The Papacy, The Death Penalty, and Why Atheism Fails w/ Dr. Ed Feser

[@pintswithaquinas]

🚨 Get this exclusive 6 part video series on the 5 ways of St. Thomas Aquinas taught by Dr. Feser when you become an annual supporter over at Locals! mattfradd.locals.com/post/2799136/ed-feser-course-on-5-ways-all-videosv ... You'll also get a super high quality beer stein (or coffee mug), interviews a week early ✅ get to be part of a supportive Catholic community ✅ and exclusive streams from me ✅

[@banimanFJ]

“The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.” St Boniface

[@God_my_Savior]

Wow that’s beautiful!!!!! 😳😳😳😳

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Good summary : Jesus snoozing in the boat while the Disciples PANIC, he wakes up stretchs, and calms the storm... That's our world TODAY.

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

If the good men abandoned ship... what do we expect to happen?

[@Di_bear]

If they abandon ship, are they good men?

[@barrypenobscott9882]

T.S. Eliot called the Church "The ragged Rock in restless waters." (from The Dry Salvages")

[@RobertRodriguez-n6u]

Hey Dr. Feser, I'm a seminarian and I just got your book from our library to write a paper on the intersection between Philosophy of Mind and Thomistic Hylomorphism. Thank you so much for your great scholarship!!

[@alimaloney218]

My best to you in seminary, I pray that when you speak with God, that in the stillness of your heart you will always hear His voice in answer. You will be in my prayers. Thank you! ❤️🙏🏼✝️

[@Peter-qb8gf]

☝🤓

[@RobertRodriguez-n6u]

@@alimaloney218 Thank you so much!! I will be praying for you too!

[@RobertRodriguez-n6u]

@@Peter-qb8gf Nice hat lil bro

[@FatherBrown34]

Which book is it?

[@marknowakowski]

This conversation was an absolute balm to my soul. Thank you for having it, and having it so clearly and boldly.

[@mzmPACman]

Ed Feser is my favorite contemporary philosopher and I think probably one of the smartest guys alive with a public platform. Five Proofs remains a challenging book for me but basically closed the door on any semblance of atheism/agnosticism.

[@GoogleIsNotYourFriend]

Smartest guy...best book... Sounds like someone is seeking confirmation rather than genuinely absorbing what contemporary philosophy has to offer.

[@mzmPACman]

​@@GoogleIsNotYourFriend sounds like someone makes a lot of assumptions

[@GoogleIsNotYourFriend]

@mzmPACman "closed the door on any semblance of atheism/agnosticism." No assumptions needed guy.

[@mzmPACman]

@@GoogleIsNotYourFriend so you read one comment from a total stranger and assume you know every step he's taken to reach his conclusions? He couldn't possibly know something you don't know, or have read the same things you have read and been unconvinced, right? Maybe had already worked through most of his objections and this author's work tied up some loose ends. Maybe he's thoroughly unconvinced by contemporary philosophy's objections to theism. I doubt you are any smarter than Ed Feser or Aristotle or Aquinas or Augustine...you're just remain (presumably) unconvinced for whatever reasons. Dont be an edgelord, guy.

[@GoogleIsNotYourFriend]

@@mzmPACman Yawn. Just rhetoric. Especially if you did genuinely engage with "contemporary philosophy's objections to theism" and still came to the conclusion "closed the door on any semblance of atheism/agnosticism"... At this point I don't think you are an honest interlocutor between your own conclusions and myself. Just another person lying to themselves because faith wasn't good enough for them so they contrive nonsense "reasoning". You should also stop caring/appealing to smartness, without integrity it just leads to us to inventing more ways to, often falsely, convince ourselves.

[@rickmiller2042]

Absolutely love. Dr. Feser has been a voice that kept me in the Church versus Orthodoxy.

[@littlemeadowpress]

Great that you stayed!

[@mikemccarthy6719]

I would pay a stupid amount of money for a series of videos with Alex O'Connor and Feser talking about all of the perennial problems. Mind- body, is- ought, God.

[@SaintNektarios]

Feser had a discussion with O'Connor on the argument from motion. It is obvious O'Connor was out of his league.

[@sliglusamelius8578]

O'Connor is a pathetic little twat.

[@tannerromine4411]

@SaintNekterios You thought Alex was out of Feser’s league?

[@SaintNektarios]

@@tannerromine4411 I wasn't clear. I meant to say that Feser is on a much higher level of intelligence than Alex. It is clear in the video that Alex is struggling to comprehend what Feser is saying.

[@mikemccarthy6719]

​@@SaintNektariosI'll be charitable and say I think Alex just genuinely isn't as familiar with the literature as Feser is.

[@Mr.Anglo1095]

Dang, I love Ed Feser. You should get him on as much as you have on Kreeft or Ralph Martin. Not that those guys aren’t good, but I’m just saying he’s worthy of being a regular

[@Goblin-Nixon]

I second this opinion.

[@hrvojejuko6451]

Have Feser on more often, please!

[@maggieb5326]

A friend of mine once said “the Holy Spirit brings out the worst in us. Then it is on the surface where it can be seen and cleaned up.” A lot of sin in the Church has been exposed. As painful as that is it can be seen and possibly purified. The tolerance of grave sin in the Church has emboldened and exposed things that need to be exposed so that purification can occur. God have mercy on us sinners. 🕊️♥️

[@dartharpy9404]

Nice😊

[@bornagainsheep337]

Best coffee I’ve ever tasted was in Madrid. Dark roast espresso with two sugars and steamed milk. Same thing I grew up drinking in Southern Louisiana, but I couldn’t figure out what was different about it. After some research, I discovered that Spanish coffee is a mixture of Arabica and Robusta beans in which the Robusta beans are roasted in caramelized sugar. I can’t find them anywhere except for legitimate Spanish food online grocers like La Tienda.

[@esterhudson5104]

Hey thanks for the tip.!!

[@littlemeadowpress]

Wow, that sounds awesome, might be hard to find here in Canada...

[@bornagainsheep337]

I keeping trying to reply to the Canadian in this thread but I can’t seem to reply directly to you right now so I hope you see this. La Tienda is my online Spanish grocer of choice. I have ordered many things from them like a paella pan, and Bomba rice (I love most meals with rice, I’m Cajun, that’s THE staple grain for us) different cheeses, sausages, saffron and other spices, and of course, coffee. I don’t know what y’all are allowed to order from different countries in Canada but if it’s legal out there search La Tienda Spanish grocery. They will send you catalogs if you order from them. I also do the same for French and Italian cheeses and my husband love Italian coffee. I live nowhere near any city large enough to supply authentic grocers, especially European ones.

