Mezzo by Chris Damian – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Mezzo by Chris Damian

Chris Damian

Religion & Spiritualité

Fréquence : 1 épisode/7j. Total Éps: 36

Mezzo is a space for the "in-between." For deconstructing and deconstructed Catholics, and those who want to learn with and from them. We cover Catholicism, intersectionality, dialogue, deconstruction, sexuality, race, creativity, healing, change, and much more!

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Données mises à jour le 14/07/2026

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“Catholicism Is for Bad People”: James Alison on Faith, Forgiveness, and LGBTQ Catholics

lundi 8 juin 2026 • Durée 01:00:45

When the Church’s most rigid teachings threaten your identity, the path to authentic faith often starts with a simple truth: You Can, If You Want To. James Allison, theologian and priest, unpacks how embracing God's love and forgiveness—not morality—can radically transform our understanding of ourselves and others. If you're tired of the moralism that keeps good people feeling defective or rejected, this episode seeks a breath of fresh air and a blueprint for living with grace in a legalistic world.

Join us as we unpack James's most recent book, You Can, If You Want To: Navigating Christian Faith, Conscience, and Matters LGBTQ+. James explores the profound idea that God's love is not about punishment or blackmail but about liberation—demonstrated powerfully in the life and sacrifice of Christ. He challenges the misconception that Christian life is about following rules to avoid sin, instead framing it as a journey into truth, goodness, and community. Whether you're grappling with LGBTQ+ questions, Church rigidity, or simply seeking a deeper, more compassionate faith, you'll discover how forgiveness and honesty serve as keys to releasing shame and building authentic relationships with God, yourself, and others.

00:00 Introduction to James Allison and His Work

04:05 Understanding Basic Christianity

09:15 Cultural Perspectives on Catholicism and LGBTQ+ Issues

12:06 Legalism vs. Compassion in Catholic Teaching

18:01 The Shift in American Catholic Discourse

27:09 Basic Christianity and Affirmative Approaches to LGBTQ+ Lives

31:01 Understanding Relationships and Structures in LGBTQ+ Lives

36:06 Navigating Different Paths in Faith and Sexuality40:47 The Role of Forgiveness in Christianity

49:10 Hope Amidst Injustice and Legalism

55:27 Looking Ahead: Future Directions in Faith and Society

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Coming Out as Civil Disobedience in the Church

lundi 1 juin 2026 • Durée 13:42

In this episode, we explore why coming out in the Church can function as an act of moral agency and even civil disobedience. Drawing from the work of Martin Luther King Jr., Black Christian theology, and his own experience as a gay Catholic, Chris Damian discusses silence, disclosure, queer identity, Church power structures, and the spiritual cost of marginalization.

We talk about being pressured into silence by Christians, losing opportunities because of LGBTQ+ identity, and how public disclosure can transform understandings of justice, dignity, and resistance. We also examine how LGBTQ Christians, gay priests, immigrants, and other marginalized groups can challenge unjust systems simply by speaking openly about their experiences.

This conversation touches on civil disobedience, Catholicism, queer theology, religious trauma, homophobia in the Church, and the example of Christ himself in confronting authority.

00:00 The Weight of Silence: A Personal Journey

03:02 Civil Disobedience and Moral Agency

06:10 Learning from Dr. King: Lessons for LGBTQ Christians

08:50 The Power of Coming Out: Transforming Victims into Agents

12:09 A Call to Action: Solidarity and Resistance

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Why put migrants and diversity at the center of an encyclical on AI?

vendredi 29 mai 2026 • Durée 01:16:04

Most of us are unprepared for the profound questions the digital age is forcing us to ask about humanity, justice, and the future. Which is partly why Pope Leo XIV has recently published Magnifica Humanitas, his encyclical on safeguarding humanity in the age of AI.He moves us to ask: What if AI isn't the enemy, but a mirror revealing our deepest moral choices? In this episode, Chris Damian reads through the encyclical, to pull out key themes and ideas. He helps unpack a vision that challenges how we think about technology, community, and human dignity in a rapidly evolving world.Chris explores how the Church’s social tradition—from Rerum Novarum to Laudato Si—offers crucial insights into navigating the AI revolution. He unpacks how the Pope critiques the tech-giants’ concentration of power, warns against the dehumanization risk posed by unchecked efficiency, and emphasizes the importance of shared discernment rooted in the dignity of every human person. You'll discover why the biblical images of Babel and Jerusalem’s walls serve as powerful metaphors for unity, diversity, and shared responsibility in shaping a just, inclusive future.We break down the core principles shaping the Church’s moral framework—dignity of the human person, universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, and solidarity—and how they can serve as guides for building ethical, equitable digital societies. You'll learn why the pursuit of progress must be driven by love, mercy, and true participation, not just technological increase or economic gain. Chris elaborates on urgent issues like AI’s role in misinformation, surveillance, virtual exploitation, and the risk of global inequality—highlighting how marginalized communities, including migrants and the poor, must remain central to the moral conversation.Why does the Catholic vision of mutual gift, community, and love challenge the narratives of transhumanism and posthumanism? How can we resist the temptation to let profit, power, and efficiency reshape our identity? This episode invites you to reflect on your role in fostering a civilization of love amid the forces trying to reframe our shared future. Perfect for anyone concerned about the moral implications of AI, social justice, or the church’s evolving voice in global affairs—this is a call to action rooted in hope, rooted in faith, and rooted in the profound dignity of every human being.Join us as we journey through the moral landscape of a transforming world—showing that even in darkness, small acts of fidelity and compassion can light the way toward a more human, loving, and just civilization. Don’t miss this essential exploration of faith, technology, and the human soul.02:49 Technology and Humanity: A Dual Perspective05:02 The Tower of Babel vs. Rebuilding Jerusalem08:19 Building for the Common Good11:14 Core Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine15:10 The Meaning of Progress in Society19:38 The Role of the Church in Social Justice24:08 Evolution of Church's Social Teaching28:17 The Dignity of the Human Person33:02 Human Rights and Their Implications39:32 The Right to Life and Human Dignity42:54 The Common Good and Social Responsibility45:44 Technology, AI, and Human Capacity49:43 Ethics in AI and Decision Making54:07 The Role of the Church in Modern Society58:22 Human Limitations and Flourishing01:00:21 Truth, Communication, and Social Trust01:03:51 Work, Economy, and Human Dignity01:07:05 New Forms of Exploitation and Responsibility01:10:43 War, Peace, and the Culture of Love

Navigating Niche Internet Fame as Gay & Ex-Catholic Creators

lundi 25 mai 2026 • Durée 53:06

What happens when your “tiny” online platform suddenly follows you into real life—family dinners, gay bars, dating apps, and DMs from priests in crisis? In this episode, Chris Damian (lawyer, gay Catholic writer) and Cade (ex-Catholic atheist YouTuber) unpack the weird reality of hyper-niche fame: stalkers, parasocial relationships, over-sharing faith and sexuality online, and learning to set boundaries when thousands of strangers know your story better than your friends do. They talk about advice they won’t give, why they refuse to process their deepest wounds in real time for content, and how they both try to give people more options—not a single “correct” path—when it comes to religion, queerness, and leaving (or staying) in the Church.

00:00 Navigating Public Presence

01:40 Chris's Stalker Story

07:08 Balancing Public and Private Life

19:57 Processing Personal Issues Publicly

27:04 Navigating Public Spaces and Giving Advice

31:44 The Role of Content Creators in Religious Discourse

34:32 Managing Beef

43:59 The Value of Diverse Voices

48:10 Maintaining Personal and Public Personas

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My Pastor Lied, the Diocese Covered It Up… and I Stayed Catholic

lundi 18 mai 2026 • Durée 01:11:40

In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Fahey, a former parish catechist turned licensed counselor in Michigan who now works at the intersection of mental health, Catholic theology, and spiritual abuse. Paul shares his journey from homeschooled, Steubenville-era zeal and a full-time job in parish ministry to walking away after years under a narcissistic pastor, a hostile work environment, and a diocese that refused to act—right up to a bulletin letter publicly shaming the entire staff.We talk about spiritual abuse as an abuse of power and conscience, why “he hasn’t committed a crime” is a devastatingly low bar for Catholic leaders, and how systemic betrayal in the Church can wound as deeply as individual acts of harm. Paul reflects on Pope Francis, fundamentalism, and moving from a transactional God to a “God of gratuitous love,” as well as why he remains Catholic even when he can’t always fully participate. We also explore survivors’ Masses, the Eucharistic Congress, hopeful universalism, purgatory as truth-telling, and the grassroots work of communities like Sisters of the Little Way and Awake. If you’ve been harmed by the Church, are wrestling with staying or leaving, or just want better language for spiritual abuse, this conversation is for you.

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Can Religious Schools Take Public Money and Still Discriminate?

mercredi 13 mai 2026 • Durée 01:02:22

The Catholic case at the Supreme Court: Can faith-based schools receive public funds while discriminating? This episode unpacks a pivotal legal battle shaping the future of Catholic education and religious liberties in America.The Supreme Court case St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy tests a fundamental question: Can faith-based schools accept public funding and still refuse enrolling children because they have same-sex parents? In this discussion with Cade from gayextrad and Justin from Empty Chairs, we explore how Colorado's universal preschool program intersects with religious freedom—and what it could mean for thousands of children and families.Join us as we dive into the complex legal and moral issues behind the case— from non-discrimination laws to religious liberty standards. The briefings in the case question the very purpose of Catholic education: Is it insular community building or engagement with the outside world? How do Church teachings about sexuality and equality collide with the realities of publicly funded services? And what does this case reveal about the broader battle over religious identity and civil rights in the United States?We break down key legal cases like Employment Division v. Smith and Carson v. Mackin, and examine how they influence current debates. Plus, hear reflections about conservative Catholic educators, LGBTQ Catholics, and legal experts, on whether the Church’s mission is to create a closed community culture or to embrace an evangelizing Gospel.In a time where religion and law collide, misunderstanding and misrepresentation abound—from accusations of discrimination to claims of religious persecution. We highlight why this case is more than legal wrangling: it’s about what kind of society and what kind of Church we want to build— one that prioritizes inclusivity or one that shields religious institutions from accountability.This discussion challenges us to reconsider what it truly means to practice faith in a pluralistic society—and how legal decisions reverberate through the lives of real children and families.Tune in to hear nuanced perspectives and think critically about how laws shape our moral and spiritual communities—because the outcome could redefine faith-based schooling for generations to come.00:00 Introduction to the Case01:00 Background of the Universal Preschool Program02:45 Legal Context and Non-Discrimination Requirements06:04 Supreme Court's Involvement and Key Questions07:30 Understanding Employment Division v. Smith10:59 Perspectives from Catholic Communities12:50 The Role of Admissions in Religious Education15:32 Freedom of Conscience and Government Funding17:54 Protecting LGBTQ Families in Catholic Education20:40 The Dilemma of Catholic Identity and Inclusivity23:57 The Purpose of Catholic Education26:35 The Impact of Discrimination on Children30:52 Misunderstanding Religious Liberty33:33 Government's Duty Against Religious Injustice34:41 Misrepresentation of Catholic Teachings35:48 Discrimination Justified? A Catholic Perspective38:09 The Role of Catholic Schools in Society40:08 Diversity in Catholic Education42:36 Navigating Complexities of Catholic Doctrine45:09 Funding and Discrimination in Catholic Schools47:35 The Impact of Discrimination on Children49:38 The Gospel as Good News for All53:40 Conversations with LGBTQ Parents in Catholic Schools

Bizarre Things My Conversion Therapist Told Me to Do

lundi 4 mai 2026 • Durée 50:20

In this episode, Christopher Dowling-Magill and Danny Peterson return to share the bizarre and often shocking things their Catholic conversion therapists encouraged them to do in the name of “healing” same-sex attraction. From “non-erotic” group cuddling and “snuggle prayer” to Journey Into Manhood weekends, skate-park inner-child rituals, deliverance sessions, and psychological warfare, they unpack what these practices actually looked like in real life—and how they shaped their bodies, boundaries, and beliefs.We dig into the theology and ideology behind this world: Christopher West’s sexualized sacramental imagery, Courage International’s roots in ex-gay narratives, spiritual warfare explanations for attraction, and the way bishops, dioceses, and “orthodox” Catholic therapists create systems where shame and boundary violations are baked in. The guests reflect on what it meant to realize they were not just victims, but sometimes led into harming others under Church-approved guidance.Finally, they offers a word of hope: leaving conversion therapy doesn’t mean giving up on growth. It means pursuing healing that doesn’t require changing who you are in order to be loved—by God or anyone else.00:00 Bizarre Conversion Therapy Practices01:38 Non-Erotic Touch and Holding Therapy14:56 Conversion Therapy Camps and Exercises19:23 Theology of the Body and Controversial Teachings23:28 Sexual Content in Catholic Ministries27:36 Church-Induced Angst and Sexuality31:28 Unethical Practices in Therapy33:39 Spiritual Warfare and Conversion Therapy41:33 Institutional Failures and Accountability49:37 A Nugget of Hope: Embracing Growth

