Everything Flannery O'Connor w/ Fr. Damian Ference

[@graceymarie]

I so appreciate Matt's comments on not watching content with tons of nudity and sex. I catch a lot of flak from people because I refuse to watch anything on that level. Nobody really respects this opinion even within Catholic circles and it even took my husband forever to understand my views on it. I blame my dad, he set such a wonderful example throughout my life (please pray for him as he passed in 2019).

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

I will pray for him! And I respect it.

[@graceymarie]

Thank you!!

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

@@graceymarieThank you for being such a loving daughter! I prayed after you asked and in my Rosary this morning. Hope you have a very nice week!

[@buirvin1236]

Yes!! I have run into really similar issues. My parents did not let us watch stuff with moderately frequent sex scenes or and graphic sex scenes in it. I still don’t to this day. I found that having believing friends that are gen x and older, I don’t feel ostracized at all with that. My older friends’ generations were not desensitized to sex in the same way we were.

[@graceymarie]

That is a good point about the age difference! I do find most people that don't get it are younger than me (including my husband lol). Definitely something to remember for future children if we are blessed with them 💙

[@jessie341]

I really love this guest. I disagreed with his stance on watching films, and listening to music that glorify sin, but I loved the humility he showed when he discussed it honestly with Matt. He even said that he may be wrong about it and will be thinking on it more. I love the simple childlike acceptance of the possibility of personal error. Matt's guests, and Matt himself, show that quality often, and it always inspires me. Most of Fr. Damian Ference's insights and opinions were beautiful, and I really enjoyed this discussion. Thanks for providing it, Pints!

[@Sigma77-n2u]

Listening to heavy metal is not a sin

[@catkat740]

I’m with Matt on this one. If all Christians held to their faith and convictions, Hollywood would be forced to stop stuffing trash in every film.

[@laurants]

Too many sleepy Caths live guided by the ever-changing culture instead of their Church.

[@andhiggins1]

On the Bp. Barron comments: I understand Matt’s sensitivity, but Barron’s analysis of Coen Bros movies on podcasts I heard in 2017-2018 was instrumental in my conversion to Catholicism as opposed to just returning to some Evangelical church I’d abandoned a decade before. The Church teaches through Beauty, and what Beauty there is belongs to God as much as does Truth. And Barron allowed me to see what was possible through the Catholic tradition instead of the prudish opposition to most art I’d experienced as a young Protestant. Especially coming from a Christian background that had perpetuated so much falsehood and propaganda about the Catholic Church, with Barron’s film and fiction reviews, I felt invited in. I felt, these people have access to something that I did not know because I’d only heard lies. All of which is to say: Barron’s approach does in fact reach people in “the culture”. It reached me. And my wife. And now we have four sons, two of whom just appeared mysteriously upon our reception into The Church on Pentecost 2020. Separately: Fr Damien: fellow Clevelander here. I’ve got all your books. Looking forward to The Hillbilly Thomist this weekend. God bless you!

[@codywork-us7wu]

The same happened to me. I love BRB but sometimes he gives glowing reviews to some gross flicks. I remember watching Lady Bird (included a 5 minute Sx scene between two teens) and being floored that BRB would not caution people about the film. His approach to finding beauty is true and I will always be thankful for BRB knowing his film, literature, and philosophy. Without Barron who would have reached me?

[@shawnpierce6285]

I have so many tabs open on the books and movies that were name dropped in this interview. So much to learn!

[@kermierogers7876]

I'm with Matt Fradd 100% about that vulgar Emma Stone movie. There is absolutely no good reason for anyone, let alone a priest, to go see these disgusting Hollywood movies!

[@nickwaves6420]

This was a very good discussion. Kudos to Matt on the hard push back, as it initiated a deeper conversation about to what extent should we participate in possibly degenerate art. We are not impervious to temptation, so why act like we can be an "objective" (protected) observer? Some things are just better left alone.

[@aubergineontoast]

"I dont need to get in the sewer and play with shit to know what it's like" - Matt Frad

[@anneg7411]

50:06 Thank you so much for making the argument against watching movies such as Poor Things. I didn't watch it, but saw a few online reviews about it and it sounded so repulsive I don't think there's any convincing argument in favor of watching it or recommending that others do so. It's a little disturbing that a priest would justify watching it in order to have discussions about it.

[@MelissaDiFini]

I am looking forward to this interview. Fr. Damian works in my diocese! I love your show, Matt. You always have the best guests. Thank you! -Melissa D. From, Cleveland, Ohio

[@jkileel]

What did you think ?

