The Voice of Reason Debacle: The Dangers of Influence and Fame
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The Catholic internet was shaken by revelations about Voice of Reason, a rising Catholic apologist who allegedly engaged in a decade-long pattern of manipulating vulnerable women while presenting himself as a defender of the faith. This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the spiritual dangers of leading a double life and the devastating consequences when those in positions of Catholic influence betray the trust placed in them.We examine how Voice of Reason allegedly used his role as a catechist to obtain contact information from young women, including a disturbing claim of grooming a minor. The conversation tackles difficult questions: What responsibility do Catholic communities have when confronted with such behavior? How should we balance mercy with accountability? And what guardrails should exist to prevent those with serious moral failings from continuing in public ministry?Beyond the individual case, we explore broader spiritual lessons about the damaging effects of sins against chastity. "The devil rejoices the most in carnal sins because they are the easiest to trick men into and the hardest to draw men away from," notes Christian, highlighting how St. Thomas Aquinas warned that lust particularly wounds one's rationality and spiritual life. This leads to a compelling discussion about how many Catholics today treat confession as a "revolving door" without genuine commitment to change.Parents will find valuable insights about protecting children in the digital age, where "every text conversation is a near occasion of sin for young people." The hosts emphasize practical strategies for teaching youth about online safety and the permanent nature of digital communications. "Nothing you do online is ever private," Anthony warns, suggesting parents use this scandal as a teaching moment.We invite you to join this crucial conversation about maintaining authentic Catholic witness in a digital world full of temptations. Subscribe, share with those who might benefit from these difficult but necessary discussions, and remember that true Catholic faith demands not just knowledge but transformation.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
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1:26:44
John Henry Westen Out at LifeSite?
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Catholic media stands at a crossroads as John Henry Westen, co-founder and face of LifeSite News, has been removed from his position by a 5-4 board vote. This shocking development comes as the Catholic world adapts to the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, with LifeSite's board explicitly citing a desire to "chart a new course" following the papal transition. For traditionalist Catholics who relied on LifeSite as a faithful voice, this raises troubling questions about the future of orthodox Catholic journalism and whether critical perspectives will continue to have prominent platforms.The conversation turns to liturgical debates when Father Dwight Longenecker's tweet about pre-Vatican II Masses reignites familiar arguments between traditionalists and supporters of the Novus Ordo. His characterization of traditional Masses as priests "mumbling through Mass as quickly as possible while the faithful prayed the rosary" represents what many see as a standardized, possibly manufactured narrative about pre-conciliar worship. Critics note how these identical criticisms often come from those too young to remember, suggesting a kind of cultural programming rather than historical accuracy. A striking contrast emerges through a video of Andrea Bocelli performing sacred music in a church filled with people in beach attire – illustrating how liturgical form shapes behavior and reverence.Moving beyond church politics, the show addresses disturbing trends in modern parenting, particularly regarding teenage sexuality. While discussing an extreme (likely fabricated) example of a mother encouraging her 14-year-old daughter to become pregnant, the hosts confront the very real phenomenon of parents enabling teenage sexual activity through birth control and tacit approval. This abdication of moral guidance – often justified with "they're going to do it anyway" – reflects a profound failure to love children authentically by teaching them virtue and healthy boundaries. The conversation ultimately connects these symptoms to broader cultural erosion that signals the potential collapse of our current social order, drawing parallels to previous civilizational turning points. Join our growing community of listeners seeking authentic Catholic perspectives on faith, culture, and family in challenging times.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
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Pressure Mounts on Pope Leo from Trads and Modernists
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!When we lose sight of what makes Catholicism truly Catholic, we risk transforming our faith into something unrecognizable. In this riveting conversation with Michael Hichborn of the Lepanto Institute, we journey deep into the heart of a crisis unfolding in the Church.Michael shares his daring undercover mission at the Association of United States Catholic Priests (AUSCP) conference in San Antonio, where he discovered priests openly advocating for women's ordination, LGBT acceptance, and "priestless parishes"—all while enjoying support from prominent bishops and cardinals. His firsthand account includes a surprising encounter with a gay priest at the hotel bar and the shocking moment when his cover was blown.The conversation shifts to a profound examination of how Catholic worship has evolved—or deteriorated—since Vatican II. Though the liturgy was developed over two millennia, recent decades have seen a Protestantization of Catholic worship that has stripped away the sacred elements that once defined it. As Michael powerfully argues, "Once you get rid of the customary life of the church, now you have to replace it with something else." This liturgical crisis connects directly to the moral and doctrinal confusion we see today, including bishops who remove kneelers to discourage traditional postures of reverence.We explore the miraculous shrine of Las Lajas in Colombia, where an unexplainable image appears three feet deep within solid rock—a powerful example of how authentic Catholic faith inspires cultural greatness. As modern civilization abandons its Christian foundations, these miracles serve as reminders that "if these shall hold their peace, stones will cry out."Whether you're concerned about the direction of the Church, fascinated by the intersection of faith and culture, or simply seeking clarity amid confusion, this episode offers profound insights into reclaiming authentic Catholic identity in a time of unprecedented challenges. Listen now and rediscover what makes our faith truly timeless.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
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2:15:35
Pope Francis Lied and Masses Died?
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!What does the Catholic Church look like after Francis? As Pope Leo XIV completes his first two months on the Chair of Peter, Catholics worldwide are carefully watching for signs of where this pontificate might lead. In this wide-ranging conversation with Crisis Magazine editor Eric Sammons, we explore the subtle but significant shifts already visible in Rome.Following years of controversy and division under Pope Francis, Leo's relatively "boring" papacy has provided a welcome reprieve for many Catholics. While maintaining certain elements of his predecessor's messaging around synodality, Leo has simultaneously embraced traditional forms of Catholic piety that had been marginalized in recent years. His use of Latin in prayer, participation in Eucharistic processions, and embrace of traditional vestments represent meaningful departures from the previous pontificate, sending important signals to faithful Catholics worldwide.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss Diane Montagna's bombshell reporting confirming what many had suspected – that Traditionis Custodes, Francis's controversial restriction on the Latin Mass, was built on misrepresented data. The document claimed widespread episcopal support for restrictions that simply didn't exist, raising profound questions about trust and transparency that the new pontificate must now navigate.Beyond papal politics, we dive into generational dynamics within Church leadership, with many "boomer" bishops maintaining an emotional attachment to Vatican II that younger clergy don't necessarily share. This generational transition promises to reshape Catholic identity in the coming decades as a new wave of leadership emerges.Whether you're deeply invested in these ecclesiastical questions or simply curious about where Catholicism is headed, this conversation offers valuable perspective on finding balance amid transition. Subscribe and join us as we continue exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Catholics in our complex modern landscape.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
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1:41:59
The Little Rascal Who Walked Away From Fame - with Bug Hall
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!What happens when a child star walks away from Hollywood at the height of his career to embrace poverty, faith, and radical simplicity? Bug Hall, best known as Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals," takes us on his extraordinary journey from Hollywood sets to homesteading.Bug's story begins with an unexpected casting call that launched him into stardom at age 8. Over the next two decades, he appeared in approximately 100 film and TV productions, culminating in an Emmy nomination. But beneath the success lurked struggles with substance abuse starting as early as age 11. While many child stars' stories end in tragedy, Bug's took a remarkable turn when he encountered Catholicism through Father Ripperger, a renowned exorcist priest.The conversation delves into Bug's profound spiritual awakening and his controversial decision to "self-cancel" - walking away from Hollywood entirely after concluding the entertainment industry is fundamentally incompatible with his Catholic faith. "I fundamentally reject the idea that Catholics can change Hollywood from within," Bug explains. "The entire foundation of filmmaking is sodomitical."Most compelling is Bug's embrace of voluntary poverty as a path to freedom rather than deprivation. Living with minimal overhead expenses on a farm, building structures by hand, and raising his children in a lifestyle centered on prayer and simplicity, Bug challenges our modern assumptions about success and fulfillment. "Poverty only sucks if you're desperately trying to get out of it," he reflects. "When you embrace it, there's something psychologically freeing about letting go of the rat race."Now building a timber-frame stone house in Arkansas "designed to stand 500 years," Bug shares practical wisdom about sustainable living, the psychological benefits of direct stewardship over land, and the profound peace that comes from radical fidelity to conscience. His testimony offers a powerful alternative to our culture's relentless pursuit of more.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
Avoiding Babylon was started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult and dark days, when most of us were isolated from family, friends, our parishes, and even the Sacraments themselves, this channel was started as a statement of standing against the tyrannical mandates that many of us were living under. Since those early days, this channel has morphed into an amazing community of friends…no…more than friends…Christian brothers and sisters…who have grown in joy and charity. As we see it, our job here at Avoiding Babylon is to remind ourselves and those who enjoy the channel that being Catholic is a joyful and exciting experience. We seek true Catholic fraternity and eutrapelia with other Catholics who, like us, are doing their best to live out their vocation with the help of God’s Grace. Above all, we try to bring humor and joy to the craziness of this fallen world, for as Hillaire Belloc has famously said:“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,There’s always laughter and good red wine.At least I’ve always found it so.Benedicamus Domino!”
Ireland