Morality, The Lord of the Rings, and Awkward Jokes w/ Dr Peter Kreeft

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0:00 LOTR and state socialism
3:54 Transgender movement (and sexuality)
9:40 Power
12:17 Catholics are the new Jews (and absolutists)
14:00 No one can serve two masters
17:33 Nietzscheism
21:38 Euthyphro dilemma
23:46 Academic freedom
25:19 Death (and the demonic)
35:53 Written 100 books
37:58 Breakdown in marriage
39:50 Book of Revelation
40:56 How he met his wife
51:39 Female saints
59:23 Deconstructionism
1:04:04 Jordan Peterson
1:14:42 What books is Dr. Kreeft working on?
1:18:14 Top 3 philosophers
1:26:42 Favourite platonic dialogue
1:30:38 Church drama
1:33:54 Movies
1:46:58 Amazon's 'Lord of the Rings'
1:55:56 Dr. Peter Kreeft responds to memes
2:02:08 Tasteless jokes
2:12:23 Writing (Start Q&A)
2:14:15 How does annulment differ from divorce?
2:16:04 Catholic education
2:17:44 Oprah piss test and KZbin
2:20:15 Dignity
2:21:30 Favourite bible translation
2:25:04 Learning philosophy
2:25:54 Raising boys
2:30:29 Ha (book on humour)
2:31:55 Lying debate
2:40:03 Suffering well (and Eucharist)
2:45:13 Don’t try to squeeze Christ out of the Church
2:46:17 Ontological argument
2:55:51 Aquinas’s remedies for sorrow
3:06:10 Wrap-up

[@ronb4561]

Dr Peter Kreeft is such a gem. He is my favourite guest on Pints with Aquinas, I can and do listen to him for hours.

[@sarahburke8955]

Dr Kreeft is such a beautiful soul. Unforgettable moment when he says, "Shall we share some tasteless jokes?" 😂

[@klarafuchs1372]

Oh my word, Matt and crew! I just wanted to make sure I tell you how much I appreciate these interviews. While a Protestant myself I feel so blessed by your humility and honesty and commitment to the way, the truth and the life that is Christ our Lord. I’m about to start my PhD in English at the University of Cambridge. And while I’m really excited to study in such a historic place where a lot of the writers I admire worked, studied, taught and wrote, I am also incredibly aware of the fact that academia has become a breeding ground for increasingly insane anti-Christian ideologies. I have been frightened and intimated of how to be salt and light in such a dark world. But your channel and especially the plethora of fascinating God-loving people you’ve had on has been such a source of wisdom for me! I thank God for you and pray for your continued wisdom and humility! God bless! 🙏🏻

[@tedmilone1080]

A lot of humility in your note; and I bet you’ll do just fine, taking refuge in the shadow of his wings (Ps 36)

[@greypilgrim9967]

This is hands down one of best discussions Matt has. God please bless professor Kreeft

[@xombozo]

These interviews with Peter Kreeft are always informative, fascinating, and worth watching. I wish there were another 3 hours.

[@perrysiddons5423]

Yes, Peter Kreeft! I love these interviews with him. He is an absolute joy to be in the (virtual) presence of!

[@tateharrigan8061]

I have a great story about Providence like 46:00 My grandpa (2 generation Irish immigrant) was in WWII. He flew in a Bomber towards naples, he was the Morse Code guy. His plane was shot, he parachuted out, he was the lone surviving member. He was captured, but was taken in by nun at the prison camp (I speculate this is where his faith grew more than it was). He then survived the death march as the war came to a close. He came back to America married, had 8 kids and then my Dad had me.

[@andreeagribincea1350]

Dr Peter Kreeft, may God bless you with good health and a long life! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@tylerhy1332]

1:28:03 “[We] are more shocked by suffering than we are of sin.” Incredible line to think about

[@soniavadnjal7553]

It's so true. Suffering is imposed on us, no one likes it, and we rebel. Sin is often the result of self indulgence, it follows something we like to do.

[@joonasvahasalo6635]

Gimme some jesus

[@epiphanyx3705]

​​@@joonasvahasalo6635 Rather Jesus than any other . Although there have been other candidates sent by The Absolute since the beginning/ending.