[@MelissaDiFini]

I enjoyed learning about Flannery O'Connor. Fr. Damian inspired me to start blocking the same time each day for writing. What did you think?

[@SusanneKinghorn]

Rear Window is my favorite movie ever. Great story with 'not too sappy' romance, mystery, & beautiful dresses worn by Grace Kelly ✨

[@giannagiorgio1398]

i love father damian so much he’s great. i went to a retreat at the borromeo seminary where he teaches and he’s just incredible

[@SecondStarAcres]

Thank you, Matt, for pushing back. The damage that priests do when they recommend things like this is devastating. No, you don't need to watch those movies to do "culture research" to be able to have conversations with people. This need to be overly relatable is why the Church looks ridiculous to people. Keep pushing back on stuff like this.

[@anneg7411]

100% agree. So glad to see other comments such as this one.

[@SecondStarAcres]

I usually don't comment on youtube videos, but that was just so disappointing to hear. I'm glad for the openness of this discussion. It highlights just how much our priests need our prayers.

[@Teamfra]

A true dialogue…thank you both. Love Fr. D…great pushbacks on either side…I see both sides and have struggled with the line…prudence and prayer…Be not afraid! Btw, Fr Damian as a holy priest is definitely #flourishing

[@randallpeaslee1779]

I listened to this on Spotify but wanted to comment. What a fascinating conversation. I love how you can push one another in argument with charity. What's more, the topics the come up are so worthy of intelligent discussion. Love this!

[@skatingscooby]

The Nicelodeon series, Avatar, has an amazing redemption arc!

[@captainskippy4560]

Absolutely without a doubt

[@danaugustineic287]

We are very blessed to have Fr. Ference here in the Diocese of Cleveland!

[@andrewpelt]

I just went and read a portion of the IMDB parent guide on “Poor Things”. It is disgusting that anyone, let alone a priest, would even attempt to justify watching such sinful and harmful content. Paul is clear in Ephesians 5:3, “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ No matter what you think of that scripture verse, it clearly leaves no room for watching pornography, let alone trying to justify it to others. Moreover, encouraging a man who has spent his adult life battling against, apparently winning said battle, and helping others to get free of a sinful addiction such as pornography, to watch the movie as well so they can discuss it, is a grotesque and evil act. We should never encourage others to engage in sin. There’s no way you can willingly view such things and not be sinning against God.

[@graceymarie]

That portion of the interview really bothered me. There are movies that I feel we should absolutely not partake in and "Poor things" sounds like the perfect example of that... There are plenty of wonderful movies that aren't loaded with filth and you don't need to watch something in full to relate to people who have watched it... We can read the synopsis and know.

[@erric288]

I agree. There's definitely scandal and imprudence on the part of Fr. Damian. It's like asking an alcoholic to come to this bar that requires you to get drunk, but hey, the food has a delightfully disgusting flavor, so I have to go and leave a review (lest I be excluded from the cool kid conversations). He doesn't smell like sheep, more like wolf.

[@ripbeni6198]

@@erric288Agreed, He reeks of wolf to me. I’ve seen his posts and who he’s associated with, he’s such a liberal.

[@TheQCR]

Matt, you're the man. Thanks for pushing back on the porn movie. Priests should know better.

[@travelchix22]

Very thoughtful discussion!! Thank you both!

[@monicaspooner2005]

Why does no one mention voyeurism when considering evaluating a movie? Is it not sinful to pay to watch actors actually commit a sin on film? Many of these sorts of scenes require the actor to commit sin.

[@holdingsteadfast]

Tbh, speaking for myself, its probably because so much heinous impurity is readily shown in the culture that voyeurism isn't anymore seen as so bad it merits mention. The depravity of culture is so deep-seated now.

[@mx_moi1964]

Do you think they are actually engaging in sex? Pls tell me you are joking..

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

There was an intimacy coordinator’s channel who’s shorts made it into my algorithm for a while. It’s all fake a simulated (ie: wigs and prosthetics, etc.). I still don’t want to watch it.

[@jhssuthrnmama]

​ How does how much you enjoy it eliminate the immorality of committing mortal sins as part of your job?

[@julieelizabeth4856]

@@jhssuthrnmama Yeah as actors, they promote the story lines.

[@laurathies5439]

I think often of how I and we can unify everyone into the Fullness and Truth of the Body of Christ and after my thought, I remember that I am not God and to empty myself and Trust in Him that this will happen because of Him and not just what made me want Trust in Him. 🎉

[@AJPM802]

50:11 Fr. Ripperger gives a great talk on the principle of the integral good speaking to this Highly recommend.

