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Artwork for Desert Fathers

Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Exodus 90
Desert Fathers
Christian Life
St. Antony Of Egypt
Exodus 90
Spirituality
St. Anthony
Christianity
Trials and Temptations
Athanasius
St. Anthony Of Egypt
Scripture
Asceticism
Abba Isaiah
Prayer
Exodus 90 Challenge
Perfection
Meekness
St. Antony Of the Desert
St. Antony
Sayings Of the Desert Fathers

Modern life is like a desert—a parched and barren expanse where the soul thirsts for the living water Jesus promised at the well. Amid the ceaseless distractions and allurements of materialism, God can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert. Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginn... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes64Founded9 months ago
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Religion & SpiritualityChristianityEducation

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Artwork for Desert Fathers

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of humility through the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on Abba Moses and Abba Simon. He discusses how these figures exemplified humility by avoiding fame... more

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the themes of humility and vainglory through the teachings of Abba Serapion. He discusses the importance of aligning one's words with actions and the dangers of pride masked as humility. ... more

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of genuine spiritual practices. Bishop Varden discusses a saying from Ab... more

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

Through the story of a young monk who performed a miraculous act bu... more

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Recent Guests

Bishop Erik Varden
Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, and a leading Catholic voice
Cistercian Monk and Bishop
Episode: Bonus Roundtable: Sympathy
Dr. Jared Stout
A participant in the discussion
Episode: Bonus Roundtable: Compunction

Host

Bishop Erik Varden
Bishop of Trondheim and a leading voice in Catholic thought, Bishop Erik Varden offers deep insights into the teachings of the Desert Fathers, blending theological understanding with accessible language. A Cistercian monk by formation, he draws upon his extensive academic background and pastoral experience to guide discussions around spirituality, community, and personal growth.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 301 ratings
  • Inspiring dive into ancient wisdom

    Learning the desert father’s has been a gift so far this year. Grateful you aimed this offering at men and women. Having a guide through it has been the key for me. Bishop Varden’s reflections are so rich in goodness and poetically articulated in a way that make the concepts sticky in my mind. The bonus round tables have also been really helpful for me to reflect deeper on the beautiful nuggets and applying it to daily life. Appreciate the vulnerability and effort put in to the podcast.

    Thank... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    amy _lou
    United States2 months ago
  • No Roundtable

    Bishop Varden is great. The Roundtables are predictably underwhelming.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    DeacRipps
    United States4 months ago
  • This show changed my life

    I was listening to an early episode and you said “hurry does damage to the soul.” I realized I was listening to that episode on 2X while speeding to work because I had left late. I made a commitment to myself to eliminate hurry. I now get up a little earlier and drive the speed limit and let all the cars pass me. I feel so much more peace. I never worry when I see police because I know I’m in the right. I also listen to everything on 1X now so I actually retain more of what I listen to. A few we... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Komencanto
    United States5 months ago
  • Dig for the nuggets!

    I appreciate and learn from Bishop Varden’s reflections but agree that the intro and outre are frequently distracting. As a 70 year old man , I find that the discussions are too often centered on the younger male Exodus 90 group and have less to offer my demographic, although there are some nuggets buried in there occasionally.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Midwest Norske
    United States6 months ago
  • Perfect balance

    Thank you for developing this series and bringing us Bishop Varden’s wisdom and example. Focusing on and reemphasizing the purpose and motivations of the Desert Fathers provides us men with the perfect balance in thoughts against the onslaught of nonsense we encounter daily. The seriousness you have demonstrated is an example to all Catholic men today. I pray Our Lady protect you and this work continues to flourish.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DC Suit/Tie Guy
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the profound insights and poetic articulations from Bishop Varden, often praising the practical applications of ancient wisdom in today's context.
Some audience members express concerns regarding specific roundtable discussions, suggesting they could benefit from greater depth or relevance.
Many find the content transformative, identifying personal life changes as a result of applying the teachings presented in the episodes.

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Talking Points

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Episode 27: Q&A with Bishop Erik Varden: Wisdom from the Desert - Answers on Chastity, Temptation, and Communal Redemption
Q: How can we learn to endure our temptations without falling into despair, discouragement or self-condemnation?
We can learn to recognize temptations honestly, remember they don't define us, and view them as opportunities for maturity and purification.
Episode 27: Q&A with Bishop Erik Varden: Wisdom from the Desert - Answers on Chastity, Temptation, and Communal Redemption
Q: How do you want to see the conversation around chastity change in the church?
The conversation needs to move towards viewing chastity as a constructive, life-giving concept that emphasizes human dignity and freedom in Christ rather than repression or judgment.
Episode 18: Q&A - Ask Bishop Varden
Q: Is it possible that lingering sins from years of living in great sin are nearly impossible to turn from?
Yes, continue to struggle against sin and trust that healing takes time but is accomplished as long as we cooperate with it.
Episode 18: Q&A - Ask Bishop Varden
Q: How does one keep one's peace amidst the storms of the world?
To cling not to sentiment, but to cling to Christ, who is our peace.
Episode 18: Q&A - Ask Bishop Varden
Q: How can we reliably follow Moses' exhortation to stay in our cell without hiding behind it as an excuse for inaction?
It's about remaining committed to a task, not running away from a commitment until there is a compelling and wise reason to act otherwise.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Fathers

What is Desert Fathers about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The exploration of ancient wisdom from the Desert Fathers offers a pathway for contemporary spiritual seekers, as guided by Bishop Erik Varden. Each episode intricately weaves teachings from early Christian monastics with modern life challenges, uncovering depth in themes such as humility, self-mastery, and repentance. Through engaging meditations, listeners are invited to reflect on their personal spiritual journeys, drawing parallels between the struggles of the past and the distractions of today's world. The unique format not only provides theological insights but creates a year-long spiritual practice that resonates with both the devout and the curious.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Desert Fathers:

1. What God is Not
2. Pints With Aquinas
3. Godsplaining
4. The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
5. Catholic Saints

How many episodes of Desert Fathers are there?

Desert Fathers launched 9 months ago and published 64 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on Desert Fathers include:

1. Bishop Erik Varden
2. Dr. Jared Stout

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