What is Postmodernism?

What is postmodernism? What gave rise to it, what are its main characteristics, and how should Catholics assess it? In this episode, Bishop Barron and Brandon discuss the postmodern turn and its results.

A listener asks, is it impossible for some people to believe in God?

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[lailanify]

Bishop B., did you just deconstruct deconstructionism? I love listening to you. Keep sharing your wisdom!

[siowat]

I stand as living testimony that God can overcome an inability to believe. I was a vehement atheist well into my 40's (following a Christian upbringing), I returned to Christ when I came to the end of myself. I thank God that He came for me.

[ricobonifacio]

I'm a protestant that is thinking about joining the catholic church. But all I hear on the calvinst and baptist etc videos is how Catholics are going to hell etc etc. But they say that about many of their own protestant brothers because they don't believe how they do. That's mainly the reason I want to leave Protestantism is the division. But I also dont want to do something against what God wants me to do. I need prayers to point me in the right direction.

[mikedipeppino]

Coincidental, but I woke up very early today and decided to enjoy a cigar and watch this episode.

[mini_worx]

Although I'm an atheist, I truly appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. Thank you.

[josephgonzales]

Excellent discussion because of its discriminating intellectual character. Postmodernism is anti-foundationalism. Its most characteristic and defining expression is deconstruction. I would say Marx more than anyone else in intellectual history lies at the origin of deconstruction. He deconstructed social history and then recreated it, reconstructing it and transforming it into economic and political ideology. His influence is extreme.

[the_river_acheron]

I came to the idea of Post Modernism through Art. I remember sitting in lecture and discussion as we took post modern art seriously and I went along, wanting to understand the term and movement. I can understand the ideas behind post modern work and occasionally the art would be interesting, but I couldn't get behind the idea of abandoning beauty and technical skill, developed for decades, for a 6' by 6' metal cube. In my mind Post Modern art is affront to the classical and true, ideas which keep people spiritually fulfilled and motivated to deal with life. I lived by two museums during my college years, one classical (The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) the other modern (The Kemper Museum of Modern Art). Any time I was having a rough day, I'd walk to the Nelson and take in the work of Sargent and El Greco... in 4 years I visited the Kemper maybe twice... the Nelson, countless times. The Post Modern leaves me feeling vapid and unfulfilled, no thanks.

[esterhudson]

Postmodernism is the worship of nothingness, done to perfection.

[maxmoodjoyce]

So great to hear you all are reading Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay. It’s a great book

[jefftate]

"Frost is a cool example ..."
I'm calling the pun police.

[drew]

Please speak about the deep Calvinism/Puritanism roots of America (and how to live here as Catholic).

[robertwilson]

Postmodernism is term used to characterise western society today. We no longer live in the industrial capitalist west that was prevalent post ww2. Globalisation has taken off, consequently most western countries are predominately service sector economies, this brings insecure work, low pay, high debt and alienation. With the internet and social media brings changing norms and values, 24/7 news cycle.
There has been an incredible rise in secularisation (especially in europe). The influence of class in people's lives has diminished, replaced by identity politics and an urban rural divide.
Identity is now fluid, people have become increasingly tribal and entrenched in their socio-political view points.

[fidelfolozanoiii]

How difficult is to understand for the whole Christian family that knowing THE ONE WHO SENT JESUS is the beginning of salvation and everlasting life? John 5:24 Jesus said: MOST TRULY I SAY TO YOU, whoever HEARS MY WORD AND BELIEVES THE ONE WHO SENT ME HAS EVERLASTING LIFE, AND HE DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGMENT but has passed over from death to life. John 8:50 But I am not seeking glory for myself; THERE IS ONE who is seeking and judging. 51 Most truly I say to you, if anyone observes my word, he will never see death at all.”
John 14:31 But for the world to know that I LOVE THE FATHER, I AM DOING JUST AS THE FATHER HAS COMMANDED ME TO DO.

[Noone-gjzs]

Love the Book Pivotal Players!!! Highly recommend both that and the WOF bible!! Gorgeous both. 🙏🏻🙌🏻✝️

[OceanRoadbyTonyBaker]

Ken Burns would say that what follows post-modernism is the "Integral", when we realize that every level of consciousness evolution stands upon the shoulders of the movement that preceded it. Could that be Catholicism? I don't know. Enjoyed this conversation.

[lukegranata]

A question I’d appreciate some help with (I’m 14:14 in):
If morality comes from God, which I’m reasonably comfortable with, but Catholics get their understanding of God from the Bible – their understanding of God may be more first-hand/intrinsic, but then they have to say that the TRUTH of the bible corresponds to that experience/understanding – doesn’t that mean their objective morality has had to pass through human minds in the first instance... when the bible was composed?

Loving Bishop Barron. A supernaturally gifted educator and communicator.

Thank you.

[tevitamotulalo]

Dr Jordan Peterson: Chaos and Order
Bishop Dr R Barron: Dynamism and Form

[WithGodAllThingsArePossible]

Bishop Barren is such a clever man, yet balanced, open minded and not arrogant about anything!! I first came across the Bishop on EWTN, but there was never enough of him on the network. It has been such a comfort to come across this channel ❤

[davido]

Political rhetorics has distorted semantics, even etymology to obscure the obvious!!!
But the clarity of truth shines over it

[Juanatin]

Thank you Bishop Barron. While I am sure your and WOF's agenda is jam-packed, I would love to hear your thoughts on the New York Times' 1619 Project.