[@lunatic8301]

You should watch Vinland Saga. It's a redemption story of a revenge seeking viking

[@Chris-bb6dg]

Season 2🔥

[@Christo8301]

First anime i watched and loved it 🙌

[@rosiegirl2485]

When thinking about a fun romantic comedy... Nothing tops the movie "Overboard" With Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell! I can watch the movie over and over and still feel the emotions that the movie brought out!⚘️

[@catholicmartialartist]

I used to be okay with violence in movies but the more I prayed about it, I’ve noticed that movies and games have gone so so violent that it desensitizes me from it. I think this ultimately comes from the world trying it’s best to desensitize us from the passion of our Lord. But that’s just my .02

[@ripbeni6198]

Oh it definitely is the world trying to do this.

[@christinacastillon6439]

John Wick movies are brilliantly choreographed. They are very violent but in a highly skilled martial arts performance and very little blood and guts is shown. I find it interesting that it has so many Catholic references.

[@codywork-us7wu]

I agree that there is a lot of skill in the JW films but there is something very tiresome of the "revenge murderfest genre". 3 movies of viciousness that doesnt have much else going on. Martial skill is good and people should train, practice and compete.

[@brianwinters9995]

I dedicated my first book to Flannery O'Connor

[@frapaschal6594]

@15:34 - Love this point about many of us not feeling like we "fit in" the Church and we can find hope in people like Flannery

[@frapaschal6594]

Also @34:20 Cookie Cutter analogy and freedom

[@greypilgrim9967]

The part where Father Damien was talking about what he was wearing, I don't think it only has to be about that. I think things like that could also be because being a faithful practicing Catholic is difficult. I think recognizing what is good and bad, what shouldn't be tolerated, what is and what isn't 'coloring within the lines' of the church as they said can be very difficult at times. Or certain things can be difficult for certain people to recognize. So I think that is also a reason

[@benclark1482]

Yall just got me reading Flannery and i love it! Thank you!

[@mariaperry741]

Bishop Barron didn't like the Shape of Water and had a great video reviewing it! He talks a lot about the philosophical messaging behind the movie, and the bad moral values.

[@stephencotter538]

I'm a little late to the party, very intrigued by the flannery O'Connor title. If he hasn't already, I hope father or Matt reference one of my favorite flannery quotes, “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” ❤

[@barnrazedbyjesse6893]

The Hillbilly Thomists are great! I love bluegrass, perhaps it was my Appalachian Ohio upbringing or the Marty Stewart 8 tracks my grandparents would play.

[@stephencotter538]

This episode made me think of The interview with Gabby after hours, when he said, I'm too charismatic for the traditionalists, and I'm too traditional for the charismatics.

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

It's been years so I don't remember the movie well, but this Harvey (1950) quote was meaningful for me: Elwood P. Dowd : Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me. Jimmy Stewart is my pick for greatest actor, and It's a Wonderful Life is my pick for greatest movie I've ever seen because of its illustration of the priceless precious gift of a single life! I might have only seen them once out of order with people multitasking, but from a fuzzy childhood memory of movies onward, these are the only imo 10/10s I could think of trying to be impartial with my wacky criteria, so not my favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life- This is my choice for greatest movie. The rest of these aren't in order. Ben Hur (1959) Dial M for Murder Raiders of the Lost Ark Gone With the Wind The Incredibles Rear Window Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Wizard of Oz To Kill a Mockingbird Sound of Music Muppets Christmas Carol And then for best performances: Maria Falconetti's Joan (1928 The Passion of Joan of Arc) these are also the most three dimensional characters from film I can remember: Liv Ullman's Eva (1978 Autumn Sonata) Ernest Borgnine's Marty Piletti (1955 Marty) Daniel Day Lewis' Reynolds Woodcock (2017 Phantom Thread) If anyone thinks this stinks, feel free to let me know! Thanks Matt. Hope you and your family have a wonderful week!

[@Csodak]

Remove the incredibles 😂 and add in “Babette’s Feast” And “You Cant Take it with you”! And “amazing Grace” I didn’t really follow the conversation just love to read and add to great movie lists!

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

​@@Csodak Thanks! If you have any more recommendations, please share! Also, why remove the Incredibles? I don't like overrating things, but when it comes to animated movies discussion, I've been consistently saying that's the only 10/10 animated movie so I'll have to say that I no longer give any animated movie that high of a rating and everybody will chase me! jk

[@Pieflavourman87]

I'm so glad you included the incredibles, I have great bias for it. I credit it for inoculating me against envy driven ideologies (communism foremost among them).

