Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric Varden explores the themes of unity in early Christianity, the significance of books in monastic life, and the balance between possession and purpose in knowledge. Bishop Varden reminds us that even good things can be used in sinful ways.Lovely Books emphasizes the importance of community, the role of literature in spiritual growth, and the call to share one's resources with those in need.________Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!Visit DesertFathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.________Chapters00:00 Unity in Early Christianity01:54 The Value of Books in Monastic Life06:46 Possession vs. Purpose of KnowledgeTags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric Varden, early Christianity, monastic life, books, spirituality, possessions, charity, wisdom, teachings

Join Bishop Erik Varden, a Trappist monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, in this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, where he unpacks the timeless wisdom of the Desert Fathers through the lens of Abba Antony’s striking lesson. In this episode, titled "Lacerated Body," Bishop Varden reflects on a story from the sayings of the Desert Fathers, where a brother seeking to become a monk is instructed by Antony to place meat on his naked body, only to be torn apart by dogs and birds. This vivid metaphor reveals the spiritual danger of clinging to worldly riches while professing total commitment to God, a lesson that echoes the early Church’s struggles in Acts with Ananias and Sapphira.Bishop Varden draws parallels between the brother’s divided heart and the “crooked generation” described in Acts, which stumbles in its self-sufficiency and aimless pursuits. He explores how the early Christians’ radical commitment to communal living—sharing all possessions with glad and generous hearts—challenges us to examine our own attachments. With his deep theological insight and pastoral warmth, Bishop Varden invites us to consider: Are we truly giving our all to God, or are we holding back, risking a “lacerated” spiritual life?Key Themes:- The cost of true discipleship: Why half-hearted commitment tears us apart.- Lessons from Acts: The early Church’s vision of unity and generosity.- The Desert Fathers’ wisdom: Abba Antony’s call to radical integrity.- Applying ancient teachings to modern life: Overcoming the temptation to hedge our bets with God.Men - join us for St. Michael's Lent starting August 15, 2025 on the Exodus 90 app.

In this special Q&A episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, host Jamie Baxter welcomes Bishop Varden to answer listener questions, offering profound insights from the Desert Fathers’ wisdom. Recorded as Jamie prepares to travel to Norway to join Bishop Varden for future episodes, this session covers topics from the recent chapters on self-mastery and lust, as well as practical and personal questions about living a radical Christian life. From the communal nature of redemption to navigating temptation and fostering chastity, Bishop Varden’s responses illuminate how the Desert Fathers’ teachings remain relevant for modern believers. The episode also announces a simplified series name—Desert Fathers with Bishop EriK Varden—and a shift to monthly roundtables with guests for added variety.Key Discussion Points:Series Updates: The series, now halfway through its year-long journey, is renamed Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden. Roundtables will move to a monthly format with guests to bring diverse perspectives.Recommended Reading: Bishop Varden suggests diving directly into the Desert Fathers’ sayings through Cistercian Publications’ editions translated by Benedict Ward, or exploring introductory works like Rowan Williams’ Silence and Honeycakes and Helen Waddell’s The Desert Fathers and Beasts and Saints for their accessible and engaging insights.Visiting Monastic Sites: Bishop Varden shares a transformative experience at Subiaco, St. Benedict’s first place of solitude, where a monk’s declaration of “this is paradise” captured the site’s spiritual depth.The Radical Christian Call: Responding to a listener’s question about embracing the Desert Fathers’ lifestyle today, Bishop Varden emphasizes that all are called to a radical Christian life, starting with small, intentional steps to curb destructive habits while aspiring to divine communion.The Two Brothers and Communal Redemption: Addressing concerns about the second monk’s “lie” in the sympathy episode, Bishop Varden explains that in the sacramental view of the communion of saints, one brother’s sin affects all, making the second monk’s shared penance a truthful act of solidarity. This teaches that redemption is communal, requiring us to bear one another’s burdens, especially in matters of sexual failure.Anger vs. Lust: Bishop Varden notes that the Desert Fathers likely viewed anger as a more fundamental sin than lust, as it often underlies other sins, drawing on Dorothy L. Sayers’ distinction between “hot” (passionate) and “cold” (calculating) sins in Dante’s Inferno.Reframing Chastity: Responding to questions about chastity, Bishop Varden advocates for a joyful, aspirational view of the virtue, integrated with other virtues to foster human dignity and freedom, rather than isolation or shame. His book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses seeks to reframe chastity as a life-giving pursuit.Enduring Temptation: Bishop Varden offers practical advice for facing temptation without despair: recognize it honestly, trust in God’s healing purpose, share struggles with a wise confidant, and view temptations as opportunities for growth in courage and self-knowledge.Marriage and Openness: Reflecting on the “spitting the blood” saying, Bishop Varden clarifies that withholding hurtful words, not honest communication, is the goal. In marriage, openness about tensions fosters unity, while spiteful words risk harm.Balancing Radical Faith and Solidarity: Addressing a pastor’s tension between vertical commitment to God and horizontal solidarity with humanity, Bishop Varden affirms that both are united in God’s call to bear fruit where planted, as exemplified by Mother Teresa’s contemplative service.Resources:Submit questions for future Q&As at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.Recommended readings: The Sayings of the Desert Fathers and The Lives of the Desert Fathers (Cistercian Publications, trans. Benedict Ward), Silence and Honeycakes by Rowan Williams, and The Desert Fathers and Beasts and Saints by Helen Waddell.Explore Bishop Varden’s Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses for a deeper understanding of chastity as a life-giving virtue.Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion.