[@Go4Noctis]

Its incredible in its way of allowing you to ignore actual observable suffering for your religions ideas of sin which is vague and often contradictory or arbitrary. Many of which you ignore and only apply the greatest hits for the most part.

[@bonusflaps1749]

Sin is a ridiculous concept.

[@jazamaraz8029]

Thank you, Matt, for inviting Peter Kreeft and letting him share his wisdom, faith, and love with us. Thank you Peter Kreeft for being Peter Kreeft. This interview was deliciously good.

[@danieltracy7136]

Interesting conversation about death between Matt and Peter.

[@NewWorldDAO]

@@danieltracy7136 Gods gift to the world

[@patriciararick3245]

Such a wonderful interview. Thank you!

[@benjaminsandoval5123]

The cops suck now a days, back in the early k

[@Guided144]

M. Ll you II

[@michaelwelker8759]

Shout out to Dr. Kreeft. He said a profound and simple thing once, to me, at a lunch we had together. 32 years later, a path taken, from good and wise input.

[@Will-ge7ri]

Mind sharing the advice?

[@kylerk343]

@@Will-ge7ri lol

[@corycooper7179]

Absolutely the cream of the crop Matt!! What a joy! God bless you and the good Dr. and all your staff,who work so hard to this to us.

[@youtubecharlie1]

I like how he managed to get in that it “wasn’t just his *syphilis* - it was his philosophy that drove him insane.” Lol😂😂

[@maguffintop2596]

Soooo true. But I believe the man was possessed. His landlord described some utterly bizzarre behavior be it insanity, possession, both?

[@kylesmith4256]

Protestant here. Love the Mere Christianity worldview discussions. Dr. Kreeft is a treasure. Matt has one of the best shows going.

[@michaelnielsen9962]

I have no words as to how delightful, insightful, joyful, and some other 100 "ful" s this was. I broke out a new tobacco pipe and listened with a smile on my face. I'm not sure I'm any smarter, but you can't get dumber following your conversation with Prof. Kraft. How he could only have 12 students in a class he's hosting is beyond me. What a joy and a gift he is, as was this discussion. Thank you Matt.

[@TT-tx5ng]

It's 1 a.m. on Sunday and I finally finished listening to this wonderful conversation. I started listening to it this morning but had to pause and rewind several times during the day. What a blessing it is to listen to Dr. Kreeft once more here in your channel. Thank you, gentlemen, and good night.

[@evea9811]

Dr. Kreeft is a phenomenal man and gold mine for Catholic & philosophical information. Thank you for the great interview Matt!!

[@annaj1927]

When you pray Aquinas's prayer asking the Lord to grant "...Conversation pleasing to You..." I believe this is what is meant. Thank you for sharing a conversation surely pleasing to God

[@NuclearSlider]

I love the confidence/ability of the off camera input to be involved in the conversations, even drawn along with it.

[@NuclearSlider]

Oh and the non-judgement for personal taste/opinions.

[@vicgrefer]

Dr Kreeft is a national treasure!

[@alebeau4106]

A global* treasure

[@thebestofmae]

@@alebeau4106 yes!!! Confirming this from the Philippines🇵🇭

[@bernie.fitzpatrick7948]

@@thebestofmae yes, here from New Zealand - I agree too!🇳🇿👍🇳🇿♥️💯

[@luvgabriel]

Someone who lacks the moral courage to speak up against his university's "diversity" training, but instead succumbs in order to get along, is no national treasure.

[@dictionarypictionary9872]

He's the first man to ever make me think, 'that's a nice tie'.

[@andrewreinhart]

"We are hobbits and we are facing orcs, but God has given us the whole story." 39:45 This is the best analogy for spiritual warfare that I have ever heard. Thanks for sharing this!

[@andrewstahl3531]

Matt is becoming a master of the interview….He has an Art Bell quality in this one

[@actuallicensedteacher1846]

Kingdom of Nye!

[@badmother7615]

I know! I love his silence! And Dr. Kreeft was allowed to thoughtfully continue with his thoughts!

[@biankapaloma]

I love you, Dr Kreeft, you made me come close to Aquinas and love the church fathers.

[@johnpatrickodriscoll7955]

Unforgettable conversation, GOD BLESS you both True faith is so uplifting

[@youtubecharlie1]

I love Peter’s excitement when he grabs the book from Matt and starts searching. Nothing like searching for a great quote from something you read.

[@doracawley8355]

Wow! Awesome awesome awesome! Such a “beautiful” man inside and out❤. Thank you for having him on board. Always enjoy your show.

[@SAD-ij8in]

I'm so massively thrilled that Peter Kreft loves A Canticle for Lebowitz!!! That book and another book, My Name is Asher Lev, were books I read as part of my double major in English/writing at a Wesleyan college which hung in my soul and bore fruit ten years later when my husband and I journeyed into the Catholic Church.

[@Cwik878]

Allow me to make your day! Peter Kreeft's 10 books nobody should be allowed to die without reading: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH3QZoWdnMeboqc

[@criticalbruv]

Dude. I was just looking up Dr. Peter Kreeft 8 hours ago completely unrelated to Pints... Never heard of him before. Only to wake up to a notification of this video release!

[@AJanae.]

He has two other interviews with him.. both amazing and long forum!! You should check them out.

[@meganturner1456]

What a treat and a luxury to be able to listen to this. Just beautiful. We do live in a spectacular time of History

[@Nick-N-Plus-Infinity]

Dr. Peter Kreeft is a breath of fresh air, I don't think there is anyone else I've watched on the internet (especially in relation to Catholicism) from whom I've absorbed so much. And it's the type of information that stays with you and is taken to heart, unlike others I watch where information is quickly forgotten. He radiates a passion for teaching, there's no mistaking that that was his calling in life. God bless him.

[@jaydash4638]

i loved when he said god has the greatest sense of humor in existence Ive long thought the same but when I tell people they never seem to understand .... its nice that someone does

[@s.johnson5154]

OMG, you guys crack me up. The golf joke reminded me of another one where two old guys are playing golf on a lovely Sunday afternoon. A funeral procession drives by, and one of the guys pauses and takes off his hat. "Wow," says the other one, "what a wonderful gesture; I'm very impressed." -- Well," says his friend, "she WAS a really good wife."

[@briandowdell358]

Wow, my wife just said, "I want him to read to me." She went on to say, wondering out loud, "I wonder if he's ever considered doing an audiobook of the Brothers Karamasov or LOTR..." because... "Wow, I would buy that." Just sayin'.

[@AlixPrappas]

The funniest quote from this conversation because it is the only peace I find amidst the mess I often make of my life: “But God deeply loves his severely retarded children.”

[@wilkiebunkers1352]

Agreed. I'm glad someone else noticed that line 😅

[@c3nzord]

I also went to a Jesuit university and I laughed thoroughly when Matt thought Boston College was secular

[@sharonallan5722]

This interview is wonderful!! Peter is great and the questions from Matt are perfect. ❤️

[@chadrobert116]

Top 3 philosopher to cope with the issues of today was such a good question. It's a shame we won't get the Peter's answer to that.

[@arunstephan302]

I purposely copy pasted the link earlier. We need more priests and laity today to stand up for our faith when chaos surrounds us and reigns in today's modern times. In these difficult times your channel is like an oasis in the desert. Thank you and May God Almighty bless you, your ministry and family.

[@SalveRegina28384BlessedArtThou]

I get so happy to see Dr Kraft get excited. It’s such a comfortable conversation. No pressures in these interviews

[@barrypenobscott9882]

Probably the only interview I've watched where the two pause to enjoy a whiskey.

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Swede here, happy and thankful to hear you two gentlemen speak, and I have to say that Professor Kreeft is absolutely correct about the magic of Scandinavian spring!

[@davekargol]

The movie about returning home after the plague is called The Seventh Seal, directed by Ingmar Bergman

[@joan5856]

Had to save this, I have to listen again and again as it gets my 88 year brain working

[@toeknee5565]

Matt is such a good interviewer, so good at playing the Devil's advocate, that at times i forget the actual worldview that he holds. Amazing skill to have.

[@CatholicMashedPotats-vv8zf]

As someone who has experienced a spiritual awakening in my faith this year, spiritual battles have been frequent, especially when battling temptation. I’ll have a terrible dream which features temptations to vices I’m trying to give up and I’ll wake up panicking to distinguish between reality and dream. Other times I’ll spend a whole day trying to figure out wether I am doing the right thing with my spiritual life or not and forget to pray and it turns the day upside down. Thank you sirs for reminding me to pray, reminding me that it is a struggle, that other people struggle with it too, and that the best we can do is pray to our Lord (and ask the Holy Court for their intercession as well). God bless you sirs for the hard work you do.

[@kristinwannemuehler9757]

Archbishop Sheen also had a fantastic sense of humor. He almost always started his homilies and lectures with a joke.

[@suew4609]

He does. Actually a lot of “Dad” jokes!

[@barrypenobscott9882]

Yes, still waiting for Archbishop Sheen's beatification.

[@Miriana727]

@@barrypenobscott9882 I agree. Archbishop Sheen, in my eyes, is already a saint.

[@sistafila]

Thanks Matt. This is the type of conversations young people must be having with their fathers and grand fathers . It is like a lamp unto your feet. When you get to certain stages you remember them and pick good strategies from them.

[@joshuaslusher3721]

These discussions have really done wonders for my ability to connect with the older generation. Awakened my desire to hear from people in my family.

[@laurants]

The students in the university system are soft. When they actually begin working they will fail so bad that they will need therapy for the trauma. It’s pathetic.

[@carollafond154]

i really enjoyed this. Often you are over my head. But I listen and try to understand

[@margaretlulek858]

Thank you for the wisdom and truth ♥️

[@iamterico]

Kreeft is at the same league as Chesterton. Excellent deep, intelligent conversation.

[@lweberl24]

Honestly, Peter’s interviews are by far my FAVOURITE! “What a guy!”

[@eyeam19able]

This is a wonderful interview. Thanks for posting. Keep spreading the truth.

[@PrayNow4all]

Probably the most valuable interview I’ve EVER heard on PWA!!! Thanks SOOOO much!

[@greyforge27]

"We're not tending the garden, we're trying to save people from spiritual death." Maybe a comprehensive statement about the drama and tragedy of life

[@kimsparacio4077]

I am so thankful for being introduced to Sunday school when I was young......My parents were atheists and even though Jimmy E Jones baptized me at 8 years old.....Jesus has always been in my heart......securing my way at 19....I promised Father Jehovah that I would never turn my back on Him! If not for our Heavenly Father, I would have taken my life a long time ago! 66 now.....He walks with me, and He talks with me.........!

[@gc3563]

As always every time Kreeft is on the show, fantastic interview! 🙏🏻 God bless!

[@mariobaratti2985]

AMAZING interview!!! the debate about lying was very enjoyable

[@steele8280]

1:45:24 If Peter Kreeft tells you personally to read something, you read it and you better look happy about it! 😅

[@thespiritualgangsterspodca5232]

“Pride and despair are really the same” 🔥

[@joejohnston3]

Loved everything about this episode. Many thanks to Matt and Dr. Kreeft.

[@Bernadette613]

Incredible. So many good words of wisdom. ❤

[@matheusfay6082]

It was the most wonderful interview I've ever seen! I eager to know more about his work!

[@TheRealDealDominic]

Wish it never ends

[@mattpoulsen520]

I’m currently in the process of being brought into the Orthodox Catholic Church and Dr Kreeft is the man God used more than any other to bring me here.

[@bdbxt]

Asking with curiosity and not judgement, why the Orthodox Church and not the Roman Catholic Church like Peter Kreeft?

[@mattpoulsen520]

@@bdbxt please forgive my sloppy language as I was raised in a pretty insular Independent Protestant church and am just beginning to understand the diversity within the Holy Catholic Church. I am specifically attending a Ukranian Catholic Church. As far as I understand it they are in communion with Rome. I’ve also heard it called “eastern Catholic.” As for my reasoning for attending there instead of the Roman Catholic Church, I can honestly say that I just felt at home when I attended there. I was going through some very difficult times when a friend invited me to Devine Liturgy on a Sunday a few months back. It was the first time I found any peace in so long. It was the first time in my life that I was actually anticipating and desiring to go to church. Even though it’s not an eastern practice traditionally I have been praying the rosary every day as well.

