Your conscience: how you can follow it & Christ (& why you should!)

by | Jun 13, 2022

What do you do when you find yourself in disagreement with a Church teaching or decision? Many Catholics find themselves in this place at some point in their life of faith and some spend their entire lives there. This conflict can be deeply uncomfortable. It’s even more difficult when this teaching or discipline makes tangible demands on your life or when you are convinced that this teaching or discipline is actually harmful to the Church or to people in your life.

In this episode, Paul and Dominic dive into a discussion about conscience and disagreeing with the Church. They talk about some of the faulty beliefs they have had about conscience and then turn to what the Church actually teaches about it. Finally, they end with some ideas on how to navigate disagreement with the Church.

Read more: https://wherepeteris.com/disagreeing-with-the-church/

“We can wonder if God is demanding too much of us, asking for a decision which we are not yet prepared to make. This leads many people to stop taking pleasure in the encounter with God’s word; but this would mean forgetting that no one is more patient than God our Father, that no one is more understanding and willing to wait. He always invites us to take a step forward, but does not demand a full response if we are not yet ready. He simply asks that we sincerely look at our life and present ourselves honestly before him, and that we be willing to continue to grow, asking from him what we ourselves cannot as yet achieve.” Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium, 153).

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00:00 Introduction
1:48 Misunderstandings about conscience
8:00 Secret core and sanctuary
13:00 Formation of conscience
25:47 How can conscience error
29:36 We must follow our conscience
37:18 Disagreeing with the Church

ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION – Season 1: Episode 4
Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation.

SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERS
Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!

ABOUT PAUL FAHEY
Paul lives in Michigan with my wife, Kristina, and four kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what I love: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. https://pfahey.com/

ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA
SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. https://smartcatholics.com

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SUPPORTERS: WherePeterIs
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ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICS
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your one friend you think would really like to see it. Come and regroup with us in the free, Catholic community on smartcatholics.com
We’re free of trolls and ads and toxicity, faithful to the Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church, and committed to a culture of kindness and learning.

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Paul Fahey

Paul Fahey, the founder of Father’s Heart Academy, is a lay minister and catechist with over eight years of experience. He is a retreat leader, catechist formator, writer, creator of the Pope Francis Generation podcast, and a co-founder of Where Peter Is. He holds an undergraduate degree in Theology and is currently in a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. See Paul's Posts
Father's Heart Academy
Season 4 Wrap Up

Season 4 Wrap Up

This week, Paul and Dominic wrap up the season by reflecting back on some of the interviews and discussions this summer that have stuck with them. They specifically bring up the interview with Dr. Marcus Mescher and his proposal that there needs to be a new way of doing Church in order to address all the harm caused by the culture of institutional self-protection in the Church. They discuss if synodality is that new way of doing Church.

“In effect, doctrine, or better, our understanding and expression of it, is not a closed system, devoid of the dynamic capacity to pose questions, doubts, inquiries. The questions of our people, their suffering, their struggles, their dreams, their trials and their worries, all possess an interpretational value that we cannot ignore if we want to take the principle of the incarnation seriously. Their wondering helps us to wonder, their questions question us” (Gaudete et Exsultate 44).

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.popefrancisgeneration.com

JOIN FATHERS HEART ACADEMY
Discover the truth and hope of Church teachings through a study of magisterial documents, access to Paul Fahey’s podcasts and articles, and a supportive community of learners.
https://fathersheartacademy.com

ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION
Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation.

SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERS
Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!

ABOUT PAUL FAHEY
Paul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. https://pfahey.com/

ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA
SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. https://smartcatholics.com

SUPPORTERS: WherePeterIs
https://wherepeteris.com/

ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICS
Come and join Paul and me in SmartCatholics, the free online community for Catholic millennials, creators, and learners who want faithful conversations that are unafraid of doubts and questions, plus we’re free of trolls and ads and toxicity.
Join: https://smartcatholics.com
Donate: https://smartcatholics.com/donate
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Marcus Mescher – Moral Injury and Clerical Sexual Abuse

Marcus Mescher – Moral Injury and Clerical Sexual Abuse

This week, Paul interviews Dr. Marcus Mescher, an associate professor of Christian ethics at Xavier University. They discuss a new research about moral injury and clerical sexual abuse that Marcus published. First Marcus explains what moral injury is and the way that it impacts a person’s psychological health as well as their conscience. Marcus then talks about the implications of this research and how we can better understand the impact of clerical sexual abuse on individual people and the wider Church.