Bearing One Another’s Burdens - Lessons from the Desert Fathers on Lust and FraternityIn this powerful bonus roundtable discussion for Episode 26 of Desert Fathers in a Year, host Jamie Baxter, joined by Adam, Doyle, and Jared, dives into the Desert Fathers’ wisdom on sympathy, focusing on a poignant saying from the systematic collection’s chapter on lust. This episode explores the profound Christian call to bear one another’s burdens, as illustrated by a story of two brothers—one who falls into lust and another who, through love and compassion, takes on his brother’s penance to win his forgiveness. The discussion highlights the communal nature of faith, the dangers of individualism, and the transformative power of sympathetic fraternity in overcoming temptation and despair.Key Discussion Points:The Saying: Two brothers go to the market, and one falls into lust. The other, in an act of profound love, claims to have sinned as well, doing penance for his brother. This selfless act leads to divine forgiveness for the fallen brother. This is a vivid example of “giving one’s life for one’s brother” (Galatians 6:2).Communal Faith vs. Individualism: The panel reflects on how modern Christianity often views faith as an individual pursuit, missing the Desert Fathers’ teaching that “our life and death is with our neighbor.” Our sins and virtues impact the entire Church, from our families to our parishes.The Domestic Church and Parish Life: The family, as the domestic church, and the parish, as a communal shelter, are essential for living out faith in community. They provide support to face temptations like lust, which thrives in isolation and shame.Temptation and Perseverance: Temptation is inevitable, even in holy spaces like monasteries or homes. The Desert Fathers teach the importance of withdrawing for prayer, staying connected in community, and persevering through trials to grow in true virtue.Sympathy Over Surveillance: The discussion contrasts modern “surveillance accountability” with the Desert Fathers’ model of sympathetic fraternity, where compassion, not judgment, motivates conversion. This mirrors Christ’s sacrifice, taking on our sins as the innocent victim.The Role of Solitude and Mission: Balancing solitude for prayer, community for support, and mission in the world is key to the Christian life. The panel emphasizes creating “monastic enclosures” in our lives to shield against worldly distractions while remaining open to evangelizing others.Resources:Submit questions for the upcoming Q&A with Bishop Varden at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a powerful 40-day devotion. Learn more at exodus90.com.Explore the full series at desertfathers.com and subscribe to the email newsletter for updates.

