Basically Related

Aquinas on The Imagination and Judgement | Prophets and Prophecy, Part 2

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We're continuing the series of Monday episodes on the topic of prophets. This week, we discuss the philosophical aspect of prophecy as it relates to the imagination and judgment.

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

A few names frequent our discussion, with saints such as Bonaventure, Dionysius the Areopagite, Maximus the Confessor, John of the Cross, Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, Thomas Aquinas, and John Henry Newman.

Other thinkers (philosophers, theologians, psychologists, artists, etc.) discussed include Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Dante, Josef Pieper, Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), Hans Urs von Balthasar, Carl Jung, Victor Frankl, Fr. Victor White, Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Pageau, John Vervaeke, Ian McGilchrist, and Bishop Barron.

Number Your Days and Carry Your Cross | Detachment and Wisdom

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss what it takes to be a follower of Christ, as it relates to eschatological wisdom, detachment, and carrying your cross.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Prophets In The Bible | Prophets and Prophecy, Part 1

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We're starting a series of Monday episodes on the topic of Prophets, as seen through various lenses; biblical, theological, philosophical, psychological and mystical. This week, we discuss the role of prophets in both the Old and New Testament.

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Take The Lowest Place: The Path of Humility

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss what it means when Christ says "take the lowest place", as it relates to humility, magnanimity and pride.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Theology of Disclosure: A Phenomenological Approach To Theology

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We're bringing back the "Monday Muses" episodes, where we'll dive into a variety of topics of culture, theology, psychology, and philosophy. This week, we discuss Robert Sokolowski’s “theology of disclosure”, and its critical role in today's culture.

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

When Christ Says “Depart From Me!” | Alienation, Attention, and Existential Unavailability

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss what it means when Christ says "I do not know where you are from", as it relates to alienation, attention, and Gabriel Marcel's idea of availability.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082425.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Christ Did Not Come To Bring Peace | The Prophet and Subversive Christianity

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss the role of the prophet, and what Christ means when He says "I did not come to bring peace"

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

What Does "Faith" Really Mean?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss the nature of faith, and what it means for the Christian life.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081025.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Ecclesiastes: A Book of Existentialist Philosophy

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss Ecclesiastes as a book of existentialist philosophy, and whether or not all is vanity.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080325.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Why We Call God "Father"

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss the Lord's Prayer from the Gospel of Luke, and why God is called "Father".

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072725.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Rest Is Better Than Work | The Story of Martha and Mary

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss Martha and Mary, work and rest, and how it all fits into our day to day life.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072025.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Everything Is Basically Related To Christ

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom relaunch the podcast, talk about what to expect from future episodes, as well as take a look at the Sunday Mass readings as a guide for the discussion. Topics discussed include Bonaventure's "Reduction of the Arts to Theology" and how Christian Wisdom is the center of philosophy.

The Sunday readings discussed can be found here:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071325.cfm

Basically Related is a Catholic podcast hosted by L.A.Benson and Matt Hylom, discussing scripture, culture, psychology, religion, and philosophy. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday.

L.A.Benson is an OCDS Carmelite with an MTS in Theology

Matt Hylom is an artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer

Angels and Divine Revelation | Monday Muse

Mon, 13 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I discuss Dionysius's hierarchy of angels, Divine Revelation, and religion.

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Angels as mediators of Divine Revelation

- Similarity of religions and religious practices

- God assigning angels or principalities over each nation

- Universality of revelation

- Every culture or religion received Divine Revelation

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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The Spiritual Unconscious and Unconscious Religiousness | Monday Muse

Mon, 06 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing Viktor Frankl's concept of the spiritual unconscious and unconscious religiousness as well as his criticism of Carl Jung and Jungian archetypes.

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Frankl's concept of of the spiritual unconscious and unconscious religiousness

- What is the Spiritual Unconscious?

- What is the unconscious religiousness?

- What makes religion or religious experience authentic?

- Frankl's criticism of Carl Jung and Jungian archetypes.

