In this enlightening discussion, Robert Barron, Bishop and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, addresses criticisms against his work. He explores the motives behind detractors and emphasizes the importance of beauty in faith, contrasting traditional and liberal viewpoints. Barron shares insights on engaging with critiques constructively, especially in the realm of social media. He also reflects on navigating political waters with civility, advocating for open dialogue among differing perspectives while focusing on resilience in the face of public criticism.
45:28
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Support at Planned Parenthood Prayer
Bishop Robert Barron prayed outside Planned Parenthood with seminarians and later enjoyed community pizza.
This experience is a meaningful act of support for the unborn and women facing difficult decisions.
insights INSIGHT
Internet Amplifies Criticism
The Internet and anonymity have increased the volume and harshness of criticism Bishop Barron receives.
He recognizes this as a growing phenomenon for public figures online, challenging but unavoidable.
insights INSIGHT
Engagement Through Early YouTube
Early engagement with YouTube comments helped Bishop Barron interact and address critics directly.
Despite the negativity, these exchanges increased interest and allowed public dialogue.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
We continue celebrating twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel; evangelizing the culture; supporting the faithful; and inviting the disaffiliated, the forsaken, and those who have fallen away back to Christ and his church. However, over the years, attacks against Bishop Barron and Word on Fire have come from many sources, including online anti-evangelists who hate religion in general and Christianity in particular and from those who posture themselves as the Church’s greatest defenders. What is the substance of these detractions? What motivates them? Do they pose an actual threat to the ministry? What can they teach us as evangelists about how to respond constructively to public criticism, especially when it’s vicious?
A listener asks how we should understand the meaning and implications of “turning the other cheek.”
00:00 | Introduction 01:32 | Standing for life with the DOWR seminarians 02:27 | Do any of your critics surprise you? 03:40 | Early interaction with YouTube comments 05:28 | Criticism #1: You’re too conservative—or too liberal 06:38 | Your critique of “beige Catholicism” is unfair and trivializing 09:45 | Criticism #2: Prioritizing beauty is a luxury 14:00 | Criticism #3: The thinkers you reference are only appropriate in academic settings 17:18 | Criticism #4:You’ve joined Balthasar in promoting universal salvation 20:01 | Criticism #5: You’re too political—or not political enough 25:46 | Criticism #6: Your critiques of wokeism are one-sided and unfair to social justice 31:57 | Criticism #7: You’re too supportive of Vatican II—or not supportive enough 35:50 | Criticism #8: You don’t discern the platforms on which you appear 41:29 | Advice for responding to public criticism 42:33 | Listener question: How do I “turn the other cheek” without enabling the offender? 44:54 | Join the Word on Fire Institute
NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture 