Pints With Aquinas Tyranny and the Post-Christian West (Rod Dreher) | Ep. 532
Rod Dreher, a bestselling author and cultural critic, dives into the challenges Christians face in a secular world. He discusses the impact of his book, The Benedict Option, and the need for vibrant faith communities. Personal stories reflect on family struggles, the complexities of divorce, and the transformative role of suffering. Dreher also emphasizes the importance of integrity, courage, and reconnecting with spirituality amidst modern ideologies. His insights forge a path for navigating faith in a rapidly changing landscape.
03:08:45
Family Rejection and Illness
- Rod Dreher shares his family's rejection and its impact on his health and relationships.
- His sister's cancer and their small town's support reshaped his view of community and faith.
Dante and Jesus Prayer Healing
- Reading Dante and praying the Jesus prayer helped Rod Dreher overcome chronic mono and spiritual crisis.
- This spiritual practice led to profound internal healing and peace.
The Fight for Suffering
- Modern society demands constant happiness, rejecting suffering as a problem.
- Embracing suffering is essential to truly live a human and loving life.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring the Impact of the Benedict Option and Faith in a Secular World
01:31 • 3min
Engaging with Culture: The Benedict Option Revisited
04:10 • 5min
Navigating Family and Personal Healing
09:11 • 29min
Navigating Divorce in the Public Eye
38:02 • 13min
The Call to Discipleship: Embracing Suffering in Faith
51:00 • 4min
Embracing Suffering for Growth
54:31 • 7min
Navigating Faith Amidst Scandal
01:01:56 • 24min
Searching for Tradition in a Fragmented Faith Landscape
01:25:52 • 3min
Courage Amidst Oppression
01:29:05 • 21min
The Power of Integrity in a Complicated World
01:49:51 • 16min
Navigating Public Life and Personal Beliefs
02:05:22 • 6min
Shifts in European Political and Spiritual Landscapes
02:10:53 • 24min
Exploring Belief and Supernatural in Modern Contexts
02:35:20 • 4min
Reconnecting with the Divine: Nature, Technology, and Faith
02:39:03 • 30min
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy.
The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom.
The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State.
The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.
How Dante Can Save Your Life
Rod Dreher
In "How Dante Can Save Your Life," Rod Dreher uses Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" as a framework for exploring spiritual and personal growth.
Dreher recounts his own journey of healing and faith, drawing parallels between Dante's pilgrimage and his own experiences of illness and despair.
He demonstrates how Dante's work offers profound insights into the human condition, providing guidance for navigating life's challenges.
The book blends personal narrative with literary analysis, offering a unique perspective on faith, healing, and the power of storytelling.
It's a testament to the enduring relevance of Dante's masterpiece and its capacity to inspire spiritual transformation.
The Little Way of Ruthie Leming
A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life
Rod Dreher
The Little Way of Ruthie Leming is a memoir that follows Rod Dreher's journey back to his hometown of St. Francisville, Louisiana, after his sister Ruthie's untimely death from cancer.
The book reflects on Ruthie's life and the community's response to her illness, highlighting the value of rootedness and community in achieving a fulfilling life.
Dreher contrasts his own cosmopolitan ambitions with Ruthie's commitment to their hometown, exploring what it means to live a meaningful life.
Live Not By Lies
Rod Dreher
In 'Live Not By Lies', Rod Dreher warns American Christians about the dangers of what he terms 'soft totalitarianism', a form of totalitarianism that relies more on psychological manipulation than overt violence.
Drawing on the experiences of Christians who lived under Soviet rule, Dreher provides practical advice on how to identify and resist this form of totalitarianism.
The book outlines a method for resistance: SEE (acknowledge the reality), JUDGE (assess reality in light of Christian truth), and ACT (take action to protect truth).
Dreher emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, family, church fellowship, and a willingness to suffer in order to resist the encroaching ideology.
The Marian Option
Carrie Gress
In this book, Carrie Gress examines the historical and geopolitical impact of Marian devotion, highlighting how Mary has influenced significant events throughout history, such as freeing Spain from Islamic occupation and inspiring St. John Paul II in his fight against communism.
Gress argues that devotion to Mary is crucial for restoring civilization to Christ and offers practical suggestions for living out the Marian Option, including daily rosary prayers and Marian Consecration.
The book emphasizes the importance of Mary's guidance in fostering a real relationship with her and in passing the faith along through family and deep friendships.
Return of the Strong Gods
Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West
R. R. Reno
In 'Return of the Strong Gods,' R.R.
Reno argues that the post-war consensus, which aimed to create an 'open society' free from the dogmas that led to World War II, is breaking down.
He contends that the strong gods—powerful loyalties to nation, clan, and religion—are returning as people seek meaning and community.
Reno traces the historical roots of this shift, critiquing the relativism and multiculturalism that have eroded traditional values.
He advocates for a return to classic human values such as patriotism, family, and historic Christianity, warning that the absence of these strong gods could invite darker alternatives.
The leopard
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
The Leopard, originally titled 'Il Gattopardo', is a novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa that explores the transformation of Sicilian society during the Italian unification in the 19th century.
The story centers around Don Fabrizio, the Prince of Salina, who represents the old feudal order and witnesses the transition of power from the aristocracy to the new bourgeois class.
The novel is set against the backdrop of Giuseppe Garibaldi's invasion of Sicily and the subsequent unification of Italy.
It is known for its vivid descriptions of Sicilian life, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as mortality, change, and the decline of the aristocracy.
Hillbilly Elegy
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
JD Vance
In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D.
Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia.
The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School.
Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream.
The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
Living in Wonder
Rod Dreher
Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" explores the resurgence of spiritual and mystical experiences in a technologically advanced, secular world.
The book delves into the concept of 're-enchantment,' examining how individuals are seeking deeper meaning and connection beyond traditional religious institutions.
Dreher discusses various phenomena, including UFOs, AI, and the occult, as manifestations of this spiritual yearning.
He argues that while these experiences can be genuine, they must be understood within a Christian framework to avoid potential dangers.
Ultimately, the book advocates for a return to a more profound and direct experience of faith.
Live Not By Lies
Rod Dreher
In 'Live Not By Lies', Rod Dreher warns American Christians about the dangers of what he terms 'soft totalitarianism', a form of totalitarianism that relies more on psychological manipulation than overt violence.
Drawing on the experiences of Christians who lived under Soviet rule, Dreher provides practical advice on how to identify and resist this form of totalitarianism.
The book outlines a method for resistance: SEE (acknowledge the reality), JUDGE (assess reality in light of Christian truth), and ACT (take action to protect truth).
Dreher emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, family, church fellowship, and a willingness to suffer in order to resist the encroaching ideology.
Rules for Radicals
A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals
Saul Alinsky
Published in 1971, 'Rules for Radicals' is a seminal work by Saul Alinsky that provides a set of principles and tactics for community organizers and activists.
The book outlines 13 rules for radicals to use in their efforts to bring about social change, emphasizing the importance of understanding power dynamics, using ridicule, and maintaining constant pressure on the opposition.
Alinsky's work has been influential across various political spectra and continues to be a significant resource for those involved in social and political activism.
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.
The Benedict Option
Rod Dreher
Crunchy Cons
Rod Dreher
Rod Dreher is a bestselling author and cultural critic known for his incisive commentary on faith, politics, and modern society. His landmark books The Benedict Option and Live Not By Lies have shaped conversations on Christian resilience in an age of decline, while his newest work, Living in Wonder, turns inward, exploring beauty, suffering, and the search for meaning. Dreher’s voice is unapologetically countercultural, drawing on Orthodox Christianity and a deep skepticism of modern ideological conformity.
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