Are You Listening? Conversations with Consequences
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April 11, 2022Although I am not a political animal, I do have an appreciation for the faithful Catholics who speak about worldly affairs. On the local level, Catholics like Brett Farley make room for Catholic voices in legislation and opinion.
My own volunteer work in Catholic radio and Rachel's Vineyard has made me keenly aware that these efforts can collide with the interests of the prevailing culture. On important issues such as human rights, medicine and science, or religious freedom and more, I seek voices that clearly and coherently express and bolster my beliefs since Catholic beliefs are no longer part of the norm in modern American culture.
Increasingly, influences from global corporations, the sports and entertainment world, and social media marginalize and even censor what I value. It can be intimidating, attempting to articulate a view that is counter to the status quo; especially if my belief has been portrayed as ignorant or lacking in compassion.
To my surprise, I have discovered a formidable resource in "Conversations with Consequences" which airs on Oklahoma Catholic Radio on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The EWTN program is produced by The Catholic Association, “a faithful Catholic voice in the public square." Grazie Pozo Christie and three other respected authors and journalists conduct weighty conversations and interviews that "defend religious liberty, life and the Church."
The coverage is civil, yet probing and does not shy away from uncomfortable truths. In one exchange, Christie welcomed Father Benedict Kiely to discuss worldwide persecution of Christians. Much of the conversation centered on the martyrdom of Christians and clergy in Nigeria. Father Kiely also reminded the audience of the persecution of Christians by the Communist Party regime in China.
In another segment, Christie and Maureen Ferguson hosted National Review writer Alexandra DeSanctis to discuss the prospect of Roe v. Wade being overturned later this year. Together with Ryan Anderson, DeSanctis has authored, "Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing." DeSanctis makes a compelling point in the abortion debate that never occurred to me. She claims that the male body has been positioned as the norm in society and the female body regarded as defective in comparison.
Instead of recognizing the female biology as distinct but equally deserving of respect and accommodation, early so-called feminists acquiesced to the defective understanding, so pregnancy, the natural outcome of sexual activity between men and women, was considered a defect. These women abandoned the societal component of sexual activity that would compel males to share equally in accountability for the biological result of their participation in sexual activity. The feminists were forced to resort to chemical intervention (the pill) to interfere with the female body's natural processes to conform their bodies to the male "norm."
Biology and social circumstances still asserted themselves in pregnancy, so the feminists advocated legitimizing abortion, physically violent for the female body and deadly to the baby in the womb.
Other programs are just as thought-provoking. Guest Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco discussed his letter charging Catholic politicians with the responsibility to follow and uphold Catholic teachings. Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Ukrainian Catholic bishop of Philadelphia, apprised listeners of the plight of Ukrainians caught in war. Both shepherds displayed the humility and courage we crave in our spiritual leaders.
Maybe because I am a woman, I am most inspired and encouraged because the four hosts are highly accomplished women and many of their guests as well. Dr. Donna Harrison, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs, discussed the dangerous growth of chemical abortion.
Former vice-chair of the U.S. Council for International Religious Freedom, Kristina Arriga, talked about China and foreign policy within the context of the recently-held Olympics. Christie and her team introduced me to author and Washington Post writer, Kate Bryan. She champions the counter-cultural chaste life, is the founder of 1GirlRevolution and created a documentary that examined giving incarcerated women a voice.
These Catholics deepen my understanding and appreciation of my faith. They encourage me to be brave. In every episode of "Conversations with Consequences" that I have listened to, I have found something compelling. I don't want to miss an episode. Fortunately, if I do miss it, I know that like most programs broadcast on OKCR, I can catch up via podcast or the OKCR archives.
