the depth, beauty, and power of this work—and to contribute to the formation of the God-led masculine leaders our world truly needs.Join Jordan’s upcoming ‘Rise of the Kings’ programme (starts April 1st): https://councilofkings.co/rise-of-kingsIn this podcast, we discuss the plight of young men in the modern age from unclear gender roles to pornography and technology. Then we discuss how to find your place in the world, the skills and virtues you need and Jordan’s model for becoming the man you could be. Finally, we discuss the ideal man (Christ) and how Jordan’s own journey from cradle Catholic to wandering nomad and back to the faith inspires his men’s work. Check it out 👇 Chapters:00:00 Meet Jordan Bates00:26 Why Mens Work03:57 Modern Male Isolation08:07 Purpose In A Meta Crisis11:27 Service Over Introspection14:07 Missing Rites Of Passage16:09 Brotherhood And Retreats19:39 Finding In Person Community24:30 Christ As North Star31:14 Hierarchy Of Values33:30 Attention As Worship35:14 Ora Turning Life To Prayer36:41 Leaving Church Finding Mysticism43:03 Family Life Brings Christ Back47:00 Dogma Structure And Fire52:48 Practices For Holy Spirit Experience54:35 Mini Monasteries And Centering Prayer59:24 Ritual Without Living Faith01:02:30 Breaking Materialism With Soul Tech01:06:51 Final Reflections And Outro Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, we explore the connections between the biblical concepts of heaven and earth and Platonic categories of form and matter, discussing how these ideas can be mapped onto contemporary understandings of reality. The dialogue emphasises the importance of symbolic language in conveying deeper truths and the challenges of communicating these concepts in a modern context. We also examine the nature of the soul, the influence of spirits, and the dynamics of agency in relation to higher patterns of existence.Get the "Post-reductionist christianity" book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisisChapters:00:00 Exploring Heaven and Earth: A Comparative Analysis09:47 The Role of Symbolic Language in Theology17:52 Understanding Heaven: Bridging the Secular and the Sacred25:08 Patterns of Influence: The Higher Powers in Culture30:00 The War of Spirits in Technology32:17 Divine and Unholy Spirits: A Duality37:26 The Nature of Good and Evil Spirits41:35 Agency and Patterns: The Human Condition44:06 Understanding the Soul in a Christian Context Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Paula shares her transformative journey from a typical Irish Catholic upbringing to a profound encounter with God that reshaped her faith. She discusses the struggles of returning to her roots after years abroad, the significance of confession, and her evolving understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings on women. Paula reflects on the challenges modern women face, the impact of feminism, and the importance of compassion in welcoming others into the faith. Join Paula's Substack at: https://truthofthewomb.substack.com/Chapters:00:00 Journey of Faith: From Doubt to Belief03:47 Cultural Influences: Exploring Spirituality Abroad06:41 Encountering God: A Transformative Experience09:47 Returning Home: Navigating Loss and Faith13:00 Reconnecting with Catholicism: A Personal Journey15:52 Confession: A Path to Healing and Renewal18:49 Understanding the Church: A New Perspective21:51 Feminism and Faith: Reconciling Beliefs24:41 Natural Family Planning: The Church's Wisdom27:46 Embracing the Catholic Faith: A New Identity33:35 Misconceptions About Women in the Church35:17 The Role of Women in Faith38:37 Cultural Shifts and Women's Identity40:14 Feminism and Women's Empowerment43:26 Contraception and Its Impact on Women46:28 Challenges for Women in the Catholic Church49:37 Navigating Faith and Personal