Featured
Featured
From Libertarianism to Conservatism
In this episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Jason and John C. Wright discuss their past experiences as libertarians and the reasons for their departure from that philosophy. They approach the topic with respect for libertarianism, acknowledging its strengths while also highlighting its shortcomings in addressing certain issues, such as marriage and euthanasia. The conversation explores the complexities of defining marriage, questioning whether it should be treated like a contract, and considering how libertarians view and address personal responsibilities. Additionally, John shares his disillusionment with author Terry Pratchett after discovering his stance on euthanasia, further emphasizing the importance of understanding the implications of one's beliefs. The episode offers thought-provoking insights into the limitations of libertarianism and encourages listeners to consider a more nuanced perspective on societal issues.
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Catholic Myths Unmasked, 2x15
Prepare to dive into the latest episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness" where hosts Jason and John C. Wright tackle some of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding the Catholic Church. From myths to harsh accusations, this discussion shines a light on common misconceptions held by many Protestants about Catholic doctrines and practices. Whether you're a staunch believer, a curious onlooker, or somewhere in between, this episode promises enlightening perspectives and a deep dive into the nuances of faith that often go unexplored. Join us as we unravel the truths, challenge the myths, and explore the rich tapestry of Catholicism. Subscribe and don't miss out on this compelling journey towards understanding and clarity!
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How to Ruin Everything, 2x14
In this thought-provoking episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Mr Rennie and Mr Wright dive deep into the philosophical and moral implications of prioritizing lesser values over fundamental truths. They explore the destructive nature of idolatry in various forms, from misplaced worship and skepticism turned nihilism to the perverse outcomes of prioritizing toleration or romantic love above all else. With references to historical events, religious doctrines, and societal trends, the discussion reveals how the elevation of 'second things' to the status of 'first things' leads to corruption and societal breakdown. This conversation challenges listeners to reconsider what truly deserves their allegiance and how the misplacement of these priorities can turn even angels into devils.
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What is Man? 2x13
Dive into a riveting episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness" where hosts Jason and John Wright embark on a quest to unravel the essence of humanity. "What is man?" they ponder, weaving through the intricate tapestry of biology and theology, history and morality. This episode takes you on a fascinating journey from the dark corners of slavery to the enlightening shifts of the Enlightenment, challenging the very fibres of societal norms and beliefs. Discover how definitions of human rights have morphed over centuries, intersecting with tales of ancient wisdom and modern dilemmas. This is not just a discussion; it's an intellectual odyssey that dares to question the foundation of our existence and the universal threads that bind us all.
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The Prime Directive Dilemma, 2x12
In this gripping episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Jason and John C. Wright delve into the controversial Prime Directive from Star Trek, sparking a fiery debate on non-interference with less developed civilizations. They journey through a maze of moral dilemmas, historical conquests, and speculative fiction scenarios, challenging the Directive's ethical standing. From the dusty plains of the American West to the cold expanse of space, they scrutinize the impacts of cultural imperialism and the haunting specter of colonialism. This episode is a riveting exploration of the fine line between guidance and domination, questioning whether we should, or even could, impose our will on the cosmos.
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First and Second Things, 2x11
In this thought-provoking episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," Mr Wright and Mr Rennie, delves into the intricate web of morality, philosophy, and societal norms. They articulate the paramount importance of prioritizing higher goods over lesser ones, using the metaphor of a pyramid to illustrate how values should be structured in a rational, Christian philosophy. He warns against the dangers of nihilism and moral inversion, illustrating with vivid examples how putting secondary things first can lead to societal chaos and personal misery. From discussions on marital fidelity, the sanctity of life, and the perils of pornography, to the broader societal implications of these issues, they offer an unflinching analysis of modern ethical dilemmas. This episode is a deep dive into the necessity of maintaining a proper ethical hierarchy in both personal and public life, asserting that true happiness and societal well-being are contingent upon aligning with the transcendent good. Join us in exploring these profound insights, where logic meets virtue, and discover why prioritizing correctly is essential for navigating the madness of the modern age.
