How Did We Get Here? Divorce, Contraception, and Same-Sex Attraction | Fr. Paul Check

Sep 4, 2025

Fr. Paul Check, a former Marine and moral theologian, discusses how cultural shifts like divorce, contraception, and same-sex attraction have influenced today's society. He highlights the Church's invitation to return to truth and authentic freedom. Their conversation explores the virtues of meekness and humility, the spiritual battles against ideologies like transgenderism, and the challenges of authentic masculinity. Check also reflects on his journey from the military to priesthood, shedding light on the complexities of faith and identity in the modern world.

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INSIGHT

The Core Question: What Is Human?

Fr. Paul Check argues contemporary debate shifted to "what does it mean to be human" after doctrinal eras settled Christ and Church questions.
He stresses psychological genesis for same-sex attraction, distinguishing it from ontological claims.

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ADVICE

Choose Docility And Meekness

Cultivate docility and meekness as virtues that dispose you to truth and union with Christ.
Seek humility over mere cleverness because wisdom requires a willing heart to learn truth.

insights

INSIGHT

Meekness Is Strength, Not Weakness

Meekness is a paradoxical strength: powerful persons like Moses and Jesus are meek, not weak.
True masculinity includes humility and sacrificial self-gift, which make a man more fully himself.

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Virtues of Meekness and Humility

01:51 • 19min

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Connecting Scripture and the Importance of Depth in Understanding

20:29 • 2min

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Moral Theology and the Journey of Love

22:01 • 17min

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From Battlefield to Priesthood

38:48 • 15min

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Journey of Faith and Masculinity

53:25 • 15min

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The Holy Spirit and Courage International: Understanding Spiritual Connection and Support

01:08:23 • 5min

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Navigating Faith and Same-Sex Attraction

01:13:43 • 26min

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Exploring Identity: The Interplay Between Self-Perception and Same-Sex Attraction

01:40:10 • 3min

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Exploring Masculinity, Femininity, and Identity

01:42:58 • 8min

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Navigating Grace and Identity

01:51:22 • 22min

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Transgenderism and Gnosticism: A Philosophical Inquiry

02:13:33 • 7min

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Exploring Pastoral Approaches and Natural Law in the Context of Same-Sex Attraction

02:20:29 • 2min

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Navigating Blessings and Relationships

02:22:39 • 8min

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The Role of Mary and Joseph in Faith

02:30:21 • 13min

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Virtue, Moral Theology, and Personal Insights

02:43:17 • 17min

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The Sources of Christian Ethics

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Living the Truth and Love

Pastoral Approaches to Same-Sex Attractions

Janet Smith

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C.S. Lewis

"Men Without Chests," also known as "The Abolition of Man," is a philosophical work that critiques the educational trends of C.S. Lewis's time. Lewis argues against the subjective turn in modern education, which dismisses objective values and emotional responses as mere sentiment. He contends that by neglecting the cultivation of virtuous emotions, particularly those residing in what he metaphorically calls the 'chest', society risks producing individuals who lack the capacity for genuine judgment and moral reasoning. The book warns of the dangers of a purely rational approach to life, which can lead to the dehumanization and manipulation of individuals. Lewis advocates for an educational system that integrates reason, emotion, and traditional values to foster complete and morally grounded human beings.

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In this book, Abigail Shrier delves into the phenomenon of rapid-onset gender dysphoria among adolescent girls. She discusses how this condition, once rare and typically found in males, has suddenly become more prevalent among female teenagers. Shrier attributes this rise to social contagion, influenced by internet communities, school assemblies, and 'gender-affirming' educators and therapists. The book critiques medical interventions such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, highlighting the risks and long-term consequences. Shrier also interviews girls, their parents, counselors, doctors, and 'detransitioners' to provide a comprehensive view of the issue and offers advice for parents on how to protect their daughters from this trend.

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Paul Tillich

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Veritatis Splendor

otherwise known as the Splendor of the Truth

Pope St. John Paul II

👉 Discover how divorce, contraception, and sexual confusion reshaped our culture—and how Christ offers the way back.

In this powerful episode of The Conor Gallagher Show, Fr. Paul Check unpacks the cultural decline from divorce to contraception to same-sex attraction—and how the Church calls us back to truth, virtue, and authentic freedom in Christ. Drawing from his experience as a Marine, moral theologian, and longtime leader of Courage International, Fr. Check sheds light on the spiritual battles of our age: transgender ideology, sexual confusion, and the crisis of masculinity.

Through profound insights on meekness, holiness, Catholic teaching on human sexuality, and God’s providence at work even in our struggles, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and equip you to better understand how we got here—and where Christ is calling us next.

👍 Like, Subscribe, or Follow The Conor Gallagher Show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conorgallaghershow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/conorgallaghershow

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conorgallaghershow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qtdMK8FqjAQ3ODlFXCEYt?si=ae4598b16c1d4cde

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conor-gallagher-show/id1789476722

👉 Watch Desire of the Everlasting Hills (recommended by Fr. Check) here: https://everlastinghills.org

CHAPTERS

00:01 Trailer

04:00 Wisdom vs. Intelligence

08:19 Understanding Meekness

13:11 The Purpose of Virtue

17:17 Authority and Service

21:17 Introduction to Fr. Paul Check

26:25 Understanding the Moral Act

31:02 The Ends Justifying the Means

36:29 The Nature of Love and Surrender

41:31 The Marine Corps Ethos and Sacrifice

49:33 Transitioning from Military to Priesthood

54:33 Theological Studies and Authentic Masculinity

59:53 Understanding Christian Life and Sanctity

1:04:21 Theological Insights from Saints

1:09:18 Call to Evangelization

1:16:36 Leadership to Courage International

1:22:15 Meeting Individuals with Same-Sex Attraction

1:27:25 Psychological Genesis Explained

1:33:31 Patterns in Personal Stories

1:38:39 The Role of Personal Stories in Healing

1:44:16 The Nature of Healing and Conversion

1:51:49 The Evolution of Theological Questions

1:56:10 The Complexity of Same-Sex Attraction

2:00:54 Moral Corruption and Its Impact

2:07:39 The Rise of Gender Ideology

2:13:34 Transgenderism and Gnosticism

2:17:40 The Malleability of the Body

2:21:46 The Role of Publishing in Spiritual Growth

2:27:33 The Importance of Thoughtful Communication

2:33:13 Consecration to Mary and Its Significance

2:38:48 The Concept of Virginal Fatherhood

2:43:20 Teaching Virtue in the Seminary

2:49:09 Eulogy Virtues vs. Resume Virtues

2:53:42 Literary Preferences and Influences

2:57:57 Leadership Lessons from Sports and Business

#CatholicTeaching #FrPaulCheck #CourageInternational #DivorceAndContraception #SameSexAttraction #CatholicChurch #TransgenderIdeology #ConorGallagherShow #CatholicMasculinity

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