[@HiramLievanos]

"You cannot prove realism to a complete skeptic or idealist, but you can show an honest man that he is not a complete skeptic or idealist, but a realist at heart. So long as he is alive his sincere philosophy must fulfill the assumptions of his life and not destroy them." -Santayana

[@ФилософияотБэнни]

Feser is a powerhouse. Thanks!

[@TheAtheistPerspective868]

Far from! I can refute his arguments easy

[@ФилософияотБэнни]

@@TheAtheistPerspective868we’re waitin’

[@TheAtheistPerspective868]

​@@ФилософияотБэнниYes, so I would argue if an existent required something external to it to move, then that which is external to it would also require something external to it. This would lead to an infinite regress. If something is the totality of spatial density, then it can change its internal arrangement without ever changing its location. An object's nature can be to change its density distribution. It can be unstable in a static state. If something is unstable, it will change without needing something external to it. External is a spatial reference, but if an object is the totality of space itself, there cannot be an existent external to it. Furthermore, a non-spatial existent is contradictory as only that which is spatial can be empirically verifiable, that which cannot be is incoherent as it lacks a meaningful reference.

[@TheAtheistPerspective868]

​@@ФилософияотБэнниI'm being shadow banned for disagreeing with Christianity. This platform discriminates against those who aren't theists

[@ФилософияотБэнни]

@ can the laws of logic be empirically verified?

[@Starrboy94]

Really appreciate what I’ve been hearing. As a Protestant I’m trying to wrap my head around some of the real differences we have with RCC and the theology of the church is a place I’m particularly interested in. I may not be convinced by what I’m hearing but I do understand more fully (and again, really appreciate) the perspective. I do think many Protestants have a very low view of the church, so I find myself in a weird spot given what I’m learning from my Catholic brothers.

[@duathellto1460]

Some of the Early Church Fathers wrote a fair amount about authority structures within the Church. St. Polycarp touches on a bit, St. Clement and St. Ignatius address it more directly.

[@Pheer777]

40:50 You gotta respect the conviction and brute humility of what Feser admits here - that if a Pope declared a clear heresy when speaking Ex Cathreda, it would literally invalidate Catholicism. That is not a small claim.

[@countryboyred]

It’s silly though because even if Francis came out today and said “I infallibly declare ex cathedra, speaking on faith and morals, as the supreme authority and Vicar of Christ, that gay marriage is now acceptable in the Catholic Church” Catholics would still say “oh but that wasn’t REALLY ex cathedra bro” and then find a way to cope and twist his words.

[@Pheer777]

@ Many would for sure, but I doubt Feser would.

[@countryboyred]

@@Pheer777 I think he’s already doing it to some extent with this death penalty stuff. It’s clearly a change. The Church always affirmed the death penalty now Francis says it’s against the gospel and inadmissible. Catholics who are honest with themselves know it’s a flip flop. But it can’t be a flip flop because the Church can’t err so we all have to do mental gymnastics and talk like lawyers to make it “totally not a change in teaching bro”

[@countryboyred]

@@Pheer777 I think Feser is already coping with the death penalty change. It’s clearly a change. The Church always affirmed the validity of the death penalty, even calling it a form of retributive justice. Now Francis says it’s against the gospel, inadmissible, and must be abolished worldwide. Catholics who are honest with themselves know it’s a flip flop. But it can’t be a flip flop because the Church can’t err so now we all have to do mental gymnastics and lawyer-speak to explain how it’s “totally not a change in teaching dude”.

[@countryboyred]

@@Pheer777 I think Feser is already coping with the death penalty change. It’s clearly a change. The Church always affirmed the validity of the death penalty, even calling it retributive justice. Now Francis says it’s against the gospel, inadmissible, and should be abolished worldwide. It’s a flip flop. But it can’t be a flip flop because the Church can’t err so now we all have to do mental gymnastics and lawyer-speak to explain how it’s “totally not a change in teaching dude”.

[@benclark1482]

I love Ed feser. His book 'Aristotle's Revenge's is one of the best philosophy of nature books made.

[@Martin4Mary4Ever]

I recall when I converted. I thought the medieval church was filled with saints. Then I learned the shortcomings of the church throughout history. At that time, I gained the wisdom to teach the faith, but now I sit in a place where I can meet nearly all people and point the path forward to Jesus in his church. Loving sinners and dying in Christ.

[@ScottChase-f3r]

As a recent convert, I’d like to watch a TLM side by side with a Novus Ordo Mass to see for myself the purported “egregious” differences between the two. The masses I’ve attended have been very reverent and solemn. I play acoustic guitar with the choir and work really, really hard to make it as reverent as I possibly can. I spend hours and hours preparing myself to be ready. I always play in a way that blends in with and complements the pianist (or organ). Therefore, when Feser says guitars are “nonsense”, and “excessively informal”, I find that quite shocking! There are literally thousands of parishes allover the world where all they have for mass is a guitar. I saw this in Peru, even at the Basilica in Lima, Peru, but especially in the rural parishes.

[@wordwanderer1]

I know, right! I also think they are very similar. Even more, the new form of the mass includes more readings. It could also be said in Latin, if you will, and with the priest ad orientem. Those two details were not part of the original reform.

[@PaulyWanuts]

@@wordwanderer1here you go side by side

[@duathellto1460]

The gold standard for music, per Vatican 2 and a whole lot of other official Church teaching, is Gregorian chant. One of the reasons for that is that all other instruments were made by humans, but the human voice was made by God. The organ is generally considered next best, because it is so similar to the human voice (and also, is quite helpful for keeping the human voice from going off-key). The cithara is a harp-like instrument mentioned in Revelation, in the same general class as a guitar - but a classical guitar, not an acoustic. You lose the wind aspect, but keep the melodic aspect of human voices. I can't say I've ever been to a Mass with guitars played like that. On a more human level, the idea of music at Mass is actually not to excite emotions, but rather to help the person to pray, whatever their own emotions may be, and without manipulating those emotions. If you can play music that lets a sad person bring their sadness to God, while at the same time allowing a happy person to bring their happiness, an angry person their anger, and a peaceful person their peacefulness, then you will have made music worthy of the Mass. I've really only experienced this with chant and polyphony and silence. A strong rhythm tends to direct and peoples' emotions more, and generally toward more excited emotions. Here's a side by side (cut to make it shorter) of the TLM and the NO, both at St. John Cantius, a parish that makes an effort at reverence and solemnity in both forms.

