Avoiding Babylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Discover the intersection of faith and film, where controversy meets historical reflection, in our latest episode on the 1986 film, "The Mission." Our probing discourse with special guest Fr Dave Nix delves into the movie's portrayal of religious conflict, the erroneous narrative of liberation theology, and the complex interplay between church and state during a time of great upheaval and transformation.As we scrutinize the ethical nuances presented in the film, we're drawn into a compelling examination of moral theology, contrasting the consequentialism depicted with steadfast Christian doctrine. Debates ignite over the portrayal of obedience and holiness, particularly within the Catholic Church's hierarchy. We find ourselves wrestling with the age-old struggle between adhering to vows and confronting moral quandaries, all while drawing connections to historical figures like Barabbas and the Zealots to deepen our understanding of the Church's enduring challenges.We wrap up with heartfelt gratitude for our largest live audience yet and a look ahead brimming with promise. Preparing for future episodes, we anticipate engaging in more spirited debates and insightful film reviews that promise to enlighten and entertain. Our traditional Easter greeting, "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, alleluia," echoes as a clarion call for all our listeners to join the ongoing dialogue where the tenets of faith and the artistry of cinema converge in a tapestry of historical and contemporary reflection. Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Sit back and join us on an enlightening journey as we welcome the new converts to our Catholic family! We'll share some inside jokes, celebrate milestones like Nick's six-year anniversary as a Catholic, and look back at the awe of the Easter Vigil – imagine a sea of candlelight and that moment of joy when the Gloria reveals the unveiled statues. And for those of you who might be worried, we promise not every Mass will stretch as long as the Vigil.This episode isn't just about introductions; it's a deep exploration of where faith meets everyday life. We wade into the waters of political kingdoms, debating if Christ had plans for political influence and how pre-Vatican II teachings compare with today's Catholic approach. From Christendom to American liberalism, we unpack it all, including a conversation on the often misunderstood concept of Christian nationalism and our case for integralism. And let's not forget technology; could we be heading towards a life of bug diets and pod living? We debate the consequences of our digital dependencies, even as we ponder the purity of a life less connected.Wrapping up, we understand that faith is also about community, and here we lay it all out for our fellow believers, especially the young adults and recent converts. Hear about our personal struggles with loneliness and how vital it is to build those bridges within the Church. We even offer practical advice for finding your spiritual footing through St. Francis de Sales' teachings. Plus, stay tuned for our potential sit-down with the author of "The Boniface Option," bringing a new yet familiar perspective to Catholic thought. Join us for this rich tapestry of faith, culture, and connection – it will be a soul-stirring ride.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Easter Sunday arrives with a message of hope and renewal, and our journey through Lent culminates in a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. When we gather, it's not just about the festivities; it's a moment to reflect on the profound connection we share with the divine. Join me as we immerse ourselves in the stirring meditations of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, whose words guide us to a place of unity with Christ in prayer and intention. This episode promises to elevate your spirit, offering insight into how we, as the church and its followers, are bound by the grace of Jesus Christ and can find solace in this sacred unity.Today's heartfelt conversation traverses the sacred journey from the Mount of Olives to Mount Calvary, embracing the essence of Easter and the victory of redemption signified in the Eucharist. We'll share the beauty of integrating into the broader body of the church and the collective prayer of the saints. This final meditation of the Lenten season is an invitation to attune your heart to the divine whispers of God, to seek mercy and grace, and to be inspired with the hope of joining the blessed in eternal glory. Let us go forth with Jesus to the sacrifice, and together, may we find ourselves counted among the victorious, with the promise of redemption echoing in our souls.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!After many years away from the sacrament, my mother's confession brought an unexpected joy to this Holy Saturday, and it's with that spirit of renewal that I invite you to join me in today's reflection. As we stand on the threshold of Easter, the penultimate meditations from Bishop Jacques Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent" challenge us to examine the ephemeral nature of our existence and the significance of our lives within the vast expanse of time. We ponder the genuinely lived moments versus those lost to the mundanities of daily life and consider the relative weight of our temporal achievements against an eternal backdrop. This introspection is not just a solitary journey; I ask for your prayers for my mother and all those rediscovering their faith during this sacred time.As dusk settles, our hearts and minds turn to the Easter Vigil, the pinnacle of our Lenten journey, where the scriptural sagas unfurl the redemptive arc of our salvation history and Christ's enduring presence within it. We draw profound parallels between Moses, the liberator of the Israelites, and Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb, exploring the deep-rooted connections that prefigure the Savior's coming. This episode is an invitation to embrace spiritual readiness and to eagerly anticipate the sacred feast that awaits us. As we prepare to conclude our Lenten fast and look forward to the final reflection on Easter Sunday, I share my heartfelt gratitude for your companionship throughout these meditations and wish you a blessed Holy Saturday and a joyous entry into Easter.