The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

WOF 469: 5 Reasons to Be Hopeful in the New Year

Dec 23, 2024

Explore the deeply-rooted Christian virtue of hope and what sets it apart from mere optimism. Discover the rise in Bible sales and the decline of non-religious identification as signs of renewed spiritual engagement. Hear about the diminishing influence of woke ideology and the flourishing cooperation between Catholic and Protestant communities. Reflect on the reopening of Notre Dame as a symbol of resilience and hope. Also, learn about finding strength in prayer during challenging times.

34:30

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Quick takeaways

Hope is a theological virtue that fosters a deeper understanding of life and guides decisions toward divine fulfillment rather than mere optimism.

Indicators of societal hope include increased Bible sales, reduced influence of woke ideologies, and enhanced cooperation among Christian denominations.

Deep dives

The Nature of Christian Hope

Christian hope is defined as a theological virtue, distinct from mere optimism or wishful thinking. It involves an orientation toward a supernatural end, where one's life is shaped by a divine purpose beyond this world. This hope is intrinsically linked to the grace of God, framing human existence in light of higher aspirations and ultimate fulfillment. The understanding of hope as a theological virtue fundamentally alters one's perspective, encouraging individuals to live in anticipation of a reality that transcends earthly experiences.

Intro

3min

Theological Hope: A Christian Perspective

13min

Hopeful Trends in Religious Engagement

4min

Evolving Perspectives on Woke Ideology and Faith

5min

Reopening Notre Dame: A Symbol of Hope

7min

Finding Strength in Prayer Amid Spiritual Darkness

3min

One of the defining features of the Christian moral and spiritual life is the supernatural virtue of hope. What is hope? What makes hope more than a mere superstition? How does hope help us live both individually and in community? Can hope have negative consequences, like motivating people to remain passive in the face of injustice? And what, if any, evangelical significance does hope have? Bishop Barron gives us five reasons why we should be hopeful in the new year.

A listener asks how he can find the strength to pray again.

Links:

Article on Bible sales: https://www.foxnews.com/media/bible-sales-surge-thanks-fresh-editions-new-buyers-looking-things-feel-more-solid-report-finds
Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/

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