[@ScottChase-f3r]

@@duathellto1460 I asked about the many references in the psalms about the use of stringed instruments in the ancient liturgy. You wrote a lot, and restated my point about the organ having primary place. You also didn’t address my point about rural poor parishes in 3rd world countries. I’ve been to quite a few and they’re fortunate to have more than a handful of people. They clearly don’t have recourse to a pipe organ in most cases and much less someone with the skill to play well. I did however, experience well-done guitar, simple but reverent. Gregorian chants in rural Peru? My job as a musician is to be properly prepared for the Mass, both spiritually and musically. My job isn’t to be concerned about emotions, that’s between the parishioner and the Holy Spirit. I have often been surprised when people say they had an emotional reaction to my playing. I play and sing with all my heart and God does the rest. I attend a Spanish speaking mass, with Music from OCP’s Flor y Canto. Coming from many years of leading an evangelical praise team, I find the Spanish music delightful and reverent, especially the way we do it.

[@duathellto1460]

@@ScottChase-f3r I believe I did discuss the way various stringed instruments were used in the ancient liturgy: the cithara, to be specific. The guitar could be played in a similar manner. Chant is a lot easier than it gets credit for. It's sung in unison. Little kids can sing it, and you don't even need to be able to afford a guitar. People have been singing it in rural areas for hundreds of years, in Africa and Asia as well as in South America. My point was that your job is not to be concerned about emotions, except to avoid exciting them in any particular direction. I've had emotional reactions to chant, and it wasn't because the singers were trying to make me have that emotion, it was because the singers helped me to pray, and God went to work. At Mass, music needs to leave space for that. For all I know, yours does, I don't go to your Mass.

[@costernocht]

Thank you for making the entire interview available!

[@manny4012]

A bit disappointed that the topic on the death penalty didn’t come up except for a hypothetical on how it’s reversal would falsify Catholicism. I figured because it was in the title of the video there would have been some back and forth. I enjoyed the conversation nonetheless!

[@roddumlauf9241]

The Early Roman Catholic Church condemned the death penalty and taught against it. Pope Francis wants us to return the the first teachings of the Church to abolish the death penalty.

[@kobaian_]

@@roddumlauf9241 And Pope Francis is right. It always strikes me as a misnomer that the Catholics spouting a need to return to the 16th century tradition of State absolutism and outright rejecting the Early Church tradition of pacifism are the ones that are called traditionalists.

[@manny4012]

@ the church never taught against it. You have certain church fathers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian that were not in favor of it but they didn’t teach against its use in principle. Then you have early church fathers and doctors of the church that are for it like Clement of Alexandria, Augustine and Aquinas. So your statement is incorrect. The church has always permitted its use and to make a complete reversal would mean the church got it completely wrong and well of course I don’t need to say what the implication of that would mean. Even Francis isn’t against it in principle.

[@davidmerola3311]

Just buy his book on it.

[@FourKidsNoMoney]

​@roddumlauf9241 stop lying, the Catholic Church has never taught that it was intrinsically evil, God commands the death penalty in the scriptures themselves, which would indicate that God commanded intrinsic evil and of course that cannot be. Give it up, your side will lose in the end. Contradicting scripture and the magisterium is not a good idea

[@richardlopez6226]

Matt, I think this is your best interview yet.

[@kensier4955]

The clarification on infallibility here is so helpful as a Protestant that’s 90% ready to convert. Signing on to the idea of the full infallibility of any man aside from Jesus is obviously a massive mental hurdle for us. I’m realizing most individual Catholics don’t actually know what the church believes since their statements often contradict or don’t fully embody what is actually put forth in the Ecumenical Councils.

[@countryboyred]

Nobody knows what it means. Ask a Catholic for the list of infallible dogmas and you will get a different list depending on which Catholics you ask. It’s an unfalsifiable system.

[@trad-lite]

I posit this question…would someone like Dr. Scott Hahn have converted if his first Catholic Mass experience were the TLM and not the Novus Ordo? Maybe…maybe not. But the simplicity of Novus Ordo in the vernacular ( which I’m not a fan of ), like it or not, allowed Dr. Hahn to see the scriptures come alive in the Mass before him as a Protestant and he connected with it. He could hear the biblical roots and verses in the liturgy. Now, how many souls has he helped bring into the Church? How many has Nestor? So many protestant converts via the Novus Ordo. God’s Will?

[@andrewcoleman5095]

I'm pretty sure he is on the record saying the first Mass he went to was indeed a low Mass.

[@Rich_Tea2]

I recently became aware of something relating to the apparition at Knock in 1879. St John, as well as holding a book, is wearing the liturgical vestments of a bishop. In a time when the clergy were saying the TLM and wearing the associated Roman chasuble, St John appeared wearing the Gothic chasuble used in the Novus Ordo. Whether that's a sign of God's Perfect Will or God's Permissive Will I'm not sure. I'm simply aware that God allowed St John to wear the Gothic chasuble during the apparition.

[@augcaes]

I posit this question, to counter: How many have left the Church because of the Novus Ordo and its shortcomings?

[@Rich_Tea2]

@@augcaes I'm wondering if (or how) we'd differentiate that from those who left because they don't know their faith well enough (due to poor catechesis).

[@ScottChase-f3r]

@@augcaeswhy not just answer his question??

[@josephososkie3029]

2:44 I’ve heard that Jack Benny would often exclaim that was the best cup of coffee he ever had. Or the the best orange, or the best sunset he’d seen, etc. It set people up to be open to Beauty. Heck-of-a spiritual exercise.

[@eafowler777]

God bless Matt Fradd and God bless Edward Feser. Thank you both for your work. I have benefitted so much from both of you.

[@ereksa]

I wonder if current Pope realizes how much anxiety, stress and spiritual damage does he do to believers. I myself am not a Catholic but Oriental Orthodox, still an Apostolic church with brotherly relationship with Holy Church of Rome. It does spiritually damage me even though I am not a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I still have tremendous respect for the Institute of Pope, and it is just very sad to withness what is going on.

