WOF 453: Nature & the Human Body—Recapping Wonder 2024

WOF 453: Nature & the Human Body—Recapping Wonder 2024

Author: Bishop Robert Barron September 2, 2024 Duration: 38:31

The nature and purpose of the human body was once considered obvious. But it has come under attack from secular culture in some strange and even disturbing ways in recent years. Now, unfortunately, it is up for grabs. The Word on Fire Institute sought to address this confusion surrounding the body at our recent Wonder Conference, "Nature and the Human Body." Drawing on rich theological, philosophical, scientific, medical, moral, political, technological, and artistic resources, the conference sought to reclaim an authentic understanding and deep appreciation for the body—its resilience and fragility, its joys and its sufferings, its transcendence and its temporality, and, above all, its wonder.

A listener asks how Catholics should think about near-death experiences and stories.

 

00:00 | Intro
01:23 | Hosting the Wonder Conference in Bishop Barron's own diocese
02:25 | Why we needed Wonder
03:50 | Understanding the false dichotomy of faith and science
06:20 | Addressing the question of body/soul unity
12:38 | Inherent dangers in dividing body and soul
15:36 | Can Catholic ministries give platforms to evolutionary biologists?
17:11 | Highlights from Dr. Heather Heying's Wonder talk
18:45 | Beginning with the logos and intelligibility
20:04 | The human difference
21:04 | Bishop Barron Presents: liturgical artist Jonathan Pageau
23:06 | Materialism as an incoherent philosophy vs. scientific worldview
26:30 | The intelligibility of creation
27:36 | Fr. Robert Spitzer and the transcendent body
33:46 | Hope for reconciling faith and science in the public square
35:16 | Listener question
37:54 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

 

 


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Each week, The Word on Fire Show-Catholic Faith and Culture offers a thoughtful conversation with Bishop Robert Barron. This podcast explores the rich intersection of belief with contemporary life, examining everything from art and philosophy to current events and personal spirituality through a Catholic lens. Listeners will find deep dives into theological concepts, reflections on scripture, and discussions on how ancient wisdom addresses modern challenges. The tone is engaging and accessible, designed for anyone curious about the deeper questions, whether they are longtime in their faith or simply exploring. Bishop Barron brings his distinctive perspective as a theologian and communicator to these dialogues, making complex ideas relatable. It’s a space for meaningful exploration, where faith is presented as a compelling force for understanding our world and our place within it. New episodes arrive weekly, continuing a long-running series of insightful commentary and analysis.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
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