Ryan G. Duns, SJ, a Jesuit priest and theology professor, delves into the relevance of spiritual exercises in today's secular environment. He discusses the return to narratives like Narnia and their transformative power. The conversation touches on how Hollywood's zombie fascination reflects deeper moral questions. Duns humorously compares spiritual formation to karaoke, highlighting the beauty of individual expression within community. They also explore the dangers of idolatry and the importance of genuine relationships with the divine in everyday life.
Ryan Duns emphasizes the necessity of adapting spiritual exercises to modern secular challenges to revitalize the sense of the Transcendent.
The metaphor of karaoke illustrates that active participation in faith can be inclusive, allowing everyone to express their spiritual journey authentically.
Storytelling is highlighted as a crucial method for exploring faith, shaping individual identities, and reflecting on personal narratives in spiritual formation.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Spirituality and Secularity
The podcast features a discussion about bridging the gap between spirituality and a secular age, particularly through the lens of philosophy and theology. It emphasizes the importance of adapting spiritual exercises for individuals navigating modern challenges, drawing insights from thinkers like Charles Taylor and William Desmond. One argument presented is that traditional arguments for the existence of God must be contextualized within the lived experiences of individuals as they encounter modern dilemmas. The conversation encourages listeners to reconsider how spiritual practices can be relevant and transformative in today's diverse religious landscape.
Karaoke as a Metaphor for Faith
The metaphor of karaoke is explored to illustrate how individuals can engage with their faith and spirituality. Unlike traditional performances that demand perfection, karaoke invites everyone to participate regardless of their ability, reflecting the idea that faith can be a shared and communal experience. This perspective suggests that no one must be a 'Bob Dylan' in their spiritual journey; instead, everyone possesses a 'Susan Boyle' within them, revealing potential beyond initial assumptions. The overarching theme is that faith communities can thrive when individuals freely express their voices and experiences without pressure to conform to a singular standard.
The Role of the Educator in Spiritual Formation
The role of educators in facilitating spiritual formation is highlighted, emphasizing the need to create environments where students feel comfortable exploring their beliefs. This includes recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences individuals bring to their spiritual journeys. Educators are encouraged to teach not just content but to help students see the connections between their lived experiences and theological concepts. By doing so, educators can empower students to become active participants in their faith rather than passive recipients of information.
The Power of Narrative in Faith Exploration
The podcast delves into the significance of storytelling in faith exploration and the manner in which narratives shape individual and communal identities. With references to Narnia and other cultural touchpoints, the importance of recognizing and engaging with our own stories as part of spiritual identity formation is emphasized. The conversation emphasizes how engaging with stories—whether through literature, film, or personal experiences—can evoke deeper reflections on faith and the human condition. This narrative approach invites listeners to reflect on how their experiences influence their spiritual journeys.
Reclaiming Metaphysics in the Modern Age
The discussion brings forth the idea of reclaiming metaphysics beyond its traditional confines, positioning it as a vital tool for contemporary spiritual exploration. The podcast introduces key concepts such as 'hyperbole of being' and 'the internal universality' as ways to understand our existence in relation to the divine. By inviting people to engage with metaphysical ideas as part of their spiritual exercises, it encourages a richer exploration of existence and reality through a philosophical lens. This reclamation challenge listeners to reflect on their understanding of existence and their relationship with the divine in today's secular context.
Ryan G. Duns, SJ, is a Jesuit priest and an assistant professor of theology at Marquette University. His locates his work the intersection of philosophy and systematic theology and is interested in regarding theology as practice or "way of life." He has published on Karl Rahner, Jean-Luc Marion, René Girard, and his most recent work has involved a sustained engagement with William Desmond’s metaphysics. His monograph “Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age: Desmond and the Quest for God" argues that, when read as a form of spiritual exercise (Pierre Hadot), Desmond’s philosophy can re-awaken a sense of the Transcendent.
In the conversation we discuss...
the possibility of a return to Narnia
problems with cranky Thomism
what is happening in the cultural fascination with Zombies
5 Commandments for doing Metaphysics... after the death of Metaphysics
Want to read a summary of the book and see some stellar scholars engage it? Head over here to the Syndicate consortium.
Sacramental hermenutics
how spiritual formation is like karaoke & why you don't have to be Bob Dylan