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we delve into a poignant story from the Systematic Collection of the Desert Fathers about two brothers navigating the aftermath of temptation in the marketplace. This narrative, rich with lessons on compassion, repentance, and the power of communal support, serves as a mirror for our own struggles with sin and redemption. Host Jamie Baxter, with insights from Bishop Eric Varden, explores how the Desert Fathers’ wisdom applies to modern challenges when we step outside our familiar boundaries.Key ThemesTemptation in Unfamiliar Spaces: The Desert Fathers, living self-sufficiently, ventured into cities like Alexandria to sell their wares, facing temptations absent in their ascetic environment. This mirrors our own experiences in unfamiliar settings—business trips, urban wanderings, or unguarded moments online—where virtue is tested.Despair and Hopelessness: The brother who fell into lust succumbs to despair, believing his sin defines him and renders him unworthy of his monastic calling. This reflects the diabolical trap of thinking we are beyond redemption.Compassionate Solidarity: The faithful brother, displaying cardiognosis (charitable heart-reading), shares his companion’s burden by claiming to have sinned similarly. This act of compassion, akin to Christ’s redemptive love, restores hope and encourages repentance.Vicarious Penance: The faithful brother’s penance on behalf of the fallen one demonstrates the power of communal support. His love leads to the sinner’s forgiveness, illustrating the biblical call to “give one’s life for one’s brother” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).Balancing Justice and Charity: The story underscores that true redemption infuses justice with charity, allowing God’s grace to transform our failures into opportunities for spiritual growth.Featured Story: The Two BrothersTwo brothers go to the market to sell their wares and part ways. One falls into lust and, overwhelmed by shame, refuses to return to their cell, feeling unworthy. His companion, sensing his despair, compassionately claims to have faced the same sin, urging repentance and return. They confess to the elders, who prescribe penance. The faithful brother performs penance as if he had sinned, and God, moved by this love, forgives the fallen brother. This story highlights:The danger of despair that isolates us from God and community.The healing power of compassionate solidarity, which restores hope and facilitates repentance.The Desert Fathers’ teaching that our burdens are shared within the mystical body of Christ.Spiritual TakeawayThe Desert Fathers remind us that sin does not define us, nor does it sever us from God’s mercy. In moments of failure, especially in unfamiliar or tempting environments, we are called to reject despair, seek confession, and rely on the love and support of our community. Like the faithful brother, we must bear one another’s burdens with compassion, trusting in God’s redemptive power to transform our weaknesses into opportunities for grace.Call to ActionSubscribe: Visit DesertFathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.Submit Questions: Share your questions for Bishop Varden’s upcoming Q&A in early July at DesertFathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.Join Kings of Summer: Live your baptismal call to kingship in Christ with Kings of Summer on the Exodus 90 app. Meditate on King David and Christian kings to cultivate virtue. Download the app or visit exodus90.com.Prayer: Invoke Saint Makarios the Great and Saint Michael the Archangel for strength to overcome temptation and to live with compassion.Saint Makarios the Great, pray for us!

Have a question for Bishop Varden?In this bonus roundtable for Episode 25 of Desert Fathers in a Year with Bishop Erik Varden, host Jamie Baxter and guests Adam, Doyle, and Jared dive into the powerful story of Amma Sarah, the first Desert Mother featured in the series. For thirteen years, Amma Sarah battled the demon of lust, never praying for the temptation to leave but instead seeking God’s strength. Her witness—“Not I have vanquished you, but Christ, my Lord has”—offers timeless wisdom on embracing crosses for spiritual growth. Join us as we explore how her example challenges modern notions of Christianity and calls us to holiness through trial.Key Topics Covered:Amma Sarah’s 13-year battle with lust and her reliance on Christ’s strengthThe revolutionary role of Desert Mothers in showcasing holiness for allRejecting “crossless Christianity” and embracing temptation as a path to virtuePractical wisdom: Controlling the controllables to face life’s challengesThe importance of small crosses in daily sanctificationAction Item: Be attentive to the “little crosses” given each hour. Embrace them as opportunities for transformation, seeing each as “a kiss from the Crucified.”Why Listen?This episode challenges modern misconceptions of faith, offering Amma Sarah’s example as a call to persevere in spiritual combat. Perfect for those seeking deeper Christian wisdom, spiritual growth, or insights from the Desert Fathers and Mothers.Get Involved:Submit questions for our upcoming Q&A with Bishop Varden at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app. Visit exodus90.com to learn more about this powerful devotion led by CFR priests Fr. Innocent and Fr. Angelus Montgomery.Resources:Bishop Erik Varden’s book, Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses Exodus 90 app for daily spiritual exercises and Saint Michael’s LentSubscribe and share with a friend to journey deeper into the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers!

