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!A dark shadow has fallen over the Catholic community following the devastating shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school. As media outlets rush to frame this tragedy through familiar political lenses, we're pulling back the veil to examine the disturbing spiritual dimensions that most commentators refuse to address.The shooter's transgender identity wasn't incidental to this violence but central to understanding it. We explore the historical connection between gender confusion and violence, drawing from Flavius Josephus's ancient accounts that described individuals who "wore women's faces" yet had "murderous hands." This pattern of disordered thinking leading to disordered actions reveals a spiritual battle raging beneath the cultural surface.Most troubling is the response of Catholic leadership. Rather than confronting the ideological darkness at work, many bishops immediately pivoted to political talking points about gun control. We contrast this weak response with St. Patrick's courageous confrontation of evil in his letter to Caroticus, where he boldly named pagan soldiers "fellow citizens of the devil" through their "evil deeds."The transgender movement represents a modern manifestation of ancient Luciferian ideology – the ultimate "I will become" statement that echoes Satan's original rebellion. This isn't merely about identity politics; it's about a fundamental rejection of created order that has devastating consequences. Meanwhile, organizations like the Association of United States Catholic Priests actively promote these harmful ideologies within the Church itself.For families seeking protection in these troubled times, we offer practical spiritual guidance, including daily prayer, blessing homes with holy water, and maintaining vigilance against the cultural forces that seek to corrupt our children's minds and souls. The path forward requires not the accommodation of evil but its direct confrontation through truth spoken with love and courage.Join us in this vital conversation about reclaiming an authentic Catholic response to the darkness of our culture. Subscribe and share this episode to help others understand what's truly at stake in our spiritual battle for truth.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!What happens when Catholic men open the lines and let their audience ask the hard questions? In this unique call-in format, Anthony and Rob field questions spanning everything from fatherhood regrets to navigating Catholic marriages in today's world.Fathers seeking wisdom ask what the hosts would have done differently with their children, leading to powerful reflections on homeschooling, family prayer, and raising children with a strong Catholic identity. Both hosts candidly share their biggest regret and offer practical advice for those still early in their parenting journey.Young single men seek guidance on finding faithful Catholic women in a dating landscape that seems increasingly hostile to traditional values. The hosts remind them of their worth: "You underestimate how valuable what you have to offer actually is. There aren't many men who want to get married, have children, and provide for a woman."Military veterans share stories of maintaining faith and marriage during deployments, while others ask about navigating relationships with difficult family members. Throughout the episode, the discussion returns to a central theme: the importance of men embracing their role as spiritual leaders in their homes and communities.The episode also ventures into theological territory with questions about favorite saints, Marian devotion, and the various positions within traditional Catholicism. The hosts maintain a refreshing charity toward different perspectives while still offering their own thoughtful takes.What emerges is a portrait of Catholic men striving to live their faith authentically in challenging times—supporting one another, learning from their mistakes, and working to lead their families toward heaven despite cultural headwinds. The conversation demonstrates that while the path of faithful Catholic manhood isn't easy, it's immeasurably rewarding and absolutely necessary in today's world.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!In this inaugural episode of a new weekly series, Rob returns from paternity leave to join Adrian, a Marine veteran and experienced homesteader, to create something long overdue in the firearms and preparedness community: family-friendly content that doesn't compromise on substance or Catholic morals.The hosts dive into the foundations of self-reliance, beginning with the critical importance of establishing daily discipline as the cornerstone of all preparedness efforts. Adrian shares insights from his military background and current homesteading lifestyle, emphasizing how early morning routines create space for prayer, physical fitness, and productivity before the demands of family life take over.Food and water preparation take center stage as the pair discuss practical approaches to building security without breaking the bank. From incrementally building a three-month food supply to understanding water storage requirements beyond the bare minimum FEMA recommendations, listeners gain actionable advice they can implement immediately. Adrian's experience raising livestock and growing food provides real-world context to these discussions, offering inspiration for those looking to move beyond mere storage toward sustainable production.What sets this conversation apart is its balanced approach to security. While firearms receive thoughtful consideration, the hosts emphasize that physical self-defense skills must precede weapons training, challenging common misconceptions in the preparedness community. Their PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) communications planning framework provides families with a structured approach to staying connected during disruptions of any scale.Whether you're just beginning to think about preparedness or looking to refine your existing plans, this episode offers a refreshingly grounded, faith-compatible perspective on building family resilience in uncertain times. Subscribe now and join a growing community of listeners committed to responsible self-reliance without the fear-mongering or compromised values so common in firearms and prepper content.