In this episode, hosts John and Jason dive into Mount Marty University's second core value: Community. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the etymology of the word, tracing it to the Latin munus, which fascinatingly means both "responsibility" or "role" and "gift." They use this dual meaning to explore the central tension of community life: balancing the needs of the group with the unique, irreplaceable "gift" of the individual. They share personal stories about feeling truly "received as a gift" at their university, contrasting it with other environments where people are merely "tolerated."

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:14 - The Second Core Value, Community

00:03:14 - The Heart of the Word: Munus as "Gift" and "Role"

00:08:18 - Personal Experience: Being a "Gift" vs. Being "Tolerated"

00:10:29 - Are People Replaceable? The Role vs. The Person

00:41:08 - The Challenge of Flawed Communities & Final Thoughts

Hosts John and Jason begin their series on Mount Marty University's four core values by tackling the first and most foundational: Awareness of God. They discuss how this value, derived from the 10 Benedictine Hallmarks, is far more than just a religious checkbox. The conversation centers on the Benedictine practice of Lectio (reading), expanding the concept of Lectio Divina (holy reading of scripture) to include a "Lectio of life"—learning to "read" all of reality, including nature, relationships, and personal experience, to find and contemplate the divine presence. Sharing personal stories from monastic life, a pilgrimage on the Camino, and theological touchstones, they explore what it truly means to practice awareness of God.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

05:21 - The Lectio of Life: Reading Reality for God's Presence

08:19 - Stories of Awareness: Monastic Life, Theology, and Pilgrimage

55:10 - Closing Reading and Conclusion

This conversation delves into the phrase 'thought and action,' exploring its origins, significance, and implications within the context of the Benedictine tradition and broader theological discourse. John and Jason reflect on their personal experiences in seminary, the intersection of philosophy and action, and the influence of certain thinkers on contemporary thought. They also discuss the role of AI in theological discussions and common critiques of monastic life, ultimately emphasizing the importance of integrating thought and action in both personal and communal practices.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - Introduction to Thought & Action

11:32 - Chat GPT on Thought & Action

14:11 - Thought and Action in Modern Contexts

28:38 - Conclusion

37:06 - Outro

In the very first episode of the Benedictine Thought & Action pod, John Badley and Jason Heron introduce themselves and recount their friendship, their education, and the winding road that brought them to live out their vocations as beginners at a rural Catholic Benedictine university in South Dakota.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:52 Benedictine Beginners Beginning

09:19 Introduction to Jason

19:51 Introduction to John

32:51 Podcast Trajectory

40:30 Conclusion