- Possible origin or source of archetypes

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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God Our Mother? | Monday Muse

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing Julian of Norwich's concept of God as mother and other aspect of the feminine and divinity in Catholic theology.

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Julian of Norwich's notion of God as Mother

- God as the totality and unity of fatherhood and motherhood

- The Bible and other ancient religions on gods and goddesses

- God as mother in scripture and tradition

- How God is both mother and father to his creation and creatures

- The symbolism of the feminine in relation to God

- The Feminine and the Divine in Catholic Theology

- Carl Jung on the Divine Feminine and it's necessity

- Psychology and theology on femininity and divinity

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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O Necessary Sin, O Happy Fault | Monday Muse

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing the Easter Vigil "Exsultet" and the truly necessary sin of Adam and happy fault (Felix Culpa!).

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- The Necessary Sin of Adam

- The meaning of necessity

- Why God allowed Adam to sin

- Why can the Fall be called "happy"

- The Original World vs. the World of Redemption

- Redemption and the Fall

- The higher state of being after the Fall

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Faith and Doubt | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson discusses the gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Easter.

Reading selection for Second Sunday of Easter

- (Gospel): Jn 20:19-31

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Saint Thomas's doubt

- The nature of doubt

- The relationship between doubt and faith

- Doubt being a part of every act of faith

- How those who are unbelievers also doubt

- Faith as a form of knowledge and vision

- Nature and meaning of faith

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040724.cfm

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Cosmic Christianity: The Resurrection

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson discusses the significance of the Resurrection and the symbolism of the Easter Liturgy.

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Christ as the fulfillment of all archetypes and myths

- The Sun and it's connection to Jesus Christ and the Resurrection

- The cosmos and the Resurrection

- Signs, symbols, and meaning of the Easter Liturgy

- Death and Resurrection

- Christianity belief is historical

- The centrality and importance of the Resurrection

Good Friday and the Death of Christ | Monday Muse

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing the hymns and poetry from the Good Friday liturgy. I will look at the cross as a mystery and the symbolism of the cross as well as connect it to Nietzsche’s concept of the death of God.

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments! T

his episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Nietzsche’s proclamation of the death of God and it’s meaning

- Death of God connected to Good Friday

- The Cross as the central meaning of Christian Mystery

- The Cross as a union of cosmos and the bible

- The Cross as a cosmic and Biblical mystery

- The Cross as the true Tree of Life and related to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and evil

- The Cross as the hidden and divine plan to outwit the serpent

- Jesus and Adam compared

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Palm Sunday and the Lord's Passion | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for Palm Sunday 2024.

Reading selection for Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

- (First Reading): Is 50:4-7

- (Pslam): Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

- (Second Reading): Phil 2:6-11

- (Gospel): Mk 14:1—15:47

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Saint Paul's Christ-poem

- Christ's divine humility and self-emptying

- The Cross as a full revelation of the nature of God

- The passion and death of Christ

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032424.cfm

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Original Sin and Psychology | Monday Muse

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing original sin and psychology. Should psychology address original sin or ignore it? What role does the doctrine of original sin play in psychology? Is the doctrine helpful?

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Can psychology ignore, disregard, or reject original sin?

- What is the place of original sin in psychology?

- "Proving" original sin from effect to cause

- Original sin as of practical importance for psychology

- The necessity of recognizing man's fallen nature.

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Discipline and Perfection | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson discusses and provides Biblical commentary for the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, 2024.

Reading selection for 5th Sunday in Lent:

- (First Reading): Jer 31:31-34

- (Pslam): Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15

- (Second Reading): Heb 5:7-9

- (Gospel): Jn 12:20-33

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Christ the Logos

- The background of Letter to the Hebrews

- Christ as both human and divine

- The connection of suffering and discipline

- What "Christ being made perfect" means

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031724-YearB.cfm

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Hylomorphism: Body and Soul | Monday Muse

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, I am discussing and answering a question that was submitted to me by email. I am addressing the question of man's hylomorphic nature: what part of man is material and what part is immaterial and how do these interact? What is the distinction between mind and brain activity?

