The Logos Broadcast

In this episode John Waters discusses his second book, Race of Angels. This work published in 1994 is about U2 and their fitting into a tapestry of particularly Irish cultural phenomena that John says was essential, and not incidental, to their formation and success. The story of U2 has run alongside some of the most drastic technological and cultural changes that have ever taken place. Race of Angels explores the effects that some of these changes have had on how we interact with each other and with reality, with reference to the work of media theorists and philosophers such as Marshall McLuhan and Umberto Eco. Ireland’s experience of the postcolonial condition is something that John also goes into, drawing substantially on the work of Franz Fanon.With the benefit of thirty more years of hindsight and experience, in this interview John has a fresh opportunity to reflect on what these thinkers were saying.While being a vocal critic of what is called the ‘establishment,’ John notes that the cultural landscape of the ‘resistance movement’ is also quite unsatisfactory, lacking vision and inspiration; these cultural problems must be addressed if solutions to Ireland’s political problems are to be found.

In this episode I am joined by somewhat regular guests Graham Canton and Philip Swanson, two Orthodox Christians from the American South.On first glance, it would appear that modern cities symbolise the end of traditional ways of life. However, Graham notes the ironic reality that cities have ended up actually satisfying many of the human needs that were fulfilled in more rural, or smaller scale, settlements. This is largely because motor cars have so drastically interrupted so much of human interaction almost everywhere - except in very dense population centres.Philip also notes that his first experience of so called 'traditional community' came during his time in the Bronx in New York City, and later elaborates on some of the things that he says are necessary to make the pipe dream of homesteading possible.We go on to explore how to distinguish between authentic communities and cults.Towards the end of the conversation Philip discusses what it is that makes an agricultural lifestyle more conducive to integrated religious worship. Finally, Graham and Philip object to the use of the term 'natural religion' and what this implies, with reference to St Maximus the Confessor's doctrine of the Logoi.-------------------------------------------------[20th December 2024]Hello,This YouTube channel began several years ago with an emphasis on interviews with prominent people in Irish life. Since then, the interviews on the channel have included more religion-adjacent conversations.Also, in the last couple of years, I have started performing and recording music, some of which is available on the channel.Since starting the channel in 2019, I have aspired to produce this material full time and for a living. The fundraising page linked below is the next step in making this possible.Thank you very much for your consideration, and regardless of whether or not you contribute financially, I hope you continue to enjoy the channel.Le gach dea-ghuí,Fergushttps://gofund.me/67c4179d

Amateur religious scholar Philip Swanson discusses the origin of religious worship.

We lean on an episode of 'The Lord of Spirits' podcast entitled 'Eating with the Gods' (https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits/eating_with_the_gods/)

We were interrupted by the arrival of Graham Canton and the conversation subsequently changed direction.

More to follow...

Fr Noel Barber SJ Member of Milltown Jesuit Community Honorary Fellow, NCI Co-Editor of 'The Collected Works of Gerard Manley Hopkins Volume V: Sermons and Spiritual Writings' Formerly: Headmaster of Belvedere College SJ Headmaster of Gonzaga College SJ Editor of 'Studies' Journal