Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden13 Jun 2025

Bonus Roundtable: On Discernment: Three Approaches

Have a question for Bishop Erik Varden? Bonus Roundtable Discussion - On Discernment: Three Approaches

Join us for a special bonus roundtable discussion in Desert Fathers in a Year with host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90, alongside Adam, Doyle, and Jared. In this episode, we dive into Abba Anthony’s profound teaching on the three bodily movements related to lust: natural, fueled by overindulgence, and demonic. The panel unpacks the Desert Fathers’ timeless wisdom, exploring how these distinctions reveal the battle for chastity, the role of technology in amplifying temptation, and the power of discernment in fatherhood and faith. Discover practical ways to guard your environment and live virtuously.

Key Topics Covered:

Abba Anthony’s three bodily movements: natural, overindulgence-driven, and demonic
The psychological and spiritual insights of the Desert Fathers on human sexuality
How demons exploit disordered desires to break communion and fruitfulness
The role of fasting and asceticism in combating addiction, backed by modern science
Practical discernment for fathers to guide sons toward virtuous manhood
Overcoming modern temptations by guarding your environment and media consumption

Why Listen?

This dynamic discussion offers deep insights into battling lust and living freely in Christ, perfect for men and women seeking spiritual growth, practical faith, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Learn how to apply Anthony’s wisdom to modern challenges like technology and fatherhood.

Announcements:

Submit your questions for Bishop Erik Varden’s upcoming Q&A in July at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
Join the Kings of Summer Challenge on the Exodus 90 app, meditating on King David and Christian kings to embrace your baptismal call.

Subscribe for weekly episodes and share this podcast to explore the Desert Fathers’ wisdom with Bishop Erik Varden!

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(78)

Episode 53: Reflection Upon the Desert Journey

In episode 53, join Jamie Baxter of Exodus 90 and Bishop Erik Varden for a conversation all about filming Desert Fathers, what they learned, how the writings of the Desert Fathers have impacted them, ...

3 Jan 38min

Episode 52: The World in a Ray of Sun

In the dark of night, while the monastery slept, St. Benedict kept vigil.Standing at his window, he watched a light descend from heaven, brighter than the day itself.And in that light, he saw somethin...

1 Jan 13min

Episode 51: Thunderstruck

Imagine a voice that shakes the heavens. A light that makes you radiant from within.That’s what St. Benedict wants us to experience.This week, we hear about the divine thunder and deifying light that ...

17 Des 202514min

Episode 50: Facing the City, Leaving It

St. Benedict saw the world differently. Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more.Once he grew up and could make his own decisions, he sought only what would last: God.In this week’...

10 Des 202514min

Episode 49: From Egypt to Italy

Imagine a narrow cave. A little bell to signal a visitor. A rope lowered to bring food.Alone, fasting, praying… Benedict spent three years here preparing for his sacred mission.In this episode, we vi...

3 Des 202513min

Episode 48: Endure Your Mind

What should we do with intrusive, impure thoughts?The more we try to push them away, the harder they seem to stick.If only we had a mental delete button. It’s exhausting to feel like our own minds are...

25 Nov 202513min

Episode 47: Modes of Combat

Abba Netras thrived in the desert. Life was simple. His soul was at peace.Then the Church called him to be a bishop in the city. Suddenly his quiet life was over.How did Bishop Netras respond?This wee...

18 Nov 202512min

Episode 46: No Angel

Work can seem dull at times. Didn't God create us to praise Him, instead? That seems much preferred to work. Practical life, it can seem, gets in the way of the spiritual life. If only we could live l...

11 Nov 202513min