Mahon McCann

Raising the Cross
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"Faith seeking understanding" Mahon McCann is an Irish philosophy Phd researcher and lecturer, specialising in ethics, philosophy of mind and digital technologies. He is a former atheist and Catholic convert and on this podcast he explores christian solutions to the meaning crisis, philosophy beyond reductive materialism, meaning and manipulation in the machine age and bridging the gap between the secular world and Christendom. Join the Raising the Cross substack to get every episode to your inbox 👇 www.mahonmccann.com

  1. MAR 27

    #111 - Jordan Bates - Why So Many Men Feel Lost Today

    Hey hey, it’s been a while!! We are back with another explosive podcast conversation with Mr Jordan Bates: Jordan is the Founder of Council of Kings. He’s a father, husband, co-founder of Apotheosis, men’s leadership coach, and the author of six books. Jordan has been immersed in transformational work for fifteen years and in Men’s Work for the past six years, training with respected leaders and organizations in the space. He is repeatedly humbled and honored to witness the depth, beauty, and power of this work—and to contribute to the formation of the God-led masculine leaders our world truly needs. Join Jordan’s upcoming ‘Rise of the Kings’ programme (starts April 1st): https://councilofkings.co/rise-of-kings In this podcast, we discuss the plight of young men in the modern age from unclear gender roles to pornography and technology. Then we discuss how to find your place in the world, the skills and virtues you need and Jordan’s model for becoming the man you could be. Finally, we discuss the ideal man (Christ) and how Jordan’s own journey from cradle Catholic to wandering nomad and back to the faith inspires his men’s work. Check it out 👇 Chapters: 00:00 Meet Jordan Bates 00:26 Why Mens Work 03:57 Modern Male Isolation 08:07 Purpose In A Meta Crisis 11:27 Service Over Introspection 14:07 Missing Rites Of Passage 16:09 Brotherhood And Retreats 19:39 Finding In Person Community 24:30 Christ As North Star 31:14 Hierarchy Of Values 33:30 Attention As Worship 35:14 Ora Turning Life To Prayer 36:41 Leaving Church Finding Mysticism 43:03 Family Life Brings Christ Back 47:00 Dogma Structure And Fire 52:48 Practices For Holy Spirit Experience 54:35 Mini Monasteries And Centering Prayer 59:24 Ritual Without Living Faith 01:02:30 Breaking Materialism With Soul Tech 01:06:51 Final Reflections And Outro Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 20

    #110 - J.P Marceau - The Holy and Unholy spirits moving through Modernity

    In this conversation, we explore the connections between the biblical concepts of heaven and earth and Platonic categories of form and matter, discussing how these ideas can be mapped onto contemporary understandings of reality. The dialogue emphasises the importance of symbolic language in conveying deeper truths and the challenges of communicating these concepts in a modern context. We also examine the nature of the soul, the influence of spirits, and the dynamics of agency in relation to higher patterns of existence.Get the "Post-reductionist christianity" book: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisis Chapters:00:00 Exploring Heaven and Earth: A Comparative Analysis09:47 The Role of Symbolic Language in Theology17:52 Understanding Heaven: Bridging the Secular and the Sacred25:08 Patterns of Influence: The Higher Powers in Culture30:00 The War of Spirits in Technology32:17 Divine and Unholy Spirits: A Duality37:26 The Nature of Good and Evil Spirits41:35 Agency and Patterns: The Human Condition44:06 Understanding the Soul in a Christian Context Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    58 min

  3. FEB 5

    #109 - Paula Kelleher - From Feminism to Faith: Why I Became Catholic

    In this conversation, Paula shares her transformative journey from a typical Irish Catholic upbringing to a profound encounter with God that reshaped her faith. She discusses the struggles of returning to her roots after years abroad, the significance of confession, and her evolving understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings on women. Paula reflects on the challenges modern women face, the impact of feminism, and the importance of compassion in welcoming others into the faith. Join Paula's Substack at: https://truthofthewomb.substack.com/ Chapters:00:00 Journey of Faith: From Doubt to Belief03:47 Cultural Influences: Exploring Spirituality Abroad06:41 Encountering God: A Transformative Experience09:47 Returning Home: Navigating Loss and Faith13:00 Reconnecting with Catholicism: A Personal Journey15:52 Confession: A Path to Healing and Renewal18:49 Understanding the Church: A New Perspective21:51 Feminism and Faith: Reconciling Beliefs24:41 Natural Family Planning: The Church's Wisdom27:46 Embracing the Catholic Faith: A New Identity33:35 Misconceptions About Women in the Church35:17 The Role of Women in Faith38:37 Cultural Shifts and Women's Identity40:14 Feminism and Women's Empowerment43:26 Contraception and Its Impact on Women46:28 Challenges for Women in the Catholic Church49:37 Navigating Faith and Personal Struggles53:31 Finding Community in the Catholic Faith58:44 Opportunities for Growth in the Church Want to support the creation of more podcasts and essays? Consider becoming a patron below 👇 Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1 hr