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!What happens when nations reject Christ as their King? Throughout history, earthly rulers acknowledged a higher spiritual authority, but modern states have reversed this order—with devastating consequences for civilization and faith.Joshua Charles joins Anthony for a profound exploration of Christendom's rise and fall. They unpack Larry Arnn's controversial claim that "a Christian nation is not possible because Jesus' kingdom is not of this world," revealing how this fundamentally misunderstands Catholic teaching about Christ's authority over all creation.The conversation journeys through historical Christianity, where temporal rulers recognized their subordination to spiritual authority for over a millennium. This wasn't mere symbolism—it represented the proper ordering of society, with baptism creating an objective covenant that bound believers and nations alike.We're witnessing the culmination of centuries of spiritual rebellion, from the Reformation's fracturing of unified Christian worship to modern states declaring themselves the highest authority. As Saint Bruno of Cologne predicted, we now live in times where "faith is in secret and iniquity in public"—a telling sign of spiritual deterioration.Most chillingly, recent developments surrounding the Third Temple and red heifer sacrifices echo what Church Fathers warned would precede Antichrist. The discussion examines historical parallels, particularly Julian the Apostate's failed attempt to rebuild the Jewish Temple in 363 AD, and what these events might tell us about our own time.Rather than succumbing to despair, Joshua and Anthony emphasize hope in God's providence. They remind us that while the Church might appear to be losing on earth, her saints are being crowned in heaven, from which they reign with Christ. The conversation concludes with practical spiritual guidance for navigating these challenging times through prayer, fasting, and renewed devotion to the sacraments.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!When a Catholic influencer like Voice of Reason falls from grace, what's the appropriate response from the faithful community? Anthony and Christian Wagner dive deep into the recent apology video from Alex Jurado (Voice of Reason) following his scandal, examining both the genuine moments of contrition and the troubling implications about his future plans.The hosts untangle the complex web of accountability, forgiveness, and prudence that these situations demand. They highlight a concerning pattern in many reactions – the tendency to equate forgiveness with immediate restoration to public ministry. This conversation isn't about condemning Alex but about honestly assessing whether someone who used their Catholic platform to manipulate women should return to a position of influence after just a month of reflection.Christian brings up the powerful parallel of Michael Voris, who rejected advice to step away from the camera after his own scandal, only to eventually relapse and lose everything. This cautionary tale demonstrates why true charity sometimes requires maintaining firm boundaries rather than enabling potentially harmful patterns. As Christian pointedly notes, "Supporting your friend means dragging them to heaven, not cheering them on as they sprint towards hell."The most enlightening moments come when the hosts discuss alternative paths forward – ways Alex could contribute to the Church without returning to the spotlight. Perhaps working behind the scenes, using his talents for writing or production, or even eventually helping others with similar struggles could provide meaningful service without the dangers of public ministry.What makes this episode particularly valuable is the balance the hosts strike between mercy and justice, between compassion for a fallen brother and protection of the vulnerable. If you've ever struggled with how Catholics should respond to scandals within our own ranks, this thoughtful discussion offers a framework that honors both our call to forgiveness and our responsibility to uphold truth.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!Dr. Taylor Marshall joins Avoiding Babylon and first explores Pope Leo XIV's first months leading the Catholic Church and what this new papacy means for traditional Catholics worldwide. After more than a decade of restrictions under Pope Francis, Marshall advocates patience and prayer as Leo navigates Vatican politics while showing promising signs of respect for tradition.The conversation delves into Marshall's thoughtful distinction between modern Christian nationalism and authentic Catholic patriotism. His forthcoming book "Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One Nation Under God" offers a roadmap for cultural renewal grounded in natural law, Church teaching, and the social kingship of Christ. Unlike many Protestant approaches to Christian politics, Marshall draws from the rich tradition of Catholic social thought dating back to St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.Demographics emerge as a powerful undercurrent in the discussion, with traditional Catholic communities growing through significantly higher birth rates while progressive parishes struggle to maintain attendance. Marshall projects that this "demographics is destiny" reality will inevitably reshape the Church regardless of current policies or restrictions. The hosts explore how America's unique Catholic landscape differs from the more secularized European context, creating both challenges and opportunities.The episode takes a fascinating turn as Marshall shares Catholic perspectives on apocalyptic prophecy that contrast sharply with popular dispensationalist interpretations, particularly regarding Israel and end-times events. Throughout, Marshall maintains that regardless of whether we face minor tribulations or major apocalyptic events, Catholics are called to consistent faithfulness—loving enemies while building cultures that reflect Christ's teachings.Pre-order Marshall's book at ChristianPatriotBook.com and discover a compelling vision for cultural renewal rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!When Catholic content creators cross the line, who's left to speak the uncomfortable truth? This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the troubling trend of Catholic women discussing intimate details of their marriages publicly while simultaneously lecturing men about modesty and self-control.The viral clip featuring Lila Rose sparked intense debate about appropriate boundaries in Catholic discourse. But beneath the surface lies a more fundamental question: Why are married women positioning themselves as authorities on men's struggles? This episode examines the phenomenon of Catholic "e-girls" who use their appearance to build platforms while seemingly contradicting their own messages about objectification. It's narcissism veiled as virtue, and it's pushing many young Catholic men toward more extreme ideologies.Beyond the online world, we tackle the crisis of modern parenting, where parents push their daughters toward debt-laden college paths for social status rather than preparing them for fulfilling lives as wives and mothers. We offer practical alternatives that preserve femininity while developing useful skills—like esthetician training or at-home businesses that complement rather than compete with family life.At its core, this conversation reveals a crisis of fatherhood extending from homes to parishes. Men have largely ceded the public arena to women, and reclaiming it requires courage to speak uncomfortable truths. The weight of spiritual leadership placed on men should be terrifying—they are the Christ figure to their families and will answer to God for how they ruled their households.Have you noticed this troubling trend in Catholic spaces? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on restoring appropriate boundaries in how we discuss faith, family, and relationships.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!Is the Catholic Church facing a demographic apocalypse or a traditional revival? This riveting conversation dives deep into the statistical realities reshaping Catholic parishes across America as the boomer generation begins to pass away.Two passionate young Catholics debate whether data suggests an impending collapse of Novus Ordo parishes or if reports of Catholicism's demise are greatly exaggerated. Ryan presents compelling statistics: parishes losing approximately 13 weekly Mass attendees annually to death, retention rates plummeting to 32% for those raised in the post-Vatican II liturgy, and traditional Latin Mass communities growing with 75% retention and fertility rates of 3.4 children per woman. Meanwhile, Hoosier argues for cautious optimism, pointing to stabilization in certain metrics and questioning whether liturgical form alone determines parish vitality.Beyond the numbers, this discussion explores the profound connection between liturgical practice and faith transmission. When ritual - the foundation of religious identity - undergoes dramatic change, what happens to cultural memory and intergenerational faith? Both debaters, though sometimes disagreeing on trajectory, share a deep love for the Church and concern for its future.The conversation weaves through fascinating territory: the experiential catechesis provided by reverent worship, the impact of Vatican II reforms beyond just the Mass, the surprising growth of traditional practices among younger Catholics, and what might constitute an authentic Catholic revival in modern America. Whether you're interested in Catholic demographics, liturgical debates, or the broader question of how religious identity survives in secular times, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives from faithful Catholics trying to understand where their Church is headed.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!Catholic media stands at a crossroads as Vatican strategies collide with the reality of online Catholic content creation. This episode pulls back the curtain on Michael Lofton's recent Vatican visit for a digital media influencer conference, revealing fascinating tensions between traditional Catholic voices and the Vatican's apparent desire to control Catholic messaging online.We examine compelling footage of Catholic influencers wandering the Vatican, making connections, and positioning themselves as bridges between Rome and the online faithful. The speculation around Pope Leo potentially addressing social media in an upcoming encyclical raises profound questions: Will we soon see Vatican-approved "verified" Catholic content creators? What happens to traditional Catholic voices in such a system? The potential for a further divided Catholic media landscape looms large as institutional authority meets grassroots Catholic content.The conversation shifts to a broader examination of Catholic influencer culture, particularly among female personalities whose recent online behavior demonstrates how far "conservative" influencers often stray from authentic Catholic values. This leads to a captivating exploration of Christianity's civilizing influence throughout history - how the Gospel eliminated human sacrifice, established orphanages, protected the vulnerable, and elevated women's dignity in ways modern feminism fails to acknowledge.Throughout, we maintain our trademark blend of serious theological reflection and lighthearted banter, providing insights you simply won't find in mainstream Catholic media. Whether you're concerned about the direction of Catholic social media, curious about Vatican communications strategy, or interested in Christianity's historical impact on civilization, this episode delivers thought-provoking perspective that challenges conventional narratives.Ready for more unfiltered Catholic commentary? Join us on Locals for extended discussions on AI dangers, Dave Ramsey's questionable marriage advice, and other topics too spicy for YouTube.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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!When a firearms controversy provokes deep reflection on institutional integrity, we discover uncomfortable truths about how organizations respond to criticism. This episode examines the troubling story of the Sig Sauer P320 pistol—a weapon linked to unexpected discharges including the recent death of an Air Force airman—and the company's defensive, gaslighting response that prioritized corporate reputation over customer safety.But this isn't merely about firearms. The parallels to challenges within the Catholic Church are striking and profound. When confronted with legitimate concerns—whether about controversial liturgical practices or declining parish demographics—institutional defenders often employ identical tactics: dismissing critics as "grifters," labeling them "anti-Catholic," and refusing to acknowledge uncomfortable realities.These defensive postures ultimately undermine the very credibility they seek to protect. When potential converts are given sanitized versions of Church realities only to discover the full picture after commitment, the result is often disillusionment and departure. The statistics regarding those who leave within years of completing OCIA (formerly RCIA) suggest the high cost of such approaches.Christ identified Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life"—a profound reminder that truthfulness isn't optional for Christians, but essential to our identity. The Church, as Christ's spotless bride, doesn't require defenders who obscure reality. It needs witnesses confident enough in its divine foundations to acknowledge its human complexities."Present the church as it is," our host reminds us, "it's enough." This simple yet powerful statement captures the essence of authentic evangelization—one built on transparent truth rather than managed perception. The Church can withstand honest scrutiny precisely because its foundations are divine, even when its members are flawed. How might our witness change if we embraced this principle?Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new 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