Dr. Marcus Mescher is associate professor of Christian ethics. He holds a Ph.D. from Boston College and specializes in Catholic social teaching and moral formation. His
research and writing concentrate in the following areas: human dignity and rights; social/environmental justice for the global common good; how moral agency is impacted by cultural context and digital technology; the moral dimensions of friendship; sexual justice and the ethics of marriage and family life; liberation theology and inclusive solidarity; healing the psychological, spiritual, social, and moral harm caused by clergy abuse. Dr. Mescher has written dozens of popular and academic articles. His current research and writing focus on mental health and moral injury.

LINKS

Measuring & Exploring Moral Injury Caused by Clergy Sexual Abuse:
https://www.xavier.edu/moral-injury-report/

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.popefrancisgeneration.com

JOIN FATHERS HEART ACADEMY
Discover the truth and hope of Church teachings through a study of magisterial documents, access to Paul Fahey’s podcasts and articles, and a supportive community of learners.
https://fathersheartacademy.com

ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION
Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation.

SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERS
Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!

ABOUT PAUL FAHEY
Paul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. https://pfahey.com/

ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA
SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. https://smartcatholics.com

SUPPORTERS: WherePeterIs
https://wherepeteris.com/

ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICS
Come and join Paul and me in SmartCatholics, the free online community for Catholic millennials, creators, and learners who want faithful conversations that are unafraid of doubts and questions, plus we’re free of trolls and ads and toxicity.
Join: https://smartcatholics.com
Donate: https://smartcatholics.com/donate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartcatholics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartcathol…

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Dawn Eden Goldstein – Antisemitism in the Church

Dawn Eden Goldstein – Antisemitism in the Church

This week, Dominic and Paul talk with author and theologian, Dawn Eden Goldstein. They discuss the presence, both historical and ongoing, of antisemitism in the Catholic Church. Specifically, Dawn speaks about a talk she gave two years ago for the Society of G.K. Chesterton concerning Chesterton’s antisemitic writings. Dawn talks about how Catholics today need to honestly acknowledge and wrestle with the sins of their heroes.

Dawn Eden Goldstein is the author of “Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.’s Spiritual Sponsor” and several other books, including “The Thrill of the Chaste” and “My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints.” Together, her books have sold more than sixty thousand copies worldwide in ten languages.

Dr. Goldstein began her working life as a rock-and-roll historian and went on to editorial positions at the New York Post and the Daily News before publishing her first book in 2006. In 2016, she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. She has taught at universities and seminaries in the United States, England, and India. Today she lives in Washington, DC, where she recently received a degree in canon law at the Catholic University of America.

LINKS

Talk for the Society of G.K. Chesterton: “Chesterton and My Jewish/Catholic Journey”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF1dsQIcqNI&t=1s

Recap of that Chesterton talk: https://dawneden.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-chesterton-essay-so-offensive-that.html

Father Ed: The Story of Bill W’s Spiritual Sponsor: https://orbisbooks.com/products/father-ed-the-life-of-bill-w-s-spiritual-sponsor

Archbishop Kevin Rhoades, “Friendship with Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters”: https://todayscatholic.org/friendship-with-our-jewish-brothers-and-sisters/

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.popefrancisgeneration.com

JOIN FATHERS HEART ACADEMY
Discover the truth and hope of Church teachings through a study of magisterial documents, access to Paul Fahey’s podcasts and articles, and a supportive community of learners.
https://fathersheartacademy.com

ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION
Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation.

SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERS
Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!

ABOUT PAUL FAHEY
Paul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. https://pfahey.com/

ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA
SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. https://smartcatholics.com

SUPPORTERS: WherePeterIs
https://wherepeteris.com/

ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICS
Come and join Paul and me in SmartCatholics, the free online community for Catholic millennials, creators, and learners who want faithful conversations that are unafraid of doubts and questions, plus we’re free of trolls and ads and toxicity.
Join: https://smartcatholics.com
Donate: https://smartcatholics.com/donate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartcatholics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartcathol…

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