Mark Stahlman, a biologist and tech strategist, dives into the emergence of Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church’s missionary shift. They explore Pope's name significance, contrasting current and past leadership styles. The conversation touches on the Church's role in modern financial systems, the impact of digital currency, and global trade dynamics. They also discuss the challenges of solidarity in a multipolar world, along with the influence of Catholic social teachings amid technological advancements. Stahlman highlights how the Church may evolve to address a younger generation's challenges.
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Church's Missionary Turn
The Catholic Church has entered a missionary phase, focusing beyond traditional Western centers.
Pope Leo XIV, elected quickly and unexpectedly, embodies this new missionary approach.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Francis as Tough Operator
Pope Francis was a 'thug,' a tough operator cleaning up the Curia bureaucracy.
He was once a chemical engineer and bouncer, roles that shaped his leadership style.
insights INSIGHT
Synodality and Decentralization
Synodality pushes church power downward to local dioceses, decentralizing authority.
Pope Leo XIV plans to strengthen this reform as a key part of governing the Church.
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In 'Return of the Strong Gods,' R.R. Reno argues that the post-war consensus, which aimed to create an 'open society' free from the dogmas that led to World War II, is breaking down. He contends that the strong gods—powerful loyalties to nation, clan, and religion—are returning as people seek meaning and community. Reno traces the historical roots of this shift, critiquing the relativism and multiculturalism that have eroded traditional values. He advocates for a return to classic human values such as patriotism, family, and historic Christianity, warning that the absence of these strong gods could invite darker alternatives[1][4][5].
God's Diplomats
Victor Gaetan
In 'God's Diplomats,' Victor Gaetan delves into the world of Vatican diplomacy under Pope Francis, highlighting its effectiveness and contrasting it with U.S. foreign policy. The book offers insights into the Vatican's influence on world leaders and its role in international affairs.
Aeterni Patris
Aeterni Patris
On the Restoration of Christian Philosophy
Leo XIII Pope
Aeterni Patris is an encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1879, aiming to restore Christian philosophy, especially the scholastic method of St. Thomas Aquinas, within Catholic institutions. It emphasizes the compatibility of faith and reason, advocating for a return to medieval philosophical synthesis to counter modern secular trends.
The Dictator Pope
The Inside Story of the Francis Papacy
Henry J. A. Sire
The Dictator Pope is a controversial book that offers a critical view of Pope Francis's papacy, suggesting that he rules the Church through fear and has aligned with corrupt elements. The author, Henry Sire, argues that there is a significant gap between the media's portrayal of Pope Francis and the reality within the Vatican. The book is based on Sire's observations during his time in Rome and his research into Francis's background.
Quadragesimo Anno
Pope Pius XI
Rerum novarum
Leo XIII Pope
Joseph Kirwan
Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum" is a landmark document in Catholic social teaching. Issued in 1891, it addressed the social and economic problems arising from the Industrial Revolution, particularly the plight of workers. The encyclical condemned both laissez-faire capitalism and socialism, advocating for a more just and humane economic system. It affirmed the dignity of labor, the right of workers to form unions, and the role of the state in protecting workers' rights. Rerum Novarum established key principles of Catholic social thought, including the importance of subsidiarity, the common good, and the dignity of the human person. It remains a foundational text for Catholic social teaching and continues to inspire efforts to promote social justice and economic fairness.
Centesimus Annus
None
Pope St. John Paul II
Pope John Paul II's encyclical "Centesimus Annus" reflects on the 100th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. It addresses the social and economic challenges of the late 20th century, particularly the fall of communism and the rise of globalization. The encyclical affirms the importance of a market economy while emphasizing the need for ethical and social considerations. It critiques both unrestrained capitalism and collectivist systems, advocating for a model that respects human dignity and promotes the common good. John Paul II stresses the importance of solidarity, subsidiarity, and the role of the state in ensuring social justice. The encyclical remains a significant contribution to Catholic social teaching, offering guidance for navigating the complexities of modern economic systems.
Jim talks with Mark Stahlman about the new Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church's evolving role in a digital age. They discuss Trump as an avatar of the digital paradigm shift, the significance of Leo XIV's name choice, Francis as a thug, Francis's background as chemical engineer and bouncer, Synodality & Church decentralization, the exterior vs interior personas of Pope Francis, Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, the three pillars of Catholic social teaching, financial system reforms and new settlement currencies, the role of Dubai in blockchain/crypto development, multipolar traps & solidarity, generational changes & media consumption, the growth of Catholicism in France despite overall European decline, the Catholic Church's diplomatic efforts and interfaith outreach, the future of global systems, and much more.
JRS EP290 - Mark Stahlman on Trump as the Avatar of the Digital Paradigm Shift
Center for the Study of Digital Life (digitallife.center)
Mark Stahlman's Substack (exogenous.substack.com)
First Things (magazine)
Trivium University (online graduate school mentioned)
Rerum Novarum, by Pope Leo XIII (1891 encyclical)
Quadragesimo Anno, by Pope Pius XI (1931 encyclical)
Centesimus Annus, by Pope John Paul II (1991 encyclical)
Aeterni Patris, by Pope Leo XIII (1879 encyclical)
Return of the Strong Gods, by R.R. Reno
"The Two Popes" (movie)
"Dictator Pope" (book)
God's Diplomats, by Victor Gaetan
Mark Stahlman is a biologist, computer architect and ex-Wall Street technology strategist. He is the President of the not-for-profit Center for the Study of Digital Life (CSDL, 501(c)3, digitallife.center) and its educational project Trivium University (Triv U, trivium.university). He is also CEO of Exogenous, Inc. (EXO, exogenousinc.com), a strategic risk analysis group and on the editorial staff of its publication, the Three Spheres Newsletter (TSN). He studied for but did not complete advanced degrees in Theology (UofChicago) and Molecular Biology (UW-Mad). He has been widely interviewed and published, including teaching online courses (available on YouTube via 52 Living Ideas).
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