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!This episode dives deep into a controversial topic that's increasingly dividing Catholic circles: Is it acceptable to criticize post-conciliar popes? We examine how modern Church leaders often seem reluctant to boldly proclaim traditional Catholic teachings, instead offering apologies for historical Church actions like the Crusades and Inquisition.The cultural divide between cradle Catholics and converts becomes evident as we discuss how differently they perceive papal criticism. Many who entered the Church under Pope Francis's pontificate struggle with the concept that one can question certain papal statements while remaining faithful to the Church herself. This dynamic creates fascinating tensions in how Catholics understand their relationship with Church authority.Between theological discussions, we explore broader cultural phenomena that reflect similar themes of institutional weakness. From a woman wanting to divorce her "perfect" husband because she "can't find herself," to fitness influencer Joey Swoll's groveling apology for commemorating Hulk Hogan, we witness how quickly people abandon reasonable positions when faced with criticism or emotional discomfort.Whether examining Cardinal Tagle leading jean-clad influencers in prayer at the Vatican or the differences between traditional and progressive Catholic approaches, this episode provides a thoughtful, nuanced exploration of how to remain faithful while engaging critically with Church leadership. Join us as we navigate the delicate balance between respectful obedience and necessary critique in today's complex Catholic landscape.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!Civilization stands at a precipice. The signs are unmistakable – devalued currency, collapsing birthrates, cultural decay, and the fading remnants of once-Christian institutions. But what does this mean for faithful Catholics trying to navigate these turbulent times?Theo Howard of the Two Cities podcast joins us for a profound conversation about the coming collapse of Western civilization and the Catholic response. Rather than another doomer analysis, this discussion offers a roadmap for hope and renewal through what Howard calls "the Little Way of Christendom" – building parallel structures that can weather the storm while preserving authentic faith.We explore how the modern world isn't merely post-Christian but apostate – having received divine grace and deliberately rejected it – making our sins far more grievous than those of pre-Christian pagans. Howard compellingly argues that we're living through the Passion of the Church, a mysterious parallel to Christ's own suffering that will ultimately lead to resurrection.The conversation takes us through the failures of political solutions, including the false promise of electoral politics that functions as a "counterfeit liturgical calendar," distracting Catholics from living according to the Church's authentic rhythms. We examine how COVID served as a warning and test of faith, separating those willing to sacrifice for principle from those who surrendered for convenience.Most importantly, we discuss practical steps for building resilient Catholic communities – from agriculture to education to economic networks – that can function outside corrupted systems. This isn't about withdrawal but about creating the seeds of a renewed Christendom that will flourish after the inevitable chastisement runs its course.For anyone concerned about the future of faith and civilization, this conversation offers not just analysis but a genuinely Catholic path forward. Listen now and discover how small, faithful communities built on tradition can become the foundation for rebirth in a post-collapse 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!Have you ever wondered what happened after the Book of Acts closes? The story of Christianity's explosive growth through the ancient world might be the most thrilling chapter in Church history you've never fully explored.Joshua Charles, founder of Eternal Christendom, takes us on a captivating journey through the grand narrative of salvation history, revealing how Greek philosophy, Roman order, and Hebrew revelation converged at the perfect moment for Christ's arrival. This isn't just ancient history—it's the story we're still living today.Discover how the early Church Fathers understood prophecy unfolding before their eyes as pagan temples fell and Christian altars rose across the empire. Learn why St. Thomas Aquinas identified "obedience to the Roman Church" as the mysterious restrainer mentioned in Scripture, and why this matters for our current moment.The conversation ventures into fascinating territory as Joshua addresses the recurring biblical motif of older and younger brothers—from Cain and Abel to Judaism and Christianity—and how this ancient rivalry appears headed toward an eschatological climax. What role will each "brother" play in the end times? The answers might surprise you.For those feeling anxious about world events, Joshua offers a perspective that's both sobering and hopeful: "When things appear worst here on earth, they're actually getting closer to the greatest triumph of all time." This understanding helps Catholics maintain peace amid turmoil, focusing on loving those directly before us rather than being consumed by distant events beyond our control.Support Eternal Christendom's mission of making the Church Fathers accessible to all at eternalchristendom.com, where over 1.3 million words of Catholic wisdom await you completely free.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 evangelical leader Charlie Kirk declared "the antidote to feminism is our Lady," Catholics across social media took notice. His surprising admission that "we as Protestants and Evangelicals under-venerate Mary" has sparked intense conversation about whether the prominent conservative commentator might be on a path toward Rome.The statement represents a significant theological shift for Kirk, who went on to praise Mary as "a phenomenal example and a counter to so much of the toxicity of feminism in the modern era." While careful not to overstate what's happening, we examine this moment through a Catholic lens, exploring how devotion to Mary has historically led many Protestant thinkers toward Catholic teaching. Reports that Kirk has been attending weekday Mass with his wife add an intriguing dimension to the discussion.We also revisit Michael Knowles' earlier conversation with Kirk about Catholicism, analyzing the challenges of interfaith dialogue when trying to balance friendship with proclamation of Catholic truth. This leads us to reflect on our own deep devotion to Our Lady and why Mary holds such transformative power in drawing people to the fullness of faith. As one of us admits, "I'm a mama's boy when it comes to Our Lady"—a sentiment that resonates with many converts who found their way to Catholicism through growing appreciation for the Mother of God.Whether Kirk's comments represent genuine theological exploration or merely an attempt to connect with his Catholic audience remains to be seen. But history suggests that once someone begins to soften their heart toward Mary, a deeper journey often follows. Join us for this fascinating analysis of a potentially pivotal moment in contemporary Christian dialogue.