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

@@Pieflavourman87 Sweet! Thank you so much for your reply! You're very welcome! It's the only animated movie, as well as superhero movie, I gave a 10/10. The second greatest I could think of, imo, is Grave of the Fireflies which I gave a 9/10. However, I gave a bunch of 9/10s! Prince of Egypt and Wall-e are a couple of them! And the only superhero movie I gave a 9/10 is Spider-man 2. Hope you and yours have a Happy Fun Faith-over-Fear Friday!

[@julietap.415]

The first time that I really don't share the point of view of one gest, if we see "trash" movies it reminds in our hearts, the same with music and others. And promote them for the "study" is very very dangerous. I'm saying that knowing that for sure is something that I did, and trying to stop because I feel the pain that causes to the soul

[@tracyyates5310]

This helped so much, thanks

[@laurants]

42:00 Being in construction, I was recently on a jobsite near a Catholic parish that was on a hill. The parish is fairly dead now but it is very traditionally built. I was noting to my foreman that when people drove this road they could see the church without obstruction. Now, with the building we built, the church is all but hidden from view.

[@sarahburke8955]

Oooo exciting! I hate waiting, but looking forward to this interview.

[@danacasey8266]

Game of Thrones is not only full of porno sex, but also full of obscene and diabolic violence. I was tucked into it, but I didn't watch the last two series. I couldn't take it any more.

[@creativeeverydaylife]

In relation to whether it is okay to see violence or nudity, I just want to say: scenes with violence are typically made with theatrical blood and no one gets hurt. scenes with nudity, there are literally naked people. These are not robots, but real naked people. For me there is a big difference there. Not that all films and series with scenes of violence are something I would recommend, but I think there is a big difference between seeing something fake and something real. I think a bit about how I would feel to be in the same room as the actors. If some did a bloody war scene with theatrical blood in front of me, that would be okay - but if some threw their clothes in front of me, kissed intimately for several minutes, or something more intimate, I would not be okay with that. It may be different how people will experience it, but I think there is a big difference between fake and real. I love when they only hints and don't show the intimate stuff, or show the relationship indited - like in Pride and Prejudice. May God bless you all, and may we all learn to navigate these times.🥰

[@mrsandmom5947]

I attend sacred heart in milledgeviile Ga.

[@maddiemeadowsplace9990]

Can’t wait for the video shorts! Love the solar eclipse totality metaphor! Wow!

[@martyfouch3135]

Regarding Eucharist revival I 100 billion % agree with you Matt

[@ACatholicPerspective]

Once is such a good movie that was forgotten too quickly!

[@jamesrollins1122]

Every time Matt brings up Hitchcock, I'm surprised he or his guest never talks about I Confess or The Wrong Man

[@zsedcftglkjh]

Lots of sex and violence in Hitchcock movies.

[@jamesrollins1122]

@@zsedcftglkjh Technically true, though I think Hitchcock was kinda indirect and never graphic with the sex and violence compared to modern movies. My original point was that I Confess and Wrong Man are the most directly Catholic movies Hitchcock ever made.

[@sistercatherine5498]

Flannery’s mother volunteered with our community (the Hawthorne Dominicans) in Atlanta. Flannery also wrote the introduction to a book about one of our patients many years ago.

[@christopherfleming7505]

The quote you were looking for is by George Orwell: "we read to know we are not alone."

[@MrKage-fb2wy]

Matt, you need to look up a video game called Red Dead Redemption 2. It's been six years since it came out and I've still gotten videos in my feed making the case that the main character is the best character in all of fiction. Know why? Because he goes through the journey you're talking about. He starts wicked, and you're given the option to choose goodness. Just about everyone I've seen always takes the good route.

[@codywork-us7wu]

I was very disappointed with RDR2. The game still requires you to kill lawmen even on a "good" play through. (Worst part of the game is you can be "high honor" and still shoot up strawberry with micah) Arthur never accepts forgiveness and constantly condemns himself. Yeah he doesnt follow Dutch and Micah toward absolute destruction at the end but he never fully repents in any sense. Arthur has no hope for his future as a good man and just gives up. Sure he helps John escape but hes never GOOD hes just regretful that his life led to hurting so many people. Hardly "Redemption"

[@ASaltySojourner]

Yes! Alter rails please!

