Toxic Passions | S1E34

PART EIGHT: Soul Tending In this episode of St.Aub, we explore the ancient wisdom of the Desert Fathers on the root causes of sin and the healing of the soul. Long before modern psychology, these early Christian spiritual guides recognized that recurring sinful behaviors begin with recurring thoughts. Left unchecked, those thoughts become habits, and over time, they grow into what the Church Fathers called passions — deeply rooted desires that keep us from the freedom and life God intends for us. Drawing from Scripture, the Philokalia, and the wisdom of Eastern Orthodox spirituality, St.Aub reflects on the Eight Evil Thoughts identified by Evagrius Ponticus — gluttony, lust, greed, anger, despondency, acedia, vainglory, and pride. Rather than condemning us, these ancient insights help us diagnose the spiritual illnesses that affect every human heart and point us toward the healing that Christ offers. This episode invites you to examine the hidden patterns shaping your own life. Which thoughts are you allowing to take root? Which passions are quietly influencing your decisions? The good news is that no passion is beyond God's power to heal. As we learn to reject unhealthy thoughts and cultivate Christlike virtues, our souls are gradually restored and transformed. If this reflection resonated with you, consider subscribing and returning as we continue exploring the Godward path together. You're always welcome here. And if you think of someone who might need this, feel free to share it. Topics in this video include the Eight Evil Thoughts, the passions, healing the soul, Evagrius Ponticus, the Philokalia, Eastern Orthodox spirituality, spiritual warfare, Christian spiritual formation, and the Godward life. #ChristianYouTube #EasternOrthodox #OrthodoxChristianity #SpiritualWarfare #Philokalia #HealingTheSoul #GodwardLife Continue watching more episodes at https://www.dickstaub.com/episodes