  4. JAN 22

    #108 - Fr Gavan Jennings - Why did the Irish lose their Catholic faith? (w/Fr Gavan Jennings)

    Fr Gavan Jennings is a priest of Opus Dei, the editor of the position papers, and a presenter ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ . In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of faith in Ireland, discussing the gradual decline of religious practice, the crisis of meaning in modern society, the importance of intellectual engagement in strengthening faith, the significance of personal relationships with God and the journey towards theosis, highlighting the role of laypeople in revitalising the Catholic Church and the joy that comes from living a life aligned with faith. *We had some technical difficulties hence Fr Gavan's miraculous background change halfway through. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Father Gavan Jennings 00:56 The Decline of Faith in Ireland 04:09 Cultural Identity and Catholicism 10:08 The Importance of Personal Faith 15:36 Intellectual Challenges Facing the Church 18:14 The Role of Catholic Intellectuals 28:20 Faith and Reason: A Balanced Approach 32:33 The Intellectual Crisis in Catholicism 39:26 The Role of Philosophy in Faith 47:42 Revitalizing Faith in Modern Ireland 54:29 Theosis: The Goal of the Christian Life 01:00:50 The Path to Sanctity and Happiness Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  5. 12/19/2025

    #107 - Fr Columba Jordan - From Boredom to Belief: The Future of Catholicism in Ireland

    The last podcast before a break over the Christmas! More than delighted to be joined by Fr Columba Jordan for an unofficial Christmas special. Fr Columba is a Franciscan Friar of the renewal ( ⁨@cfr_franciscans⁩ ), and a presenter at Call To More ( ⁨@ctmcatholic⁩ ).In this conversation, shares his journey as a Franciscan priest, challenges faced by young people in connecting with their faith, entering the dance with God, St Maximilian Kolbe and sacrifice and love, practical steps for encountering God, and the role of the internet and artificial intelligence in the return to faith. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Father Columba02:56 Journey to the Priesthood05:51 Engaging the Youth: Addressing Boredom in Faith08:49 The Challenge of Familiarity in Faith12:02 The Proposal of Faith: A Call to Verify14:58 The Dance of Faith: Openness and Surrender17:53 The Role of Entertainment in Worship20:59 The Nature of Relationships and Vulnerability24:01 Shame and Its Impact on Faith26:55 The Journey of Growth and Transformation34:29 The Decline of Irish Catholicism36:19 Understanding God: Love and Justice39:39 The Image of God and Its Impact42:37 Living the Faith: A Personal Journey45:49 The Risk of Faith49:41 The Role of Doubt and Verification52:39 Surrendering to God56:12 The Power of Sacrifice01:00:06 Every Action Matters01:04:23 Practical Steps to Encounter God01:07:39 Entering the Dance of Faith01:10:24 The Role of Humility in Spiritual Growth01:11:42 The Impact of Prayer and Community01:12:10 The Intersection of Technology and Faith01:18:49 AI and the Future of Humanity01:25:06 The Internet as a Tool for Evangelization Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 34m

  6. 11/28/2025

    #106 - Brendan Graham Dempsey - Healing From the Meaning Crisis

    Hey There, New podcast on deck 🚨 This was an unbelievable conversation with Brendan Graham Dempsey on his new ‘evolution of meaning’ series!! Evolution of Meaning part 1: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Learning-Process-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0D88CV4GP Evolution of Meaning part 2:https://www.amazon.com/Psyche-Symbolic-Learning-Evolution-Meaning/dp/B0FPV8M3Z8/In this conversation, we explored the themes of meaning, the meaning crisis, and the evolution of meaning through various philosophical and cultural lenses. We discuss the impact of nihilism, the role of metamodernism, and the significance of complexity theory in providing a foundation for meaning. With a new foundation in place, we explore a modern path to transcendence, the hero’s journey and the sacred! Check it out 👇 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Meaning02:18 Understanding the Meaning Crisis05:15 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning08:34 The Role of Transcendence in Meaning11:31 Exploring Meaning in Life Literature14:26 The Journey Towards Meaning17:25 Complexity Theory and Meaning20:42 Active Inference and Meaning27:25 Understanding Surprise and World Models29:32 The Complexity of Human Models32:27 Cultural Evolution and Meaning Systems34:09 Moral Development and Complexity39:02 Human Learning as a Complexification Process44:48 The Role of Egocentrism in Meaning Making50:48 The Meaning Crisis and Anomie53:30 Breaking Frames: The Role of Technology and Social Media56:32 The Meta Frame: Embracing Chaos and Complexity59:40 Transcendence and Awe: The Sacred in Frame Breaking01:02:36 The Infinite Journey: Icons, Myths, and the Divine01:06:28 Faith and the Hero’s Journey: Navigating Uncertainty01:09:34 Learning and Meaning: The Evolution of Understanding My new book Waiting For The Offo will be out next Monday 1/12/25!!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 17m

