Mahon McCann

In this conversation, we explore the connections between the biblical concepts of heaven and earth and Platonic categories of form and matter, discussing how these ideas can be mapped onto contemporary understandings of reality. The dialogue emphasises the importance of symbolic language in conveying deeper truths and the challenges of communicating these concepts in a modern context. We also examine the nature of the soul, the influence of spirits, and the dynamics of agency in relation to higher patterns of existence.Get the "Post-reductionist christianity" book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisisChapters:00:00 Exploring Heaven and Earth: A Comparative Analysis09:47 The Role of Symbolic Language in Theology17:52 Understanding Heaven: Bridging the Secular and the Sacred25:08 Patterns of Influence: The Higher Powers in Culture30:00 The War of Spirits in Technology32:17 Divine and Unholy Spirits: A Duality37:26 The Nature of Good and Evil Spirits41:35 Agency and Patterns: The Human Condition44:06 Understanding the Soul in a Christian Context Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Paula shares her transformative journey from a typical Irish Catholic upbringing to a profound encounter with God that reshaped her faith. She discusses the struggles of returning to her roots after years abroad, the significance of confession, and her evolving understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings on women. Paula reflects on the challenges modern women face, the impact of feminism, and the importance of compassion in welcoming others into the faith. Join Paula's Substack at: https://truthofthewomb.substack.com/Chapters:00:00 Journey of Faith: From Doubt to Belief03:47 Cultural Influences: Exploring Spirituality Abroad06:41 Encountering God: A Transformative Experience09:47 Returning Home: Navigating Loss and Faith13:00 Reconnecting with Catholicism: A Personal Journey15:52 Confession: A Path to Healing and Renewal18:49 Understanding the Church: A New Perspective21:51 Feminism and Faith: Reconciling Beliefs24:41 Natural Family Planning: The Church's Wisdom27:46 Embracing the Catholic Faith: A New Identity33:35 Misconceptions About Women in the Church35:17 The Role of Women in Faith38:37 Cultural Shifts and Women's Identity40:14 Feminism and Women's Empowerment43:26 Contraception and Its Impact on Women46:28 Challenges for Women in the Catholic Church49:37 Navigating Faith and Personal Struggles53:31 Finding Community in the Catholic Faith58:44 Opportunities for Growth in the ChurchWant to support the creation of more podcasts and essays? Consider becoming a patron below 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Fr Gavan Jennings is a priest of Opus Dei, the editor of the position papers, and a presenter ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ . In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of faith in Ireland, discussing the gradual decline of religious practice, the crisis of meaning in modern society, the importance of intellectual engagement in strengthening faith, the significance of personal relationships with God and the journey towards theosis, highlighting the role of laypeople in revitalising the Catholic Church and the joy that comes from living a life aligned with faith.*We had some technical difficulties hence Fr Gavan's miraculous background change halfway through.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Father Gavan Jennings00:56 The Decline of Faith in Ireland04:09 Cultural Identity and Catholicism10:08 The Importance of Personal Faith15:36 Intellectual Challenges Facing the Church18:14 The Role of Catholic Intellectuals28:20 Faith and Reason: A Balanced Approach32:33 The Intellectual Crisis in Catholicism39:26 The Role of Philosophy in Faith47:42 Revitalizing Faith in Modern Ireland54:29 Theosis: The Goal of the Christian Life01:00:50 The Path to Sanctity and Happiness Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

The last podcast before a break over the Christmas! More than delighted to be joined by Fr Columba Jordan for an unofficial Christmas special. Fr Columba is a Franciscan Friar of the renewal ( ⁨@cfr_franciscans⁩ ), and a presenter at Call To More ( ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ ).In this conversation, shares his journey as a Franciscan priest, challenges faced by young people in connecting with their faith, entering the dance with God, St Maximilian Kolbe and sacrifice and love, practical steps for encountering God, and the role of the internet and artificial intelligence in the return to faith.