Introduction

Welcome to Episode 177 of the Being Human Podcast: The Mystery of the Human Person with Dr. Peter Kreeft

In today’s episode, Dr. Greg had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Peter Kreeft, a convert to Roman Catholicism, and the author of over eighty books on Christian philosophy, theology and apologetics. Together they explore various topics such as psychology, philosophy, modern therapy, and the integration of spirituality. They talk about how modern societal challenges impact our understanding of human identity. Their discussion also addresses the importance of prioritizing truth and reason over feelings, the distinction between the mask people wear and the true person behind the mask, the balance between intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and the need for suffering in one's spiritual journey.

Discussed in this episode:

• Understanding the concept of personalism and its potential to enhance our understanding of the human self and our relationship with God

• Exploring the mystical and indefinable aspects of the human person and reflections on the self as an image of God and the inherent mysteries in defining the self

• A discussion on modern societal challenges such as the rise of the experience machine, the increasing power of artificial intelligence, and the struggle to maintain human connection in an age of digital distractions

• How the rise of pop psychology and modern therapy techniques have shifted societal values, perceptions of authority and family relationships

• Reflections on the importance of acknowledging humanity in various psychological diagnoses

• An emphasis on the importance of suffering and how it deepens our understanding of compassion and connection with others

• Insights from John Paul II and others on the pursuit of truth and fulfillment, and how this impacts our understanding of the human self

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

Know more about Dr. Peter Kreeft and his works

Bad Therapy: Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier

Episode 173 - Unmasking Disintegration: Examining the APA’s Stance on Gender Identity

Episode 174 - Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth About Bad Therapy

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