Struggles53:31 Finding Community in the Catholic Faith58:44 Opportunities for Growth in the ChurchWant to support the creation of more podcasts and essays? Consider becoming a patron below 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Fr Gavan Jennings is a priest of Opus Dei, the editor of the position papers, and a presenter ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ . In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of faith in Ireland, discussing the gradual decline of religious practice, the crisis of meaning in modern society, the importance of intellectual engagement in strengthening faith, the significance of personal relationships with God and the journey towards theosis, highlighting the role of laypeople in revitalising the Catholic Church and the joy that comes from living a life aligned with faith.*We had some technical difficulties hence Fr Gavan's miraculous background change halfway through.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Father Gavan Jennings00:56 The Decline of Faith in Ireland04:09 Cultural Identity and Catholicism10:08 The Importance of Personal Faith15:36 Intellectual Challenges Facing the Church18:14 The Role of Catholic Intellectuals28:20 Faith and Reason: A Balanced Approach32:33 The Intellectual Crisis in Catholicism39:26 The Role of Philosophy in Faith47:42 Revitalizing Faith in Modern Ireland54:29 Theosis: The Goal of the Christian Life01:00:50 The Path to Sanctity and Happiness Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

The last podcast before a break over the Christmas! More than delighted to be joined by Fr Columba Jordan for an unofficial Christmas special. Fr Columba is a Franciscan Friar of the renewal ( ⁨@cfr_franciscans⁩ ), and a presenter at Call To More ( ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ ).In this conversation, shares his journey as a Franciscan priest, challenges faced by young people in connecting with their faith, entering the dance with God, St Maximilian Kolbe and sacrifice and love, practical steps for encountering God, and the role of the internet and artificial intelligence in the return to faith.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Father Columba02:56 Journey to the Priesthood05:51 Engaging the Youth: Addressing Boredom in Faith08:49 The Challenge of Familiarity in Faith12:02 The Proposal of Faith: A Call to Verify14:58 The Dance of Faith: Openness and Surrender17:53 The Role of Entertainment in Worship20:59 The Nature of Relationships and Vulnerability24:01 Shame and Its Impact on Faith26:55 The Journey of Growth and Transformation34:29 The Decline of Irish Catholicism36:19 Understanding God: Love and Justice39:39 The Image of God and Its Impact42:37 Living the Faith: A Personal Journey45:49 The Risk of Faith49:41 The Role of Doubt and Verification52:39 Surrendering to God56:12 The Power of Sacrifice01:00:06 Every Action Matters01:04:23 Practical Steps to Encounter God01:07:39 Entering the Dance of Faith01:10:24 The Role of Humility in Spiritual Growth01:11:42 The Impact of Prayer and Community01:12:10 The Intersection of Technology and Faith01:18:49 AI and the Future of Humanity01:25:06 The Internet as a Tool for Evangelization Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Brendan Graham Dempsey, a writer and researcher on the evolution of meaning, dives deep into the current meaning crisis. He discusses how metamodernism brings back a sense of transcendence, contrasting it with 20th-century nihilism. They explore the relationship between complexity theory and moral development, emphasizing how cultural evolution shapes meaning systems. Dempsey also highlights the impact of social media on collective meaning-making and shares insights on overcoming trauma and anomie through renewed understanding and educational approaches.