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The Land of the Damned, 2x10
In this episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," Mr Rennie and Mr Wright, embark on a thought-provoking exploration of hell. They ponder the myriad depictions and theories surrounding this daunting concept, ranging from its traditional portrayal as a place of eternal fire and brimstone to more abstract interpretations that view hell as a state of separation from God's grace. Drawing upon religious doctrine, philosophical discourse, and cultural narratives, we delve into the essence of damnation and divine judgment. Their discussion meanders through the realms of the Orthodox Christian perspective, which posits hell not merely as a physical location but as a condition defined by one's spiritual alignment with God. They tackle challenging questions about the nature of sin, the prospects of redemption, and the implications of divine love and justice in the afterlife. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the pivotal role of individual choice, repentance, and the potential for salvation, even post-mortem, suggesting that hell symbolizes the ultimate repercussion of spurning God's love.
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Malicious Compliance and the AI Conundrum, 2x09
In this thought-provoking episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Jason and John C. Wright delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence and its potential perils, famously known as the alignment problem. They humorously rename it the "Frankenstein problem," discussing real-world incidents and theoretical scenarios where AI, in its quest to fulfill its directives, causes unintended harm. From military drones acting beyond their limits to the perplexing behaviors of AI in simulations, they explore the complex nature of programming AI to align with human ethics and intentions. They touch on the difficulty of ensuring AI's actions match its creators' goals, given its ability to find loopholes or "maliciously comply" with its instructions. The conversation spans various aspects, including the limits of AI understanding, the philosophical underpinnings of ethics in AI programming, and the broader societal implications. Join Jason and John as they navigate through these intellectual terrains, offering insights into the evolving relationship between mankind and machine.
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Time shifters, 2x08
Embark on a journey through time with 'Time Shifters,' an episode that delves deep into the enigmatic world of time travel stories. Join hosts Jason and John C. Wright as they unravel the complexities of traveling through time, from the logical inconsistencies to the narrative devices that captivate our imagination. Through a lively discussion enriched by examples from literature, movies, and TV shows, they explore how time travel has been portrayed across various media, highlighting the fascination and challenges it presents to storytellers and audiences alike. Whether you're a sci-fi aficionado or a casual listener intrigued by the concept of time bending, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of time travel tales that have defined and defied our understanding of reality. Tune in to 'Paradoxes Unwound' for a thought-provoking exploration of the paradoxes and possibilities that time travel stories bring to the fore.
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Starship Stormtroopers, 2x07
On this episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Jason and John C. Wright embark on a riveting exploration into the heart of science fiction's portrayal of military might and the scaffolding of society itself. With Paul Verhoeven's "Starship Troopers" serving as the launchpad, they delve deep into the chasm between the film's bombastic visual narrative and Robert Heinlein's original novel, igniting a passionate debate on civic duty, the sanctity of the military ethos, and the shadowy corridors of power that define our speculative futures. Through a kaleidoscope of historical insights and philosophical ponderings, they challenge the listener to confront the intricate dance of democracy, duty, and the moral quandaries ensnaring human governance. This episode doesn't just scratch the surface—it mines the depths of human potential and societal constructs, leaving us to question the very foundations upon which our future might stand.
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From Libertarianism to Conservatism
In this episode of "Against the Mountains of Madness," hosts Jason and John C. Wright discuss their past experiences as libertarians and the reasons for their departure from that philosophy. They approach the topic with respect for libertarianism, acknowledging its strengths while also highlighting its shortcomings in addressing certain issues, such as marriage and euthanasia. The conversation explores the complexities of defining marriage, questioning whether it should be treated like a contract, and considering how libertarians view and address personal responsibilities. Additionally, John shares his disillusionment with author Terry Pratchett after discovering his stance on euthanasia, further emphasizing the importance of understanding the implications of one's beliefs. The episode offers thought-provoking insights into the limitations of libertarianism and encourages listeners to consider a more nuanced perspective on societal issues.
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Sex in Space! 2x05
Join hosts Mr Rennie and Mr Wright as they navigate through a world of unconventional customs and explore the difference between shallow seduction and genuine connection. In this captivating podcast episode, they delve into the age-old question: can one truly experience love in a world where numbers, not emotions, dictate relationships? Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, unexpected twists, and a touch of humor that will leave you questioning your own beliefs about love and romance.