  7. 11/20/2025

    #105 - David Quinn - Why are Gen Z returning to Religion?

    David Quinn, is a columnist for the Sunday Independent/Irish Catholic and Commentator on society, religion and politics since 1994. Iona Institute Poll: https://ionainstitute.ie/big-revival-of-interest-in-religion-among-many-young-people-in-northern-ireland-says-new-poll/ In this conversation, David Quinn discusses the current state of Irish Catholicism, reflecting on its historical context and the evolving perspectives of younger generations towards religion. He emphasises the importance of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and community, especially in a society facing increasing secularisation. Quinn highlights signs of hope among younger people who are becoming more open to religion, suggesting a potential resurgence in religious engagement as they seek answers to life’s challenges. Chapters: 00:00 The Evolution of Irish Catholicism 12:05 The Church’s Influence and Secularisation in Ireland 19:54 Generational Perspectives on Religion and Progress 24:40 Woke Ideology vs. Christianity: A Cultural Clash 32:25 The Crisis of Modernity and Mental Health 33:10 The Role of Religion in Society 34:11 Rediscovering the Great Tradition 35:01 Perceptions of Church vs. Christianity 37:53 Distinguishing Between Institution and Faith 40:12 Rationality and the Existence of God 42:31 The Shift from Default Theism to Atheism 44:40 The Changing Landscape of Belief 47:35 Materialism and Free Will 49:16 Transhumanism and the Future of Humanity 51:01 Demographic Shifts and Religion’s Role 55:47 Signs of Hope Among Younger Generations Waiting For The Offo is coming out on 1/12/25!!! Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 1m

  8. 10/30/2025

    #104- Robert Freese - From Buddhism to Catholicism: A Spiritual Journey

    Robert Freese converted to Catholicism in 2020 after 20 years of practicing and eventually teaching Vipassana meditation. He and his wife Gosia are volunteers in the Faustinium, the lay order of Saint Faustina who initiated the devotion to Divine Mercy. In this conversation, Robert shares his profound journey from a secular upbringing in Texas to exploring Buddhism and eventually returning to Catholicism. He discusses the influence of his family background, the transformative power of meditation, and the importance of community in spiritual practices. Robert reflects on his experiences with Vipassana meditation, the challenges of balancing spiritual commitments with worldly responsibilities, and the ongoing quest for self-discovery and meaning in life. In this conversation, Robert Freese shares his profound journey of faith, detailing his experiences of encountering Jesus during meditation, the integration of his Buddhist practices with Catholicism, and the transformative power of suffering and grace. He reflects on the significance of communion, confession, and the importance of bringing one’s suffering to God, emphasising the deep connection between personal experiences and spiritual growth. Chapters 00:00 Journey of Spiritual Exploration 10:11 The Shift to Buddhism 19:57 Deepening the Practice 29:49 Teaching and Transformation 39:57 Navigating Challenges in Spiritual Life 49:51 Encountering Jesus in Meditation 54:00 The Cross and Personal Suffering 58:08 Navigating Faith and Personal Crisis 01:01:22 The Journey to Catholicism 01:07:20 Integrating Buddhism and Catholicism 01:14:14 Desire, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth 01:20:50 The Role of Confession and Grace Get full access to Raising the Cross at www.mahonmccann.com/subscribe

    1h 31m
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About

"Faith seeking understanding" Mahon McCann is an Irish philosophy Phd researcher and lecturer, specialising in ethics, philosophy of mind and digital technologies. He is a former atheist and Catholic convert and on this podcast he explores christian solutions to the meaning crisis, philosophy beyond reductive materialism, meaning and manipulation in the machine age and bridging the gap between the secular world and Christendom. Join the Raising the Cross substack to get every episode to your inbox 👇 www.mahonmccann.com

Information

  • Creator
    Raising the Cross
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mahon McCann
  • Show Website
    Mahon McCann

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