Guestsplaining: Rod Dreher on the Occult, UFO's and the Hidden World
Feb 3, 2025
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Rod Dreher, an American author and journalist known for 'The Benedict Option,' chats about intriguing themes like the occult and demonic influences. He reveals how younger generations are shifting from atheism to a growing curiosity about the occult. The conversation dives into the significance of baptism and exorcism as powerful rituals against dark forces, complemented by a gripping tale of spiritual possession. Dreher also calls for renewed spiritual awareness amidst modern distractions, illustrating the profound impact of prayer and storytelling.
Rod Dreher discusses the rise of occultism among younger generations, reflecting a societal shift away from traditional religious practices and towards alternative spiritualities.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of developing focused attention to enhance spiritual awareness, counteracting the distractions of modern technology in prayer and faith.
Deep dives
The Influence of Totalitarianism on Modern Society
Societal shifts influenced by totalitarian legacies from history are critically examined. The discussion highlights Rod Dreher's observations about individuals from the former Soviet Bloc, who see parallels between their experiences and emerging authoritarian trends in contemporary Western societies. His book 'Live Not By Lies' emphasizes these insights derived from personal anecdotes and historical context, urging Christians in the West to prepare for potential threats to religious freedom. Dreher draws on the teachings of Father Tomislav Kolakovich, who effectively organized an underground Christian resistance during communist rule, illustrating how foreseeing danger can lead to effective community resilience.
Challenges Facing Younger Generations
The distinct challenges faced by younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are explored in relation to their confrontation with secular modernity. Dreher presents a perspective from a young Anglican seminarian who claims the new atheism has lost its grip on youth, with many instead gravitating towards occult practices. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of how the Church engages with contemporary spiritual seekers who may be exploring pagan rituals or esoteric beliefs as alternatives to traditional faith. The emerging trend of occultism, fueled by societal changes, poses significant obstacles for religious communities aiming to address these new spiritual curiosities.
The Role of Attention in Spiritual Life
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role attention plays in reclaiming spiritual awareness and connection to God. Dreher highlights how distractions of modern life, particularly from technology and the internet, impede the ability to engage deeply in prayer and maintain a sense of God's presence. He advocates for developing a practice of focused attention, suggesting that meditative prayer can serve as a remedy for spiritual desensitization. By learning to direct focus and limit digital distractions, individuals can enhance their sensitivity to the miraculous and divine workings in everyday life.
Miracles and the Re-enchantment of Faith
The discussion includes the significance of genuine encounters with the supernatural, as Dreher shares impactful testimonies of miraculous conversions. He recounts stories of individuals who have experienced profound transformations through divine interventions, underscoring the importance of faith in moments of crisis. These narratives serve to illustrate the ongoing relevance of miracles in the lives of believers, reinforcing the idea that God's presence remains active in the world. By presenting a blend of personal stories and theological reflections, Dreher advocates for a refreshed understanding of faith that embraces mystery and the extraordinary.
On this captivating episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Gregory welcomes author Rod Dreher to discuss his recent publications, the Occult, demons and stories of exorcisms, and other themes of "The Hidden World." What really is a UFO? What are demons actually capable of? Is New Atheism dead? This and so much more on this week's episode of Guestsplaining.