Traversing the Ancient World & the Legacy of Christianity w/ Tom Holland

Avoiding Babylon

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Growing up in religious homes, Tom Holland and Anthony have always been fascinated by ancient religious stories and civilizations like Greek mythology, the Roman Empire, and Hebrew Scriptures. They often found these tales to be more enthralling and powerful than the Christian stories they were raised on, and they often perceived Christianity as drab and dreary compared to the vibrant imagery of Greece and Rome. Join them as they reflect on their experiences and discuss the impact of these ancient stories on their lives.
The symbolism and relevance of crucifixion in modern times is also something they explore in this conversation, especially in light of the ISIS crucifixions targeting Christians and Yazidis. Tom shares his harrowing experience traveling to Sinjar, a war zone that had just been recaptured by the Kurds, revealing the existential abyss it opened for him when faced with the atrocities committed there. Listen in as they discuss the power of the crucifixion symbol and its impact on their understanding of the Christian story.
Lastly, Tom and Anthony dive into the role of Christianity in paving the way for the acknowledgment of equal dignity between the sexes. They examine the deep biological reasons why men have been in control for so long and how Christianity helped create a sense of dignity for both men and women. Tracing the development of Christian teachings on marriage, they also explore the Church's role in creating the ideal of romantic love and the demanding standards it imposes on men. Don't miss their engaging discussion on how the church has influenced gender equality throughout history.
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Avoiding Babylon was started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult and dark days, when most of us were isolated from family, friends, our parishes, and even the Sacraments themselves, this channel was started as a statement of standing against the tyrannical mandates that many of us were living under. Since those early days, this channel has morphed into an amazing community of friends…no…more than friends…Christian brothers and sisters…who have grown in joy and charity.
Avoiding Babylon does not criticize the hierarchy or institutional Church, especially Pope Francis. We recognize there is an unprecedented crisis in the Church, but we feel that there are other shows that address these issues that are more qualified than us. Instead, we try to remind ourselves and those who enjoy the channel that being Catholic is a joyful and exciting experience. We seek true Catholic fraternity and eutrapelia with other Catholics who, like us, are doing their best to live out their vocation with the help of God’s Grace. Above all, we try to bring humor and joy to the craziness of this fallen world, for as Hillaire Belloc has famously said:
“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,
There’s always laughter and good red wine.
At least I’ve always found it so.
Benedi

Support the show

Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/
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Chapters

1. Traversing the Ancient World & the Legacy of Christianity w/ Tom Holland (00:00:00)

2. Resonating With Ancient Civilizations (00:00:08)

3. Crucifixion's Symbolism and Relevance Today (00:08:09)

4. Christianity and Gender Equality (00:17:47)

5. Questioning Christian Assumptions (00:34:14)

6. Christianity and Cultural Upheaval (00:47:13)

7. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Atheism (00:53:23)