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!The Catholic internet was shaken by revelations about Voice of Reason, a rising Catholic apologist who allegedly engaged in a decade-long pattern of manipulating vulnerable women while presenting himself as a defender of the faith. This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the spiritual dangers of leading a double life and the devastating consequences when those in positions of Catholic influence betray the trust placed in them.We examine how Voice of Reason allegedly used his role as a catechist to obtain contact information from young women, including a disturbing claim of grooming a minor. The conversation tackles difficult questions: What responsibility do Catholic communities have when confronted with such behavior? How should we balance mercy with accountability? And what guardrails should exist to prevent those with serious moral failings from continuing in public ministry?Beyond the individual case, we explore broader spiritual lessons about the damaging effects of sins against chastity. "The devil rejoices the most in carnal sins because they are the easiest to trick men into and the hardest to draw men away from," notes Christian, highlighting how St. Thomas Aquinas warned that lust particularly wounds one's rationality and spiritual life. This leads to a compelling discussion about how many Catholics today treat confession as a "revolving door" without genuine commitment to change.Parents will find valuable insights about protecting children in the digital age, where "every text conversation is a near occasion of sin for young people." The hosts emphasize practical strategies for teaching youth about online safety and the permanent nature of digital communications. "Nothing you do online is ever private," Anthony warns, suggesting parents use this scandal as a teaching moment.We invite you to join this crucial conversation about maintaining authentic Catholic witness in a digital world full of temptations. Subscribe, share with those who might benefit from these difficult but necessary discussions, and remember that true Catholic faith demands not just knowledge but transformation.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 John Henry Westen, co-founder and face of LifeSite News, has been removed from his position by a 5-4 board vote. This shocking development comes as the Catholic world adapts to the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, with LifeSite's board explicitly citing a desire to "chart a new course" following the papal transition. For traditionalist Catholics who relied on LifeSite as a faithful voice, this raises troubling questions about the future of orthodox Catholic journalism and whether critical perspectives will continue to have prominent platforms.The conversation turns to liturgical debates when Father Dwight Longenecker's tweet about pre-Vatican II Masses reignites familiar arguments between traditionalists and supporters of the Novus Ordo. His characterization of traditional Masses as priests "mumbling through Mass as quickly as possible while the faithful prayed the rosary" represents what many see as a standardized, possibly manufactured narrative about pre-conciliar worship. Critics note how these identical criticisms often come from those too young to remember, suggesting a kind of cultural programming rather than historical accuracy. A striking contrast emerges through a video of Andrea Bocelli performing sacred music in a church filled with people in beach attire – illustrating how liturgical form shapes behavior and reverence.Moving beyond church politics, the show addresses disturbing trends in modern parenting, particularly regarding teenage sexuality. While discussing an extreme (likely fabricated) example of a mother encouraging her 14-year-old daughter to become pregnant, the hosts confront the very real phenomenon of parents enabling teenage sexual activity through birth control and tacit approval. This abdication of moral guidance – often justified with "they're going to do it anyway" – reflects a profound failure to love children authentically by teaching them virtue and healthy boundaries. The conversation ultimately connects these symptoms to broader cultural erosion that signals the potential collapse of our current social order, drawing parallels to previous civilizational turning points. Join our growing community of listeners seeking authentic Catholic perspectives on faith, culture, and family in challenging times.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 we lose sight of what makes Catholicism truly Catholic, we risk transforming our faith into something unrecognizable. In this riveting conversation with Michael Hichborn of the Lepanto Institute, we journey deep into the heart of a crisis unfolding in the Church.Michael shares his daring undercover mission at the Association of United States Catholic Priests (AUSCP) conference in San Antonio, where he discovered priests openly advocating for women's ordination, LGBT acceptance, and "priestless parishes"—all while enjoying support from prominent bishops and cardinals. His firsthand account includes a surprising encounter with a gay priest at the hotel bar and the shocking moment when his cover was blown.The conversation shifts to a profound examination of how Catholic worship has evolved—or deteriorated—since Vatican II. Though the liturgy was developed over two millennia, recent decades have seen a Protestantization of Catholic worship that has stripped away the sacred elements that once defined it. As Michael powerfully argues, "Once you get rid of the customary life of the church, now you have to replace it with something else." This liturgical crisis connects directly to the moral and doctrinal confusion we see today, including bishops who remove kneelers to discourage traditional postures of reverence.We explore the miraculous shrine of Las Lajas in Colombia, where an unexplainable image appears three feet deep within solid rock—a powerful example of how authentic Catholic faith inspires cultural greatness. As modern civilization abandons its Christian foundations, these miracles serve as reminders that "if these shall hold their peace, stones will cry out."Whether you're concerned about the direction of the Church, fascinated by the intersection of faith and culture, or simply seeking clarity amid confusion, this episode offers profound insights into reclaiming authentic Catholic identity in a time of unprecedented challenges. Listen now and rediscover what makes our faith truly timeless.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 does the Catholic Church look like after Francis? As Pope Leo XIV completes his first two months on the Chair of Peter, Catholics worldwide are carefully watching for signs of where this pontificate might lead. In this wide-ranging conversation with Crisis Magazine editor Eric Sammons, we explore the subtle but significant shifts already visible in Rome.Following years of controversy and division under Pope Francis, Leo's relatively "boring" papacy has provided a welcome reprieve for many Catholics. While maintaining certain elements of his predecessor's messaging around synodality, Leo has simultaneously embraced traditional forms of Catholic piety that had been marginalized in recent years. His use of Latin in prayer, participation in Eucharistic processions, and embrace of traditional vestments represent meaningful departures from the previous pontificate, sending important signals to faithful Catholics worldwide.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss Diane Montagna's bombshell reporting confirming what many had suspected – that Traditionis Custodes, Francis's controversial restriction on the Latin Mass, was built on misrepresented data. The document claimed widespread episcopal support for restrictions that simply didn't exist, raising profound questions about trust and transparency that the new pontificate must now navigate.Beyond papal politics, we dive into generational dynamics within Church leadership, with many "boomer" bishops maintaining an emotional attachment to Vatican II that younger clergy don't necessarily share. This generational transition promises to reshape Catholic identity in the coming decades as a new wave of leadership emerges.Whether you're deeply invested in these ecclesiastical questions or simply curious about where Catholicism is headed, this conversation offers valuable perspective on finding balance amid transition. Subscribe and join us as we continue exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Catholics in our complex modern landscape.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 a child star walks away from Hollywood at the height of his career to embrace poverty, faith, and radical simplicity? Bug Hall, best known as Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals," takes us on his extraordinary journey from Hollywood sets to homesteading.Bug's story begins with an unexpected casting call that launched him into stardom at age 8. Over the next two decades, he appeared in approximately 100 film and TV productions, culminating in an Emmy nomination. But beneath the success lurked struggles with substance abuse starting as early as age 11. While many child stars' stories end in tragedy, Bug's took a remarkable turn when he encountered Catholicism through Father Ripperger, a renowned exorcist priest.The conversation delves into Bug's profound spiritual awakening and his controversial decision to "self-cancel" - walking away from Hollywood entirely after concluding the entertainment industry is fundamentally incompatible with his Catholic faith. "I fundamentally reject the idea that Catholics can change Hollywood from within," Bug explains. "The entire foundation of filmmaking is sodomitical."Most compelling is Bug's embrace of voluntary poverty as a path to freedom rather than deprivation. Living with minimal overhead expenses on a farm, building structures by hand, and raising his children in a lifestyle centered on prayer and simplicity, Bug challenges our modern assumptions about success and fulfillment. "Poverty only sucks if you're desperately trying to get out of it," he reflects. "When you embrace it, there's something psychologically freeing about letting go of the rat race."Now building a timber-frame stone house in Arkansas "designed to stand 500 years," Bug shares practical wisdom about sustainable living, the psychological benefits of direct stewardship over land, and the profound peace that comes from radical fidelity to conscience. His testimony offers a powerful alternative to our culture's relentless pursuit of more.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!Liturgical tensions within Catholicism take center stage as we dissect a revealing conversation between Matt Fradd and Voice of Reason about traditionalism, Vatican II, and ecclesiastical authority.The discussion begins with a startling proposition: what if content creators like Taylor Marshall were required to make a public profession of faith affirming Vatican II or face excommunication? This authoritarian fantasy reveals much about how certain Catholic voices view traditionalists—not as faithful Catholics seeking reverent worship, but as rebellious figures requiring discipline.What makes this conversation truly fascinating is its contradictions. Both commentators have sought refuge in Eastern rites to escape problematic Novus Ordo liturgies, yet criticize traditionalists for essentially doing the same thing. Even more remarkably, after insisting traditionalists must accept all post-conciliar reforms, they admit that certain changes—like turning the priest to face the people—were "clearly a mistake."This episode delves into why traditional Catholics feel their spiritual birthright was stolen and how this explains their frustration. We examine the reality of Latin Mass communities versus the stereotypes often portrayed in Catholic media, and why influential Catholic voices seem reluctant to engage directly with traditionalists.The heart of this discussion isn't about who's right or wrong, but about recognizing our shared Catholic identity beyond liturgical preferences. Whether you attend a Latin Mass, Byzantine liturgy, or reverent Novus Ordo, we're all seeking authentic worship that brings us closer to Christ.Could the solution to our divisions be as simple as honest conversation? Perhaps it's time for influential Catholic voices to stop talking about traditionalists and start talking with them.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