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!As we solemnly tread through the profound sorrows of Good Friday, we uncover the depths of Christ's Passion, a narrative that resonates with the core of our Lenten observance. Our contemplation is enriched by the insights of Bishop Jacques Bossuet, whose reflections on Jesus's path from the Garden of Olives to the Crucifixion lead us into a space of introspection. Amidst the echoes of His suffering, we grapple with the weight of our own sins and find solace in the mercy of God. This episode isn't just another retelling; it's an invitation to walk alongside Christ, to bear witness to His love, and to discover the transformative power of redemption.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!As the solemnity of Maundy Thursday envelops us, we uncover the profound depths of the Last Supper and its eternal gift to humanity—the Eucharist. Reflect with us on the strikingly simple yet authoritative language Christ employed, as recounted by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, to initiate this sacrament. Our meditation will transport you beyond mere words, drawing you into the heart of Jesus's transformative command, "This is my body... this is my blood." This episode is a spiritual journey, guiding you to a place of deeper reverence for the Eucharist, the fulcrum of our faith, as we approach the poignant Triduum period.We navigate the startling truth that, amongst believers, a veil of uncertainty exists over the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This Maundy Thursday, we confront the need for a resurgence of faith in this central tenet, discussing ways to foster a more profound respect and worthy reception of Holy Communion. As the Lenten season culminates, we issue a heartfelt invitation to prayer, seeking a renewed love and understanding of this sacred mystery. Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!As Spy Wednesday sets upon us, Bishop Jacques Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent" offers a riveting exploration of spiritual cleansing and its necessity as we approach the Eucharist. Through our latest episode, you'll uncover the tradition of washing feet as a metaphor for washing away not just the physical grime but the subtle stains of our souls. We delve deeper into the value of addressing the smallest transgressions and preparing ourselves for the Eucharist with purified hearts.The teachings of Jesus on the washing of the Apostles' feet serve as a potent reminder of the link between purification from venial sins and our readiness to partake in this holy union of Communion. Join us as we examine the gravity of our faults, the transformative power of the sacraments, and the paths we can follow to renew our spirits. Together, we seek a deeper understanding of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with the reverence and worthiness it deserves.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Warning: Language not suitable for childrenEmbark on an enlightening journey through the entangled web of modern relationships, patriarchy, and spirituality. As we sit down with Tim, we uncover the beguiling nature of the manosphere and dissect the intricacies of the Red Pill philosophy, sifting through its promises and pitfalls. We don't shy away from the thorny issues, addressing feminism within the church and how dogmas like those of the Catholic Church against divorce might just hold keys to resolving today's relationship crisis. Our conversation is a deep well of cultural analysis, brimming with personal reflections on the role of family and faith in contemporary society.Navigating the dynamic landscape of gender roles, this episode takes you through a vivid tapestry of men's frustrations and revelations. We question the sustainability of certain lifestyles promoted online, challenge the superficiality of serial monogamy, and consider the stabilizing force of prayer in marriages. The discussion takes a personal turn with a family debate about the pull between educational pursuits and traditional roles. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and triumphs in adhering to traditional values amidst modern expectations.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!As we traverse the solemnity of Holy Tuesday, we encounter the piercing reflections of Bishop Jacques Bossuet, guiding us through the shadows of betrayal and sin that pierce the heart of Jesus. This session is a profound meditation on the emotional turmoil Christ endured, particularly in the face of Judas Iscariot's impending betrayal. Bishop Bossuet elucidates the deeper layers of Jesus' suffering, inviting us to consider the collective weight of human sins that pressed upon the Savior and the paradox of the Cross as both a symbol of salvation and a stumbling block.With the Gospel of John as our map, we journey into the very soul of Christ, observing his troubled spirit in the face of sin—both personal and communal. Bishop Bossuet's insight into the scriptural moments where Jesus is most distressed offers a stark reflection on sorrow for sin. As Easter approaches, this episode serves as a significant spiritual exercise, allowing us to confront the nature of sin and redemption. Through these meditations, we are challenged to recognize our role in the collective failure of humanity and yet find hope in the redemption that Jesus' ultimate sacrifice offers.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!As we traverse the solemnity of Holy Monday, our meditation today draws upon the wisdom of Bishop Jacques Bot, as presented by Sophia Institute Press. His reflections guide us through the poignant act of Mary anointing Jesus at Bethany, a moment rich with the symbolism of true worship and sacrifice. We immerse ourselves in the narrative that contrasts the sincere piety of Mary with the deceitful veneer of charity shown by Judas, leading us to introspect our own motivations and expressions of love and homage.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon