Avoiding Babylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Have you ever considered the profound messages faith-based films can convey? This episode, with the illustrious Patrick Coffin and inestimable Fr David Nix in tow, traverses the spiritual landscape of cinema, dissecting the complex interplay between character development and the historical backdrop that gives these stories universal appeal. Whether it's the emotional transformation of Thomas Beckett in "Beckett" or the raw potency of "Monsieur Vincent," our conversation peels back the narrative layers, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring questions of loyalty, friendship, and personal sacrifice.Join us on a cinematic pilgrimage that meanders through the investiture controversy, the misunderstood Inquisition, and the debates over church authority that still resonate today. The episode doesn't shy away from tough topics, touching on modern controversies like church scandals in "Calvary" and the impact of these films on our collective conscience and societal discourse.By the end of our dialogue, we tackle the transformational power of spirituality in film, from the internal struggles of characters like Henry II to the profound messages of forgiveness and humility. Films like "Beckett" are not just stories on a screen; they explore the human condition. So, whether you're a devout cinephile or a curious seeker, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and ignite discussions on the role of faith in society and cinema.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Struggling to find harmony in the relentless rhythm of life's demands, we take an unflinching look into the collision of work-life balance, from nocturnal road work for the Five Borough Bike Tour to the cerebral combat zone of theological finals. Our guest pulls back the curtain on the toll of relentless schedules, contrasting the sweat of manual labor against the heat of academic rigor. We volley between these disparate worlds, revealing the raw edges where personal health, spirituality, and career intersect.Unpacking the weight of industrialism on family life, we cast a critical eye on the legacy of capitalist constraints while confessing a yearning for simplicity beyond New York's skyscrapers. Enter the debate arena: the provocative launch of an AI chatbot dressed in clerical garb, "Father" Justin, igniting a conversation on the sanctity of the confessional and the place of AI in faith. Candace Owens' recent conversion to Catholicism provides a springboard into a discussion on the alignment of faith and the modern world, the encroaching Gnostic right, and the quest for authenticity in media-saturated times.Wading into the spiritual waters, we explore the rich intellectual tradition of Catholicism and the significance of high-profile conversions signaling a cultural renaissance. We traverse the personal journey of engaging with different forms of Mass, the potency of tradition, and the nuanced artistry of faith dialogue. Witnessing a fresh current within the Church, we unpack the transformative potential of orthodoxy, liturgy, and the spiritual compass guiding our innermost quests for truth and authenticity. Join us in this episode to contemplate the intricate dance between the divine and the daily, the sacred and the seemingly mundane.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Join Jay Dyer as he delves into Gnostic influences in culture, discussing body doubles in Hollywood, philosophical undercurrents of ancient religions, transhumanist ambitions, Christian typology, distinctions between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions, linguistic preferences in religious contexts, and the intersection of Christianity and politics. Discover the intricacies of theological discourse and the ever-evolving landscape of faith.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Embark on a profound journey through the crossroads of faith and modernity as we grapple with questions that dance on the edges of sacred and secular worlds.  Feel the pulse of our conversations around doctrinal unity, the challenges of content creation, and the nuanced dance with Gen Z's fervor for religious discourse, peppered with personal stories that bring these lofty ideas down to earth.Wrestle alongside us with the heavyweights of evolution, technology's impact on spiritual practice, and the delicate art of maintaining authenticity in a world quick to judge. We navigate through the treacherous waters of societal perceptions of authority, the longing for mentorship, and the dark undercurrents of humor that risk the sacredness of our beliefs. Our episode is a tapestry of critical thinking, earnest reflection, and a steadfast commitment to truth woven with threads of laughter and shared humanity.Finally, join us as we step into the arena of contentious topics such as anti-Semitism, cultural preservation, and the role of mentorship within the Catholic tradition. Through candid discussions, we scrutinize the fine lines between humor and offense, the broad strokes of bias, and the quest for unity amidst a mosaic of beliefs.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we grapple with the enduring theological disputes between Catholicism and Protestantism. Could diving into the depths of these religious intricacies offer you a richer understanding of your faith? Our discussions cut through the misconceptions and contentious debates, from the evangelical misreadings of Catholic practices to the fictitious entanglements of paganism and Catholicism. We examine the role of faith and works in salvation, scrutinize the traditional critique of the Novus Ordo Mass, and consider the implications of individualism post-Reformation. Witness as we explore the intimate connections fostered within the Church, sharing insights on the veneration of saints and the significance of relics in the early Church that bind us to a spiritual lineage. As we navigate the moral and political mazes of abortion rights and the pro-life movement, questioning the effectiveness of advocacy and political strategies, we also delve into the challenges faced by non-profit management in this sector. Conversations take a twist as we humorously critique the dating dynamics between traditional Latin Mass-goers and Novus Ordo attendees and navigate the delicate balance of open-mindedness and respectful disagreement within the Catholic community. Our candid approach pulls no punches when addressing the quirks and quandaries of contemporary Catholicism, all while emphasizing the centrality of maintaining unity amidst diverse liturgical preferences and theological views. So tune in and allow us to challenge what you thought you knew about the faith that has shaped centuries and continues to inspire vigorous debate to this day.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Explore the boundaries of human dignity and the Catholic Church's stance in the modern world as we unpack the recent Vatican document, Dignitas Infinita. From the controversial debate over the death penalty to the complexities of gender changes and immigration, we're dissecting the implications these teachings have on societal norms and Catholic doctrine. This episode delves into the transformative post-Vatican II era, scrutinizing whether the Church's message has softened to resemble the gentle voice of a social worker and debating if it's truly effective in confronting today's cultural issues.