Episode 251: From Covenant Church to Boston College: A Wicked Good Journey of Faith

If you’d like to reach us, please go to unchartedcatholicman.com. Craig welcomes Jonathan Heaps, the director of the Bernard J. Lonergan Institute at Seton Hall University, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of faith, philosophy, and morality within the Catholic tradition. Jonathan shares his journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism, discussing intellectual struggles. The conversation covers evil as privation, sin, moral teachings, Catholic sexual morality, discernment in marriage, and Bernard Lonergan's insights on procreation and moral theology. Guest's webpage: https://www.jonathanheaps.com/ Bernard J. Lonergan Institute at Seton Hall University: https://www.shu.edu/lonergan/ 00:01:32 - Jonathan's Background Jonathan shares his academic background, conversion to Catholicism, and early influences from evangelical traditions. 00:03:20 - Interdisciplinary Influences Jonathan reflects on the impact of his philosophy education at an evangelical school and its connection to Catholic thought. 00:04:20 - Common Experiences of Converts Craig and Jonathan discuss the shared experiences of individuals from non-Catholic backgrounds who convert to Catholicism. 00:06:24 - Crisis of Authority in Evangelicalism Jonathan explains the challenges faced by evangelicals regarding the sufficiency of Scripture and the search for authority. 00:09:39 - Retention Rates of Converts Discussion on the retention rates of converts to Catholicism and the factors influencing their commitment. 00:11:15 - Cradle Catholics vs. Converts Craig shares his experience as a revert to Catholicism and the challenges of questioning traditional teachings. 00:12:01 - Catholic Sexual Morality Exploration of the complexities and challenges surrounding Catholic sexual morality and the perception of rules. 00:15:40 - Comparing Evangelical and Catholic Ethics Jonathan contrasts the sexual ethics of evangelical circles with Catholic teachings on marriage and procreation. 00:17:59 - Orthodoxy and Moral Theology Discussion on the focus of moral theology in both Catholic and evangelical contexts, particularly regarding sexual ethics. 00:22:07 - Lonergan's Approach to Moral Theology Jonathan introduces Lonergan's perspective on moral theology and the importance of understanding the good. 00:26:25 - Understanding Sin and Moral Good Discussion on reframing the understanding of sin and moral obligations in light of Lonergan's teachings. 00:28:30 - Lonergan's Critique of Humanae Vitae Jonathan summarizes Lonergan's private letter regarding Humanae Vitae and his views on the church's authority. 00:31:13 - The Shift in Scientific Understanding Exploration of the differences between classical and modern scientific ideals and their implications for moral theology. 00:33:33 - Lonergan's Methodology Jonathan discusses Lonergan's methodology in theology and the importance of engaging with contemporary culture. 00:36:42 - Moral Discernment and Concrete Good The conversation shifts to the importance of moral discernment and the relationship between rules and concrete situations. 00:40:10 - The Challenge of Moral Fitness Jonathan emphasizes the need for moral fitness and preparation to do good rather than merely avoiding bad actions. 00:43:39 - Jesus' Teachings on Morality Discussion on the balance between Jesus' call to perfection and the burdens of moral living. 00:49:26 - Lonergan's Authentic Perspective Jonathan shares insights on Lonergan's genuine perspective regarding church teachings and moral theology. 00:52:19 - Cultural Engagement and Tradition Discussion on Lonergan's view of the church's engagement with modern culture and the evolution of moral understanding.