Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

Michel Houellebecq’s “Annihilation” with Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill

In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.

Józef Tischner’s Philosophy of Drama with Artur Rosman

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience.
As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker.
Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.

Theology of Work: Theology of the Body, Part II with D.C. Schindler

In this episode, D.C. Schindler elaborates on why he sees a theology of work as the second part of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Perceptions of work are not theologically neutral. The Greeks and Jews had different perceptions of work. Schindler claims Christianity is a synthesis of both but sees modernity as a distortion of the Christian synthesis. Learn more how to retrieve a healthy understanding of work and its role in the brave new world of A.I..

The Synod, the Election, & the Beauty of Rome with Larry Chapp

Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.

European Catholicism, Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński, and JP2’s Legacy in Poland with Filip Mazurczak

The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society”  https://aroucapress.com/wyszynski . Later in the discussion, we talk about the state of the Church in Europe and some recent attacks on the legacy of JP2 by the Polish Left.

The Novel and the Real with Joshua Hren

In this episode, we are joined by novelist and critic, Joshua Hren, to discuss his new novel Blue Walls Falling Down. The novel has already received much praise. Publisher Angelico Press describes the novel as follows:
“Written with a style and sensibility that have been compared to David Foster Wallace and Dostoevsky, James Joyce and Saul Bellow, Blue Walls Falling Down chronicles the eternal questions that agitate our subterranean frequencies and demand more than the human spirit can give or answer alone."
In addition to discussing the novel, Andrew and Joshua explore the place of the novel in art and the role the novelist plays in capturing in words the depths of reality. Learn more about Joshua Hren and his writings at his website.

Death and Eschatology with Andrew T.J. Kaethler

"The last things all hinge on death. Death is the passage that leads to judgment, purgatory, resurrection, and so forth,” writes theologian Andrew T.J. Kaethler, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Catholic Pacific College, in his recent article “Eschatology: Dying to Live.” In this episode, we discuss with Prof. Kaethler this article and his book The Eschatological Person: Alexander Schmemann and Joseph Ratzinger in Dialogue.

Secularism and Catholic higher education in America with Rodney Howsare

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Rodney Howsare, a professor of theology, to discuss his recent thought-provoking article in Catholic World Report titled "Secularism and Catholic Higher Education in America.”
Dr. Howsare explores the challenges facing Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S., as they navigate an increasingly secular culture and how secularism has, in many respects, become the “social imaginary” of Catholic schools, distorting religion into a voluntary, private affair. Dr. Howsare points us beyond this social imaginary and to a better idea of religion.

On Nationalism and the West with Nathan Pinkoski

Nathan Pinkoski delves into his thought-provoking perspectives on the intersections of religion, culture, and politics. Pinkoski discusses his recent talk, “Catholicism and the Necessity of Nationalism,” where he explores the crucial role of Catholicism in shaping national identity and its potential to revitalize a sense of community and purpose in the modern world.
The conversation also touches on his provocative articles, “The Spiritual Death of the West” and “Fukuyama vs. Fukuyama.” Pinkoski analyzes the profound spiritual and cultural crises facing Western civilization, examining how secularism and the abandonment of tradition have led to a deeper existential void. Furthermore, he offers a critical take on Francis Fukuyama’s evolving views on liberalism and the end of history, providing insightful commentary on the ideological shifts that have shaped the contemporary political landscape.
Nathan is an assistant professor at Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.

Catholicism and the Crisis of Identity with John Milbank

In this interview, we sit down with renowned theologian and philosopher, John Milbank, to discuss his recent article in the Catholic Herald, "Taking Stock of the UK Riots: Catholicism and the Crisis of Anglo-Celtic Identity." Milbank delves into the underlying cultural and spiritual crises that he believes have contributed to the social unrest and identity struggles in the UK.