Quodlibet 1: Who Are You Guys & What Are You Doing Here?
Oct 23, 2024
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The hosts introduce themselves with playful banter and a fun Star Wars debate. They share humorous tales about seasonal changes and personal experiences, including Halloween memories. The origins of their theological project are discussed, alongside an invitation for listener questions. Their unique journeys to theology reveal diverse backgrounds and interests. They explore the evolving perspectives on Hans Urs von Balthasar, discuss challenges in theological engagement, and reflect on their playful experiences with classic literature like 'Pride and Prejudice.'
The hosts introduce their podcast as part of the Sacra Doctrina Project, blending humor with serious theological discussions and community engagement.
Encouraging listener interaction, the podcast embraces the tradition of 'quadlibets', inviting questions to stimulate open theological exploration.
Each host shares their unique academic and personal backgrounds, illustrating how diverse life experiences shape their perspectives on theology and literature.
Deep dives
Introduction to The Quadlibets Podcast
The podcast introduces itself as a fresh addition to the Soccer Doctrina Project, emphasizing a mix of humor and intellect. The hosts, Urban Hannon, Taylor Patrick O'Neill, and Matthew Dugansic, engage in light-hearted banter, establishing a relaxed atmosphere. Their playful dynamics suggest a strong camaraderie, which sets the tone for future discussions. The hosts hint at an array of topics they plan to explore, including theology and culture, making it clear that listeners can expect engaging conversations.
Origins and Purpose of the Soccer Doctrina Project
The Soccer Doctrina Project originated from friendships formed during a doctoral program at Ave Maria University. The founding members wanted to create a space for speculative theological discussions that extend beyond mere historical analysis. They emphasize the importance of community in theological discourse, positing that genuine understanding occurs through debate and shared insights. The project has evolved to include multiple content forms like podcasts, conferences, and academic journals, reflecting its commitment to fostering theological dialogue.
The Concept of Quadlibets
The term 'quadlibets' refers to an intellectual tradition where theologians field questions on various topics posed by the public, encouraging open discussions. The hosts liken this to an informal setting where inquiry meets exploration, aiming to revive the medieval practice of theologians answering questions about anything related to God. They encourage listener participation by inviting questions to be sent via email, promoting an interactive and dynamic exchange. This approach aims to make theology accessible and engaging, opening the floor to a diverse set of inquiries from the audience.
Personal Introductions and Backgrounds
Each host shares brief life stories highlighting their academic and personal journeys. Taylor discusses growing up in Wisconsin, his theological pursuits, and his role as a family man with a penchant for engaging discussions. Matthew, originally from the Northeast, shares his contrasting experiences with the seasons and his journey of theological exploration. Urban emphasizes his cosmopolitan background and experiences, reflecting on how their varied experiences shape their perspectives and contributions to the podcast.
Balancing Academic Work and Leisure Reading
The hosts engage in a candid discussion about their reading habits and the challenges of balancing academic work with leisure. Matthew reminisces about how his active reading life has diminished, while Taylor shares about the necessity of revisiting literary classics. A common theme emerges regarding the struggle to enjoy fiction amidst academic demands, as they candidly reflect on their changing relationships with literature. They express a desire to rekindle their enjoyment of reading, indicating that the journey of intellectual exploration continues to intertwine with their personal lives.
On this the pilot episode of The Quodlibets, Urban Hannon, Taylor Patrick O'Neill, and Matthew Dugandzic introduce the new ask-us-anything podcast of the Sacra Doctrina Project, share their thirty-second life stories, and answer their colleagues' questions about study habits, literature, and Hans Urs von Balthasar.
To submit your questions about whatever for a future episode, email us at thequodlibets@gmail.com.