Technology Is Advancing Faster Than Our Virtue
“For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
and virtue with knowledge”
– 2 Peter 1:5
Whatever happened to virtue? In a world of smartphones, instant food, endless entertainment, cheap dopamine, increasing dependence on technology and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, we have become remarkably good at eliminating discomfort—but have we become better human beings? As Catholics, perhaps it’s time to ask a question we don’t hear nearly enough anymore: Am I becoming a more virtuous person, or am I simply becoming more comfortable?
In this episode, I explore the Catholic understanding of the three theological virtues—faith, hope and charity—and the four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance—and why we desperately need to recover them. We look especially at how the vices of gluttony and sloth can quietly take hold when food, screens, medicine, entertainment and technology become ways of escaping discomfort rather than opportunities to grow in freedom. I also discuss why Catholic fasting is about so much more than eating less: fasting teaches us to govern our appetites, embrace appropriate discomfort, turn toward Jesus instead of constantly buffering our emotions, and develop the virtues necessary for the spiritual battle.
Ultimately, this episode is about recovering Catholic virtue in an age of comfort and distraction, including the importance of prayer, fasting, temperance, fortitude, the sacraments, silence and spending time with Jesus. If we want our children and grandchildren to inherit a culture capable of recognizing what is good, true and beautiful, we must first show them what a virtuous life looks like—and that work begins with the choices we make today.
Help Beth reach her goal of bringing 1 Million Catholics back to the Church
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