Bonus Roundtable: On Discernment: Three Approaches

Jun 13, 2025

Explore the profound teachings of Abba Anthony on the movements of lust: natural, indulgent, and demonic. Discover how the Desert Fathers' wisdom sheds light on the battle for chastity and the impact of technology on temptation. The panel emphasizes practical discernment for fathers guiding their sons towards virtue. Insights into the physiological nature of addiction highlight the importance of fasting and self-regulation. Engage with timeless strategies for navigating modern challenges while nurturing spiritual growth.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Three Layers Of Bodily Movement

Abba Anthony distinguishes three bodily movements: natural, from overindulgence, and demonic.
These layers reveal how body, habit, and spiritual assault interact in temptation.

INSIGHT

Body, Mind, Soul As Temptation Layers

Adam links Anthony's three movements to body, mind, and soul as a layered battle.
He shows sin as ordering goods disorderedly rather than seeking wholly new aims.

INSIGHT

Technology Amplifies Temptation

Technology amplifies all three levels of temptation by increasing stimuli and poor choices.
This creates conditions where demons exploit amplified desires to produce bondage.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Have a question for Bishop Erik Varden?

Bonus Roundtable Discussion - On Discernment: Three Approaches

Join us for a special bonus roundtable discussion in Desert Fathers in a Year with host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90, alongside Adam, Doyle, and Jared. In this episode, we dive into Abba Anthony’s profound teaching on the three bodily movements related to lust: natural, fueled by overindulgence, and demonic. The panel unpacks the Desert Fathers’ timeless wisdom, exploring how these distinctions reveal the battle for chastity, the role of technology in amplifying temptation, and the power of discernment in fatherhood and faith. Discover practical ways to guard your environment and live virtuously.

Key Topics Covered:

Abba Anthony’s three bodily movements: natural, overindulgence-driven, and demonic
The psychological and spiritual insights of the Desert Fathers on human sexuality
How demons exploit disordered desires to break communion and fruitfulness
The role of fasting and asceticism in combating addiction, backed by modern science
Practical discernment for fathers to guide sons toward virtuous manhood
Overcoming modern temptations by guarding your environment and media consumption

Why Listen?

This dynamic discussion offers deep insights into battling lust and living freely in Christ, perfect for men and women seeking spiritual growth, practical faith, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Learn how to apply Anthony’s wisdom to modern challenges like technology and fatherhood.

Announcements:

Submit your questions for Bishop Erik Varden’s upcoming Q&A in July at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
Join the Kings of Summer Challenge on the Exodus 90 app, meditating on King David and Christian kings to embrace your baptismal call.

Subscribe for weekly episodes and share this podcast to explore the Desert Fathers’ wisdom with Bishop Erik Varden!

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today