[@ASR-n6d]

Invite Christian B Wagner and Brian Duong on!

[@piouspapist]

So real

[@piouspapist]

Can't spell Wagner or Dwong without W.

[@billyg898]

Christian cant be trusted to not be rude.

[@CatholicDwong]

You’re a real one homie 🙏❤️

[@DrGero15]

Lumen Gentium 25 " In matters of faith and morals, the bishops speak in the name of Christ and the faithful are to accept their teaching and adhere to it with a religious assent. This religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authentic magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra; that is, it must be shown in such a way that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with reverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely adhered to, according to his manifest mind and will. His mind and will in the matter may be known either from the character of the documents, from his frequent repetition of the same doctrine, or from his manner of speaking."

[@jmmanley]

2:46:57 “Registered Nerd… Probably not his real name” it’s a great joke every time you say it.

[@kevinmauer3738]

In my mind the doctrinal development concerning the death penalty has been very similar to that of the institution of slavery. I would love to hear Dr Feser engage with the parallels. I agree with him that the Church should be clear that the death penalty is not intrinsically evil, even if we work toward its abolition today. But shouldn't the same be said of slavery? Yet, St John Paul II did refer to slavery as an intrinsic evil on at least one occasion. (To be clear, slavery is a separate question from racism, which is an intrinsic evil.)

[@jonloveland7781]

Thank you for having Dr. Feser on. Unfortunately, it was too short. I hope you have him on again soon.

[@arthurw8054]

Mind-blowingly good conversation, thank you.

[@Sharwarr]

I love the Novus Ordo Mass. I attend a wonderful parish where the Latin Mass is offered, but by choice we attend the Novus Ordo. The thing I would change is the choir choosing very difficult responsorial antiphons. I like to participate. Every Mass I attend, I have the same objective--I'm there to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, hear him and receive him. God is faithful.

[@catholicvideos0008]

How could you love the Novus Ordo Mass?

[@Sharwarr]

@@catholicvideos0008 My husband and I were raised Catholic and wandered away after 18. Upon returning we stayed for a while and then I wanted to attend an evangelical church so we did for 13 years, studying the bible. Upon homeschooling our children, the history timeline, a trip to France and Cardinal Newman's book, Conscience, Consensus and Development of Doctrine, we came back to our Catholic faith. We returned as a family (3 children now) in 1996. Despite the homilies that sometime strike a discordant note, the Novus Ordo Mass has never failed to meet our objectives of assembling together--worship in spirit and in truth (that begins with our own heart), participation in exclamation of worship as an assembly and reception of our Lord in the Eucharist--giving us all that we need to walk out the door, face life and serve Him. I LOVE reciting the Creed--either one, Apostle's or Nicene--bedrock of the faith to me.

[@sourcreamfiend]

@@catholicvideos0008perhaps because it is still valid and offers the pure sacrifice of Christ’s body and blood

[@roisinpatriciagaffney4087]

Charity, patience, and humility towards the teachings of the Holy Father are the marks of Catholicism. Dr. Feser is very good on the necessity of suffering, in bedrock Catholic teaching. Seat of Wisdom, pray for us. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us. Saint Patrick, pray for us.

[@pathologicalfriar]

The Feser/Oppy dialogues were so good. Probably two of my 5 favorite philosophers on each side.

[@newglof9558]

Feser is great.

[@TheAtheistPerspective868]

Haha good joke!

[@romgtr]

This is a very good explanation about the current situation the church. I always struggle with this… 😅

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Have you ever thought of inviting Charles Taylor to the podcast? Great thinker and philosopher of history, also a Catholic. I think he's 93, and still going strong. Just read his "A Secular Age" and it is truly a great book for anyone wanting to understand why the Western world looks the way it does today.

[@CatholicBearAK]

Thank you Dr. Feser for that part at the beginning. Really helped ease my mind.

[@cosmicnomad8575]

So hyped for this!

[@bilbobaggins9893]

Why isn't this video broken up into topics like usual?

[@Seanph25]

It is

[@jeffcole2139]

It's settled! More catholic podcasters need to interview Feser!

[@madilyndubose6435]

I just want to throw a small comment: The Novus Ordo is so important to the Church in its truest form. The argument is that “90% of all novus ordos” aren’t what they should be. However, I feel like we don’t talk about how bad the failures of the old form mass was before Vatican II. The Novus Ordo can be beautiful, my wedding mass was Novus Ordo and true miracles happened on that day in piercing family members about the truth of the Church. If the argument is that the Novus Ordo could be good if it was done appropriately, I say that’s the truth with any form of the Mass that could be celebrated. Outlawing the Novus Ordo WILL NOT change this, both forms of the mass will have faults and not reach every Catholic. Should the Pope condemn those who use the old form? In this small Catholic woman’s opinion? No, absolutely not, but 2 things: 1. I will be obedient to that of the Holy Father and the seat of Peter and 2. I think there is a place for caution when celebrating the TLM sometimes, because there are sects of people who do become fanatical about the TLM and become blinded by that pride in their mass form that has lead them away from the Church. I urge you, Matt, to understand that both masses can coexist and both can form beautiful, traditional, strong Catholics. I have seen it first-hand. Know you have true influence in the formation of new Catholics, that’s a scary place to be, remember not to condemn those who are obedient, but think differently to you. We can all be Catholic and have different preferences and the Novus Ordo was not “a stupid mistake”. JMJ. God Bless.

[@johnnyjordan9305]

Really wish they just started the episode instead of this intro crap. It was unique and now they’re just following the trend. Boo.

[@stealthylion11]

Yeah, definitely not a fan - I scrubbed forward to 3:00

[@kevs2481]

Indeed

[@Di_bear]

Agree. I also want the old music with the bottomless beer pouring into the mug as the intermission piece. I hate what they have now.

[@briangeraghty1555]

The Catholic Church would also invalidate itself by an official stance against the death penalty.

[@chriswright2483]

By changing the catechism, didn’t the Church take an official stance?

[@vanderfk]

Somehow I'm not seeing how displaying the false idol fertility god Pachamama in a religious ceremony, in the Vatican Gardens, represents Christ. Defrocking a priest for his anti abortion stance, while welcoming two big abortion proponents, Biden and Pelosi, to partake in communion doesn't seem Christ like.

[@thomabow8949]

Christ would offer Biden and Pelosi His bread and wine - is this your issue?

[@bryanc4085]

Great show! I want to go to bed but I can’t stop listening to this one.

[@den8863]

1:24:00 to 1:26:00 (approximately) why is it that so many find it appealing to dismantle and destroy the society that let them grow in peace and prosperity?

[@smgale7689]

Question for Catholics: I'm not a Catholic, but I'm trying to understand Dr. Feser here. Is this an accurate understanding of his position here: that a Pope can err, including on teachings on faith and morals, but only in regards to matters that are not already formally defined? In other words, he can commit doctrinal errors, but not ones of dogma?

[@amu7379]

I think if Catholicism were to be falsified I would probably jump all the way to being a very theologically liberal Christian because as Dr Feser said I don't think I can possess the same logical structure to have confidence in doctrine anymore.

[@countryboyred]

In my mind it would just mean the Orthodox were correct.

[@karlheven8328]

Dignitas Infinitas has taught or tried to teach that "Here, one should also mention the death penalty, for this also violates the inalienable dignity of every person, regardless of the circumstances.[56] In this regard, we must recognize that “the firm rejection of the death penalty shows to what extent it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being and to accept that he or she has a place in this universe. If I do not deny that dignity to the worst of criminals, I will not deny it to anyone. I will give everyone the possibility of sharing this planet with me, despite all our differences.” So I guess Ed Feser would say that this is a magisterium teaching that is close to heresy and thus puts us as on a road of "falsifying catholicism" if it were universally accepted..

[@erric288]

I would say it's in line with what the Pope has said in the Catechism. That the death penalty is inadmissible. Considering the modern criminal justice system's ability to humanely care for an inmate for life, it would be immoral to use the death penalty (in contrast to centuries past). The death penalty is a form of state mandated murder, and there are other arguments against its use (i.e. false convictions, inhumane methods of execution, even high legal costs, etc.). I think development on moral teachings can happen based on developments in technology government, or economy, etc. The principles based in the teaching of Christ remain the same, but the application will necessarily shift and adapt to changing conditions. No harm to the faithful occurs by this. In fact, it prevents harm, because if the facts on the ground sufficiently change that cause the death penalty to become sinful, you wouldn't want to remain silent on the subject and allow the practice to continue. I don't know why we can't say that the death penalty used to be good and useful and necessary, while still violating the infinite dignity of the people who were killed.

[@christopherneedham9584]

It is heresy and is falsifying Catholicism.

[@karlheven8328]

@erric288 No, it goes way beyond that in saying that it violates it regardless of circumstances, which would also include the past where it was legal and usual and other methods of incarceration were not feasable. This is a problem regarding the scriptural basis for this punishment and among the church fathers. I agree with the previous Catechism of JP II, but the changes made by Francis do not accurately reflect the perrenial church teaching. I am aware of the contemporary arguments (and tend to politically agree with them as here in Europe the Death Penalty is illegal in every single country).

[@brendansheehan6180]

They distinguish between ontological and moral dignity.

[@erric288]

​@@karlheven8328did you read what I wrote? It can be morally permissible in the past, while still being a violation of the infinite dignity of the people killed. We can hold both at once. Just like Just War can exist even when the killing involved is still a violation of the infinite dignity of those killed. The point is if it can be avoided, it should, and now it can, so it should.

[@hempenasphalt1587]

I was a discerning Prot in the end I went to Orthodoxy but I have taken philosophy classes with Dr Feser also I took RCIA . I do think Orthodoxy is the truth. I did learn a lot in the process. So all the best to you all. It’s not easy times.

[@Seanph25]

Strongly disagree but wish you the best

[@billromansky9716]

"Not meaning Pope Francis, but Judas, but bad Popes..." Cowardly passive-aggressive way of stating the issue, and I'm really getting sick of you pundits defaming the Pope with this scandalous tale bearing by association.

[@teofilo2633]

@@billromansky9716 papa francisco esta entre os piores papa da história. Nesses dias Jesus virou palestino, escandalos financeiros etc etc. Um escândalo atrás do outro. Cardeais que arrependam qualquer um que seja católico.

[@A.Asghar.]

Please invite ed feser again, he's phenomenal.

[@bs4110-u4y]

min 36:00: Matt is right, Honorious was condemned in the broader meaning of heresy, because he didn't fight the monothelism heresy. But the church never taught heresy nor She will

[@welovesmallbusiness9872]

I play guitar in our music ministry and we honour the hymns. I'm for the Latin mass but what's the problem using different a instrument to play the same hymns that are played on the pipe organ? Did they have the pipe organ in Christ's time? Anyway... I love this channel! God bless. 🙏❤️

[@duathellto1460]

The real purists don't even use a pipe organ, but stick strictly to Gregorian chant, sung a capella. Only half joking. The use of the pipe organ is traditionally suppressed during Lent and Advent, and using it at all has been controversial, a long time ago in local areas. Vatican 2 (and many earlier documents) says pride of place is given to chant, which does in fact go back to Christ's time, as it is derived from the Jewish psalm traditions. The principles of Mass-appropriate instruments are derived from these. The instruments are primarily melodic, not rhythmic, so as to foster a sense of prayer and safety in whatever emotions each individual has, rather than to create a temporary unity from a good beat. One could conceivably play the guitar in this way, as it is the way harps, lyres, classical guitars, and many other stringed instruments are played - including by ancient Jews while singing Psalms. I've just never heard it being done that way at Mass. It's not really surprising to find people blaming the instrument, rather than the practically ubiquitous style. The two are rather strongly associated at this point.

[@welovesmallbusiness9872]

@duathellto1460 thanks. This brings a lot more context to why they kept bringing up the guitars. Don't get me wrong: I LOVE the traditional mediums. But I can tell you that the Holy Spirit is present when I'm playing. 😊 Many thanks for this thoughtful response and God bless. 🙏

[@melindaharrington900]

I played guitar at Mass as a teen forty years ago. I love Masses that include hymns with guitar accompaniment. I recently went to a Mass just outside of Melbourne that was packed to the brim with a congregation of locals - all recent arrivals from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. A multigenerational family group played guitars together and led the singing. Most beautiful experience I've had at Mass in years. Everyone joined in. It was such a joyous participation in the sacrifice of the Mass. It included little altar servers, boys and girls. It included a beautifully reverent reader who was a male teen. Absolute silence and awed reverence during the consecration. And finally, the recessional hymn was sung by every single one of the hundreds and hundreds in attendance - a Hillsong tune. i was incredibly moved by the experience. Gave me goosebumps. i also attended a Mass recently in Melbourne where an exclusive group of men sing gregorian chant style during Mass. No one joins in. It's incomprehensible. It's a wonder the men in that choir can leave the church afterwards because their heads are so swollen, I don't know how theyfit their heads through the door. Geez they reckon they're good.

[@ralfbettker-cuza7432]

I‘d like to know how Dr. Feser can harmonize his opinion of Pope Honorius with the letter of Pope Agatho to the same council (and it’s reaction to it) which condemned Honorius.

[@juanfernandezdecastro3718]

I strongly disagree with Matt's comment at 1h 6m into the video that we need to accept that the Novus Ordo was a mistake and return to the TLM. I have attended various TLMs and I much prefer Novus Ordo masses. I find the TLM, especially low masses, to be disengaging and boring. If the Church switched back to the TLM, of course I would remain because I am a Catholic and believe that the HS always guides the Church. But I wouldn't be happy about it just as Matt seems not to be happy with the N.O. What strikes me is that Matt speaks about this as if his opinion is the obvious consensus of good Catholics. Well, maybe the professors and authors that he engages with share his opinion, but I can tell you that many ordinary Catholics in the pews like me don't. What's also interesting is that I'm 57 years old and this seems to have become a big deal only in the last 10 years. I'm sure that social media has had a lot to do with amplifying this issue which for 50 years of my life has been a non-issue. Finally, I don't want to alienate pro-TLM Catholics with my comment, only want to emphasis that you should not assume that most Catholics share your sentiments.

[@MagnificatForever15]

It's only become a big deal because of TLM suppression, so attendees of the TLM are defensive (i.e, me). I don't think everyone needs to go to the TLM to be a good Catholic, but I do think everyone should actually give it a chance- read the missal translations, see what was changed or omitted, understand the "why" behind everything in the liturgy.

[@juanfernandezdecastro3718]

Fair. I agree its good to "go and see" if perhaps the TLM speaks to your heart. My experience is that it doesn't speak to me as naturally as the N.O. does. However, I don't think that this topic has become amplified because of suppression. I actually don't know the root 0:22 cause for why this has become so big but I suspect one of three things: a. Social media tends to amplify perceived conflicts, b. It might be a side effect of the culture wars, where very socially conservative people may find some refuge or solace in the TLM, or c. maybe Pope Benedict's encouragement emboldened TLM goers. I really don't know, but it seems that this controversy precedes any suppression which I agree is wrong. I can't understand why Pope Francis wants to go out of his way to alienate faithful Catholics. I just really hope and pray that both forms can continue to coexist and not become yet another source of division in the Church.

[@PaulyWanuts]

God bless you for a normal comment. This is the opinion of many devout and deeply religious Catholic Christians that I have met and come to love. I wish in this see conversations, someone would mention the abuses prior to VII, and the fact that now these are very specialized liturgies in parishes with attendees specifically traveling to attend such liturgies. As a new Christian and Catholic, I have come across very many saintly Catholics that would prefer to remain where they’re at. The idea that NO attendees are just a dumb bunch of rubes is such an elitist snobby comment that Fradd and others take. It reminds me of the Smugg people in the South Park EV episode.

[@juanononecoaching]

The conclusion that the entire problem is changing to Novus Ordo mass is a narrow perspective. The order of mass may influence but is much less influential than people actually understanding what's the mass supposed to be. Back when the Mass was in Latin a lot of people walked in and started doing the rosary because they didn't understand anything. It was their only way to participate in the Mass. The problem is much more complex than blaming the Mass process change for it.

[@rsosa]

I feel the same way. I converted to the Catholic Church from Protestantism 9 years ago, and absolutely can't imagine ever having converted if I hadn't had the mass available in my own language, and it's extremely important for the entire world to hear the mass in their own language. I also see the TLM adherents seem extremely legalistic about certain movements in mass and towards other Catholics. It is very much akin to very legalistic Protestant denominations who are very focused on dress and style of worship. I know there are many lovely TLM members who gain a lot from it, but it is extremely concerning to me, as I'm sure it is to Pope Francis. After all, he's from Argentina, which is where I grew up. And very legalistic Protestant denominations have ravaged the church there, and I think he sees the same line of thinking with TLM, that it brings division and judgementalism. Much love to all my Catholic brothers and sisters, but I hope this perspective helps.

[@savagebrood]

1:21:43 - masterful camera effect. Magical.

[@MatthewSewellMT]

A point of clarification on Pope Honorius I - though he was condemned as a heretic for his negligence by the Sixth Ecumenical Council fathers, and Pope St. Agatho’s legates approved of the text, Agatho had actually died prior to the council’s end. So when the council canons were sent back to Rome to be ratified by Pope St. Leo II, Leo actually modified the condemnation - removing the accusation of heresy and instead admonishing Honorius for his *negligence* in not being more precise.

[@ransomcoates546]

Anyone who thinks that Francis’ ‘Magisterium’ would be recognized by Pius XII as Catholic cannot be taken as a serious thinker.

[@ScottChase-f3r]

Another question. My conversion was based on the respect I gained for the Church’s connection of the OT, with the NT, especially regarding Mary as the Queen Mother, keys of the kingdom, etc. Yet in the OT, especially in the Psalms, harps and lyres were integral as a conduit for right praise and even for successful military campaigns. Am I missing something??

[@duathellto1460]

Acoustic guitars are rhythm instruments, used to give a beat. Harps and lyres are melodic, as the human voice is. Harps, lyres, and voices do not set a rhythm, which is exactly how Gregorian chant and polyphony work. The feel of chant is more like the movement of a boat in a calm sea.

[@melindaharrington900]

@@duathellto1460 Yeah, your'e right. That's why the chant sends me to sleep.

[@erickelleher3911]

No death penalty...life, no parole, hard labor and hard tack and gruel is probably worse

[@GrislyAtoms12]

That's a whole 'nother kettle of fish. Or can of worms. Or barrel of monkeys. Or some other random container filled with another random type of animal...

[@ConciseCabbage]

When do they talk about the death penalty? I’m searching for it but can’t find when it’s discussed

[@davidmauldin6375]

I believe that when a pope says that muslims, buddhists, and all other religions are the same as Christians and have salvation does take the divinity from Chrit and actually calls Jesus Christ a liar. Pope Francis did this. Jesus said ,"the only way to the Father is through me". Pope Francis lead the one world religion congress Sept.14,2022.

[@davidmauldin6375]

Sorry, I didn't finish my thought. I believe if a pope calls the savior a liar then he has the spirit of ante- christ.

[@jaemisom6103]

He did not say they are equal, He said they are paths to god, See that i'm Typing it with lowercase letter, If you woulf please be charitable with the man there is reasoning in it "Why would anyone follow on a religion that doesn't lead to god ?" They may think is the real God, but it's nevertheless an Attempt only, The same pope Francis reaffirmed that it's impossible to find Christ outside of the church you can obviously infer that is impossible fo find God outside of the church either

[@oliverjamito9902]

Rebellious house students shared "i" Am will say, LORD thy HOUSE is our HOUSE! Gratitude and Honor

[@SilverCreekHomestead]

We were completely off grid for five months and still not completely on grid. But, I’ve had several kids who loved the idea and had little dreams of buying a tiny home and living off grid. I remember watching Little House on the Prarie as a kid and thinking that’s horrible (I love it as an adult though!). But the point is that I am seeing kids romanticizing a simple life whereas we did not! 😅

[@toadster_strudel]

1:34:41 - Considering half of them are dead already (Dennett & Hitchens) or dying (Dawkins), I'd say it's fair to say that. I almost never hear Sam Harris talk anymore about religion, which makes me think that he's just about given up on the topic. Harris seems too distracted recently with Israel and politics to focus on religion.

[@AM-gk9rc]

I really love Ed Feser but honestly this is getting really hard to watch. The picture Matt is painting which is somehow he is swimming in a sea of people telling him to stop complaining about the Holy Father is just so untrue. He lives in an echo chamber of people hyper-focusing on what they perceive as the Pope's flaws, or missteps.... and uncharitably interpret it, and use it as a way to virtue signal how much they care for the Church, with condescending notions about how they will pray for the pope. And to hear Matt say that he was nervous speaking to Ben Shapiro... Like he cares about Ben Shapiro's approval of Pope Francis... Was borderline unlistenable. Sorry

[@brendansheehan6180]

💯 it all looks like pride to me. You guys aren't holier than the Pope.

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

Apology accepted.... the pope was wrong about anyway and everyway to God. One narrow gate to the Father - His name is Jesus Christ. To know that and not say it is wickedness.

[@Di_bear]

If one of the reasons I ended my Locals sub.

[@brendansheehan6180]

@CatholicDays the crisis is all of this nonsense noise.

[@FourKidsNoMoney]

​@brendansheehan6180 there are tons of saints who weren't popes, and tons of popes who weren't saints. There are indeed likely hundreds of thousands of people who are personally holier than the pope. Being pope does not inherently make one holier than others. I thought we were serious adults and understood this lol

[@PerisaSekondo]

Great interview! I would really like to hear dr. Feser talk a bit more on his position about the falsification of the Catholic faith- is there a parallel between a man who says, for example, "Imagine that 2+2 equals 5" or "Imagine that water is not H2O", and a man who says "Imagine that we find the bones of Jesus" or "Imagine that the Church unambiguously starts putting death penalty on par with abortion and murder"?

[@josephkuettel9346]

Fantastic interview!

[@JenniferMiller-sx1xn]

Love your talks ❤

[@pajamasflannel]

02:36:40 - Is it news to us that people can contradict their beliefs and professions with inconsistencies? I should think it is not news. Perhaps that is one reason why the blessed peacemakers are required instead of an attitude of that of the culture warrior? To help lead the blinded into true sight?

[@caseycampbell1386]

Thanks for the work Matt. Appreciate it.

[@sahn105]

Is the problem in the church today too much criticism or that he isnt loved or lack of respect for his office? Or, is it that those who should criticize him are silent.

[@ryanb4780]

Pretty sure the future Popes who approved those Councils did not agree that Honorius was a heretic. One Pope even wrote an apology defending Honoris. Am I misremembering?

[@ryanb4780]

@EvelynKerubo-q9f How so?

[@brendansheehan6180]

They used the name Honorius to reference the position famously attributed to him. Back then, that's how they referred to positions. But in detail, it would seem they said he didn't.

[@littlerock5256]

Correct.

[@littlerock5256]

@@ryanb4780 From Pope Honorius before the Tribunal of Reason and History by Fr. Paul Bottalla 1868, p.15: The Roman See never authorised the Synod to condemn Honorius as a heretic-Pope Leo II ... sanctioned only the definition of faith of the In his letter of confirmation of the Council the fault of Honorius is attributed to grievous neglect in the discharge of his duty-Pope Leo inculcated the same in his letters to the Bishops of Spain and to King Ervigius...

[@emmanuellakwabena9674]

While I am myself Catholic, I don't agree with the comment that Orthodoxy is incomplete. I believe that Catholicism and Orthodoxy both bring something to the table that has been lost in the other.

[@joebryant1747]

TicTok and every other platform should not be controlled by any government when it come to free speach.

[@faithfamilyandfuntech5062]

Matt you hit the nail on the head about Seinfeld. I use to laugh at all that and now I'm like disgusted with the damage they perpetuated on our culture

[@mikemattingly9181]

Ed's book on CRT was phenomenal ..

[@77agape]

Did Mr Fradd consider inviting Australian Thomist John Finnis for an interview ?? a great idea.

[@thatguyzwife]

When talking about "getting rid of the guitars" do you mean a specific way they are played perhaps? I only know how to play guitar, so when I lead the music I play guitar for the hymns. I typically chant the Mass settings a'capella. I'm certainly not playing the guitar in a performative or what protestants would sort of refer to as "seeker-sensitive" way.