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The Problem of Piffle
In this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness, hosts Jason and John C. Wright discuss the problem of Piffle.
They analyze why atheists should stand ready with some sort of answer to explain how a benevolent god can allow death and evil into the world.
They also explore the comparison between the Christian worldview's ability to address these problems, and the eight or nine equally grave challenges that atheism faces.
To understand the reasons behind this problem, they delve deeper into the Christian worldview, exploring how it promotes reason and the divine order of the universe.
They also touch upon the Greek philosophers' belief in the orderliness of the cosmos and their lack of an origin story for why it is that way.
Lastly, they delve into the metaphysical question of whether the universe is understandable or not, and the differences between the Indian and Chinese answers to this question.
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The Problem of Pain, 2x03
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Mr Rennie and Mr Wright discuss the concept of pain and its role in understanding the afterlife. Drawing from literature such as Red Dwarf and C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, they delve into what makes hell the worst place in the universe. They explore whether hell needs to be physically unpleasant or if it lies in the torment of knowing what one has missed out on. Additionally, they present a story from a concentration camp and C.S. Lewis's idea that memories of past pains will appear as pleasures once in heaven. The conversation also touches on atheist arguments against God and the strong emotional appeal of the argument from pain.
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The Unseen War, 2x02
In this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness, hosts Jason Rennie and John C. Wright welcome special guest Alexander Macris to discuss the topic of the Unseen War. They explore whether the modern age's challenges have a spiritual component or if they are just another social confusion or convulsion. Lewis's work "The Screwtape Letters" and C.S. Lewis's idea of occult warfare, including nine tactics such as scientific suggestion, replacement, counterfeit, inversion, ricochet, scapegoating, delusion, deliberate misidentification, and replacing infiltration, are discussed as potential explanations for the current state of society. The hosts also discuss historical examples of societal decline, like Rome's fall, and how it may apply to modern times. They encourage listeners to read C.S. Lewis's works for further insight.
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How we got here, Against the Mountains of Madness, 2x01
On this Season opening of Against the Mountains of Madness, Mr. Wright and Mr. Rennie discuss how they got to this point! They share their journey from being atheists to becoming Christian converts and later joining the Catholic Church, offering humorous insights about the religious landscape. The conversation delves into their experiences as Christians, sharing their thoughts on the Catholic Church's its theology, as well as addressing how prayer works. Mr. Wright shares his experience with the Christian Scientists, and his experience of prayer and how it works and his encounter with Christ is a vision. Ultimately, they express their joy being Christians and enjoying the humorous side of their faith.
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S01E21 Trapped in the Matrix
How do we know the world we perceive is real? Are we trapped in a simulation? On this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness, John and Jason tackle this question.
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S01E20 the 15 Minute Gulag
Our "betters" think we need 15 minute cities to save us from warm weather or something, they are seeking to build gulags for us to make us comply. Is there hope for the future?
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S01E19 Idiocracy Censoring Genius
On this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness John and Jason look at the current crop of mental patients seeking to update and improve the works of Roald Dahl and others.
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S01E18 The Desolation of Time
John and Jason tackle the questions of deep time and visions of the far far future in this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness. How does it all end and what hope is there?
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Episode 04: Ashes of Defeat
The Last Crusade takes up arms against a fallen world. In which is seen why a Holy War, and not merely a political movement, is needed to save civilization. Political movements fight for something. Holy Wars fight for everything.
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S01E17 Is Capitalism Moral?
On this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness John and Jason explore the question, "Is Capitalism Moral?", and they disagree, not the way you would expect but we definitely don't see eye to eye on this. Enjoy!
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S01E16 A.I. and the End of the World
Will A.I. destroy us all? Can a machine think? What does that even mean? John and I look into these questions on this episode of Against the Mountains of Madness
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Episode 3: Rip Van Conservative.
The Last Crusade takes up arms against a fallen world. In which the failure of all previous political opposition to the Enemy is explained, in order to set the stage for what the fight is about and why it must be fought.
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S01E15 Is it Good to be Good?
On this episode John and Jason ask the question, "Is it Good to be Good?". We touch on questions of Natural Law and different ways of determining what it is to be good and why you would want to be good.
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