Episode 24: On Discernment: Three Approaches | Desert Fathers in a Year

Episode Overview

Join host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 for Episode 24 of Desert Fathers in a Year, titled “On Discernment: Three Approaches.” This episode continues the exploration of the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection on lust, featuring a profound saying from Abba Anthony. Guided by Bishop Eric Varden, the episode situates Christian sexuality within human dignity and flourishing, distinguishing natural eros from destructive lust. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this reflection offers practical wisdom for men seeking to channel their desires toward Christ-like love.

Key Themes and Reflections

• Abba Anthony’s Saying: Abba Anthony identifies three types of bodily movement: (1) natural physical urges, neutral and good when guided by the soul; (2) lust fueled by overindulgence in food and drink, linked to gluttony; and (3) demonic impulses driven by spiritual malice, inducing sadness and despair. These distinctions provide a framework for discerning and combating lust.
• Chastity and Human Flourishing: Bishop Varden emphasizes that the Desert Fathers were not opposed to eros or sex within marriage but condemned porneia (lust as transaction, akin to prostitution). Chastity aligns body and soul, fostering love and happiness, not stifling desire.
• Reclaiming Anthony’s Wisdom: Contrary to Enlightenment views of Anthony as an unlettered ascetic, his letters reveal intellectual depth. His nuanced approach to lust—affirming natural urges while warning against imbalance and demonic influence—could prevent much pain if taught in seminaries and marriage preparation.
• Body and Soul in Harmony: Anthony’s teaching rejects the notion that bodily urges are inherently sinful. The pursuit of chastity seeks to restore the fruitful complementarity of body and soul, made in God’s image, through discerning reason and disciplined habits.
• Practical Discernment: To combat lust, Anthony advises moderating food and drink to equilibrate appetite, avoiding places of past sin, and limiting alcohol (e.g., “never take more than three cups”). Prayer and compunction drive out demonic impulses, elevating the mind toward God’s love.
• Cultural Misconceptions: The episode challenges the view of Christian sexuality as puritanical, highlighting how lust sabotages self and others. By understanding lust’s roots—natural, indulgent, or demonic—men can redirect passions toward life-giving love.

Scriptural and Literary Connections

• Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,” cited by Anthony to warn against lust fueled by excess.
• Luke 21:34: Jesus’ command, “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness,” underscores the need for vigilance.
• Athanasius’ Life of Anthony: Reveals Anthony’s rejection of pagan culture, not learning, affirming his intellectual depth.
• Bishop Varden’s Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses: Frames chastity as a path to flourishing, aligning with Anthony’s discernment of desire.

Action Items for Listeners

1. Discern Bodily Movements: Reflect on Anthony’s three types of lust. Are your urges natural, fueled by excess, or spiritually destructive? Journal your observations to grow in self-awareness.
2. Moderate Appetites: Limit food, drink, or alcohol this week (e.g., skip a second helping, cap drinks at three) to equilibrate physical passions and reduce lustful impulses.
3. Avoid Tempting Places: Identify and steer clear of environments (physical or digital) where you’ve struggled with lust, replacing them with virtuous activities like prayer or fraternity.
4. Pray Against Demonic Influence: When sadness or despair accompanies temptation, pray a St. Michael prayer or practice compunction to expel spiritual attacks.

Spiritual Context

This episode deepens the discussion on lust during the Kings of Summer initiative, inviting men to meditate on King David and Christian kings via the Exodus 90 app. The reflection emphasizes discernment as a tool for virtue in a culture prone to vice, aligning with the Desert Fathers’ pursuit of perfection.

Call to Action

• Visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to the newsletter or submit questions for Bishop Varden’s Q&A in early July (email: hello@desertfathers.com).
• Share Desert Fathers in a Year with a friend and leave a review to support the podcast.
• Download the Exodus 90 app to join Kings of Summer, exploring Christ’s kingship through 1 Samuel and historical Christian kings.
• Engage on social media with #DesertFathers to share how you discern and combat lust.

Notable Quotes

• “The body’s movement, its erotic impulse, is fundamentally neutral, untouched by stains of immorality.” – Abba Anthony
• “The pursuit of chastity is about reconquering the fruitful complementarity of body and soul.” – Bishop Eric Varden
• “Lust is the death of love, reducing sexuality to mere transaction.” – Jamie Baxter

Episode Highlights

• Anthony’s Intellectual Depth: The episode corrects misconceptions of Abba Anthony as unlettered, highlighting his letters’ sophistication and relevance for modern chastity.
• Threefold Discernment: Anthony’s framework—natural, indulgent, and demonic lust—offers practical clarity for navigating sexual temptation.
• Practical Advice: Tips like limiting alcohol and avoiding sinful places provide actionable steps for men pursuing virtue.

Next Episode Preview

Join us next week for continued exploration of lust in the Desert Fathers’ collection. Submit questions for Bishop Varden at DesertFathers.com.