[@stephen5804]

You are a great treasure Mr. KREEFT. I MISS YOU ALREADY. I WISH I COULD MEET YOU ONE DAY. YOUR DISCUSSIONS ABOUT SCREWTAPE and other issues have been truly enlightening. The park bench conversations are great guidance are reassuring and teaching moments.

[@jffessler]

This video alone is an education on so many different subjects. Psychology, Philosophy, History of Ancient Religions, Ethics, Morality....I'll need to listen to it at least a few more times to try to grasp and understand it all. Thank You both!

[@ai5837]

The whole thing was beautiful but the last 10-15 (or so) minutes were gold ❤ So happy now 😊 This is going into the wault. I'll be listening to this again and again. Thank you.

[@andym5995]

I also tried getting through Leibowitz several times. It just took its time a little too much. But oh man once I persisted and read through it, it was worth every minute. It is hands down my favorite book of all time. Great message, great setting, great characters, many great lines, and hilariously funny.

[@sunrhyze]

I was amused by the conversation about lying, because we all do it in some form or another every single day and no one is going to stop anytime soon. I could give many examples of the everyday lie, but the most common is, every time you greet someone and they ask "how are you," and you tell them you're "fine" even when you are definitely not fine, you are lying. The entire book of Esther is about deception and lying, for the sake of saving the Jewish people. That is a noble lie. We lie to avoid hurting people's feelings; that's called "not being a jerk." Anyway, I missed the live so will offer my joke here: (Wife): "Do I look fat in this dress?" (Husband): "Do I look stupid?"

[@meganpata9033]

Hmm we don’t all lie like that. If I do tell a small “polite” lie, I do try to correct myself. It’s an absent minded thing but I still don’t like it. I try to be as authentic as possible because I want people to answer me truly when I ask them these questions! Not that I’m convinced that ALL lies are wrong, just that I don’t like that kind of thing in particular.

[@barrypenobscott9882]

When asked, "How are you?" I sometimes use this stolen line, "Like everyone, subject to decay, entropy, and eventual death. And you?".

[@sunrhyze]

@@barrypenobscott9882 Good one, although it might have a negative effect on your party invitations. My husband used to go with "I'm alive."

[@jessmddn]

Memes being considered an artistic genre has me ROLLING. The circumcision guy meme gets me every time. So enjoyed this interview!

[@ChannelWright]

A deep truly insightful discussion on what is going on and how we’re being manipulated by these groups - thank you, you’ve really increased my understanding!

[@jamisongunsaulies]

You need help

[@ChannelWright]

@@jamisongunsaulies What threatens you so much about these two men? Could it be that they remind you of yourself? You’re just as certain of the moral virtue of your views as they are of theirs. Are they forcing you to attend church and listen to their beliefs? If you don’t take a “diversity training” course in a lot of companies, you won’t keep your job. “The wrong kind of speech can have consequences” - that’s your team’s motto not theirs. People getting canceled for saying the wrong thing? Just who is the bully here? Is that what you’re defending?

[@ravenjardcastaneda7750]

We need a Dr Kreeft vs Fr Pine debate on lying

[@bernie.fitzpatrick7948]

Thanks for sharing this amazing interview. God bless u both from New Zealand. 🇳🇿👍♥️🇳🇿💯🌟🇳🇿

[@michaeltischuk7972]

Focus on God's goodness and mercy not our own stupidity...what a priceless gem, pearl of wisdom! Personally too, I've been finding out lately...I guess I'm getting older,...I've been tearing up at the silliest things lately, well they're not too silly, but nonetheless I feel like I have to turn in my masculinity card at such times, but it's nice to listen to the interviewer admit his own bouts with tears.

[@kimcatalanotto2864]

Matt, you are so funny. My perfect day also consists of sitting, reading, and conversation with a dear friend. I also run red lights that I think are unnecessary. I’m 66 years young.

[@mariadelrosariomarquez8984]

It’s such an insightful interview. Humanity is such a treasure. 😇

[@11antun]

Thamk you, Dr. Kreeft❤ Thank you, Matt❤

[@Meritouschannels]

I am just now watching this - I honestly wish I would ever have the opportunity to meet Dr. Kreeft. I find him charming and inspiring in a virtuous and intellectual manner - what a nice combination. I dont know that there are many men in the world like Dr. Kreeft, but surely I wish there were more!