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Father Columba02:56 Journey to the Priesthood05:51 Engaging the Youth: Addressing Boredom in Faith08:49 The Challenge of Familiarity in Faith12:02 The Proposal of Faith: A Call to Verify14:58 The Dance of Faith: Openness and Surrender17:53 The Role of Entertainment in Worship20:59 The Nature of Relationships and Vulnerability24:01 Shame and Its Impact on Faith26:55 The Journey of Growth and Transformation34:29 The Decline of Irish Catholicism36:19 Understanding God: Love and Justice39:39 The Image of God and Its Impact42:37 Living the Faith: A Personal Journey45:49 The Risk of Faith49:41 The Role of Doubt and Verification52:39 Surrendering to God56:12 The Power of Sacrifice01:00:06 Every Action Matters01:04:23 Practical Steps to Encounter God01:07:39 Entering the Dance of Faith01:10:24 The Role of Humility in Spiritual Growth01:11:42 The Impact of Prayer and Community01:12:10 The Intersection of Technology and Faith01:18:49 AI and the Future of Humanity01:25:06 The Internet as a Tool for Evangelization Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Hey There, New podcast on deck 🚨This was an unbelievable conversation with Brendan Graham Dempsey on his new ‘evolution of meaning’ series!!Evolution of Meaning part 1: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Learning-Process-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0D88CV4GPEvolution of Meaning part 2:https://www.amazon.com/Psyche-Symbolic-Learning-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0FPV8M3Z8/In this conversation, we explored the themes of meaning, the meaning crisis, and the evolution of meaning through various philosophical and cultural lenses. We discuss the impact of nihilism, the role of metamodernism, and the significance of complexity theory in providing a foundation for meaning. With a new foundation in place, we explore a modern path to transcendence, the hero’s journey and the sacred! Check it out 👇Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Meaning02:18 Understanding the Meaning Crisis05:15 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning08:34 The Role of Transcendence in Meaning11:31 Exploring Meaning in Life Literature14:26 The Journey Towards Meaning17:25 Complexity Theory and Meaning20:42 Active Inference and Meaning27:25 Understanding Surprise and World Models29:32 The Complexity of Human Models32:27 Cultural Evolution and Meaning Systems34:09 Moral Development and Complexity39:02 Human Learning as a Complexification Process44:48 The Role of Egocentrism in Meaning Making50:48 The Meaning Crisis and Anomie53:30 Breaking Frames: The Role of Technology and Social Media56:32 The Meta Frame: Embracing Chaos and Complexity59:40 Transcendence and Awe: The Sacred in Frame Breaking01:02:36 The Infinite Journey: Icons, Myths, and the Divine01:06:28 Faith and the Hero’s Journey: Navigating Uncertainty01:09:34 Learning and Meaning: The Evolution of UnderstandingMy new book Waiting For The Offo will be out next Monday 1/12/25!!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

David Quinn, is a columnist for the Sunday Independent/Irish Catholic and Commentator on society, religion and politics since 1994.Iona Institute Poll: https://ionainstitute.ie/big-revival-of-interest-in-religion-among-many-young-people-in-northern-ireland-says-new-poll/In this conversation, David Quinn discusses the current state of Irish Catholicism, reflecting on its historical context and the evolving perspectives of younger generations towards religion. He emphasises the importance of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and community, especially in a society facing increasing secularisation. Quinn highlights signs of hope among younger people who are becoming more open to religion, suggesting a potential resurgence in religious engagement as they seek answers to life’s challenges.Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of Irish Catholicism12:05 The Church’s Influence and Secularisation in Ireland19:54 Generational Perspectives on Religion and Progress24:40 Woke Ideology vs. Christianity: A Cultural Clash32:25 The Crisis of Modernity and Mental Health33:10 The Role of Religion in Society34:11 Rediscovering the Great Tradition35:01 Perceptions of Church vs. Christianity37:53 Distinguishing Between Institution and Faith40:12 Rationality and the Existence of God42:31 The Shift from Default Theism to Atheism44:40 The Changing Landscape of Belief47:35 Materialism and Free Will49:16 Transhumanism and the Future of Humanity51:01 Demographic Shifts and Religion’s Role55:47 Signs of Hope Among Younger GenerationsWaiting For The Offo is coming out on 1/12/25!