[@duathellto1460]

All other instruments were made by humans, but the human voice was made by God. The cithara is a harp-like instrument mentioned in Revelation, in the same general class as a guitar - but a classical guitar, not an acoustic. You lose the wind aspect, but keep the melodic aspect of human voices. I can't say I've ever been to a Mass with guitars played like that, but I think it would work. The idea of music at Mass is actually not to excite emotions, but rather to help the person to pray, whatever their own emotions may be, and without manipulating those emotions. A strong rhythm tends to direct and peoples' emotions more, and generally toward more excited emotions. Playing the guitar for melody and harmony, rather than rhythm and chords, would make it more chant-like, and more appropriate for Mass.

[@thatguyzwife]

@duathellto1460 yes, this is what I mean. I mostly use finger picking and play softly. I definitely think I use it to keep tune more than strum excitedly.

[@duathellto1460]

@@thatguyzwife That sounds lovely, and imho perfectly appropriate. While I've never done heard it at Mass, my dad has played "O Holy Night" in that sort of style with the rest of us singing along.

[@blakejohnson1264]

We need Dr Feser back on! Is it possible to have a sit down with Bishop Barron, Feser, Horn, and Akin??

[@VeracityQuest]

I am in favor of a Cadaver Synod for the Holy Fathers from John 23 onward. My humble opinion, no disrespect to the Holy Fathers. Let all the laundry be hung out for everyone to see.

[@marilynmelzian7370]

I appreciate Feser’s acknowledgment that a pope could be heretical. What I hear from others on KZbin is that it is not possible because Christ promised to protect his church. But we are watching it happen. I do believe Christ will protect his church but it is putting way too much reliance on a human to think that the pope is going to be that protection.

[@littlerock5256]

A heretic is a non-Catholic and a non-Catholic cannot be pope.

[@PaulyWanuts]

😅 this is so slanderous

[@littlerock5256]

A heretic is a non-Catholic and a non-Catholic cannot be the pope.

[@countryboyred]

So you deny Vatican 1?

[@Tim.Foster123]

Good stuff. Definitely have to listen to this twice

[@PuzzlesC4M]

As the only Catholic convert in my family, yes, I would go on a bender. 😂 All the questions about Catholicism falsified… that’s where faith comes in. We have to trust the Holy Spirit to protect the Church. And faith is scary! Like skydiving, we’re in the free fall until the parachute expands.

[@karend6491]

Matt, would you please stop disparaging the name Karen? It's really hurtful. As you know, names matter. Your daughter's names were carefully chosen. Think about it. You're a wonderful Catholic leader. It hurts more when you do it.

[@karlheven8328]

Wow you're digging yourself a grave now

[@newglof9558]

Honestly all of the ladies named Karen I have met have been super nice and I kinda feel bad for them.

[@RJ-qq6nz]

That is a legitimate request.

[@andrew-c1y9b]

Karen, just stop it!

[@evan7391]

You know... that's reasonable.

[@melodiebear]

“Not a naughty tree”😂😂😂

[@oliverjamito9902]

Even JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE CAN LOVE WITH PATIENCE! LONG-SUFFERING!

[@oliverjamito9902]

Likewise remember many will point fingers nor to find blame! Yet, these pawns, puppets, nor tumbleweeds showered with riches not willing to point fingers nor to find blame unto themselves exalted themselves above arrogance!

[@Louis.R]

The only coherent ‘atheist’ is Schopenhauer, and his panentheist description of the world does not sufficiently exclude being from reality, since he does not treat of reality as such but merely “the world”, (in fact, Schopenhauer is the great genius of the pagan worldview. He never knew nor understood the Cross)

[@wordwanderer1]

Read the fourth book of The World as Will and Representation: he admires and recommends redemptive suffering.

[@Louis.R]

@@wordwanderer1 I've read it 7 times. It is one thing to admire suffering because it conforms one to the unity behind the multiplicity of the world from which one is thereby redeemed; it is another thing altogether to admire suffering because Jesus Christ, the incarnate God-made-man, was crucified while forgiving his persecutors, and was raised from the dead to thereby open up the highest heaven - the very face of God Himself - to us sinners, who repent.

[@oliverjamito9902]

Come liken unto a little child "i" longing to learn! Remember carry thy shared "i" Am and came with sincere conversations given just for thee! Now instead Come take a seat with Me!

[@larrywells5908]

I think this tendency to cling to some things from the past happens on all kinds of levels I believe it skips a generation usually like I had no desire to listen to music for example of my parents or grandparents music. But yet my children starting around when they were 17 and 18 especially the boys my nephews and my son. Started Loving Johnny Cash some George Jones even and Hank Williams Junior which I can't argue with those choices myself but early on I didn't like them. When it comes to the things going on in the church now I really, really think we need to get back to handling things as we were taught in the Bible when we have a problem with our brother first go to them one-on-one secondly come back with a couple of friends, thirdly take it to the church if necessary. And this should be the case all the way to the highest levels of the church. What I'm saying is if we take those three steps perhaps along the way we'll find out we were wrong or we'll be doing the right thing either way. I mean we're really not promoting the Catholic Church by talking about this stuff in public constantly. I think we should be doing more to promote the church and I do not ever think there's a time we should ask people what it would take for them to leave the church because that answer should always be I will not leave the church. We tell people they need not worry about the condition the priest is in when it comes to celebrating mass. So the way I look at it we should handle these things in the proper way silently, not in public and there is nothing that should be able to make us leave the church. There will always be a Remnant somewhere.

[@Catholic_warrior_of_Christ]

6:08 sounds like let your nos be no and your yes be yes..don’t remember where I heard that 😂

[@johndoh795]

5:30 I am like Luther, because I'm a Lutheran. Ironically I learned from reading the Book of Concord that even evil men performing the sacraments are valid. It's the Holy Spirit doing the work, not the man preforming the sacraments. You might want to quickly revert some things when your heretic pope passes or is removed, though.

[@williamgreenfield9991]

Atheism can't fail because it's not on a mission. It's just an expression of doubt: "I don't buy your claims of the supernatural, gods, or demons". There is nothing about that statement that can fail or not fail. Fails to do what? It's really a silly proposition.

[@АпологетикаБазинского]

@@williamgreenfield9991 definist fallacy

[@brendansheehan6180]

I would think it now necessary for Feser to, in great detail, lay out every objection he has to our Holy Fathers pontificate.

[@romgtr]

By saying that all religions are paths to God isn’t that the same as saying Our Lord is not the Son of God? 😮

[@oliverjamito9902]

Grace will say, WHO loves with patience and mercy?