Podcast Interview with Father Steven Gadbury

Key Points

Life Story & Background

• Early Life: Raised in a farming family in Arkansas, faced a tragic accident at the age of 8, which took his father and sister.
• Military Service: Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2005, worked in logistics, stationed in Texas, Germany, and Iraq.
• Path to Priesthood: A calling to priesthood appeared through various life events, including an encounter in Iraq where a stranger knew about his contemplation of becoming a priest. Studied philosophy and theology in Louisiana and Rome.

Ministry and Outreach

• Social Media Influence: Uses platforms like Instagram to engage with the community. His activities, such as participating in "American Ninja Warrior," have opened avenues for conversations on deeper issues.
• Traditional and Modern Balance: Advocates for staying connected with modern aspects of culture while maintaining traditional values.
• Addressing Masculinity: Shows raw masculinity through hobbies like hunting, cycling, and fitness.

Spiritual and Theological Insights

• Spiritual Warfare: Believes in spiritual battles, primarily targeting families and personal lives.
• Role of Sacraments: Emphasizes sacraments as means to encounter Christ physically.
• Suicide Views: Considers suicide a complex issue, urging people struggling as well as those around them to seek and offer help.

Church Teachings and Belief Systems

• Vatican II Influences: Discusses changes like the inclusion of vernacular languages in liturgy, greater understanding of the laity's role.
• Purgatory and Salvation: Explains purgatory as a state of purification before entering heaven.
• Authority in the Church: Succession from Apostle Peter, with the Pope and bishops maintaining the church's spiritual authority.

Personal Struggles and Reflections

• On Saying No: Struggles with boundaries due to upbringing responsibilities.
• Views on Death and Afterlife: Preparedness for a good death as part of a life of faith.

Interesting Observations

• Influence of Psychedelics: Discussed the spiritual and healing benefits reported by some, though cautious about their use.
• Cultural Curiosities: Expresses interest in returning to Iraq to understand more about the people and culture.

Projects & Interests

• Mayhem Hunt: Part of a group combining love for hunting and fitness.
• Community Engagement: Remains active through church, fitness, and hunting involvement.

Final Thoughts

• Gadbury shares his perspective on the intersection of modern life with spiritual duties, continuously learning and finding ways to be a guiding presence in his community, while openly exploring complex personal and communal issues. He portrays an image of faith balanced with engaging reality in a relatable and approachable manner.