In this episode, Paul and Dominic jump into a discussion about the reality of young people disaffiliating from Catholicism and they raise the question, “why should people return?” Paul and Dominic challenge the common ideas that young people leave because of bad catechesis or because of the allure of the secular culture. Instead, they focus on how the scandal of Church leaders choosing a “preferential option for the institution” drives people away from identifying as Catholics or Christians.
“Believers can have more than a little to do with the rise of atheism. To the extent that they are careless about their instruction in the faith, or present its teaching falsely, or even fail in their religious, moral, or social life, they must be said to conceal rather than to reveal the true nature of God and of religion” (CCC 2125).
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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 This show is brought to you by Pope Francis Generation, a project to explore Catholicism inspired by Pope Francis. Founded by Paul Fahey, you can follow the newsletter, join the group, and even become a supporting member. Your kind donations allow me to create the kinds of resources you’re listening to now as well as much more. 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! Check out: popefrancisgeneration.com
ABOUT PAUL FAHEY Paul lives in Michigan with my wife, Kristina, and four kids. I’m 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. 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. smartcatholics.com
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