Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Bishop Erik Varden delves into the striking lesson from Abba Antony, highlighting the spiritual pitfalls of divided commitments. He weighs the dangers of clinging to worldly riches against true devotion to God. Drawing parallels with the early Church’s struggles in Acts, Varden emphasizes the beauty of radical generosity and communal living. This thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to reflect on their own attachments and the cost of true discipleship in the journey of faith.

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._____________We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

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._________We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian leader and author on monastic spirituality, joins to share profound insights from the Desert Fathers. They discuss a powerful narrative about two brothers facing temptation in a bustling marketplace, highlighting the struggles with sin and the path to redemption. Varden emphasizes the importance of compassion, as one brother embodies charitable support, taking on the other's burdens. This exploration of solidarity against despair offers wisdom for today's challenges, revealing how communal love can restore hope.

Jared Stout and Doyle Baxter, both involved with Exodus 90, join the discussion to explore the tenacity of Amma Sarah, the first Desert Mother. They delve into her 13-year struggle against lust, emphasizing reliance on divine strength rather than seeking escape from temptation. The conversation addresses the revolutionary role of the Desert Mothers, urging a return to foundational Christian values. Listeners are encouraged to embrace daily 'little crosses' as transformative opportunities for spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of endurance in the journey of faith.

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.

Explore the profound teachings of Abba Anthony on the movements of lust: natural, indulgent, and demonic. Discover how the Desert Fathers' wisdom sheds light on the battle for chastity and the impact of technology on temptation. The panel emphasizes practical discernment for fathers guiding their sons towards virtue. Insights into the physiological nature of addiction highlight the importance of fasting and self-regulation. Engage with timeless strategies for navigating modern challenges while nurturing spiritual growth.

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._________We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

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.

This discussion dives into the Desert Fathers' insights on lust, presenting it as a self-centered desire that undermines true freedom in Christ. Abba Poemen's teachings emphasize the need for self-mastery and the rejection of pleasure-driven living. The contrast between lust and genuine love is explored, challenging societal views on sexuality. There's a call to reframe Christian moral teachings to highlight dignity, virtue, and human flourishing, rather than mere restriction. These timeless insights urge a deeper understanding of our desires and true spiritual growth.