[@kathieamacher687]

Great, strong, argument Matt against 'Poor Things'--emma Stone movie. Bravo.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

After he shamed people for wanting to be "too pure." 🤣 Matt is such a basket case of emotions. He can't think for himself.

[@anneg7411]

@@zsedcftglkjh Not everyone is perfect like you😉

[@TriumphantBriar]

Y’know, between this and the Shayne Smith video from last week, I would love to see Matt interview a Christian metal musician.

[@pomcast1533]

Matt, it would be worth having a guest talk about the rosary. Your comments about it in this episode were the thing that hit me more than anything else. If you never had a "rosary" episode I think you need to. Fr Patrick Peyton, among others, pushed the ides that the rosary become part of the official liturgy of the Church. Disagree if u like, but it indicates that the rosary is not merely optional piety. In Canon law for priests (in the old one) it was legislated that priest ought to pray it.

[@pomcast1533]

@pjm001 understood. I agree with that sentiment. But what I mean by the movement as an official liturgy of the Church would be similar to the Liturgy of the Hours. Not something done at Mass, but something that flows from it and leads back to it.

[@dpiscoya]

1:55:42 - I see your O'Connor and raise you Gene Wolfe. Gotta check him out - he's the O'Connor of recent decades.

[@Csodak]

Matt’s comment ..how do you evangelize a culture you do t know…is so right. Early in our homeschool years we we’re learning our faith becoming very fervent and more radical…then we observed other homeschool families whose kids were enter high school age with zero ability to communicate with others bc they didn’t understand even basic pop culture they were so far removed they literally couldn’t function and several went off the deep end in young adulthood…so we rengaged the culture doing what father calls “cultural research” and spent a ton of time talking about movies books social media stuff…we made some big mistakes and the kids did see things I wish I would have protected them from…however we considered it a “social cultural inoculation” small doses with lots of conversation on the topics and agendas presented and overall our kids learned more and all live in the world and usually not of it

[@taytrax9737]

“Keep your tone sober” should be the only disclaimer above comment sections

[@adelphosgames2996]

Even Facebook has become a new pornography platform. Just pure nonsense.

[@AJPM802]

Do we bring back the index? Yes.

[@mjplate1311]

Priests should encourage people to move closer to God, not dabble in sin or invite evil into their lives. We don't need to watch porn to know it is evil or just to relate to non-Catholics. He needs to spend more time in prayer, and he definitely needs our prayers.

[@johngraham3288]

Matt's comment about diversity. We do want diversity of faith. We are not cookie-cutter Catholics. We see this with many of the Traditionalists who seem to insist in the superiority of that form of worship. There is a place for Mass in Latin and there is room for the ordinary form.

[@Evanvictor127]

I would argue that as soon as you record a sex act where it can be accessed by a third party, it becomes pornography. Even if the intent was only for the two participants to watch it, there is always the chance it will be accessed by others.

[@hypermarche8934]

The movie is also violent, for no reason they showcase Emma stabing a corpse.

[@Valathiril]

Dang would have loved to get his thoughts on the Young Pope

[@maciejpieczula631]

34:24 Brian Holdsworth should heed this advice.

[@sacredheart414]

I can't find how/where to see this Flannery movie anywhere. The movie ticket website says the film was released in May, but that no tickets are available and that it is not showing anywhere no matter which state I search??

[@billstrom351]

I wonder is Catholics like Matt and this priest know about Vid Angel?

[@jamesrollins1122]

Matt has posted about VidAngel on his social media in the past and I believe he's mentioned it in previous podcasts too.

[@codywork-us7wu]

Fight Club was a very interesting film. I thought it raised a lot of ideas surrounding the disillusionment of men and the turning toward ideologies that would destroy the current society. That said friends its got serious content problems and I dont recommend it. I wish films could explore the disillusionment of men without resorting to "corn"ography

[@ripbeni6198]

Exactly, not worth watching at all because of the corn.

[@SumusResNovarum]

Matt's desire to condemn the culture I find problematic. I don't fully agree with Fr. Damian's "cultural research" because I think it can be easily manipulated to allow for the near occasion of sin. But I think he's a lot closer to the truth than Matt seems to be. We have to live in the world and engage with it. I don't think everyone needs to engage to the same extent, but you do need faithful Catholics in many spaces.

[@spetticino]

First?

[@PintsWithAquinas]

First

[@09bamasky]

Matt: if you want to understand the real danger of the attitude of puritanical elimination of pornographic/violent images, you should do a deep dive into Ian McGilchrist’s work. Being reactively opposed to anything that might be considered pornographic will ultimately only lead to extremism and disorder. Watch the McGilchrist speech he gave for Ralston - titled, “The Coincidence of Opposites.” Great work, and very enjoyable interview, as always!

