Bishop Barron Presents | Patrick J. Deneen - Freedom, Truth, and the Political Order

Friends, Patrick J. Deneen is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame and, I’d argue, one of the most thought-provoking and interesting political philosophers on the scene today. In our conversation, Professor Deneen and I discuss the failure of liberalism, the true meaning of freedom, the American project, the attenuation of Catholic identity, and more.

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[Pilgrimofhope]

I am an ordinary person, as you say towards the end of the video. Through my coming back to faith, I found my way to your books and others like you. It’s taken some effort and, yes at times a dictionary! But I am now not only able to understand this conversation but can articulate the ideas to others. Thanks!

[Chudmander]

I would be remiss to say – don’t underestimate those in the trades. We listen to these sorts of podcasts while we drive, and we feel we are gaining a college education and more by doing so. The intellectual side of Catholicism, with the advent of the Internet, has reached all the way down to every strata of human society.

[johnbrion]

My fallen away Catholic friend, brilliant lawyer and historian, was blown away by this conversation. Thank you.

[fjficthus]

Bishop Barron:
This has been my most favorite program so far. The discussion was fascinating. I am new to Professor Deneen. But, thanks to your program, I just ordered his two latest books. I hope that you will bring back Professor Deneen to continue this discussion. As a seasoned pastor, the challenge, of course, is how to reach not only the parishioners in the pews, but the multitudes that are out there, perhaps lost in many ways. I have often wondered if there are, in fact, inherent flaws in our founding that have brought us to where we are today. I am 68 years old, so I grew up in the world of the death of JFK, Vietnam, Vatican 2, JP II, Reagan…but now we are in something different - much more difficult to navigate than before. Obviously, the Church cannot retreat from the world, but I would say that parish life needs to emerge into something different where there is a strong community which fosters strong bonds of friendship.
Fr. James Farfaglia
San Diego, Texas

[johnnyunderhillproductions]

This idea at the end of the video of up and coming college grads returning to serve their own communities is something I think needs to be preached more. Best and brightest aren’t just needed in the hog centers of power, and we have to share our gifts with everyday people. I study literature and I love talking about classic books and important philosophical themes with people who didn’t necessarily graduate from fancy institutions. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do. Preach the gospel in a down to earth way to regular people. Fantastic conversation that gives structure to a lot of ideas that had been living vaguely in the minds of young adults like me and people I know. Wish Aristotle was more widely taught in public schools, lol. This is great though. God bless!

[Carl-tl]

I'm Canadian but the discussions I hear between you and your guests help me understand at least a tiny bit some of the chaos in our present world. God bless you Bishop Barron.

[jensonsamuel]

This was so enlightening and rich from both the Prof and the Bishop that I am wanting to delve into the aisles of American history!!

[jwonacott]

Please do a longer series with this guest! He is great!

[zaq]

Amazing conversation, two great men discerning the sign of the times. Inspiration on our journey heavenward.
May God bless you both🙏🏼

[slixchix]

Thank you once again for an inspiring talk and teaching. I guess the call to action is for us to be good men and women in our communities and to find those who already are and model our lives after them. And if by some chance we find none then we have our Saints. Thanks be to God.

[catherinelavallee]

I'm teaching fifth-grade American history at a Catholic school. A spontaneous idea popped into my head. Maybe one already exists--however, it would be very helpful to have a Catholic historian write an American History textbook for children. I wonder how different it would read from the mainstream American publishers' versions.

[scoutxyz]

I enjoyed program, thank you for sharing. Our hope is in the Name of the Lord.

[vintagehourglass]

This video brought me great relief as I recently decided to leave McKinsey because I felt I was surrounded by the exact sort of elites that you are talking about that have so little true impact and so separate from society (not to mention cultures of excess and unimaginable wealth disparity). It was making me sick and anxious. I had been telling myself that I wanted to move to a smaller city or community and do good there but have been very concerned that I am abandoning the responsibility to multiply the talents given to me by God. I don't know what my path will look like now but I rewatched the end of this video multiple times and I will return to it again in the future to reflect further. Thank you so so much (and please pray for me hahah)

[briken]

Thank you for bringing Patrick to our attention!

The conversation at the end about how to bring this down to earth is so key.

[brianback]

This talk is reminiscent of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's 1978 Harvard Commencement Speech. In the speech Solzhenitsyn decries a society that relies on developing societal laws while ignoring the development of individual virtue. Dr. Peter Kreeft does a wonderful recall of this speech, which he was in attendance for, in a talk/video easily found for those interested. Like this video, Dr. Kreeft's analysis of that speech is a must.

[mackavillia]

God the Living God the creator has created us with absolute freedom this is the great drama of human freedom . We can choose Truth or Falsehood, Life or Death, Good or Evil the choice is ours. When the link between God and man has been severed we are on our way to perdition. Only divine intervention can save us now and it will!

[jonathanbourke]

We will indeed rekindle the "pre-Hobbesian" sense of the good. Today, evil is so flagrant, so aggressive, and so antithetical to even the average person's sensibilities, that the ground is ripe for such a change. Once again, it will take for us all to NOT STAY SILENT.

[christianazacarias]

Great discussion. I, like many others, think that a discussion like this should have gone long form. Bishop Barron and Dr. Deneen could unpack other areas that young people like myself can further consider.

[ceciliadreger]

I truly believe that God uses imperfect people to bring hope to the world. The Cold War was a constant presence in Americans' lives. The fears grew into what many observers believe was a full-blown emotionally charged behavior that seemed excessive and out of control in the United States. We looked at the September 11 attacks. Both towers collapsed because people built and threw grenades or bombs that practiced attack and watched atomic devastation, causing Americans to be worried about the spread of communism. The United States of America helped in the Vietnam War because of threatened their freedoms, their individuality, and their way of living then spread to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, and the rest of Asia. We are loved by God. We are called to love like Him. The extent to which we love one another. According to the Holy Gospel, God uses people to help Him. God looks for people with a pure heart, a clean mind, and a sense of commitment. For example, Patrick J. Deneen is described as a servant who left shepherding sheep to shepherd God's people. God bless America. Jesus, I trust in You!!!
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
St. Joseph and St.
Cecilia, pray for us.
St. Cynthia, pray for us.
St. Matthew, pray for us.
St. Sarah, pray for us.
St. Anne, pray for us.
Praying for you
Cecilia Dreger and family(🕛 keep lives safe)🙏🏿Bishop Thomas and Father Raj.