Episode 157: For Those Holding the Line Between Two Extremes (A Gender Series Follow-Up)
Dec 19, 2023
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The podcast explores the middle ground between woke ideologies and church tradition, emphasizing the importance of upholding objective truth while empathizing with those experiencing gender confusion. It discusses the challenges faced in various aspects of life and highlights the significance of compassion and support. The concept of balancing heresies and compassion is explored, drawing parallels to the divinity and humanity of Jesus. The podcast also talks about the importance of modeling behavior after God and entering into real relationships for evangelization. The meaning behind Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in sin is discussed, emphasizing the connection between happiness, holiness, and caring for others.
Holding the middle ground between woke ideologies and Church tradition requires perseverance and the ability to suffer with others.
Recognizing and validating the conflicting parts within ourselves allows us to extend compassion and acceptance to others while upholding objective truth.
Deep dives
Validating the Struggle in the Middle
Being in the middle of the binary ideas surrounding gender can feel lonely and exhausting. The episode acknowledges the tempting desire to align with one extreme viewpoint to avoid the discomfort. However, it emphasizes the importance of holding the line, offering validation to those who choose to stand in the middle. The parallel with Jesus' experience on the cross is highlighted, reminding listeners that feeling abandoned and hopeless is not uncommon. It encourages individuals in this position to find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their struggle.
Recognizing the Presence of Conflicting Parts
The episode explores the concept of internal conflicting parts within an individual. It suggests that everyone has aspects of themselves that favor strict adherence to tradition and objective truth, as well as parts that emphasize compassion, acceptance, and love. The episode encourages listeners to acknowledge and validate both parts instead of suppressing one or favoring the other. By recognizing and embracing these contrasting parts within themselves, individuals can develop the capacity to extend compassion, understanding, and acceptance to others.
Navigating the Tension between Holding Truth and Extending Compassion
The episode addresses the challenge of simultaneously upholding objective truth and extending compassion to others. It acknowledges the tension that arises when listening to someone whose actions may conflict with what is considered healthy or aligned with the truth. It emphasizes the importance of providing validation and compassionate listening while still illuminating the path towards holiness. The episode recognizes the struggle of navigating this tension, asserting that it is a courageous effort rooted in the belief that true happiness comes from living in alignment with truth and holiness.
Welcome to Episode 157 of the Being Human Podcast: For Those Holding the Line Between Two Extremes (A Gender Series Follow-Up)
This episode is for those standing on the middle ground between owoke liberal culture and traditional Catholicism; for those attempting to walk with those who struggle with gender confusion while at the same time upholding objective truth. In this follow-up to our recent Gender Series, Dr. Greg offers encouragement, consolation, and a way forward!
Discussed in the episode:
What is the middle ground between woke ideologies and Church tradition?
The cross holding the tension between objective truth and the culture in which we live;
How to follow Christ’s example of upholding objective truth while also entering into the pain and suffering of people experiencing gender confusion;
The importance of persevering in fighting the good fight;
Encouragement for times when the battle for truth feels lonely and exhausting;
The importance of remembering that every saint goes through moments of feeling abandoned and alone;
The meaning of compassion and mercy (misericordia) as a capacity to suffer with others;
Why the deepest evangelization happens through encounter and accompaniment;
Self-compassion as the first step to having compassion for others who are suffering;
The most loving and healthy thing you can do for others to attain ultimate happiness.
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Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!
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