Engaging in spiritual exercises helps individuals connect with the divine and find meaning in a secular age.
Horror films challenge our understanding of reality and exploit our metaphysical presuppositions, exploring themes of dark transcendence and disruption of the familiar.
Spiritual exercises confront nihilism and provide hope and transcendence in the face of the existential void.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Philosophy and Theology
The podcast episode features an interview with Ryan Duns, a Jesuit priest who works at the intersection of philosophy and systematic theology. He discusses his book, 'Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age, Desmond and the Quest for God,' and explores concepts such as the philosophy of horror, language, and the work of William Desmond and Charles Taylor.
The Importance of Spiritual Exercises
The podcast delves into the significance of spiritual exercises in a secular age. It emphasizes the need to engage in practices that help individuals connect with the divine and find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Exploring the Metaphysics of Horror
The episode takes a deep dive into the metaphysics of horror, discussing how horror films exploit our metaphysical presuppositions and challenge our understanding of reality. It explores the themes of dark transcendence, the disruption of the familiar, and the return to zero in horror narratives.
The Implications of Nihilism
The conversation highlights the effects of nihilism and the denial of transcendence in modern society. It explores how spiritual exercises can confront and challenge nihilism, providing hope and a way to transcend the existential void.
The Need for Practice and Faith
The podcast emphasizes the importance of practices and faith in theology. It argues that theological concepts and theories are incomplete without being put into practice. It also touches on the transformative power of spiritual exercises and the role they play in shaping one's worldview and understanding of existence.
Ryan Duns is a Jesuit Priest works at the intersection of philosophy and systematic theology. He has published on Karl Rahner, Jean-Luc Marion, René Girard, in this episode we discuss his book Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age: Desmond and the Quest for God, alongside discussions on the philosophy of horror, language, William Desmond, Charles Taylor and more.