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Robert Freese converted to Catholicism in 2020 after 20 years of practicing and eventually teaching Vipassana meditation. He and his wife Gosia are volunteers in the Faustinium, the lay order of Saint Faustina who initiated the devotion to Divine Mercy.In this conversation, Robert shares his profound journey from a secular upbringing in Texas to exploring Buddhism and eventually returning to Catholicism. He discusses the influence of his family background, the transformative power of meditation, and the importance of community in spiritual practices. Robert reflects on his experiences with Vipassana meditation, the challenges of balancing spiritual commitments with worldly responsibilities, and the ongoing quest for self-discovery and meaning in life. In this conversation, Robert Freese shares his profound journey of faith, detailing his experiences of encountering Jesus during meditation, the integration of his Buddhist practices with Catholicism, and the transformative power of suffering and grace. He reflects on the significance of communion, confession, and the importance of bringing one’s suffering to God, emphasising the deep connection between personal experiences and spiritual growth.Chapters00:00 Journey of Spiritual Exploration10:11 The Shift to Buddhism19:57 Deepening the Practice29:49 Teaching and Transformation39:57 Navigating Challenges in Spiritual Life49:51 Encountering Jesus in Meditation54:00 The Cross and Personal Suffering58:08 Navigating Faith and Personal Crisis01:01:22 The Journey to Catholicism01:07:20 Integrating Buddhism and Catholicism01:14:14 Desire, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth01:20:50 The Role of Confession and Grace Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Martin McManus is a Lukewarm Catholic to anti-Catholic psychology postgrad to schismatic traditionalist to now a normal Catholic devoted to Our Lady and working to help others back to their home, the Catholic Church.In this conversation, Martin shares his profound journey from a lukewarm Catholic upbringing in Longford to a period of atheism influenced by modern psychology and prominent atheists. He discusses his struggles with nihilism and the eventual rediscovery of faith, sparked by the works of Jordan Peterson and his experiences in the mental health field. Martin emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in his return to Catholicism, particularly through the Legion of Mary, and advocates for sharing faith with love and understanding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Martin’s Journey02:39 Early Catholic Upbringing and Its Impact05:34 Drifting Away from Faith and Academic Pursuits08:27 Encountering Atheism and Intellectual Influences11:12 The Shift Towards Seeking Meaning13:56 Exploring Freedom and Reality16:44 The Role of Jordan Peterson in Rediscovering Faith19:42 The Paradox of Freedom and Responsibility22:34 Finding Harmony in Faith and Reality28:04 Awakening to Faith30:20 Exploring Different Christian Denominations32:04 The Search for Truth in Catholicism35:09 Understanding the Magisterium38:29 The Role of Doctrine and Tradition40:49 Living Out the Faith in Modern Times47:15 Engaging with the Legion of Mary52:32 Encouragement for Faith Sharing Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this lecture, we delve into the Good! Particularly Plato’s analogy of the Sun, and the Divided Line from ‘The Republic’ to explain the un-hypothetical first principle of everything. After a quick re-cap of the Philosopher Kings, we discuss the change from politics to philosophy in the Republic book six. Plato’s analogy of the ship for the state, and why Philosophers know appearance from Reality and the three roles of the Good in Plato’s ethics, epistemology and ontology. Finally, the lecture summarises the dialectic process leading to the Form of the Good, emphasising its critical role in understanding reality and achieving a just society.Chapters:00:00 Plato’s Good and the Divided Line00:26 Philosophers as Kings02:39 The Analogy of the Ship04:13 Corruption and Education07:17 The Form of the Good09:18 The Sun and the Divided Line17:21 The Nature of Ultimate Reality19:23 Conclusion and Next Steps Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this fifth installment of Mahon McCann’s lecture series on Plato’s Republic, we delve into Book Five to explore one of Plato’s most influential and controversial ideas: philosopher kings. McCann, a philosophy PhD researcher and lecturer, breaks down the concepts of love of wisdom, the distinction between appearance and reality, and the significance of forms in understanding true knowledge. This episode specifically addresses why Plato argues that philosophers should be rulers and provides an in-depth analysis of the philosopher king’s characteristics and their ability to discern real justice from mere appearances.Chapters: 00:00 Philosopher Kings in Book Five of Republic00:17 Overview of Book Five01:02 The Concept of Philosopher Kings02:21 Philosophy vs. Politics02:59 The Nature of Philosophical Love05:04 Plato’s Theory of Forms13:48 Conclusion: Why Philosophers Should Be KingsWant to support the series and the production of more lectures like these?? Consider sharing or becoming a patron 👇👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Mahon McCann and Dom from @thelogosproject7 delve into the complexities of modernity, its impact on religion, and the Catholic response to contemporary challenges. They explore the historical context of modernity, the secular-religious divide, and the implications of the