By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
Uniting ancient wisdom and modern faith, the “FAD & DAD” podcast, hosted by Father Andrew Dickinson (“FAD”) from the Diocese of Sioux Falls and Joshua Burks (“Dad”) of Lincoln, offers a delightful and accessible exploration of the teachings of the Church Fathers.
The Church Fathers, according to Burks, are those earliest of Christians “who taught, defended, and ultimately lived the faith in such a way that their witness endures throughout history to help Christians of all time understand, live, and share the faith that was handed down from Jesus and the Apostles.”
Through lighthearted conversations, the hosts aim to encourage vibrant faith and renewed curiosity while celebrating the profound foundation of their friendship.
As two modern fathers, Father Dickinson and Burks embark on a remarkable journey, shedding light on the wisdom of the Church Fathers within a contemporary context. They begin their quest with notable figures such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Justin the Martyr, seeking to inspire and enlighten listeners, fostering a deeper connection to faith through the joys of friendship and approachable dialogue.
Burks highlights that the true foundation of the podcast lies in their genuine friendship. Having spent four years as a FOCUS missionary and team director at South Dakota State University, where Father Dickinson served as the chaplain, Burks not only gained a wise priest and mentor but also a lifelong friend.
Father Dickinson is now vicar general of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and serves as a pastor and canonical administrator for a school system. Burks is an associate teacher for the Emmaus Institute of Biblical Studies.
Sharing a deep love for Jesus Christ, a passion for spiritual formation, and an appreciation for life’s pleasures, the duo’s years of wishful thinking culminated in the creation of “FAD & DAD.”
Burks joyfully expressed, “We’re having such a great time with it.”
Designed for a broad audience, Burks emphasized, “It’s not a scholarly podcast; it’s truly for everyone. Our aim is to simply encourage vibrant faith and renewed curiosity, all within the setting of lighthearted conversation and good friendship.”
As they explore the writings of the Church Fathers, the hosts skillfully draw out essential themes that resonate with contemporary faith practices.
Unpacking the significance of learning about the Church Fathers, Burks describes them as an “unopened treasure chest of riches for the faith.” These foundational pillars of the Catholic faith have experienced a renewed interest in recent years, thanks to modern technology and discoveries that have unveiled lost or previously elusive writings. This treasure trove provides a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the faith, fellowship, and challenges faced by the early Church, creating a direct link to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Highlighting the relevance of the ancient Church Fathers to modern life, Burks asserts their value in guiding faith formation. Some Church Fathers, like Ignatius of Antioch, offer pastoral wisdom on living in communion and harmony with others. Others, such as Athanasius and Augustine, present profound theological insights, addressing matters like Jesus’ divinity, the Trinity, Mary, and defending against heresies that persist to this day. The wisdom of these Fathers continues to resonate, guiding believers in navigating interpersonal conflicts and addressing the distortions of faith found in today’s culture.
Underscoring the importance of ongoing faith education and formation, Burks cites St. Paul’s exhortation, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Rom 12:2).
“The Lord gave us the gift of intellect for the purpose of knowing Him,” he explained. “Our hope for FAD & DAD is that we can be a small contribution to the renewal of this world by calling attention to the eternal wisdom of the Church that is found in the Fathers. And formation doesn’t need to be boring either—just listen to one episode, and that will be plenty apparent!”
Listeners can tune in to the “FAD & DAD” podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