In this enlightening discussion, Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, shares invaluable wisdom on the teachings of the Desert Mothers, particularly focusing on Amma Sara's courageous battle against temptation. He highlights how her unwavering reliance on Christ exemplifies true strength in spiritual struggle. The conversation also delves into the important role women played in desert spirituality and reinterprets temptation as a pathway to growth, emphasizing endurance and faith through life's challenges.

Have a question for Bishop Erik Varden? Bonus Roundtable Discussion - On Discernment: Three Approaches Join us for a special bonus roundtable discussion in Desert Fathers in a Year with host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90, alongside Adam, Doyle, and Jared. In this episode, we dive into Abba Anthony’s profound teaching on the three bodily movements related to lust: natural, fueled by overindulgence, and demonic. The panel unpacks the Desert Fathers’ timeless wisdom, exploring how these distinctions reveal the battle for chastity, the role of technology in amplifying temptation, and the power of discernment in fatherhood and faith. Discover practical ways to guard your environment and live virtuously.Key Topics Covered:Abba Anthony’s three bodily movements: natural, overindulgence-driven, and demonicThe psychological and spiritual insights of the Desert Fathers on human sexualityHow demons exploit disordered desires to break communion and fruitfulnessThe role of fasting and asceticism in combating addiction, backed by modern sciencePractical discernment for fathers to guide sons toward virtuous manhoodOvercoming modern temptations by guarding your environment and media consumptionWhy Listen?This dynamic discussion offers deep insights into battling lust and living freely in Christ, perfect for men and women seeking spiritual growth, practical faith, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Learn how to apply Anthony’s wisdom to modern challenges like technology and fatherhood.Announcements:Submit your questions for Bishop Erik Varden’s upcoming Q&A in July at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.Join the Kings of Summer Challenge on the Exodus 90 app, meditating on King David and Christian kings to embrace your baptismal call.Subscribe for weekly episodes and share this podcast to explore the Desert Fathers’ wisdom with Bishop Erik Varden!

