Monday Dec 18, 2023

Zena Hitz: Power of Religion, Choosing Faith over Fear, and Asceticism in a Materialistic Society

I sit down with Zena Hitz and we dive into the intricacies of religion and spirituality, exploring how they shape our personal and societal landscapes.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of faith, the role of religion in fostering personal growth, and the balance between asceticism and living in a modern, materialistic world.

Zena’s insights provide a deep understanding of the complexities of religious life, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that transcends conventional views on religion and spirituality.

Zena Hitz is a Tutor at St. John's College in Annapolis, where she teaches across the liberal arts. She is the author of Lost In Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life (2020) and A Philosopher Looks At the Religious Life. In 2020 she received the Hiett Prize in the Humanities and founded the Catherine Project, an open liberal arts program for adults, where she now serves as president.

SHOWNOTES -

00:00:00 - Coming Up...

00:00:45 - Show Intro

00:01:19 - Guest Intro

00:04:15 - What led to the conception of 'A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life'

00:09:15 - The approach to maintain when you talk about religion

00:12:15 - Transformative power of faith

00:17:20 - Choosing spirituality over religion

00:22:30 - Religion using fear to control people

00:28:00 - How to begin your religious journey

00:32:35 - Signs of a 'healthy' religious community

00:36:30 - Surrender vs Conviction