[@danacasey8266]

I want to like Flannery. I have tried to like her, but I just don't. And I am Catholic, an English teacher, and a little bit of a writer, mostly essays.

[@MalarkusD]

Hard to believe this priest is actually recommending Matt watch Poor Things. Truly disturbing movie, had to turn off.

[@ripbeni6198]

Liberal priest does liberal things.

[@lorrainelambert8327]

Father, with respect, I think you may be too proud of not watching Star Wars. If you want to engage with the culture, you must see the original 3 movies. Ignore all the rest. I was a young teenager when the first Star Wars movie came out. It rocked our world! There were lines at the theaters for almost a year. It was a dark and depressing time: the scope of the Vietnam war was just beginning to be understood, we had the scandal of Watergate, and all our movies were depressing. Then Star Wars came and everything seemed somehow brighter. It was a lot of fun, and a great story of redemption. The special effects were like nothing we had seen before. (I know by today’s standards they are nothing special. But then : Wow! ) Consider it, please .

[@nickl4855]

One of the increasingly lost things about movies and certain other media is the ability to communicate without showning any more than what is needed. You write about sex and violence without describing either act. You can write about a war without writing the gore of each soldier's death. It is not unlike the fairy tale in which the wolf devours the girl and yet the biological implication of how that would occur is never entertained in the mind. Our modern media with its "realism" and its high quality cameras has made the fatal mistake of equating the depiction of some vice with the glut upon the same thing. It is a fatal empiricism. We think we are being realistic but we are fools for thinking so. When a man dies in a story only the athiest and the empiricist would think the most important thing in that moment is the means by which his life is rended from his flesh. It is the ontology of death experienced by the person which carries the true gravity. It is the same with nudity and sex, to reduce the dignity and love, or violence and indignity between these people to merely what is occurring to their bodies is disgusting.

[@sophiewhite3140]

Is Fr.'s surname related to the Hungarian first name Ferenc? It's pronounced almost the same.

[@hypermarche8934]

The problem is that the film glorifies sick behavior, no good message, nor a good example.

[@ripbeni6198]

Yeah but apparently staying “current” is justification enough to engage with disgustingly sinful cinema.

[@nicholassmith3899]

34:48, is Matt throwing shade at Gabi After Hours? Just joking, God bless.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

My parents sheltered me growing up. They hid us away in the woods, selected our friends for us, curated all of the media we consumed. Was it a great childhood? Yes. Did the world smack us in the face when we went off to pursue our careers? YES! People lie, cheat, calumniate, and throw their sexual appetites in your face...and you're stunned, shocked, horrified at what to do. Eighteen years old and you have the innocence of an eight year old. Then you either set yourself above everyone (because you're obviously so much better than them) or you dive headfirst into this fresh pool of sin to experience. Sheltering your kids isn't protecting them. As I found out, it's often the sloth and pride of the parents that makes their children into perpetual infants. They don't bother to teach them to be resilient because that takes effort. Better to raise kids in their own image, because mommy and daddy obviously never did any of that degenerate crap in their youth...🙄 Harry Potter is not devil worship. Anime is not pornographic (Studio Ghibli anyone?). Heavy metal rocks! Don't throw your kids to the culture and don't lock them in a closet for eighteen years: guide them into adulthood, give them the tools and teach them how to be a man/woman. You're not doing them any favors otherwise.

[@carmendamen1397]

Something you’re missing in this conversation is the actor playing the role in sex scene in movies etc… ARE THE ONES CORRUPTING THERE DIGNITY!!!

[@christiansacra599]

You don't watch Game of Thrones because you hate p*rn, I don't watch it because I'm a LOTR supremacist. We are not the same.

[@daphne-w98]

Everybody is a little judgemental and I’m not exempt, it’s something we all work on, but I’m kind of confused that Matt continues to mock the dyed hair after confessing that he judged this lady who was reading his book too early, and after acknowledging that some have tendencies to narrow the definition of a good person or good Catholic further than their Church itself does?

[@daphne-w98]

I hear all sorts of takes on how people ought to implement Christ’s teaching of not judging without losing the idea of righteous judgment or discernment, and without falling into accepting sin, but I keep seeing conservative Catholics just deriding things they don’t like and think are ugly, but are also not sin. Obviously there are people doing amazing things offline that are Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and whatnot, but the priorities I hear on podcasts feel distorted. On the conservative Catholic online space, I probably hear more complaints about dyed hair than I do about the importance charity or humanitarianism…

[@SusanneKinghorn]

Gone With the Wind 👎 I have never seen Titanic - we all know how it ended and it wasn't good. Why???