[@commercialrealestatephilos605]

Prayers for you both!

[@maryspencer4274]

My momma used to say "murder yes, divorce no" when she was asked had she ever thought of divorce, married 63 years

[@laineyr4388]

Really loved this:) Thank you both, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation

[@marilynmelzian7370]

Thank you! So much wisdom.

[@eamonreidy9534]

The Scouring of the Shire was not included because the film was already very long with too many endings. I've never seen a serious academic link that chapter to socialism

[@maguffintop2596]

That part of the book, imho was the most heartbreaking, exciting, nerve-wrecking. Cried multiple times during that post war phase.

[@luismuzquiz]

Lovely man this Peter Kreeft. Cheers from old México!

[@MavMelodic]

Health is a good. Health is here for happiness, and happiness is here for holiness. The lower two are a means to the higher one.

[@sharonmegaffin6622]

Love reference to father Bob Bedard I had the good fortune to hear him speak at a charismatic weekend retreat

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

To clarify, based on how Dr. Kreeft described the thing at the beginning, it's not really lying per say, as from what he said, the computer doesn't give you the option to select the moral answer. If you select what is perceived to be the wrong answer, it won't let you continue until you select the right answer. For it to be a true lie, one must be presented with a true choice.

[@ericr2401]

I believe Kreeft was asked once about the Nazi at the door and he argued you could morally say "no jews in this house". He might also argue that that isn't a lie.

[@suew4609]

@@ericr2401 Did you watch the whole video? They just went over this question. Lying isn’t an intrinsic evil, says Kreeft, but Matt has a hard time believing it. Check the last 1/4 of the talk. Here, it’s in the transcript, 2:31:55

[@ericr2401]

@@suew4609 Thanks Sue, I commented before finishing the video, my mistake.

[@emidior7948]

I don’t think you understood what he admitted to.He just answered the questions in a way that he knew what they wanted to hear.In other words he says one thing and does the opposite(and not in good way).Even Matt was a bit taken aback at what he said. Most people would call that double standards.

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

@@emidior7948 It is the answer they want, but they don't give the option to give the other answer. It's not a double standard if one doesn't have the option to give the correct response. The computer forces you to select the other one before you can advance to the next questions. I've had to do similar HR tests occasionally for my job at Kroger. Everyone I work with know what I believe on such matters, so I'm not living by a double standard; the computer test is simply programmed to only go one way. If I could select the other response I would.

[@Jackjohnjay]

Yes it does! Stand up to them! Refuse!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CoenBijpost]

Dr Kreeft is a cat person? I didn’t think he could climb higher in my esteem! What a fantastic human being ❤ God bless 🙏

[@jonwolfenstein7431]

I like Matt's comment about God's will and their discussion about Satan's love of vagueness. I too am tempted to focus on God's will as the road ahead of me, rather than the dirt under my feet. The road ahead is open to my fantasy and therefore always better. I never seem to remember that the road ahead is simply dirt under my feet that I haven't gotten to yet.

[@benjiejohn]

This is such a lovely conversation.

[@robertajaycart3491]

I love Dr. Peter Kreeft, he is such likeable guy.

[@clbaird40]

as a person who has been divorced 3 times, i pray that if I go to heaven God will allow me to remain single.

[@andrewmanzanares6618]

Don't have Matt be in charge of a person whom you're planning a surprise party for, he's morally obligated by his own principles to ruin the surprise. 😜

[@Veritas1234]

What's brown and sticky? A stick.

[@joan9569]

This is my first Peter Kreeft. Great video.

[@obad.iah.]

Dr. Kreeft reacting to memes was hilarious

[@dmytronachas3019]

So much wisdom! Thank you!

[@idiaz2521]

I thought about boredom in heaven... so I said to myself: let God take care of that. I'll just trust Him. But a sweet image for me about what I'd like is me cultivating a garden with lots of flowers, In all colors and the flowers are for Jesus and Mary... Hope that's part of heaven, heavenly Gardening!

[@trevorhowat9271]

Awesome interview with Peter Kreeft just so much to take away and contemplate.