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

- Hylomorphism: Matter and form defined and explained

- The nature of the body and the nature of the soul

- How the body and soul interact with each other

- Why the soul needs the body

- Why the mind is not the same as the brain

- How the mind is different than the brain

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Faith and Imitation of Christ | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, 2024.

Reading selection for 4th Sunday in Lent:

- (First Reading): 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23

- (Pslam): PS 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

- (Second Reading): Eph 2:4-10

- (Gospel): Jn 3:14-21

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Nietzsche's criticism of faith and works (sola fide and justification by faith alone)

- The necessity of living the faith boldly and with concrete actions

- Carl Jung on the imitation of Christ or the highest ideal

- Saint John of the Cross on growing in the spiritual life is to imitate Christ

- Imitation of Christ is the embodiment of faith

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031024-YearB.cfm

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Analytical Psychology and the Confessional | Monday Muse

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today, we are discussing how analytical psychology, Carl Jung's psychology, can help us understand the psychological value of the Sacrament of Penance (Confession).

Tell me what you think, and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores, and examines:

-What is confession?

-The nature of conscience

-Examination of conscience

-Self-Knowledge according to Carl Jung

-Recognizing the shadow and projection of the shadow

-Self-knowledge leads to knowledge of God and love of neighbor

-Psychological value and impact of confession

-The psychological difference between confessing to oneself or to another person

-Methods for integrating the shadow

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Worship and Idolatry | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, 2024.

Reading selection for 3rd Sunday in Lent:

- (First Reading): Ex 20:1-17

- (Pslam): Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

- (Second Reading): 1 Cor 1:22-25

- (Gospel): Jn 2:13-25

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The meaning of "You shall not have other gods beside me"

- The existence of other supernatural beings

- The prohibition against images and idols

- The meaning of Idolatry

- Wisdom, Signs, and the Cross

- Cleansing of the Temple as a foreshadowing of new worship

- Worship vs. Idolatry

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearB.cfm

Religion and Acting As If God Exists | Monday Muse

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today we are talking about the virtue of religion and Jordan Peterson's claim to "act as if God exists."

Tell me what you think and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Virtue of Religion: Definition and meaning

- How the virtue of religion differs from the virtue of faith

- Religion as a "practice" and not a theory

- What it means to act in a religious manner

- Carl Jung's definition of religion as the relationship to the highest value

- Carl Jung on religion and how everyone has a God, even Nietzsche

- Applying the virtue of religion to Jordan Peterson

- Analyzing the meaning of Jordan Peterson's claim to "act as if" God exists.

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Sacrifice and Transformation | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, 2024.

Reading selection for 2nd Sunday in Lent:

- (First Reading): Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

- (Psalm): Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

- (Second Reading): Rom 8:31b-34

- (Gospel): Mk 9:2-10

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- My approach to Scriptural hermeneutics or method of interpretation (Bonus!)

- Sacrifice as natural to man

- The sacrifice or binding of Isaac

- The meaning and archetype of sacrifice

- Faith coupled with reason

- The necessity of sacrifice in the spiritual life

- The symbolism of Isaac

- The connection of sacrifice and transfiguration

- Passion leading to glory

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm

Integration of Evil | Monday Muse

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today we are talking Fr. Victor White's book "Soul and Psyche" and the integration of the shadow or integration of evil.

Tell me what you think and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Integration of evil/shadow Jordan Peterson and Carl Jung

- An analysis of Peterson's and Jung's integration of the shadow

- What is meant by “evil”?

- Philosophical definitions of evil

- Evil as Privatio Boni or privation of the good

- Carl Jung on evil and the archetype of the shadow

- Saint Paul and mystics on the shadow

- Evil we do vs. the evil of a thing

- What it means to “accept” or “acknowledge” evil or the shadow

- What is integration of the shadow/evil

- What integration means from a philosophical or Christian perspective

- Can Christians accept "integration of evil"?

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Temptation of the Lord | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the First Sunday in Lent, 2024.

