The Josias Podcast

Our hosts, Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda, are joined by Pater Edmund and Fr. Joseph Hudson, OSB for a conversation about the role of the ordo amoris in Catholic intellectual tradition. Fr. Joseph Hudson, a Benedictine priest of Clear Creek Abbey, studied philosophy before entering the cloister in 2008. In 2019 he went to Rome … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLVIII: Ordo Amoris"

Our hosts, Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda, are joined by Fr. Justin Cinnante, O.Carm., for a conversation about relics, their power and significance, and the full story of how Fr. Justin came to bless and present President Donald Trump with a relic of the True Cross. Fr. Justin is a Carmelite priest and serves as … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLVII: Relics"

In this month of November, dedicated to the holy souls in Purgatory, our hosts, Amanda and Fr. Jon Tveit, are joined by Fr. Michael Barone, for a conversation about death, the importance of the funeral rite, cremation, and how today's culture seeks to keep distant our own mortality. Fr. Barone serves as a Cemetery Chaplain … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLVI: Memento mori"

Our Editor, Fr. Jon Tveit, is joined on the podcast by Michael Thomas—the motivating force behind the new Catholic Land Movement—for a conversation about the Catholic Land Movement's inspiration, purpose, and how puts that into practice. You may follow Michael Thomas on (the website formerly known as) Twitter, @MichaelTG09. Bibliography Header Image: Eastman Johnson, Husking Bee, … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLV: Catholic Land Movement"

For the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda are joined on the podcast by James Monti, author and historian, for a conversation on the life and example of St. Thomas More. Bibliography Header Image: A follower of Hans Holbein the Younger, Sir Thomas More (1600s) If you have … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLIV: St. Thomas More"

As May—the month of Our Lady—comes to a close, Matthew Walther, editor of The Lamp Magazine, joins Amanda and Fr. Jon Tveit for a conversation on St. John Henry Newman and Our Blessed Mother. Bibliography Header Image: Sir John Everett Millais, John Henry Newman (1881) If you have questions or comments, please send them to … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLIII: St. John Henry Newman on the Blessed Virgin Mary"

Urban Hannon returns to the podcast to join Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda for a conversation about the virtue of religion—what it is theologically, and what it demands practically of us and our society.

Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda are joined by Deacon Harrison Garlick and Chris Ruckdeschel for a discussion on education, avoiding the pitfalls of the “Great Books,” and recovering the classical liberal arts. Bibliography Header Image: Francesco Pesellino, Seven Liberal Arts (c. 1450) If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XLI: Education"

Fr. Jon Tveit and Amanda are joined by Gideon Lazar for a conversation on Pope Francis' Laudate Deum and a Catholic approach to environmentalism. You may follow Gideon on (the website formerly known as) Twitter, @ByzCat. Bibliography Header Image: George Inness, The Old Mill (1849) If you have questions or comments, please send them to … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XL: Laudate Deum"

In his final episode (pre-recorded prior to entering seminary), Urban Hannon is joined by Nathaniel Gotcher and special guest Prof. Philip Bess, for a discussion about the theological and philosophical foundations of urbanism—and how we should think about urban form. Prof. Philip Bess is a Professor at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XXXIX: Urbanism"

Urban Hannon is joined by Lauren Onak for a conversation about the American Solidarity Party, third-party politics, and harmonizing political with spiritual. Lauren is the American Solidarity Party's Vice Presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Bibliography Header Image: A Pelican Feeding her Young, Ms. Ludwig XV 3 (83.MR.173), fol. 72 (c. 1270). If you have … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XXXVIII: American Solidarity Party"

Urban Hannon is joined by Zac Mabry and Amanda for a conversation about the most memed and screened double feature of the year. Bibliography If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Many thanks to our generous supporters on Patreon, who enable us to pay for podcast hosting. If you have … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XXXVII: Barbenheimer"

Archduke Eduard of Austria, of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta, joins Urban Hannon for a conversation on Bl. Karl of Austria, his family, and his most recent book: The Habsburg Way.  Eduard Habsburg's book, The Habsburg Way: 7 Rules for Turbulent Times, is available … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XXXVI: Eduard Habsburg on Bl. Karl of Austria"

Thomistic theology is rarely associated with liturgical prayer. So, in this episode, Urban Hannon turns the conversation toward St Thomas Aquinas' mystagogy of the Mass—that is, his theological teaching on the meaning and purpose of its various rites. The handout mentioned in the episode may be found here. Bibliography Header Image: Detail from ‘Mass of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XXXV: Thomistic Mystagogy"