[@ruthapollonia6722]

I've watched "Gone with the Wind" and then was incredibly mad that I wasted four hours of my life on it! Scarlett O'Hare dares to call herself a lady when she is nothing but spiteful and proud. And the one good, decent character is killed off! I have never been so mad after watching a movie. Don't waste your life on it! In my opinion, it should not be a classic!

[@jessicawurm23]

Gone with the Wind isn't meant to show Scarlett as a heroine. She's the protagonist, but she isn't a very good person. She does of course have good moments, but she's a very flawed person. The point of the story is to show the hardships of "regular people" during the Civil War and one woman's struggle to survive. If we're meant to admire anything about her, it's her tenacity and determination.

[@ruthapollonia6722]

@@jessicawurm23 Thank you for this explanation. Tenacity and determination at the expensive of everyone else, in my book, is not in anyway virtuous and, therefore, shouldn't be admired. I think we need stories today that uphold virtue.

[@rosecorcoran]

Re the discussion of sex vs violence depictions: violence doesn't tend to arouse viewers to act violently. Sex scenes do tend to arouse viewers to act sexually.

[@mR-dc4oq]

The Bible does not say Christ descended into hell. Why does this priest say He did? What does he know? Where did he get this notion? I want to know the truth- I don’t dismiss his comment- I want to know more.

[@laurenweber6826]

Jesus descended to tell all departed souls in Abraham’s bosom the good news. 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Ephesians 4:9-10

[@mexiwave]

You can say all you want against Young Pope and Pope Francis as you usually do @mattfradd, but my conversion was partially prompted by that TV show which led me to appreciate the Church in a new more manly light. Since I watched that show when it first came out to this point I am now constantly attending mass every Sunday and even two or three times per week. So, be careful when you talk pharisaically about art, its ways are usually cunning and deceptive in both good and bad ways...

[@ripbeni6198]

If you need the Young Pope to fulfill your based sigma fragile masculinity… you may be a boomer. It’s terrible content because the pornography is the bad apple that spoils the batch, ipso facto. So a good came from evil? Shocker! What does Saint Paul have to say about that again? “Let us not think that we can do evil that good may come of it!”

[@hypermarche8934]

I wouldn't understand why this film was even meantioned. The phylosophical arguments within it were not anything we could not find elsewhere. I am a big arthouse fan, but some movies don't even merit discussion. It was truly a horrible film. I see no reason for any christian intelectuals to watch it. Yes, there were pedo motifs, because as she begins to explore her body she was still acting like a child physically and mentally. When she took a lover, she still acted and thought as a child would. There were no signs of aging on the part of all other characters around her to show that years passed and she became of age... Hollywood says they stand for the rights of marginalized groups, but they sure do love thier youngins.

[@ripbeni6198]

This priest talking promoting it should never be trusted. I don’t even know how he comes back from this in the eyes of any sane Catholic.

[@adelphosgames2996]

Yeah the game of thrones is full of sex scenes and it’s not really good.

[@ValentinBrutusBura]

PhD in philosophy? That's hyper!!

[@Sigma77-n2u]

I love heavy metal it depends on the band but I will not ever listen to satanic bands .

[@NathanMeffert]

Matt-I think you'd need to back off your position on Breaking Bad if you wanted to be consistent. Something can be a fine piece of storytelling, very clever and creatively produced, and even have "redeeming elements" and still be condemnable. "And no wonder: for Satan himself transformeth himself into an angel of light." #bringbacktheindex

[@momoffive5606]

So Matt can't watch a movie with a sex scene but he recommends Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri wholeheartedly. Practically every sentence uttered by every character has the f word, and 20 minutes in the main character dresses down a priest with a predictable and boring anti-Catholic diatribe filled with f-bombs and blaming the priest for sodomizing altar boys. Not to mention stupid anti-police donut jokes. What the heck Matt?? I still feel gross the following day after only watching 25 minutes of that stupid movie.

[@bobtaylor170]

It's sad to hear the carelessness with the language. It shows a miserable lack of class. The host should be ashamed of himself. That manner of speech does not show Jesus Christ well. Jesus was vulgar in the best sense when He was here, but there is a difference between vulgarity and tackiness. The host is tacky. He owes viewers an apology. No, this is not petty and it is not unimportant.

