Godsplaining Mountaineering, Masculinity & Modern Technology w/ Fr. John Nepil
Jul 7, 2025
Fr. John Nepil, vice rector of St. John Vianney Seminary and author of 'To Heights and Unto Depths,' shares insights from his transformative hiking experiences. He discusses how outdoor adventures can teach lessons of masculinity, community, and spiritual awakening. The conversation emphasizes the beauty of nature and its role in cultivating hope and courage, contrasting these themes with the distractions of modern technology. Fr. John also stresses the importance of intentional family outings to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
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Spiritual Unity in Wilderness
- The book "To Heights and Unto Depths" explores encountering God through creation, humanity, and God united in the incarnation.
- This Catholic worldview ties together spirituality with physical wilderness experiences on the Colorado Trail.
Epic 486-Mile Colorado Trail Hike
- Fr. John Nepil completed a 486-mile through hike on the Colorado Trail with friends, carrying all gear and overcoming physical challenges.
- The journey served as a vehicle for spiritual reflection and personal memoir of the Rocky Mountains.
Restoring Masculinity Through Hardship
- Men today lose sacrificial disposition and grit due to comfort; shared hardship outdoors helps reclaim authentic masculinity.
- Formation into virtue requires modeling, community, and dialogue beyond just going through hard physical challenges.