St. John Paul II Archives

WOL4 – David Hume, The Scottish Enlightenment and the Culture of Death – Reflections on the teachings of Pope John Paul II w/ Dr. Carson Holloway – Discerning Hearts

WOL4 – Episode 4 – The Scottish Enlightenment…what was it and why was it such an important movement to understand. The influence of David Hume – Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist. The flaw in Hume’s philosophy – that self-interest is stronger than sympathy, and if morality, according to Hume’s thinking, is derived from the passions, then ultimately self-interest is a greater worth and motivator than sympathy. This conflicts with the Christian understanding of the “Golden Rule” and fuels the Culture of Death…those in need become very vulnerable in the culture.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:03 — 25.7MB) | Embed

The Way of Life, Carson Holloway examines the fundamental philosophers of modernity-from Hobbes to Toqueville-to suggest that John Paul II’s critique of modernity is intended not to reject, but to improve. Thus, claims Holloway, it is appropriate for liberal modernity to attend to the Pope’s thought, receiving it not as the attack of an enemy but as the criticism of a candid friend.

For other episodes in the series visit Dr. Holloway’s Discerning Hearts page

This series is based on Dr. Holloway’s book “The Way of Life”

WOL3 – Hobbes, Locke and the Culture of Death – Reflections on the teachings of Pope John Paul II w/ Dr. Carson Holloway – Discerning Hearts

WOL3 – Episode 3 -The influence of Thomas Hobbes and his role as the father of modern-day liberalism. Absolute monarchy and the tyranny of “unlimited” government. The difference between Divine-right monarchy and Absolute monarchy, and the legitimacy thought behind “dictatorship”. How this affects ruling systems in history, and it’s influence on the “Culture of Death”. Who was John Locke? The Law of Nature and it’s obligations according to Locke’s thought. The fundamental rule to preserve oneself. Bl. John Paul’s response to that thought…to respect the moral law and give of oneself.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:09 — 28.5MB) | Embed

The Way of Life, Carson Holloway examines the fundamental philosophers of modernity-from Hobbes to Toqueville-to suggest that John Paul II’s critique of modernity is intended not to reject, but to improve. Thus, claims Holloway, it is appropriate for liberal modernity to attend to the Pope’s thought, receiving it not as the attack of an enemy but as the criticism of a candid friend.

For other episodes in the series visit Dr. Holloway’s Discerning Hearts page

This series is based on Dr. Holloway’s book “The Way of Life”

WOL2 – What is “Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)” -The Way of Life – Reflections on the teachings of Pope John Paul II w/ Dr. Carson Holloway – Discerning Hearts

WOL2 – Episode 2 – What is “Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)”? What does this have to do with Liberal Modernity? What is wrong with public culture we now have? What is the Culture of Death? Are there defects that go at the deepest foundational levels of our culture that have led to this behavior? Human dignity has to be recognized on all levels. Who was Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher and proponent of absolute government? His life and times? And what are the damaging effects of his thought on the value of the human person? What would be Bl. John Paul’s response?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:46 — 68.1MB) | Embed

The Way of Life, Carson Holloway examines the fundamental philosophers of modernity-from Hobbes to Toqueville-to suggest that John Paul II’s critique of modernity is intended not to reject, but to improve. Thus, claims Holloway, it is appropriate for liberal modernity to attend to the Pope’s thought, receiving it not as the attack of an enemy but as the criticism of a candid friend.

For other episodes in the series visit Dr. Holloway’s Discerning Hearts page

This series is based on Dr. Holloway’s book “The Way of Life”

WOL1 What is “liberal modernity”? – The Way of Life – Reflections on the teachings of Pope John Paul II w/ Dr. Carson Holloway – Discerning Hearts

“We must find a way to discuss the human future intellectually. The universal moral law written on the human heart is precisely that kind of grammar which is needed if the world is to engage in this discussion of it’s future” Bl. Pope John Paull II

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:07 — 68.9MB) | Embed

WOL1 – Episode 1 – What is “liberal modernity”? Maybe not so modern? The revolution in political philosophy…like the thought of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke…what is “good” and what are the problems. Why is it important to discern between “self-interest” and the dignity of each human person? Why is Bl. John Paul’s thought relevant to Western Liberalism? What is the “Culture of Death” and the climate of moral confusion? The moral law is the path to life.

The Way of Life, Carson Holloway examines the fundamental philosophers of modernity-from Hobbes to Toqueville-to suggest that John Paul II’s critique of modernity is intended not to reject, but to improve. Thus, claims Holloway, it is appropriate for liberal modernity to attend to the Pope’s thought, receiving it not as the attack of an enemy but as the criticism of a candid friend.

This series is based on Dr. Holloway’s book “The Way of Life”

IP#43 Dr. Matthew Bunson – John Paul II’s Book of Saints on Inside the Pages

Matthew and Margaret Bunson did an incredible job of chronicling all those holy men and women who were brought forward by our late great Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The only thing that even comes close to reading this great book is hearing Dr. Matthew Bunson talk about those tremendous Blesseds and Saints. “John Paul II’s Book of Saints” is truly a treasury of sanctity!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:24 — 32.4MB) | Embed

He was known as the saint-making Pope, and he reinvigorated the world’s devotion to saints. John Paul II, himself a candidate for sainthood, left a treasury of ideals and hope for the future in these “examples of courage and coherence.” He offered us these real lives lived in extraordinary ways as ones to identify with, aspire to, and ask for intercession.

Check it out here