Episode OverviewJoin host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 for Episode 24 of Desert Fathers in a Year, titled “On Discernment: Three Approaches.” This episode continues the exploration of the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection on lust, featuring a profound saying from Abba Anthony. Guided by Bishop Eric Varden, the episode situates Christian sexuality within human dignity and flourishing, distinguishing natural eros from destructive lust. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this reflection offers practical wisdom for men seeking to channel their desires toward Christ-like love.Key Themes and ReflectionsAbba Anthony’s Saying: Abba Anthony identifies three types of bodily movement: (1) natural physical urges, neutral and good when guided by the soul; (2) lust fueled by overindulgence in food and drink, linked to gluttony; and (3) demonic impulses driven by spiritual malice, inducing sadness and despair. These distinctions provide a framework for discerning and combating lust.Chastity and Human Flourishing: Bishop Varden emphasizes that the Desert Fathers were not opposed to eros or sex within marriage but condemned porneia (lust as transaction, akin to prostitution). Chastity aligns body and soul, fostering love and happiness, not stifling desire.Reclaiming Anthony’s Wisdom: Contrary to Enlightenment views of Anthony as an unlettered ascetic, his letters reveal intellectual depth. His nuanced approach to lust—affirming natural urges while warning against imbalance and demonic influence—could prevent much pain if taught in seminaries and marriage preparation.Body and Soul in Harmony: Anthony’s teaching rejects the notion that bodily urges are inherently sinful. The pursuit of chastity seeks to restore the fruitful complementarity of body and soul, made in God’s image, through discerning reason and disciplined habits.Practical Discernment: To combat lust, Anthony advises moderating food and drink to equilibrate appetite, avoiding places of past sin, and limiting alcohol (e.g., “never take more than three cups”). Prayer and compunction drive out demonic impulses, elevating the mind toward God’s love.Cultural Misconceptions: The episode challenges the view of Christian sexuality as puritanical, highlighting how lust sabotages self and others. By understanding lust’s roots—natural, indulgent, or demonic—men can redirect passions toward life-giving love.Scriptural and Literary ConnectionsEphesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,” cited by Anthony to warn against lust fueled by excess.Luke 21:34: Jesus’ command, “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness,” underscores the need for vigilance.Athanasius’ Life of Anthony: Reveals Anthony’s rejection of pagan culture, not learning, affirming his intellectual depth.Bishop Varden’s Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses: Frames chastity as a path to flourishing, aligning with Anthony’s discernment of desire.Action Items for ListenersDiscern Bodily Movements: Reflect on Anthony’s three types of lust. Are your urges natural, fueled by excess, or spiritually destructive? Journal your observations to grow in self-awareness.Moderate Appetites: Limit food, drink, or alcohol this week (e.g., skip a second helping, cap drinks at three) to equilibrate physical passions and reduce lustful impulses.Avoid Tempting Places: Identify and steer clear of environments (physical or digital) where you’ve struggled with lust, replacing them with virtuous activities like prayer or fraternity.Pray Against Demonic Influence: When sadness or despair accompanies temptation, pray a St. Michael prayer or practice compunction to expel spiritual attacks.Spiritual ContextThis episode deepens the discussion on lust during the Kings of Summer initiative, inviting men to meditate on King David and Christian kings via the Exodus 90 app. The reflection emphasizes discernment as a tool for virtue in a culture prone to vice, aligning with the Desert Fathers’ pursuit of perfection.Call to ActionVisit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to the newsletter or submit questions for Bishop Varden’s Q&A in early July (email: hello@desertfathers.com).Share Desert Fathers in a Year with a friend and leave a review to support the podcast.Download the Exodus 90 app to join Kings of Summer, exploring Christ’s kingship through 1 Samuel and historical Christian kings.Engage on social media with #DesertFathers to share how you discern and combat lust.Notable Quotes“The body’s movement, its erotic impulse, is fundamentally neutral, untouched by stains of immorality.” – Abba Anthony“The pursuit of chastity is about reconquering the fruitful complementarity of body and soul.” – Bishop Eric Varden“Lust is the death of love, reducing sexuality to mere transaction.” – Jamie BaxterEpisode HighlightsAnthony’s Intellectual Depth: The episode corrects misconceptions of Abba Anthony as unlettered, highlighting his letters’ sophistication and relevance for modern chastity.Threefold Discernment: Anthony’s framework—natural, indulgent, and demonic lust—offers practical clarity for navigating sexual temptation.Practical Advice: Tips like limiting alcohol and avoiding sinful places provide actionable steps for men pursuing virtue.Next Episode PreviewJoin us next week for continued exploration of lust in the Desert Fathers’ collection. Submit questions for Bishop Varden at DesertFathers.com.

Join Jared Stout, who focuses on reframing chastity within a cultural context, and Doyle Baxter, who brings historical and philosophical insights, for a deep dive into the challenges of lust and chastity. They explore Abba Poemen’s teachings, emphasizing the idea that genuine chastity leads to human flourishing rather than mere restriction. The conversation contrasts true love with lust, delving into ancient philosophical perspectives and modern implications. Expect practical guidance for navigating these complex issues in today's world.