Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Maximus the Confessor

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Mary McKeon & Dr. Carl Vennerstrom
Produced by: Augustine Institute

Introduction

In this episode of Catholic Saints, hosted by Mary McKeon and featuring Dr. Carl Vennerstrom from the Augustine Institute, listeners are introduced to St. Maximus the Confessor, a pivotal figure in early Christian theology and a steadfast defender of orthodox Christology. The hosts aim to delve deep into his life, theological contributions, and enduring legacy, providing both historical context and personal insights to inspire listeners in their own faith journeys.

Understanding St. Maximus: Historical Context and Early Life

Birth and Education
St. Maximus the Confessor was born in 580 AD in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Dr. Vennerstrom explains, “[Maximus] was extremely well educated in philosophy and in rhetoric” (05:04). His prestigious position as the first secretary to Emperor Heraclius placed him at the heart of the empire's political and theological discourse.

Personal Struggles and Rise in the Empire
Maximus's role involved advising the emperor and writing speeches, making him a key influencer in the empire's governance. However, his deep commitment to orthodox theology soon put him at odds with imperial policies, particularly concerning Monothelitism—a heresy that posited Christ had only one will.

Transition to Monastic Life
Faced with the emperor’s drift towards heretical beliefs, Maximus chose to abandon his influential position and embrace monastic life. “[He] goes across the Bosphorus to the east and joins a monastery and becomes a very humble monk,” Mary McKeon summarizes (07:35). This marked the beginning of his lifelong struggle to uphold and defend theological truth.

Theological Contributions and Councils

Monothelitism Explained
Monothelitism attempted to reconcile the dual nature of Christ by asserting that He possessed a single divine will, negating the necessity of a distinct human will. Dr. Vennerstrom delves into the complexities of this heresy:
“Maximus sees that Christ truly had to have a human will which was distinct from the divine will, in order that our human wills could be saved” (12:54).

Council of Ephesus and Chalcedon
To understand Maximus's context, the hosts review significant ecumenical councils:

• Council of Ephesus (5th Century): Addressed Christological debates, particularly opposing Nestorius’ rejection of Mary as Theotokos ("Bearer of God").
• Council of Chalcedon (451 AD): Affirmed that Christ exists in one person, two natures—fully divine and fully human.

These councils set the stage for Maximus's theological battles, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining both natures and wills within Christ without conflation.

Stance Against Monothelitism
Maximus ardently opposed Monothelitism, advocating for the recognition of both a distinct divine and human will in Christ. This stance was crucial for maintaining the efficacy of Christ's salvation and ensuring that His human nature was fully preserved.

Persecution and Confession

Conflict with Emperor Constans II
Under Emperor Constans II, a staunch Monothelitist, Maximus faced severe persecution for his theological positions. Dr. Vennerstrom recounts,
“The emperor ... orders the arrest of Pope Martin and Maximus” (15:14).

Torture and Imprisonment
Maximus and Pope Martin endured brutal treatment, including the mutilation of their tongues and right hands, symbolizing the suppression of their theological voices:
“They cut off Maximus and Pope Martin's tongues and their right hands so they can no longer speak and they can no longer write” (16:23).

Exile and Death
Ultimately, Maximus was exiled to a harsh prison in modern-day Georgia, where he died in 662 AD. Although not formally martyred, his sufferings earned him the title of Confessor, recognizing his steadfast witness to the faith despite intense persecution.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Theological Writings
St. Maximus left behind an extensive body of writings that continue to influence Christian theology. His works address profound theological issues, virtues, and the life of prayer. Dr. Vennerstrom emphasizes,
“He's an extremely profound thinker and very worthy of our attention and study” (18:17). Although challenging, his writings offer deep insights for those willing to engage with them.

Witness to Humility and Truth
Maximus's life is a testament to humility and unwavering commitment to theological truth.
“He was a great witness to humility, that ... there's no reason to disrupt the boat” (19:02), Dr. Vennerstrom notes, highlighting how Maximus prioritized doctrinal integrity over personal advancement.

Inspiration for Modern Faith
Maximus’s dedication serves as an inspiration for contemporary believers to engage deeply with their faith, understand its complexities, and stand firm against doctrinal errors.
“If they can spill blood, we can read” (20:36), Dr. Vennerstrom encourages, urging listeners to invest effort into studying Maximus’s teachings.

Conclusion

The episode closes with reflections on the significance of St. Maximus the Confessor’s contributions to the Church and the enduring relevance of his struggles against heresy. Mary McKeon and Dr. Carl Vennerstrom underscore the importance of remembering and studying such saints to deepen one's own faith and understanding of Catholic doctrine.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Carl Vennerstrom (12:54):

  “Maximus sees that Christ truly had to have a human will which was distinct from the divine will, in order that our human wills could be saved.”

• Mary McKeon (20:36):

  “We can spill some sweat. Spare some time to dive through the writing.”

• Dr. Carl Vennerstrom (20:41):

  “Maximus spilled blood because he believed this. And so did Pope Martin.”

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive exploration of St. Maximus the Confessor's life and theology not only educates listeners about his pivotal role in defending orthodox Christology but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the complexities and sacrifices involved in maintaining theological truth. By understanding the historical and doctrinal challenges faced by saints like Maximus, believers are encouraged to pursue holiness with both knowledge and perseverance.

Thank you for joining this episode of Catholic Saints. To delve deeper into the lives of other saints and enrich your faith, consider exploring more episodes and resources offered by the Augustine Institute.