In episode 39 we begin our exploration into the ‘Lost Virtues’ by discussing a core virtue of Christianity, that of charity.But it’s not just the Christians who recognize how charity can indeed be the path to salvation. The Buddhists for example, also believed that it wasn’t the prayer and meditation that brought one to enlightenment…or at least not before preceding them with right actions. With good deeds. With charity.

We consider why in this age of dead materialism charity is missing. And why even spirituality has for many become just another expression of ‘me-ism’, devoid of the virtues we’re going to be discussing in the coming months. So could charity still offer us a way of escaping the trappings of narcissism and greed and navigating ourselves towards a greater good? Through the positive actions we do for others? For me personally, I think it can.

So as we go into Christmas, a time when traditionally charity would have been a key focus for those of faith…lets bring back into view the virtue of charity. To do this we are joined by returning guest Rick Munn to not only discuss charity, but also Rick’s own missionary work and how doing things for others helped him escape the trappings of selfishness.

In part 2 Mike and Rick go deeper into the philosophy of charity and also it’s counterpart which is of course gratitude. They also discuss the alchemy of good works and how the physical act of charity, when enacted with pure intentions, is a form of spiritual alchemy that no amount of financial donation can compete with.

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