Embracing the Dignity of Work and Virtue with Dr. Kent Lasnoski

Episode Overview

Join hosts David Niles and Adam Minahan on The Catholic Man Show as they welcome Dr. Kent Lasnoski, a theology professor and key figure in founding San Damiano College for the Trades. In this lively episode, recorded with David’s godson Luke present for the first time, the trio explores the dignity of work, the role of masculinity in Catholic life, and the interplay of work, leisure, and virtue. From ultimate Frisbee to speculative theology about the Garden of Eden, this episode blends humor, faith, and deep insights into living as a Catholic man.

Key Themes and Discussions

• Masculinity and Feats of Strength: The episode kicks off with a lighthearted recount of an impromptu ultimate Frisbee game, sparking a discussion on how friendly competitions—like stone-throwing or wiffle ball derbies—foster community and allow men to embrace their God-given strength. Dr. Lasnoski highlights how such activities echo the heroic spirit of figures like King David, who boasted of slaying bears and lions.
• The Dignity of Work: Drawing from Genesis and Pope St. John Paul II’s Laborem Exercens, Dr. Lasnoski explains work as a fundamental human vocation to imitate God’s creative act. Work involves earning daily bread, extending dominion over creation, and elevating culture toward God. The subjective element—who performs the work—gives it value, distinguishing human labor from robotic tasks.
• Work Before and After the Fall: The hosts dive into speculative theology, debating whether work existed before the Fall. Dr. Lasnoski argues that Adam’s role to “tend and till” the Garden was work, but without the toil introduced by sin. Post-Fall, work became punitive due to man’s interior disorder, yet it retains a redemptive quality through participation in Christ’s restoration of creation.
• Home as a Place of Production: Dr. Lasnoski challenges the modern view of the home as merely a place of consumption (e.g., entertainment, food). Historically, homes were productive spaces where men and women collaborated in family economies. He encourages Catholics to see the home as a domestic church, fostering virtue and fruitfulness in alignment with God’s plan.
• Work, Leisure, and Contemplation: Referencing Josef Pieper, the discussion distinguishes work (done for extrinsic goods) from leisure (done for its own sake, touching the foundation of reality). Leisure prepares the soul for contemplation and union with God, while a consumerist mindset can hinder true rest. The hosts also explore whether prayer or routine tasks like tying shoes qualify as work.
• Men’s and Women’s Roles in Work: Dr. Lasnoski reflects on the complementary roles of men and women in work, rooted in their biological and spiritual natures. Women’s work often involves nurturing and making a home, while men’s work is more extroverted, pouring themselves out to make creation fruitful, as seen in Genesis and John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
• Retirement and Multigenerational Living: The modern concept of retirement—focused on leisure without purpose—can lead to a loss of meaning. Dr. Lasnoski advocates for a retirement that continues giving oneself through service, like volunteering or mentoring. He also champions multigenerational households as a gift, fulfilling the biblical call to honor parents and enrich family life.
• San Damiano College for the Trades: Dr. Lasnoski shares the mission of San Damiano College, a three-year program integrating trade skills, a Great Books education, and spiritual formation. Students graduate debt-free by working through the program, learning to live as virtuous men who rebuild the Church through skilled labor and faith.

Featured Guest

• Dr. Kent Lasnoski: Theology professor, author of Vocation to Virtue and Thirty Days with Married Saints, and a founding member of San Damiano College for the Trades in Springfield, Illinois. His work focuses on integrating faith, work, and family life for Catholic men and women.

Action Items for Listeners

1. Embrace Masculine Community: Organize or participate in friendly competitions (e.g., sports, feats of strength) to build fraternity and celebrate God-given masculinity.
2. Reclaim the Home as Productive: Reflect on how your home can be a place of virtue and productivity, not just consumption. Consider small acts like gardening or teaching skills to family members.
3. Integrate Work and Faith: Evaluate how your daily work—whether physical or intellectual—can be a gift of self, imitating God’s creative love. Offer your tasks to God in prayer.
4. Support Catholic Education: Explore San Damiano College for the Trades at sandamianotrades.org. Consider donating to support its mission or encouraging young men to apply.

Notable Quotes

• “Work is anything that man does to earn his daily bread, to extend the dominion of man over creation in imitation of God the father, and to elevate culture up to a higher contemplation of the good.” – Dr. Kent Lasnoski, citing Laborem Exercens
• “The home isn’t something I have to run from to be productive… it can be part of my vocation to imitate God, the loving and wise father.” – Dr. Kent Lasnoski
• “We’re here to be burdens for each other to get to heaven.” – Dr. Kent Lasnoski on multigenerational living

Resources Mentioned

• Vocation to Virtue by Dr. Kent Lasnoski: A deep dive into the theology of marriage and virtue.
• Thirty Days with Married Saints by Dr. Kent and Camille Lasnoski: A devotional for couples to grow in faith and intimacy.
• San Damiano College for the Trades: Learn about the program or donate to support Catholic trade education.
• Laborem Exercens by Pope St. John Paul II: Encyclical on the dignity and spirituality of work.
• Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper: Explores the distinction between work and leisure.

Call to Action

• Subscribe to The Catholic Man Show on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to support the show.
• Visit sandamianotrades.org to learn more about Dr. Lasnoski’s work or to donate to San Damiano College.
• Check out selectinternationaltours.com for Catholic pilgrimages to deepen your faith.
• Join the conversation on social media using #CatholicManShow and share how you integrate work and faith in your life.

Episode Highlights

• Whiskey Tasting: The hosts enjoy a barrel-proof Highland Scotch from Loch Lomond Distillery, courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, noted for its honey, berry, and heather notes without peat.
• Firsts on the Show: David’s godson Luke joins for the first time, and the hosts celebrate two firsts, including Dr. Lasnoski debunking David’s speculative theology about the Garden of Eden.
• Speculative Theology: A playful debate on whether Adam commanded trees to bear fruit before the Fall, with Dr. Lasnoski emphasizing the interior harmony of pre-Fall work.

Closing Toast

Raise your glass to living as Catholic men who embrace the dignity of work, build virtuous homes, and strive for union with God. Cheers to Dr. Kent Lasnoski and San Damiano College for inspiring the next generation of Catholic tradesmen!

Support the Show

• Follow The Catholic Man Show on thecatholicmanshow.com or your preferred podcast platform.
• Connect with Dr. Lasnoski and support San Damiano College at sandamianotrades.org.