Urban Hannon is joined by Ed and Pat Smith for a conversation about Charles De Koninck's unpublished course notes on the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche.  Bibliography Header Image: Frans Francken the Younger, Mankind's Eternal Dilemma – The Choice Between Virtue and Vice (1633). If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXXIV: De Koninck on Nietzsche"

Urban Hannon is joined by Fr. Hugh Barbour, O.Praem., of St. Michael's Abbey, and Fr. Jon Tveit for a conversation on Charles De Koninck's work, Ego Sapientia: The Wisdom That Is Mary. Bibliography Header Image: Nicholas of Verdun, The Annunciation panel, Klosterneuburg (Verduner) Altar (1181), Stift Klosterneuburg. If you have questions or comments, please send them … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXXIII: Ego Sapientia"

In his inaugural episode as Editor, Urban Hannon is joined by Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Pater Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist. for a conversation about our Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bibliography Header Image: Fra Angelico, Mocking of Christ (Cell 7) (1440-42). If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXXII: Jesus Christ"

Urban Hannon, Matthew Walther, and the Rev. Jon Tveit join Pater Edmund to discuss the life, death, and writings of Pope Benedict XVI. Bibliography Jon Tveit, “The Liturgy and Society” The Josias. Jonathan Culbreath, “Her Sacred Enterprise: Liturgy and the Common Good” Peregrine Magazine”. Joseph Ratzinger, The Yes of Jesus Christ: Exercises in Faith, Hope, … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXXI: Pope Benedict XVI"

Urban Hannon's “The Politics of Hell,” narrated by James T. Majewski of Catholic Culture Audiobooks. Header Image: Neil Packer. If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Many thanks to our generous supporters on Patreon, who enable us to pay for podcast hosting. If you have not yet joined them, please … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Special Episode: The Politics of Hell"

Pater Edmund speaks with Pater Ælred Maria Anthony John Howard Davies, Subprior of Stift Heiligenkreuz, about the late Queen Elizabeth II. Music: Henry Purcell, Thou Knowest, Lord  If you have questions or comments, please send them to editors(at)thejosias.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Many thanks to our generous supporters on Patreon, who enable us to pay for podcast hosting. … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXX: Queen Elizabeth II"

Contributors to The Josias and Ius & Iusitium pick their favorite movies and discuss them.  The result of the draft: To vote for a winner click here. Bibliography Tertullian, De Spectaculis (On the Shows) John Francis Nieto, A Study of Film. Music: Max Steiner, “Tara Theme” from Gone with the Wind.  If you have questions … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXIX: The Movies"

Do rights exist, or are they moral fictions? What is the significance of the distinction between objective and subjective rights? In this lecture, Pater Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist. Gives an account of rights and their relation to the common good. Bibliography and Links Hispanus, Petrus. “Notes on Right and Law.” The Josias (2017). Legge, Dominic O.P. … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Special Episode: Lecture on Rights"

The debate on socialism continues, with Pater Edmund playing the socialist and Alan Fimister taking the anti-socialist side. Joel is joined by Chris to moderate the discussion. Bibliography and Links Leo XIII, Rerum novarum (1891) Pius XI, Quadragesimo anno (1931) Ernest Fortin, “Sacred and Inviolable: Rerum Novarum and Natural Rights“ Karl Marx, Theories of Surplus Value, ch. 9 Beatrice … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXVIII: Socialism (Part 2)"

Alan Fimister comes on the podcast to debate socialism with Pater Edmund. For the purposes of the debate, Pater Edmund takes the socialist side, arguing that the injustices of modern capitalism, which orders all things to the private interests of capitalists, requires the adoption of socialism to subordinate economic matters to the common good of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXVII: Socialism (Part 1)"

Historicism seems to be a challenge to an integralist account of politics, because it denies that there is an unchanging truth about the human good accessible to our minds. In this episode the editors talk to Felix de St. Vincent and Brett Favras about Collingwood's historicism, Leo Strauss's critique of Collingwood, and Alasdair MacIntyre's much … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXVI: Historicism"