Renaissance on individualism and philosophy. The discussion highlights the need for a return to a relational ontology that integrates theology and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of tradition in addressing modern issues. Check out dom’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thelogosproject7Chapters:00:00 Exploring Modernity and Its Challenges06:52 The Crisis of Religion in Modernity14:03 The Renaissance and Its Impact on Philosophy20:54 The Catholic Response to Modernity33:41 Revisiting Nature and Supernature in Theology33:59 The Nature of Supernature37:42 The Second Vatican Council and Its Impact42:17 Overcoming Dualisms in Modern Philosophy46:51 The Role of Plato and Aquinas in Modern Thought52:39 Blondel and Ulrich: Philosophical Giants56:39 The Future of Theology and Philosophy Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

This video explores the 'Meaning Crisis,' a profound cultural and historical phenomenon affecting mental health and existential stability in the West. Drawing inspiration from John Vervaeke's extensive lecture series and works, we delve into the scientific revolution, materialism, and their impacts on traditional cosmologies and personal worldviews. The discussion highlights key figures like Nicholas Copernicus, Galileo, and Jordan Peterson, analysing their contributions and effects on modern thought. The video also addresses the resurgence of interest in Christianity, proposing that a reclamation of the core Christian structure could solve the ongoing crisis. The conversation touches upon the role of online media in fostering new avenues for faith and community, suggesting a pivotal moment for re-evangelising secular spaces. Talk was given at the Legion of Mary Young Adult Apologetics conference in Dublin, 2025. Disclaimer: the views expressed in the talk are the speaker's own and do not represent any of the thinkers mentioned or John Verveake's original framing of the meaning crisis. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Meaning Crisis00:20 John Verveake and the Historical Context02:14 Scientific Revolution and Its Impact03:57 Materialism and Its Consequences05:20 The Mechanical Universe and Nihilism11:27 Reconnecting Morality and Mythology15:57 21st Century Revival and Online Influence21:46 Challenges and Opportunities for Modern Evangelism23:58 Q&A and Personal Reflections Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In the fourth part of our lecture series on Plato's Republic, we delve into Plato's concept of the tripartite psyche and the four cardinal virtues. We explore how the three parts of the psyche—the appetite, the rational self, and Thymos—interact and often conflict with one another, causing inner turmoil. Plato's model is foundational for many subsequent theories in psychology, from Freud to modern generative and predictive processing models. Learn how Plato's notion of justice as psychological integration provides a framework for reducing inner conflict and fostering alignment among the different parts of the psyche, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and connected existence. A good deal of the content from this lecture is inspired by John Verveake's Awakening From the Meaning Crisis Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDutbcedUY&ab_channel=JohnVervaeke Introduction to the series: https://youtu.be/TZ8_rQNFfLU Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic Lecture Series 00:56 The Appetite: Immediate Desires and Motivations 02:42 Thymos: The Social and Emotional Self 07:54 Consequences of Inner Conflict and Injustice 10:31 Conclusion: The Intrinsic and Consequential Good of Justice Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Jordan Hall is a philosopher, futurist, and recently, a Christian. He played a significant role in the digital media landscape at MP3.com and later as the founder and CEO of DivX, a company instrumental in the online digital video revolution. After this, Hall focused on stopping the “Meta-crisis” and co-founded the Game B movement, seeking alternative societal structures to address systemic challenges. SummaryIn this conversation, Mahon McCann and Jordan Hall explore the concept of the meta-crisis, emphasising its roots in spiritual warfare and the breakdown of modernity. They discuss the implications of digital culture on virtue, identity, and community, advocating for a return to the sacred and the importance of accountability in the digital realm. The dialogue highlights the need for reconciliation among Christians and the transformative power of faith in navigating contemporary challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Meta Crisis02:45 Understanding the Nature of the Meta Crisis05:46 The Role of Spirituality in Crisis08:49 Virtue vs. Virtue Signaling in the Digital Age12:05 Transitioning from Modernity to Digital Age15:01 Digital Identity and the Commons18:01 The Need for Accountability in Digital Spaces20:55 The Sacred and