Reading selection for 1st Sunday of Lent:

- (First Reading): Gn 9:8-15

- (Pslam): Ps 25:4-9

- (Second Reading): 1 Pt 3:18-22

- (Gospel): Mk 1:12-15

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The Renewal of the Covenant with Noah

- The universal or cosmic covenant God makes with all creation

- The typology of the Flood and it's connection to baptism

- Hero's Journey and trials

- The meaning and significance of temptation in the spiritual life

- Symbolism and connection between the flood and the desert

- Temptation as renewal and transformation

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm

-- Follow Us: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Where is God? | Monday Muse

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:04:52 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse where Lee Benson ruminates and explores various topics of interest! Today we are discussing Ash Wednesday and the purpose and meaning of "Mortification."

Tell me what you think and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Freud's Eros and Thanatos instinct (for fun!)

- The symbolism of ashes and death

- The meaning, nature and purpose of "mortification"

- Why we must "make dead" our habits and attachments

- How we perceive our attachments

- Where is God? What it means to search for God

- The purpose of giving things up for Lent!

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Alienation and The Holy | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024.

Reading selection for 6th Sunday Ordinary Time:

- (First Reading): Lv 13:1-2, 44-46

- (Pslam): Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11

- (Second Reading): 1 Cor 10:31—11:1

- (Gospel): Mk 1:40-45

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The three categories in the Israelite camp: Holy, Clean, and Unclean

- What does it mean to be "Holy" for the Israelites

- The nature and meaning of "unclean"

- The relationship between "Holy and unclean"

- Symbolism of "outside" -

The concept of alienation -

Symbolism of Leprosy -

Jesus has above and beyond the Law

- What it means to approach the holy

- Christ as the holy Tabernacle dwelling among us

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm

Failure of Religion | Monday Muse

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today we are talking Fr. Victor White's book "Soul and Psyche."

Tell me what you think and join the discussion in the comments!

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The modern failure of religion and possible causes

- How depth-psychology can help understand the failure of religion

- Why people walk away from the faith

- Failure of religion because of a failure to give the appropriate images of religion and God

- The importance of the right religious images

- The lasting impact of religious images and ideas connected ot them

- Man as a naturally a religious being

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Meaning and Suffering | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024.

Reading selection for 5th Sunday Ordinary Time:

- (First Reading): Job 7:1-4, 6-7

- (Pslam): Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-7

- (Second Reading): 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23

- (Gospel): Mk 1:29-39

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

The nature of hope and despair
Despair as against man’s nature to desire fulfillment
Viktor Frankl’s will to meaning
Happiness as a by product of meaning, not an aim
Finding purpose and meaning in suffering
Saint John of the Cross on the necessity of suffering for union with God
The need to suffer well in hope and faith
Suffering as a source for humility
God’s goodness, love, and power revealed in suffering
How God’s goodness and love can co-exist even with the presence of suffering
Suffering brings God to us

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm

Man's Metaphysical Needs | Monday Muse

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today we are talking Fr. Victor White's book "Soul and Psyche."

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The "therapy" conversation right now

- Man's metaphysical needs: meaning, understanding his place in the universe and his destiny

- Anthropology and psychological treatment

- Consideration of man's religious being in psychology

- How everyone has a life philosophy, whether conscious or unconscious

- Jung's unique contribution to psychology: collective unconscious and archetypes

- The clash of religion and psychology

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and I will answer them on the podcast!

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Prophets: The Voice of God | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024. These scripture readings come from the Roman Catholic lectionary for Sunday Mass readings.

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The nature of prophets, prophecy, and mediation

- Further Old Testament backgrounds for both the Psalm and first reading

- What it means to "tempt" God

- Virtue of religion and serving God without distraction

- Universal call to holiness and contemplation

- Listening to the voice of God in prayer

- What is an unclean spirit compared to just a demon

- Archetypal priests and prophets

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012824.cfm

The Common Ground Between Religion and Psychology | Monday Muse

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse! Today we are talking Fr. Victor White's book "Soul and Psyche."