Our new technical editor, Chris, moderates a discussion with the editors of questions raised by our listeners. Nota bene: In the discussion of distributism at the 1:10 mark when Pater Edmund said “that's what integralism is all about” he meant to say “thats what distributism is all about.” A slip of the tongue. Bibliography and Links Joel … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXV: Questions & Answers"

Prof. Thomas Pink joins the editors to discuss Thomas Hobbes's radical rejection of the scholastic understanding of law as a coercive teacher, and the anti-integralist motives behind that rejection. Bibliography Thomas Pink, “Suarez on Authority as Coercive Teacher,” Quaestio (2019). Petrus Hispanus, “Notes on Right and Law,” The Josias (2017). Music: J.S. Bach, Schafe Können sicher weiden … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXIV: Hobbes vs. Suárez on Coercion"

The editors discuss Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Libertas praestantissimum, on the true nature of liberty—both natural and moral—and on the errors of the liberals. Bibliography Pope Leo XIII, Libertas praestantissimum (1888). Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist., “Contrasting Concepts of Freedom,” The Josias (2016). Music: Gustav Mahler, Lied Des Verfolgten Im Turm, from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Performed by … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXIII: Liberty: the Highest of Natural Endowments"

The encyclicals Deus caritas est and Spe salvi raise two opposite objections against Christianity:  Christian love seems too altruistic, opposed to one's own happiness; while  Christian hope seems too egoistic, opposed to proper concern for temporal society. The editors discuss these objections with New Testament scholar John Kincaid. They argue that a true understanding of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXII: Love, Hope, and Integralism in the New Testament"

We live in a society in which the few live in excess, while the many live in miserable and wretched conditions. We live in a society in which the poor are defenseless against the inhumanity of employers and the unbridled greed of competitors. We live in a society in which these evils are compounded by … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XXI: We Live in a Society"

Continuing a series of reflections on important 20th century critiques of modernity and liberalism that has included episodes on Alasdair MacIntyre's After Virtue and Leo Strauss's Natural Right and History, the editors are joined again by Gabriel Sanchez to discuss Eric Voegelin's The New Science of Politics. They discuss Voegelin's critique of positivism, the problem of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XX: Eric Voegelin"

Justice, according to St. Thomas, is the perpetual and constant will to render each one his right. Distributive justice, commutative justice, potential parts, quasi-integral parts, debt, cannibalism—in this episode, the editors cover it all. Bibliography Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, IIa IIae qq. 58, 61, 79, 80 Plato, The Republic, especially Book I Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XIX: Justice"

The Josias Editors discuss punishment and the good of order in a teleological universe. Bibliography Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II-II Q. 60; II-II Q 64, A 2; II-II Q. 108. Plato, Gorgias. Music: “Bin ich nun frei Wirklich frei,” Das Rheingold, Richard Wagner. Vienna Philharmonic, George Solti, Gustav Neidlinger as Alberich. Header Image: Alberich, by … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XVIII: Revenge"

Does natural law demand a world government? Bibliography Pope Pius XI, Ubi Arcano, 1922. Henri Grenier, World Government is Required by Natural Law, The Josias, 2015. Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist., Secularized Fraternity or Solidarity and the Failure of the European Union, Sancrucensis, 2016. Idem, French Nationalism, The Karlskirche, the Empire, and the Meaning of Europe, Sancrucensis, … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XVII: Empire"

The editors are joined by special guest Daniel to discuss the Resurrection of Christ. Along the way they explore what it means for Christ to be New Adam, the necessity and fittingness of the Resurrection, and the meaning of the Resurrection both as the cause of the order of human society and the principle of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XVI: The Resurrection of Christ and the Society of the Blessed"

The editors return and deconstruct integralism by taking on the post-structuralism of Jacques Derrida, but in the end discover they were metaphysicians all along. Along the way, the discussion veers into Nietzsche, 19th century interpretations of Bach, internet meme culture, vaccinations and the anti-vax movement, Jacob Klein, David Foster Wallace, and so much more. Bibliography … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XV: Deconstructing Integralism"

A familiar voice returns after a long absence. Three voices discuss what it means to be brave, the cowardice of Dr. Proudie, the softness of clerics more generally, the brilliance of Monteverdi, and the exquisite comedy of Plato's Laches. Bibliography Saint Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, IIa-IIae 123-140. Plato, Laches. Josef Pieper, The Four Cardinal Virtues. … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XIV: The Virtue of Fortitude"