the Governance of Digital Identity24:09 Reconnecting with the Sacred in a Digital World27:00 The Foundation of Virtue and Relationship with God31:33 The Nature of Virtue and Conviction34:08 Grounding in Relationship with God36:44 The Challenge of Modernity and Faith39:36 Understanding Faith as Relationship43:25 Restoring Meaning and Language47:28 The Weight of Responsibility in Faith51:13 The Process of Growth and Transformation52:51 Navigating the Meta Crisis56:15 The Spiritual Challenge of Growth58:43 Listening to God and Mutual Commitment01:00:05 The Dance of Relationships and Digital Encounters01:03:00 The Challenge of Love and Presence01:05:56 Hierarchy and Leadership in Crisis01:08:55 The Universal Church and Reconciliation01:12:10 The Role of Tradition and Interpretation01:18:01 The Call to Action and Personal Mission Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Colin Deyoung is a personality psychologist, personality neuroscientist, the creator of the Cybernetic Big Five Personality theory and professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota. Adam Safron, Ph. D., is a Cognitive Scientist and psychologist who studies the nature of preferences and motivation from mechanistic, developmental, and evolutionary perspectives. Recently, he has proposed a model of embodied agency and free will and is working on a unified mechanistic account of psychedelics. This conversation delves into the complex nature of the self, exploring its psychological, philosophical, and practical implications. The discussion begins with the distinction between the 'I' and 'me' aspects of self, as articulated by William James, and extends to the illusory nature of self as viewed in Buddhist philosophy. The speakers examine how consciousness functions as a model that shapes our understanding of reality and the self. They also discuss the importance of values in defining identity and the challenges of integrating conflicting goals. The conversation concludes with reflections on the implications of selfhood in the context of artificial intelligence and future developments.Check out the papers: https://journals-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org/doi/full/10.1177/10888683221083777Timestamps:00:00 Exploring the Concept of Self07:07 The I and the Me: Understanding Selfhood10:40 Epistemology vs. Ontology: The Nature of Consciousness18:03 Illusions of Self and Consciousness22:45 The Role of Consciousness in Action34:28 Transformations of Self: Continuity and Change36:36 The Nature of Self and Values39:12 Core Values and Personality41:03 Understanding Self Through Values43:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery46:32 Integration and Self-Realization49:22 The Role of Goals in Self-Understanding54:05 AI, Selfhood, and Alignment Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Father Benedict McGlinchey ( ⁨@irishdominicans⁩ ) shares his journey to becoming a Dominican friar, reflecting on his upbringing in Northern Ireland, the impact of a positive Catholic experience, and the challenges posed by secularism and new atheism. He discusses the importance of intellectual rigor in faith, the revival of interest in spirituality among younger generations, and the need for creating spaces for divine encounters in modern life. The dialogue emphasizes the search for meaning and happiness in a world increasingly detached from traditional religious practices.Chapters:00:00 Journey to Faith: A Personal Background11:06 The Role of Positive Experiences in Faith13:50 Cracks in the Foundation: The Decline of Faith17:29 Political Context and Its Impact on Faith20:01 The Rise of Secularization and New Atheism20:19 Materialism vs. Spirituality: The Celtic Tiger Effect22:07 Transitioning from Law to Religious Life23:40 A Journey of Faith and Illness25:47 Reevaluating Life Choices26:43 Discovering Dominican Spirituality28:35 The Role of Preaching in Modern Faith32:15 The Shift in Cultural Perception of Faith35:05 The Revival of Faith in Contemporary Society40:20 Experiencing the Divine in Modern Life43:31 Creating Spaces for Spiritual ExperienceWant to support the Wisdom Dojo? Consider sharing this post or becoming a patron 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Jean-Philippe Marceau is a writer and podcaster with an academic background in mathematics, theoretical computer science and philosophy of mind. He is the author of "Post-reductionist Christianity: A Way Out of the Meaning Crisis" published with the Symbolic World Press. He is a regular contributor to the Symbolic World blog and acted as its editor-in-chief for many years since its conception. Get the Book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisis In this conversation, Mahon McCann and JP explore the themes of reductive materialism, its critiques, and the implications for understanding consciousness, rationality, and the human condition. They discuss the emergence of higher-level properties in science, the role of classical metaphysics, and how these ideas relate to the meaning crisis in contemporary society. The discussion culminates in the assertion that Christianity, particularly through the lens of the Eucharist, provides a solution to the meaning crisis, offering a path back to community and meaning in a world increasingly dominated by materialism. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Reductive Materialism 04:48 Flaws of Reductive Materialism 10:13 Arguments Against Reductionism 20:35 Emergence in AI and Science 23:11 Philosophical Challenges to Materialism 28:08 Classical Metaphysics vs. Reductive Materialism 39:54 Anthropology and the Human Condition 43:32 Patterns of Existence and Higher Realities 46:13 The Role of Higher Patterns in Overcoming Sin 49:28 Classical Metaphysics and Its Relation to Christianity 52:28 The Limits of Philosophical Arguments for Christianity 56:21 Zombies as a Metaphor for Materialism 01:02:04 The Eucharist: A Solution to the Meaning CrisisWant to support the mission of the wisdom dojo to provide free education after the meaning crisis? Consider becoming a patron 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Howiyeee,Got to join Jacob Kishere of the Sensespace podcast and Resonant Man project on his Culture Pilgrim Substack. We discussed the continuing strange return of Christianity and my own conversion to Catholicism. We dive into some other topics including the Meta-Crisis and meaning crisis, psychedelics and transformative practises, the liminal web and performative Christianity! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

This is the third part of a series unpacking Plato's Republic. This episode dives into Book Three, focusing on the critique of Greek literature, the educational program divided into music and physical training, the introduction of the rulers from the warrior class, and the famous 'Noble Lie' that establishes the city's caste system. Discover how Plato criticises the Homeric myths, redefines moral standards, and proposes a structured society with an emphasis on ethical and harmonious living. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic Series 00:17 Overview of Book Three 04:06 The Role of Imitation in Education 09:55 Selection and Role of the Rulers 11:39 The Noble Lie and Caste System Introduction:Episode 1:Episode 2:Want to support the educational work of the wisdom Dojo? Consider becoming a supporter below 👇Best,Mahon. Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

Fr Conor McDonough (@thewhitestone) is a Dominican Friar and Phd Student in the national university of Galway on “The Letters of St Paul in Early Irish Christianity”. He is an educator and communicator of the Catholic faith and frequently features in videos from the Irish Dominicans youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@irishdominicansIn this podcast we explore the current state of Irish Catholicism, highlighting its decline in practice and the alienation of many from the church. We discuss the lack of basic knowledge among self-identified Catholics, the impact of scandals on trust in the church, and the absence of beauty in liturgical practices. However, there is hope in the revival of the faith online and particularly among younger generations. We discuss the impact of modern thinkers like Jordan Peterson on the perception of religion, the spiritual awakening of Gen Z, and the search for truth, beauty, and goodness in a secular world. Check it out 👇Chapters:00:00 The Current State of Irish Catholicism02:53 Decline and Alienation from the Church05:53 Cultural Conformity and Choreography Catholicism08:52 The Intellectual Tradition and Lack of Curiosity11:57 The Shift in Attitudes Towards Catholicism14:49 Historical Context of Irish Catholicism18:10 The Impact of Secularization on Faith20:57 Personal Experiences and Conversations about Faith24:05 The Search for Meaning in a Secular Age27:54 The Crisis of Faith in Modern Society29:51 Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in Catholicism32:59 The Impact of Scandals on Faith36:00 Personal Faith Amidst Institutional Failures39:03 Spirituality Beyond Traditional Religion41:50 The Role of Online Communities in Faith44:54 Generational Shifts in Spirituality48:02 Rediscovering Faith in a Digital Age50:59 The Search for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness53:54 The Importance of Community in Faith Practice58:37 The Role of Religious Practices in Modern Society01:00:41 Bridging Divides: The Importance of Community01:02:07 Engaging the Youth: The Church's Response to New Interest01:05:53 Navigating Challenges: The Journey Back to Faith01:08:27 Cultural Reflections: Literature and the Search for Meaning01:12:41 The Quest for Truth: Artistic Expressions of Faith01:16:43 Overcoming Prejudices: The Journey Towards Acceptance01:20:42 Building Community: Resources and Recommendations for Young AdultsBest,Mahon. Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe