On this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Christopher Zehnder engage Paul Fahey on his piece: the Anti-Pelagian Queen's Gambit, a critique of Josh Herring's article. (January 15, 2021)

The Open Door (our second podcast this week) takes another, and sharply different, look at Netflix’s surprise hit series, The Queen’s Gambit. Our special guest is Paul Fahey, co-founder of Where Peter Is. In addition, he is a director of religious education, a speaker, and retreat leader. His website is Rejoice and Be Glad. The questions we will discuss include the following.

1. Could you recount for us the storyline of The Queen’s Gambit?

2. You praised the series for being “anti-Pelagian.” Just what does this mean and why did you appreciate it?

3. You wrote an article that was critical of Josh Herring’s (who we recently had on our show) analysis of the series. How does your analysis of the film differ from his?

4. Why do you think the anthropology Josh Herring proposes in his article is flawed, specifically in light of the teaching of Pope Francis?

5. Grace builds on nature, healing us as it does so. Without grace there is no conversion of heart nor the sacrificing of oneself for others. But don’t they both involve making some hard choices?

6. Do virtues play a role in our making hard choices for the good?

7. Some commentators see the “The Puritans vs. The Rebels” theme as overworked. The formula is familiar. Since we don’t much like the Puritans, the Rebels look appealing. Is this dynamic at work in The Queen’s Gambit?

8. What is expressive individualism? Can it be compatible with the common good?

9. Lest we forget: What about Netflix? What sort of cultural role does it play?