[@lindaharper2870]

Referring to Matt as ‘the host’ implies you probably haven’t watched many of his interviews and conversations. Would that be correct? Although I wouldn’t describe this conversation as one of my favourites, I don’t agree that Matt needs to apologise to his viewers as we have the freedom to stop watching at any point.

[@graceymarie]

Sometimes strong language is needed to emphasize a point.

[@bobgriffin8306]

Matt should remember that he has a broad audience, with different cultural takes on bad language, and tone it down a bit. I agree that a few synonyms for poo can help emphasise a point though

[@bobtaylor170]

@@graceymarie strong but not low. First , it's sinful. We're commanded especially leaders, who are supposed to model Jesus to the world, to speak befittingly. Also, think of it in this way: if it upset my sense of the dignity which such a man should display, others were jarred by it, too. So, in being crass, the host diverted our attention from the subject. It's also a catering to general low taste. Another thing: I am so sick of tattoos. I would not associate with a tattooed person unless he had the good sense to cover them. I don't think I'd much like a person who would get a tattoo. The whole thing is a catering to lowness. This doesn't even get into the fact that middle aged men should not ape the ways of the seedy culture around us by lowest common denominator dress. I'm old, 72, from an era when people did dress suitably. If you want to know something of what I mean, go the Time Ghost channel. First, it's a fantastic channel in itself. But go to the War Against Humanity, and look at how the host, Spartacus Olsson, dresses. That's how men used to dress to go in public, and should again.

[@Markusctfldl]

@@bobtaylor170 My friend, the people who run that channel are no friends whatsoever to Catholicism, or Christianity in general, and they swear plenty.

[@irenecampos1582]

After many years of following and finding great content through this podcast I think it is time to unsubscribe to PWA. I agree with MF on most of his opinions but I'm starting not to like him as an interviewer/online persona anymore. He is rude to many of his guests (interrupts often, ridicules their position like he did in this one, distorts some of their comments for click-baity titles). Also, in my opinion, some of his recent Instagram posts had unnecessary homophobic undertones.

[@ghostcrew3482]

One thing I have found with Matt is that he purposely takes an opposing side to see how the person, usually someone with defined arguments, will defend them. Which I think makes him a really good interviewer. Also, In this episode I think Matt was truly justified to push back against father's stance on pornography in movies.

[@markushill8639]

You're free to have your opinion on all of this, although I think you're wrong, but I'm concerned about your comment regarding "unnecessary homophobic undertones." What do you define as homophobia? An orthodox Catholic is required to acknowledge that homosexual acts are sinful.

[@ripbeni6198]

@@markushill8639Exactly. Don’t say the word “homophobia” and expect people to know what it means. It’s as useless as a word can get. Words are tools to convey meaning and this tool is akin to using a bowling pin in place of a shovel to dig a ditch 😂 practically useless.

[@ripbeni6198]

Don’t say the word “homophobia” and expect people to know what it means. It’s as useless as a word can get. Words are tools to convey meaning and this tool is akin to using a bowling pin in place of a shovel to dig a ditch 😂 practically useless.

[@coltonhaight9927]

My daughter Flannery Mary Elizabeth was just born on the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cheers!

[@ruthapollonia6722]

I 100% agree with Matt on putting the Communion rails back in churches to see real change in Eucharistic devotion.

[@julieelizabeth4856]

Good leadership came to my parish in 2011, and communion rails were installed a few years later. The parish is now experiencing growing pains with many large, young, devoted families. Some drive many miles past many other churches to come here.

[@danielsampong6607]

Why not all of the options? Communion rails, Eucharistic congresses , better catechises etc

[@captainskippy4560]

​@danielsampong6607 Good question. Why settle for anything less?

[@bobgriffin8306]

Thanks for standing up to Father on not watching the movie! I agree with your position

[@margokupelian344]

When I was growing up I went to a Protestant school as my mom was a Protestant. They had very strict rules pertaining morality so we were not allowed to go see movies of any kind or dancing. If we were caught we were punished. This was in the late fifties. So, I think it’s not good and neither is it healthy to be on the extremes but I think teachers and parents should have the responsibility to guide young people to the “ right” movies although now it’s very hard to find the “right” movies.

[@ChuckP123]

Thank you, Matt, for challenging Fr. Ference on watching movies containing degeneracy. It's a scandal that a priest would admit to watching and praising a movie like that.

[@Roxanne-dontsingtome]

These actors and actresses are people and their acting out these scenes and showing their naked bodies is offensive to their dignity. Never mind what it also does to the viewer.