«To reject natural right is tantamount to saying that all right is positive right, and this means that what is right is determined exclusively by the legislators and the courts of the various countries. Now it is obviously meaningful, and sometimes even necessary, to speak of “unjust” laws or “unjust” decisions. In passing such judgments … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XIII: Leo Strauss"

In which, your hosts take aim at Frederick II (the other Frederick II), and discuss Prudence as truth and the distinction between false and true Prudence. Along the way they also touch on: Prudence as the Queen of the virtues; why Arnold Schoenberg (!) was a good artist; legalistic American bureaucrats in post-war Germany; and why … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast Episode XII: Prudence as Truth"

In which your editors get brain worms, join a Bayou death cult, discover why they are “all like that,” achieve the goods internal to the practice of podcasting, and still find time to discuss Alasdair MacIntyre's seminal work, After Virtue.  Links The Josias Podcast, Episode VIII: Virtue  Felix de St. Vincent and Brett Favras, Integralism, … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode XI: After Virtue"

Honking geese, Byzantine chariot racing, and a rousing discussion of the deep and essential connection between the liturgy and the common good—in this episode, your hosts are joined by Jonathan Culbreath and Doctor Peter Kwasniewski. Along the way, they discuss the liturgy as focal point for the common good in the church and in secular … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode X: Liturgy and the Common Good"

How ought we to think of our common life as human beings created in the image of God? Do our modern habits of thought prevent us from understanding what was going on in the Middle Ages? And more importantly: can the Middle Ages help us to escape the errors embedded in our common life today … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode IX: Before Church and State"

A freewheeling discussion in which our editors have a very TAC moment  discussing the connection of the music of the spheres and the virtues, and then set out to discuss Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, but somehow talk more about Plato. Important topics are covered such as, how much virtue does it take to refrain from throwing … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode VIII: Basic Concepts – Virtue"

That Christ died for our sins is at the heart of of the Christian faith: “For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3). But what does it mean that He died for our sins? How did Christ's … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode VII: Atonement and Salvation"

Historian and theologian Alan Fimister joins the editors to discuss whether Pope Leo XIII was right to ask French Catholics to recognize the Third Republic. And more generally: does political engagement in modern parliamentary politics engender liberalism in Catholics? What form of government is best anyway? Alan defends the Lancastrian theory of the English Constitution as … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode VI: Ralliement"

Restlessly seek power after power ceasing only in death, or just try to be a little crueler every day? Wherein the gang flows along the surface of life's path as they please; unleash Newman's critique of political liberalism; ponder what it means for liberal education that Basil and Julian were fellow-students at the schools of … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode V: Liberalism (Part 2)"

  The philosophers have only interpreted liberals in various ways. The point, however, is to own them. Wherein liberalism is said in many ways, and revealed in Strauss's war on the Redemptorists, and whether or not the Abbot of Heiligenkreuz should have the power of life or death over local peasants. The hosts are joined by … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode V: Liberalism (Part 1)"

Building off our previous conversation, this episode (iTunes, Google Play) takes the question of nature and natural ends more into the modern era. What's going on with natural order in the work of modern philosophers like Descartes, Hume, and Kant? What should we think about all of this? What does Pope Francis say? We promise it won't … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode IV: Nature, Natural Ends, and the Enlightenment (Part 2)"

Do rocks have purpose? Are they essentially headed somewhere? What about plants? Humans? The stars? In part one of this episode (iTunes, Google Play) we touch on a bunch of questions related to the idea that the universe is ordered and things have intrinsic ends. The episode kicks off with some awesome music taken from the … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode IV: Nature, Natural Ends, and the Enlightenment (Part 1)"

What does it mean for something to be someone's “right”? What is “a right”? Turns out “right” and “law” are closer in meaning than you might think. Joined by a guest, in this episode (iTunes, Google Play) we cover the main points of classical and modern rights theory. Along the way we'll talk about Spanish painters, … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode III: Basic Concepts – Right, Rights, and the Law"

Antiliberalism? Illiberalism? Crypto-neo-facsco-socialist-theocracy? In this episode (iTunes, Google Play), we discuss a variety of jargon terms used to describe different schools of Catholic political thought. And we talk about Freemasons. And Mozart. And Sicilian uprisings. And many other things. We had so much fun we just kept going for 90 minutes, so pace yourself, dear listener. … Continue reading "The Josias Podcast, Episode II: Basic Concepts – Integralism"