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The Pope Benedict XVI Argument For Gay Love

lundi 27 avril 2026 • Durée 23:36

A deep, provocative conversation on how Christian communities confuse repression with asceticism—and how that confusion harms women, gay men, and anyone raised in purity culture. We explore the work of Alasdair McIntyre, Sarah Coakley Coakley, Augustine, Pope Benedict XVI, and the lived experiences of queer Christians to ask: What does a healthy, imaginative, morally mature approach to sexuality look like? And how can Christians tell better stories about desire, sin, and love?00:00 Repression vs Asceticism01:30 How Christian Sexual Culture Creates False Binaries03:00 The Unique Burden Placed on Women and Gay Men05:30 Why Avoidance Becomes a Moral Trap07:15 Repression as a Hidden Form of Hedonism09:00 St. Francis and the Disruption of False Asceticism10:30 Pleasure, Charity, and Divine Desire12:00 Marriage, Sexual Cycles, and Misunderstood Virtue13:30 Augustine, Sin, and the Logic of Charity14:45 Benedict XVI and Moral Development16:00 Trauma, Fear, and the Moral Imagination18:00 Why Stories Shape Desire20:00 The Church’s Failure of Imagination22:00 Why “No Gay Sex” Was Never Enough23:30 Toward Mercy, Vulnerability, and New Stories

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Betrayed by Catholic Studies: My Story of Abuse and Institutional Failure

lundi 13 avril 2026 • Durée 51:46

Content warning: This story includes discussions of suicide, sexual violence, assault and abuse, including clergy sexual abuse. If you're having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.In September 2013, former chancellor Jennifer Haselberger went public with allegations that the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis had mishandled clergy sexual abuse cases. A few weeks later, the Department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas was grappling with accusations in its own community. Father Michael Keating, one of the department's most popular professors, had gone on leave. A young woman had come forward with allegations that he had abused her as a child. The story circulating among students was that she had misremembered and was lashing out because of mental instability. The head of the Department of Catholic Studies, Dr. Don Briel, knew much more than he was letting on. And all of this brought new pain as it was uncovered years later.So what happens when the Church’s silence and institutional neglect continue to allow abuse to flourish? In this latest episode, we explore the horrors behind sacred facades, revealing how charisma and ideology can mask devastation for decades. This episode isn't just a story — it's a call for accountability, a journey through trauma, and an urgent plea for renewal within an institution that is supposed to help those hurting, not harm them more deeply.

Chris also shares my own painful journey from admiration to disillusionment, unpacking the scandal of Father Keating’s alleged abuse and the Church’s complicity, as well as the ways in which the Catholic Studies program at the University of St. Thomas furthered harm. And he also uncovers his past experiences of sexual violence in the midst of this. We’ll explore the how Church leadership ignores warning signs, and how a community’s silence can enable ongoing harm — often at the expense of the most vulnerable. We break down the systemic failures and explore the emotional toll on victims who had nowhere to turn, fostering both fury and hope for change.In this episode, you'll uncover:

• The complex web of lies, cover-ups, and silence that allowed abuse to persist in Catholic institutions for over a decade• How charisma and intellectual brilliance can be tools of manipulation, enabling predators to evade justice

• The subtle ways the Church’s teachings and community dynamics can foster silence and self-blame among survivors

The Complete History of Conversion Therapy in the Catholic Church

lundi 6 avril 2026 • Durée 01:08:48

This is a deep dive into conversion therapy—its philosophical underpinnings, psychological history, theories, and practices. Conversion therapy shows up in the Church in many ways today and has impacted just about every LGBTQ+ Catholic. If you stick around to the end, you'll learn how conservative promotion of conversion therapy actually has its origins in liberal secular psychoanalysis that treated religion itself as a neurosis.The Church can let go of overly prescriptive and psychologically damaging approaches to homosexuality. Instead of inventing origin stories to change desires, the Church can help Christians clarify contours of their desires and identities, shaping them consistent with Christian commitments.00:00 Introduction to Conversion Therapy03:19 What Actually Is Conversion Therapy10:02 Historical Context and Psychoanalysis13:46 Freud's Influence and Theories17:18 The Gilded Age of Conversion Therapy22:16 Post-Stonewall Shifts and Religious Influence29:57 Modern Developments and Critiques35:46 Exodus International and Desert Stream Ministries37:16 Journey into Manhood: A Controversial Program39:10 The Ex-Gay Narrative in the Catholic Church51:53 The Psychological and Spiritual Harm of Conversion Therapy01:04:39 The Church's Path Forward: Integrating Tradition and Modern Psychology

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Mezzo by Chris Damian – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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