David Quinn, is a columnist for the Sunday Independent/Irish Catholic and Commentator on society, religion and politics since 1994.Iona Institute Poll: https://ionainstitute.ie/big-revival-of-interest-in-religion-among-many-young-people-in-northern-ireland-says-new-poll/In this conversation, David Quinn discusses the current state of Irish Catholicism, reflecting on its historical context and the evolving perspectives of younger generations towards religion. He emphasises the importance of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and community, especially in a society facing increasing secularisation. Quinn highlights signs of hope among younger people who are becoming more open to religion, suggesting a potential resurgence in religious engagement as they seek answers to life’s challenges.Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of Irish Catholicism12:05 The Church’s Influence and Secularisation in Ireland19:54 Generational Perspectives on Religion and Progress24:40 Woke Ideology vs. Christianity: A Cultural Clash32:25 The Crisis of Modernity and Mental Health33:10 The Role of Religion in Society34:11 Rediscovering the Great Tradition35:01 Perceptions of Church vs. Christianity37:53 Distinguishing Between Institution and Faith40:12 Rationality and the Existence of God42:31 The Shift from Default Theism to Atheism44:40 The Changing Landscape of Belief47:35 Materialism and Free Will49:16 Transhumanism and the Future of Humanity51:01 Demographic Shifts and Religion’s Role55:47 Signs of Hope Among Younger GenerationsWaiting For The Offo is coming out on 1/12/25!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Robert Freese converted to Catholicism in 2020 after 20 years of practicing and eventually teaching Vipassana meditation. He and his wife Gosia are volunteers in the Faustinium, the lay order of Saint Faustina who initiated the devotion to Divine Mercy.In this conversation, Robert shares his profound journey from a secular upbringing in Texas to exploring Buddhism and eventually returning to Catholicism. He discusses the influence of his family background, the transformative power of meditation, and the importance of community in spiritual practices. Robert reflects on his experiences with Vipassana meditation, the challenges of balancing spiritual commitments with worldly responsibilities, and the ongoing quest for self-discovery and meaning in life. In this conversation, Robert Freese shares his profound journey of faith, detailing his experiences of encountering Jesus during meditation, the integration of his Buddhist practices with Catholicism, and the transformative power of suffering and grace. He reflects on the significance of communion, confession, and the importance of bringing one’s suffering to God, emphasising the deep connection between personal experiences and spiritual growth.Chapters00:00 Journey of Spiritual Exploration10:11 The Shift to Buddhism19:57 Deepening the Practice29:49 Teaching and Transformation39:57 Navigating Challenges in Spiritual Life49:51 Encountering Jesus in Meditation54:00 The Cross and Personal Suffering58:08 Navigating Faith and Personal Crisis01:01:22 The Journey to Catholicism01:07:20 Integrating Buddhism and Catholicism01:14:14 Desire, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth01:20:50 The Role of Confession and Grace Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Martin McManus is a Lukewarm Catholic to anti-Catholic psychology postgrad to schismatic traditionalist to now a normal Catholic devoted to Our Lady and working to help others back to their home, the Catholic Church.In this conversation, Martin shares his profound journey from a lukewarm Catholic upbringing in Longford to a period of atheism influenced by modern psychology and prominent atheists. He discusses his struggles with nihilism and the eventual rediscovery of faith, sparked by the works of Jordan Peterson and his experiences in the mental health field. Martin emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in his return to Catholicism, particularly through the Legion of Mary, and advocates for sharing faith with love and understanding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Martin’s Journey02:39 Early Catholic Upbringing and Its Impact05:34 Drifting Away from Faith and Academic Pursuits08:27 Encountering Atheism and Intellectual Influences11:12 The Shift Towards Seeking Meaning13:56 Exploring Freedom and Reality16:44 The Role of Jordan Peterson in Rediscovering Faith19:42 The Paradox of Freedom and Responsibility22:34 Finding Harmony in Faith and Reality28:04 Awakening to Faith30:20 Exploring Different Christian Denominations32:04 The Search for Truth in Catholicism35:09 Understanding the Magisterium38:29 The Role of Doctrine and Tradition40:49 Living Out the Faith in Modern Times47:15 Engaging with the Legion of Mary52:32 Encouragement for Faith Sharing Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this lecture, we delve into the Good! Particularly Plato’s analogy of the Sun, and the Divided Line from ‘The Republic’ to explain the un-hypothetical first principle of everything. After a quick re-cap of the Philosopher Kings, we discuss the change from politics to philosophy in the Republic book six. Plato’s analogy of the ship for the state, and why Philosophers know appearance from Reality and the three roles of the Good in Plato’s ethics, epistemology and ontology. Finally, the lecture summarises the dialectic process leading to the Form of the Good, emphasising its critical role in understanding reality and achieving a just society.Chapters:00:00 Plato’s Good and the Divided Line00:26 Philosophers as Kings02:39 The Analogy of the Ship04:13 Corruption and Education07:17 The Form of the Good09:18 The Sun and the Divided Line17:21 The Nature of Ultimate Reality19:23 Conclusion and Next Steps Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe