Good Distinctions

Summary

In this conversation, Kate Capato, a sacred art painter, discusses her mission of beauty through art and collaboration with her husband. She explores the nature of art, the objective value of beauty, and the role of sacred art in communicating faith. The discussion delves into the importance of beauty in churches and practical steps for individuals to contribute to beautification efforts in their communities.

https://visualgrace.org/ -

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The Woman Behind the Art: Visual Grace artist, Kate Capato, is a Catholic Sacred Art Painter, Inspirational Speaker, and Faith-Filled Dance Choreographer who artistically brings to life truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Takeaways:

* Kate Capato is a sacred art painter focused on spreading the Catholic faith through beauty.

* Art is a means of communication that transcends words, expressing deep emotions and truths.

* Beauty is an objective value, rooted in the nature of God, and not merely subjective.

* The experience of beauty can be subjective, but its value remains constant regardless of perception.

* Churches should reflect beauty to inspire reverence and a sense of the divine.

* The influence of Protestant culture has led to a decline in the beauty of Catholic churches in America.

* Encountering true beauty can lead to a deeper relationship with God.

* Individuals can play a role in beautifying their churches through donations and commissioning art.

* The journey of creating art involves prayer, surrender, and a reliance on God's guidance.

* Beauty in art and architecture can counteract the chaos and ugliness present in modern society.

Keywords:

sacred art, beauty, Catholic faith, visual art, objectivity of beauty, mission of beauty, church architecture, art and communication, artist journey, beautification

Summary

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Father Dave Tomaszycki about his role in the Archdiocese of Detroit and his work compiling a new book by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen titled 'On the Demonic.' They discuss the themes of the book, including the nature of the demonic, the importance of the cross, and the current state of the Church. Father Dave shares insights on Fulton Sheen's legacy, the significance of maintaining a relationship with Christ, and the challenges faced by the Church today.

Purchase the Book Today!

* On the Demonic by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Compiled and Edited by Fr. Dave Tomaszycki

Purchase the book here from the St. Paul Center! - https://stpaulcenter.com/sheen/

Takeaways

* Father Dave serves as the secretary to the Archbishop of Detroit.

* The Archdiocese of Detroit has around 900,000 registered Catholics.

* Fulton Sheen's book 'On the Demonic' is a compilation of his thoughts on the subject.

* The book emphasizes the importance of the cross in understanding the demonic.

* Fulton Sheen's teachings remain relevant today, especially regarding the state of the Church.

* The demonic often manifests in society through division and conflict.

* A strong relationship with Christ is essential for overcoming the demonic.

* Fulton Sheen's media presence was significant in the 1950s and 60s.

* The importance of truth and charity in discussions about faith.

* Confession is a powerful tool against the demonic.

Keywords:

Fulton Sheen, demonic, Catholic Church, spirituality, Archbishop, Father Dave Tomaszycki, faith, cross, Eucharist, relationship

I met Tim and Danny Reckart last year at the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative’s The Hour of the Laity Conference and we had a few fantastic conversations! I wanted to keep it going and so I invited the two to talk about art, filmmaking, story, and more. Enjoy!

Who is Tim Reckart?

Timothy Reckart is an Oscar-nominated writer, director, and animator, best known for directing The Star in 2017 and the Oscar-nominated short Head Over Heels in 2012. Prior to directing, he worked as a stop motion animator, serving as a lead animator on Charlie Kaufman’s Oscar-nominated film Anomalisa and animator on Amazon’s multiple Emmy-winning preschool series Tumble Leaf. In 2015, Variety named him one of its “10 Animators To Watch.”

He holds a master’s degree in directing animation from the National Film & Television School of the UK and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard University, where he was awarded the Edward H. Potter Prize for “great enthusiasm and curiosity for truly eclectic learning.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.

Who is Danny Reckart?

Danny Reckart is a LA-based screenwriter and playwright. A graduate of NYU Tisch, Danny wrote numerous plays and musicals that were performed throughout New York City, including writing for Broken Box Mime Theater for which he won a New York Innovative Theater award. His screenplays have been recognized by the Nicholl Fellowship, the Sundance Screenwriting Lab, and the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition. He is currently in development at Dreamworks working on an animated TV show he co-created with his brother based on their childhood road trips.

Summary:

In this conversation, Will Wright speaks with Tim and Danny Reckart, two brothers who are passionate about storytelling and filmmaking. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of storytelling in conveying wisdom, and the role of art in reflecting truth. The Reckart brothers emphasize the responsibility of Catholic filmmakers to integrate their faith into their work and the need for a supportive community among artists. They also explore the current cultural landscape, noting a bifurcation in society and the challenges and opportunities it presents for Christian artists.

Takeaways:

* Storytelling is a fundamental human experience that helps us retain wisdom.

* Art serves as a medium to convey deeper truths and experiences.

* Preachiness in art often stems from poor execution rather than the message itself.

* The role of the artist is to remind audiences of truths they may have forgotten.

* Catholic filmmakers have a unique responsibility to present a counter-cultural worldview.

* Art can be a powerful tool for evangelization and cultural engagement.

* Community among Catholic artists is essential for growth and support.

* The current cultural climate presents both challenges and opportunities for Christian filmmakers.

* Art should resonate with audiences on a personal level, reflecting their own experiences.

* The Reckart brothers are launching Sycamore Studios to create family-oriented animated films rooted in their values.

Keywords

storytelling, Catholic filmmakers, art, truth, culture, animation, Reckart brothers, film industry, creativity, wisdom

Summary of the Episode

In this episode of Good Distinctions, host Will Wright interviews Mike Aquilina, co-founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and author of the book 'Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: 12 Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized'. Aquilina discusses his interest in the Fathers of the Church and his goal of providing an imaginative entry into the ancient world through his books. He highlights the importance of friendship and conversation in the spread of Christianity in ancient cities and draws parallels to the modern world's need for genuine connection. Aquilina recommends books by Robert Louis Wilken and Rodney Stark for further exploration of the early Church and the role of cities in evangelization.

Buy the Book Today - Ignatius Press

Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized - https://ignatius.com/rabbles-riots-and-ruins-rrrp/

Takeaways

* The early Christians spread the gospel through friendship and conversation, utilizing the roads and trade routes of the Roman Empire.

* The Romans had a cosmopolitan sense and were open to other peoples, cultures, and religions, which facilitated the spread of Christianity.

* The early Christians' commitment to friendship and genuine connection is a model for combating loneliness and isolation in the modern world.

* Reading the writings of the Church Fathers provides a sense of connection to the roots of Christianity and the enduring nature of the Church.

Keywords

Mike Aquilina, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Fathers of the Church, ancient cities, evangelization, friendship, conversation, early Christianity, Roman Empire

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Summary of the Episode

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Aurelio Porfiri, author of 'The Right Hand of the Lord is Exalted,' about Catholic traditionalism and its history from Vatican II to the present. They discuss the different types of traditionalism, the limitations of traditionalism, the state of the liturgy, and the need for a balanced approach to liturgical music. Porfiri emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting traditionalists, even if one does not agree with all of their views. The conversation highlights the need for a thoughtful and gradual approach to liturgical reform.

Buy the Book Today - Sophia Institute Press

The Right Hand of the Lord is Exalted: A History of Catholic Traditionalism from Vatican II to Traditionis Custodes - https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-right-hand-of-the-lord-is-exalted/

Takeaways

* There are different types of traditionalism within the Catholic Church, and it is important to understand and respect the reasons behind their beliefs and actions.

* The liturgy and sacred music play a crucial role in giving glory to God and elevating the worship experience.

* The current state of the liturgy is a cause for concern, with many churches not following the guidelines set by Vatican II.

* A balanced approach to liturgical music is needed, where both traditional and contemporary elements are present, but with a focus on the proper reverence and beauty of the liturgy.

* Liturgical reform should be approached thoughtfully and gradually, taking into account the needs and understanding of the faithful.

Keywords

Catholic traditionalism, Vatican II, liturgy, sacred music, limitations, balanced approach, liturgical music, understanding, respect, gradual reform

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Summary of the Episode

Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes discusses his new book, Spiritual Masters, Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition. He shares his journey from Boston to New Orleans and the unique Catholic culture in Louisiana. The book explores the teachings of spiritual masters throughout history and their relevance in today's world. Hughes emphasizes the importance of quiet time, understanding the human person, and embracing the challenges of the apostolic church. He also highlights the role of prayer, virtue, and suffering in the spiritual journey. The ultimate goal is to surrender our lives to the Lord and live with Him forever.

Buy the Book Today - Ignatius Press

Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition - https://ignatius.com/spiritual-masters-spmp/

This book introduces the reader to thirteen Christian spiritual classics that illustrate the ordinary steps we can take toward living the Gospel life more fully.

Drawing on the rich teaching of a particular saint or mystic, each chapter helps us grow in a different aspect of holiness, of intimacy with God. Archbishop Hughes offers an itinerary for becoming a good disciple of the Lord, giving the reader access to an impressive spiritual library that can support and strengthen progress in discipleship throughout one's life.

Among the great saints and spiritual writers whose writings are included in this book are Augustine, Anthony of the Desert, Aelred, Teresa of Avila, Benedict, Guigo, Catherine of Siena, Walter Hilton, Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Thomas à Kempis, and John of the Cross.

Takeaways

* Archbishop Hughes shares his journey and the unique Catholic culture in Louisiana.

* The book explores the teachings of spiritual masters and their relevance in today's world.