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Have you seen the recent comments from Pope Francis about Cardinal Sarah?Embark on a cosmic trek with us as the April 8th solar eclipse casts a celestial theater across the skies, drawing a line between science and spirituality and igniting online debates as humorous as they are heated. Our discourse takes a deep dive into the intricacies of church politics against the backdrop of this astronomical marvel, analyzing the ongoing dance of tradition and modernity within the Catholic Church. Join us as we weigh the differences between Pope Francis and Cardinal Sarah and unravel the doctrinal tensions that challenge the Church's path forward in today's crazy world.We then pivot to the personal, exploring the profound impact of conversion experiences and the intellectual rigor—or lack thereof—surrounding Catholic discourse. Our conversation reveals the internal struggles faced by the Catholic community, and we tackle the pressing issues head-on, all while examining how these challenges shape the future of Catholicism. Moreover, we don't shy away from the lighter side of things, acknowledging the role of humor and satire in navigating the complex dynamics of faith and practice.As we pull back the curtain on the delicate balance of power within the Vatican, our episode invites you to consider the societal implications of secular ideologies and the resilience of religious beliefs. We dissect the anticipated Vatican document releases and the contentious issues they're bound to address, leaving no stone unturned.********************************************************https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community:  https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV:  https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonOdysee:  https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylonSupport the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Discover the intersection of faith and film, where controversy meets historical reflection, in our latest episode on the 1986 film, "The Mission." Our probing discourse with special guest Fr Dave Nix delves into the movie's portrayal of religious conflict, the erroneous narrative of liberation theology, and the complex interplay between church and state during a time of great upheaval and transformation.As we scrutinize the ethical nuances presented in the film, we're drawn into a compelling examination of moral theology, contrasting the consequentialism depicted with steadfast Christian doctrine. Debates ignite over the portrayal of obedience and holiness, particularly within the Catholic Church's hierarchy. We find ourselves wrestling with the age-old struggle between adhering to vows and confronting moral quandaries, all while drawing connections to historical figures like Barabbas and the Zealots to deepen our understanding of the Church's enduring challenges.We wrap up with heartfelt gratitude for our largest live audience yet and a look ahead brimming with promise. Preparing for future episodes, we anticipate engaging in more spirited debates and insightful film reviews that promise to enlighten and entertain. Our traditional Easter greeting, "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, alleluia," echoes as a clarion call for all our listeners to join the ongoing dialogue where the tenets of faith and the artistry of cinema converge in a tapestry of historical and contemporary reflection. Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Sit back and join us on an enlightening journey as we welcome the new converts to our Catholic family! We'll share some inside jokes, celebrate milestones like Nick's six-year anniversary as a Catholic, and look back at the awe of the Easter Vigil – imagine a sea of candlelight and that moment of joy when the Gloria reveals the unveiled statues. And for those of you who might be worried, we promise not every Mass will stretch as long as the Vigil.This episode isn't just about introductions; it's a deep exploration of where faith meets everyday life. We wade into the waters of political kingdoms, debating if Christ had plans for political influence and how pre-Vatican II teachings compare with today's Catholic approach. From Christendom to American liberalism, we unpack it all, including a conversation on the often misunderstood concept of Christian nationalism and our case for integralism. And let's not forget technology; could we be heading towards a life of bug diets and pod living? We debate the consequences of our digital dependencies, even as we ponder the purity of a life less connected.Wrapping up, we understand that faith is also about community, and here we lay it all out for our fellow believers, especially the young adults and recent converts. Hear about our personal struggles with loneliness and how vital it is to build those bridges within the Church. We even offer practical advice for finding your spiritual footing through St. Francis de Sales' teachings. Plus, stay tuned for our potential sit-down with the author of "The Boniface Option," bringing a new yet familiar perspective to Catholic thought. Join us for this rich tapestry of faith, culture, and connection – it will be a soul-stirring ride.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Easter Sunday arrives with a message of hope and renewal, and our journey through Lent culminates in a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. When we gather, it's not just about the festivities; it's a moment to reflect on the profound connection we share with the divine. Join me as we immerse ourselves in the stirring meditations of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, whose words guide us to a place of unity with Christ in prayer and intention. This episode promises to elevate your spirit, offering insight into how we, as the church and its followers, are bound by the grace of Jesus Christ and can find solace in this sacred unity.Today's heartfelt conversation traverses the sacred journey from the Mount of Olives to Mount Calvary, embracing the essence of Easter and the victory of redemption signified in the Eucharist. We'll share the beauty of integrating into the broader body of the church and the collective prayer of the saints. This final meditation of the Lenten season is an invitation to attune your heart to the divine whispers of God, to seek mercy and grace, and to be inspired with the hope of joining the blessed in eternal glory. Let us go forth with Jesus to the sacrifice, and together, may we find ourselves counted among the victorious, with the promise of redemption echoing in our souls.Support the showGet 10% off an amazing Black Monk Rosary by going to https://www.blackmonkrosaries.com/?ref=AVOIDINGBABYLON and using code AVOIDINGBABYLON at checkout!Check out our sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss