Catholic Theology Show St. Augustine and Political Utopias w/ Dr. Marc Guerra
Oct 15, 2024
Dr. Marc Guerra, Provost at Assumption University and theology author, discusses the unique Catholic response to utopian and dystopian ideas. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing human imperfection while finding hope through St. Augustine's insights. The conversation explores the relationship between love, freedom, and education, underscoring how divine providence shapes our longing for a peaceful society. Guerra also highlights how the Psalms serve as a means to connect emotionally and spiritually, enriching our understanding of theology.
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Utopian vs. Dystopian Movements
- Modern society is polarized between utopian and dystopian movements.
- People either want to create a perfect society or despair and imagine a dystopian future.
Modernity and the Loss of Gratitude
- Modernity has accelerated the desire for perfection and the despair that follows its unattainability.
- This is coupled with a loss of gratitude, a fundamental human response.
Ancient vs. Modern Utopias
- Ancient utopian literature, like Plato's Republic, explored utopia's impossibility.
- Modernity seeks to make utopias real through scientific and political revolutions.