In this episode of The Soul Unleashed, we explore the eschatology, and the fascinating history and theology behind Pope Benedict XII and his influential papal bull Benedictus Deus, which defined the Catholic doctrine of the Beatific Vision. Diving into the question, “What happens when we die?”, we uncover the story of Jacques Fournier, the Cistercian monk turned pope, who shaped Church teachings during the tumultuous Avignon Papacy. From inquisitions in southern France to the Albigensian Crusade, this episode weaves together history, theology, and personal eschatology, offering insights into the medieval Church and its struggles for spiritual and political authority.
Timestamps
00:00:19 – Introduction and Welcome
00:00:27 – Purpose of the Podcast: Breaking Paradigms and Seeking Truth
00:00:41 – Personal Updates: Mike’s Recent Challenges
00:00:59 – Topic Introduction: Personal Eschatology
00:01:22 – Diverse Beliefs About Life After Death: Perspectives from Various Faiths
00:02:30 – Catholic Doctrine of the Soul After Death
00:03:06 – Historical Context: The Papal Bull “Benedictus Deus”
00:03:50 – The Catholic Church in Turmoil: Intrigue and Controversies
00:04:10 – History of the Papacy’s Role in Christianity
00:05:01 – France’s Influence on the Papacy and the Avignon Period
00:06:00 – The Albigensian Crusade and the Church’s Fight Against Heresy
00:08:38 – Jacques Fournier: From Inquisitor to Pope Benedict XII
00:10:00 – His Methods and Reputation as an Inquisitor
00:11:20 – Historical Overview: The Avignon Papacy and its Politics
00:12:00 – Election of Pope Benedict XII: An Unexpected Outcome
00:14:50 – The Beatific Vision Doctrine: Benedictus Deus Explained
00:16:30 – Theological Debate on the Beatific Vision and Purgatory
00:18:00 – The Legacy of Pope Benedict XII and Church Infallibility
00:18:45 – Conclusion: Reflection on History and Theology
00:19:00 – Outro and Show Notes Links
Resources:
Papal Bull entitled “Benedictus Deus” issued on January 29, 1336 (prior to the 10-day and leap year adjustments of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582) https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/benedictus-deus-on-the-beatific-vision-of-god-13139
Born Jacques Fournier (Frenchman) in 1285
Became a Cistercian Monk
Bishop of Pamiers and conducted Inquisition trials 1326
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XII
Elected by mistake on Dec 20, 1334, succeeding Pope John XXII. The majority of cardinals favored Cardinal Jean-Raymond de Comminges, the Bishop of Porto. “You have elected an ignoramus”. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02430a.htm
He was the third of eight popes during the “Avignon Papacy” (1309-1377) 67 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avignon_Papacy
This was followed by “The Western Schism” when there were Popes in both Avignon and Rome (1378-1417) 39 years https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism
The Albigensian Crusade was 1209-1229: https://worldhistory.org/Albigensian_Crusade/
My podcasts target left-brained types like me, whose rigid view of life restricts us from considering things outside the tightly organized spiritual paradigm we either grew up with or built for ourselves.
Follow my podcasts to discuss serious topics like grief, human suffering, prayer, religion, and spiritual practices. I also cover things that I used to consider craziness or “woo-woo” such as: meditation, manifestation, spiritualism, spiritual awakening, reincarnation, past-life regression, the channeling of spirits and aliens (seriously…), soul groups, astrology, and even Chinese fortune cookies!
Mike
Website: https://mikenicholas.com
Email: mike@mikenicholas.com
YouTube Channel: @mikenicholas-unleashed
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