Mahon McCann

• #106 - Brendan Graham Dempsey - Healing From the Meaning Crisis

  Hey There, New podcast on deck 🚨This was an unbelievable conversation with Brendan Graham Dempsey on his new ‘evolution of meaning’ series!!Evolution of Meaning part 1: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Learning-Process-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0D88CV4GPEvolution of Meaning part 2:https://www.amazon.com/Psyche-Symbolic-Learning-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0FPV8M3Z8/In this conversation, we explored the themes of meaning, the meaning crisis, and the evolution of meaning through various philosophical and cultural lenses. We discuss the impact of nihilism, the role of metamodernism, and the significance of complexity theory in providing a foundation for meaning. With a new foundation in place, we explore a modern path to transcendence, the hero’s journey and the sacred! Check it out 👇Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Meaning02:18 Understanding the Meaning Crisis05:15 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning08:34 The Role of Transcendence in Meaning11:31 Exploring Meaning in Life Literature14:26 The Journey Towards Meaning17:25 Complexity Theory and Meaning20:42 Active Inference and Meaning27:25 Understanding Surprise and World Models29:32 The Complexity of Human Models32:27 Cultural Evolution and Meaning Systems34:09 Moral Development and Complexity39:02 Human Learning as a Complexification Process44:48 The Role of Egocentrism in Meaning Making50:48 The Meaning Crisis and Anomie53:30 Breaking Frames: The Role of Technology and Social Media56:32 The Meta Frame: Embracing Chaos and Complexity59:40 Transcendence and Awe: The Sacred in Frame Breaking01:02:36 The Infinite Journey: Icons, Myths, and the Divine01:06:28 Faith and the Hero’s Journey: Navigating Uncertainty01:09:34 Learning and Meaning: The Evolution of UnderstandingMy new book Waiting For The Offo will be out next Monday 1/12/25!!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

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• #105 - David Quinn - Why are Gen Z returning to Religion?

  David Quinn, is a columnist for the Sunday Independent/Irish Catholic and Commentator on society, religion and politics since 1994.Iona Institute Poll: https://ionainstitute.ie/big-revival-of-interest-in-religion-among-many-young-people-in-northern-ireland-says-new-poll/In this conversation, David Quinn discusses the current state of Irish Catholicism, reflecting on its historical context and the evolving perspectives of younger generations towards religion. He emphasises the importance of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and community, especially in a society facing increasing secularisation. Quinn highlights signs of hope among younger people who are becoming more open to religion, suggesting a potential resurgence in religious engagement as they seek answers to life’s challenges.Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of Irish Catholicism12:05 The Church’s Influence and Secularisation in Ireland19:54 Generational Perspectives on Religion and Progress24:40 Woke Ideology vs. Christianity: A Cultural Clash32:25 The Crisis of Modernity and Mental Health33:10 The Role of Religion in Society34:11 Rediscovering the Great Tradition35:01 Perceptions of Church vs. Christianity37:53 Distinguishing Between Institution and Faith40:12 Rationality and the Existence of God42:31 The Shift from Default Theism to Atheism44:40 The Changing Landscape of Belief47:35 Materialism and Free Will49:16 Transhumanism and the Future of Humanity51:01 Demographic Shifts and Religion’s Role55:47 Signs of Hope Among Younger GenerationsWaiting For The Offo is coming out on 1/12/25!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

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• #104- Robert Freese - From Buddhism to Catholicism: A Spiritual Journey

  Robert Freese converted to Catholicism in 2020 after 20 years of practicing and eventually teaching Vipassana meditation. He and his wife Gosia are volunteers in the Faustinium, the lay order of Saint Faustina who initiated the devotion to Divine Mercy.In this conversation, Robert shares his profound journey from a secular upbringing in Texas to exploring Buddhism and eventually returning to Catholicism. He discusses the influence of his family background, the transformative power of meditation, and the importance of community in spiritual practices. Robert reflects on his experiences with Vipassana meditation, the challenges of balancing spiritual commitments with worldly responsibilities, and the ongoing quest for self-discovery and meaning in life. In this conversation, Robert Freese shares his profound journey of faith, detailing his experiences of encountering Jesus during meditation, the integration of his Buddhist practices with Catholicism, and the transformative power of suffering and grace. He reflects on the significance of communion, confession, and the importance of bringing one’s suffering to God, emphasising the deep connection between personal experiences and spiritual growth.Chapters00:00 Journey of Spiritual Exploration10:11 The Shift to Buddhism19:57 Deepening the Practice29:49 Teaching and Transformation39:57 Navigating Challenges in Spiritual Life49:51 Encountering Jesus in Meditation54:00 The Cross and Personal Suffering58:08 Navigating Faith and Personal Crisis01:01:22 The Journey to Catholicism01:07:20 Integrating Buddhism and Catholicism01:14:14 Desire, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth01:20:50 The Role of Confession and Grace Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

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• #103 - Martin McManus - Why This Irish Psychologist Returned to the Catholic Church

  Martin McManus is a Lukewarm Catholic to anti-Catholic psychology postgrad to schismatic traditionalist to now a normal Catholic devoted to Our Lady and working to help others back to their home, the Catholic Church.In this conversation, Martin shares his profound journey from a lukewarm Catholic upbringing in Longford to a period of atheism influenced by modern psychology and prominent atheists. He discusses his struggles with nihilism and the eventual rediscovery of faith, sparked by the works of Jordan Peterson and his experiences in the mental health field. Martin emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in his return to Catholicism, particularly through the Legion of Mary, and advocates for sharing faith with love and understanding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Martin’s Journey02:39 Early Catholic Upbringing and Its Impact05:34 Drifting Away from Faith and Academic Pursuits08:27 Encountering Atheism and Intellectual Influences11:12 The Shift Towards Seeking Meaning13:56 Exploring Freedom and Reality16:44 The Role of Jordan Peterson in Rediscovering Faith19:42 The Paradox of Freedom and Responsibility22:34 Finding Harmony in Faith and Reality28:04 Awakening to Faith30:20 Exploring Different Christian Denominations32:04 The Search for Truth in Catholicism35:09 Understanding the Magisterium38:29 The Role of Doctrine and Tradition40:49 Living Out the Faith in Modern Times47:15 Engaging with the Legion of Mary52:32 Encouragement for Faith Sharing Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

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• Understanding the Good: Plato's Sun Analogy & Divided Line Explained | Plato's Republic Book Six

  In this lecture, we delve into the Good! Particularly Plato’s analogy of the Sun, and the Divided Line from ‘The Republic’ to explain the un-hypothetical first principle of everything. After a quick re-cap of the Philosopher Kings, we discuss the change from politics to philosophy in the Republic book six. Plato’s analogy of the ship for the state, and why Philosophers know appearance from Reality and the three roles of the Good in Plato’s ethics, epistemology and ontology. Finally, the lecture summarises the dialectic process leading to the Form of the Good, emphasising its critical role in understanding reality and achieving a just society.Chapters:00:00 Plato’s Good and the Divided Line00:26 Philosophers as Kings02:39 The Analogy of the Ship04:13 Corruption and Education07:17 The Form of the Good09:18 The Sun and the Divided Line17:21 The Nature of Ultimate Reality19:23 Conclusion and Next Steps Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

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