* Hughes emphasizes the importance of quiet time, understanding the human person, and embracing the challenges of the apostolic church.

* The role of prayer, virtue, and suffering in the spiritual journey is highlighted.

* The ultimate goal is to surrender our lives to the Lord and live with Him forever.

Keywords

Alfred Hughes, Spiritual Masters, Catholic Tradition, Louisiana, quiet time, human person, apostolic church, prayer, virtue, suffering, surrender

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Summary of the Episode

Father Mitch Pacwa, a Jesuit priest and biblical scholar, discusses his work at the Eternal Word Television Network and his new book on the book of Isaiah. He explains that Isaiah is often referred to as the Gospel of the Old Testament because it contains prophecies about the incarnation, the suffering of the Messiah, and the final judgment. Father Pacwa also discusses the importance of understanding the historical context of the Old Testament in order to gain perspective on the present. He emphasizes the relevance of the Old Testament and the need to study it to understand our own history and culture. In this conversation, Fr. Mitch Pacwa SJ and Will Wright discuss the broader context of the book of Isaiah and its relevance to our lives today. They explore the canonical approach to scripture and the importance of understanding the culture and politics of Isaiah's time. Fr. Pacwa emphasizes the need to have a perspective beyond the present and to discern what is from God. They also address the authorship of Isaiah and the authority of the Bible, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the biblical authors. The conversation concludes with a recommendation for further reading on the book of Isaiah and the importance of studying the liturgy.

Buy the Book Today - From TAN Books

Commentary on the Book of Isaiah: An In-Depth Look at the Gospel of the Old Testament - https://tanbooks.com/products/books/commentary-on-the-book-of-isaiah-an-in-depth-look-of-the-gospel-of-the-old-testament/

In Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.'s new book, Commentary on the Book of Isaiah, the prolific Scripture scholar unpacks the mysteries contained in this prophetic book to guide Catholics on a path of sanctity. Isaiah is undoubtedly the greatest prophet in the Old Testament. The name Isaiah means ‘God is Salvation’ which points to the main theme throughout the book. God has come to save his people and this message is what makes Isaiah a book for every Catholic to read, understand, and meditate. However, reading the Book of Isaiah is not always clear and straightforward. This commentary organizes the events and prophecies in chronological history to help the reader grasp all the grace and messages this beautiful book has to offer. This book can help us in our understanding of our faith as it traces the themes of the oneness of God, his perfections reflected in Creation, God’s punishment, the remnant, and the sending of a Messiah.

Takeaways

* Isaiah is often referred to as the Gospel of the Old Testament because it contains prophecies about the incarnation, the suffering of the Messiah, and the final judgment.

* Understanding the historical context of the Old Testament is important to gain perspective on the present.

* The Old Testament is relevant and studying it helps us understand our own history and culture. Understanding the broader context of scripture, including the culture and politics of the time, is essential for interpreting and applying its teachings.

* Having a perspective beyond the present allows us to discern what is from God and to resist the temptation to conform to the values of the culture.

* The authorship of Isaiah and the authority of the Bible are affirmed by the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the biblical authors.

* Studying the liturgy and participating actively in it can deepen our understanding of scripture and our relationship with God.

Keywords

Father Mitch Pacwa, Jesuit priest, biblical scholar, Eternal Word Television Network, book of Isaiah, Gospel of the Old Testament, prophecies, incarnation, suffering of the Messiah, final judgment, historical context, perspective, relevance, Old Testament, study, history, culture, Isaiah, scripture, canonical approach, culture, politics, perspective, discernment, authorship, authority, Holy Spirit, inspiration, liturgy

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Summary of the Episode

Dr. Richard DeClue, a professor of theology, discusses the Communio school of thought and the differences between the Communio and Concilium journals. He explains that the Communio school focuses on investigating the sources of theology, such as scripture and the church fathers, while the Concilium school adopts modern philosophies. Dr. DeClue also discusses the development of doctrine and the role of the Pope in the church, emphasizing that the Pope is not an absolute monarch but a servant of the servants of God. He explains the concept of synodality and its historical significance in the early church. The conversation explores the concept of synodality in the Catholic Church and the nature of the beatific vision. It delves into the role of synods and the importance of bishops listening to the people of God before making decisions. It also discusses the confusion surrounding the term 'synodality' and the misconception that it implies a democratic process. The conversation then shifts to the nature and grace debate, examining the question of whether the beatific vision is a natural desire or solely a supernatural gift. The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for charity and understanding in theological debates.

Takeaways

* The Communio school focuses on investigating the sources of theology, such as scripture and the church fathers.

* The Concilium school adopts modern philosophies in their work.

* The Pope is not an absolute monarch but a servant of the servants of God.

* Synodality is the collaboration between bishops at the local, regional, and universal levels.