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Fr. Victor White's approach to psychology

- The possible integration of Jungian psychology and Catholic theology

- The common ground between religion and psychology

- The meaning of "psyche" and "soul"

- Is there a distinction between mind and soul?

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

3rd Sunday Ordinary Time, 2024 | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024.

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Necessity of faith embodied in concrete actions

- Faith must be coupled with repentance

- Why faith by itself is not enough, repentance is needed

- Prayer and providence

- Metaphorical language for God: How does God "repent?"

- The meaning and essence of detachment

- The symbolism of fish and fishers of men

- Demands of the Gospel and following Christ

- What it means to hear the call of Christ and respond

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm

The soul by nature is Christian | Monday Muse

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse where Lee Benson ruminates and explores various topics of interest from his Monday Substack article. Find more here: https://thisromancatholiclife.substack.com

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Tertullian's "Anima naturaliter Christiana" and it's meaning

- The soul as the seedbed for universal archetypes

- Carl Jung's use of anima naturaliter Christian

- Jung's belief that the psyche possessed a religious function

- Anthropological proofs for the existence of God

- Man as a religious being

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

Divine Callings | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time, 2024.

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Symbolism and meaning of sleep

- Divine calls

- How Christ calls us and how we listen to the call of God

- Suffering as a call

- The Hero's Journey and call to Adventure

- The body and soul as a temple of God

- The "eternal question" asked by Jesus Christ to everyone

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011424.cfm

Christians Didn’t Invent Baptism, Right? | Monday Muse

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse where Lee Benson ruminates and explores various topics of interest from his Monday Substack article.

Find more here: https://thisromancatholiclife.substack.com

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Universal Water Symbolism

- Symbols for Water and their meaning

- Immersion and Flood Motifs

- Pre-Christian Water Symbols

- The Church Fathers on Water Symbolism

- Archetypal Patterns Belonging to All People

- Did Christian's Steal Baptism or Not?

- The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

-- Follow Us: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, 2024 | Scripture Commentary

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Benson discusses and provides scripture commentary for the readings for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, 2024

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- Jersaulem as "Axis Mundi" or Center of the World

- What Saint Paul means by "mystery"

- The cultural and religious context of "mystery"

- Who were the Magi?

- What was the star the Magi saw?

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

You can find the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010724.cfm

Mother of God, Greek, Symbolism of the Feminine, and YOU | Monday Muse

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Monday Muse where Lee Benson ruminates and explores various topics of interest from his Monday Substack article.

Find more here: https://thisromancatholiclife.substack.com

This episode discusses, explores and examines:

- The Feast of Mary, Mother of God

- The Greek word "Symballo" an it's connection to contemplation

- Symbolism of the Feminine

- The soul as feminine in relation to God

- The call of every Christian to be "a mother of God"

- Motherhood and the New Year

Submit questions to BasicallyRelatedPodcast@gmail.com, and we'll answer them on the podcast!

-- Follow Us: https://linktr.ee/basicallyrelated

2nd Sunday of Advent, 2023

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

L.A.Benson sits down with Matt Hylom to discuss and comment on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent 2023.

The Jewish Catholic | Interview

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson sits down for an interview with the Jewish Catholic. Lee and Daniel discuss Daniel's journey to Catholicism and his eventual conversion to the faith. Additionally, they discuss the Jewish roots of many of Catholicism's doctrines, beliefs, and faith practices and the importance of understanding the Jewish roots of Catholicism.

You can follow the Jewish Catholic on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJewishCatholic

Forgetfulness and Gratitude

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Lee Benson sits down with Matt Hylom to discuss and comment on the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. This episode discusses the meaning of gratitude, remembrance, and forgetfulness as it relates God's covenant and the parable of the vineyard tenants. In addition, they discuss the relationship between prayer, anxiety, and peace and the importance of practicing virtue.

But first, the Sacred and the Profane: The Feasts of Saint Therese and Saint Francis and Oktoberfest beer.