* The Synod of Bishops is an advisory body to the Pope. Synodality emphasizes the importance of bishops listening to the people of God before making decisions.

* The term 'synodality' does not imply a democratic process in the Catholic Church.

* The nature and grace debate centers around whether the beatific vision is a natural desire or solely a supernatural gift.

* The debate between nature and grace is complex and requires charity and understanding.

* The Word on Fire Institute and the Evangelization and Culture Journal are valuable resources for theological discussions.

Who is Richard DeClue, S.Th.D.?

Dr. Richard DeClue is a systematic theologian and Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute. He earned degrees in theology at Belmont Abbey College (BA) and The Catholic University of America (STB, STL, and SThD). Both his STL thesis and doctoral dissertation focused on the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, particularly on his ecclesiology and theology of divine revelation, respectively. Additionally, he has published articles on Benedict XVI in Communio, Nova et Vetera, and Evangelization & Culture.

Keywords

Communio, Concilium, theology, sources, philosophy, development of doctrine, Pope, synodality, synodality, Catholic Church, beatific vision, nature and grace, theological debates

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It was a joy to sit down with Mark Brumley, the President of Ignatius Press to discuss this fantastic meditations book featuring the work of Pope Benedict XVI.

Summary of the Episode

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Mark Brumley, the president of Ignatius Press, about a new book titled 'God is Ever New: Meditations on Life, Love, and Freedom' by Pope Benedict XVI. The book is a collection of excerpts from various writings of Pope Benedict, including homilies, audiences, and encyclicals. Brumley highlights the accessibility and clarity of Pope Benedict's writing, emphasizing that he communicates the stakes and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. They discuss the themes of love, reason, and the event of encountering God in the book, as well as Pope Benedict's devotion to prayer and his human side. Brumley suggests that the book is suitable for Eucharistic adoration and morning devotional time.

Takeaways

* The book 'God is Ever New' is a collection of excerpts from various writings of Pope Benedict XVI, including homilies, audiences, and encyclicals.

* Pope Benedict's writing is accessible and clear, communicating the stakes and the transformative power of encountering Jesus.

* The book explores themes of love, reason, and the event of encountering God.

* Pope Benedict's devotion to prayer and his human side are evident in his writings.

* The book is suitable for Eucharistic adoration and morning devotional time.

Purchase the Book Today!

God is Ever New: Meditations on Life, Love, and Freedom - Pope Benedict XVI

Keywords:

Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius Press, book, meditations, life, love, freedom, theology, encounter, Jesus, God, reason, event, Eucharistic adoration, morning devotional

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Summary of the Episode

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Fran Maier, author of 'True Confessions, Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church.' They discuss the process of writing the book, the candid interviews with bishops and other individuals in the Catholic Church, and the perception of the Church in the media. Maier emphasizes the importance of listening to the views of those who are actively involved in the Church and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Church as perceived by the interviewees. The conversation also touches on the issue of sex abuse in the Church and the need for accountability in all institutions. The conversation covers various themes, including the candidness and love for the Church displayed by interviewees in the book. It explores the challenges and opportunities facing American Catholicism, the impact of social media on extremism, and the importance of finding the virtuous middle. The conversation also touches on the role of active listening, the need for nuance in discussions, and the power of lay apostolates. The book's interviews with laypeople, especially women, are highlighted as particularly insightful. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of humility and supporting others in their work.

Buy a copy of the book today:

From Ignatius Press: https://ignatius.com/true-confessions-tch/

Takeaways

* The book 'True Confessions' provides a snapshot of the Catholic Church in the 21st century through candid interviews with bishops, clergy, and laypeople.

* The interviewees express their views on the strengths and weaknesses of the Church, offering a balanced perspective.

* The issue of sex abuse in the Church is acknowledged, but it is also highlighted that the Church has taken significant steps to address and prevent such abuse.

* The media often portrays the Church in a negative light, and it is important to consider a broader perspective and not solely focus on the Church's shortcomings.

* The book emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of those actively involved in the Church and recognizing the positive contributions of lay apostolates. Candidness motivated by love for the Church leads to interesting insights.

* American Catholicism faces challenges but also has a strong Biblical leaven.

* Social media can amplify extremism and the need for finding the virtuous middle.

* Active listening and seeking to understand others' perspectives is crucial.

* Nuance and prudence are essential in discussions and approaching complex issues.

* Lay apostolates play a significant role in the Church's mission.

* Women's perspectives in the Church are particularly valuable and feminine.

* Humility and supporting others are important virtues in Christian discipleship.

Keywords

Catholic Church, interviews, bishops, perception, media, strengths, weaknesses, sex abuse, accountability, candidness, love for the Church, American Catholicism, social media, extremism, virtuous middle, active listening, nuance, lay apostolates, women, humility

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