Join host Mark Lambert in a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Doctor Alexander Lucie-Smith, a Catholic priest, moral theologian, and writer. They dive into the recent release of the Epstein files, exploring its far-reaching implications for the British establishment, the monarchy, politics, and even parallels within the Catholic Church. From Prince Andrew's controversies to Peter Mandelson's scandals, they discuss how wealth and power erode moral accountability, leading to institutional rot and societal disillusionment. This episode calls for a return to virtue, philanthropy, and the common good, drawing on Catholic teachings and historical insights.Guest: Rev. Dr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Catholic priest and Doctor of Moral Theology.
Regular contributor to publications on ethics, faith, and current events.
Known for astute commentary on cultural and political issues from a Catholic viewpoint.

Key Topics Discussed: The Epstein scandal as a "flare" exposing rot in the British monarchy and elite circles.
Damage to institutions: Prince Andrew's entitlement, Sarah Ferguson's greed, and Peter Mandelson's repeated scandals.
Parallels to Catholic Church issues, including unaddressed clerical scandals and the need for accountability.
Broader themes: Power brokerage, moral breakdown, the love of money as the root of evil, and the loss of "noblesse oblige" (duty of the privileged).
Historical comparisons: French Revolution, Lourdes, and 19th-century philanthropy.
Calls for moral renewal: Rediscovering holiness through saints like St. Francis and Don Bosco, and promoting the common good over self-interest.
Societal reflections: State overreach, taxation stifling charity, and the need for leaders to serve the "left behind."

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and welcome to Rev. Dr. Alexander Lucie-Smith.
00:49 - Why discuss Epstein? A Catholic view on institutional damage.
02:00 - Epstein revelations exposing rot in the monarchy (Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson).
03:38 - Comparisons to Leona Helmsley and elite contempt for ordinary people.
04:03 - Impact on government and Labour Party (Peter Mandelson's scandals).
05:58 - Mark shares Mandelson's history of controversies.
07:08 - Mandelson's advocacy for the rich over the poor.
08:04 - Damage to Labour and the Blairite legacy.
09:05 - Parallels to Catholic Church scandals and lack of accountability for the powerful.
10:40 - Did Mandelson know? Power brokerage beyond sexual deviancy.
11:14 - Elite networks and "chumminess" among the powerful (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Putin).
14:15 - Breakdown of moral order; wealth insulating from shame.
16:30 - Aspiration to lawlessness filtering through society.
17:30 - Rejecting the idea of "social superiors" setting examples.
19:00 - Church scandals (Anglican & Catholic) eroding moral guidance.
21:51 - Solution: Return to the Ten Commandments and personal moral reform.
22:17 - Why society no longer aspires to holiness, integrity, and honor.
23:58 - Wealth severing conduct from consequences; old sin in modern form.
24:24 - Loss of "noblesse oblige" and historical lessons from revolutions.
26:52 - Lourdes as rich caring for the poor; post-revolution moral shifts.
28:13 - Philanthropy in US vs. UK; state overreach stifling charity.
30:33 - Generosity in parishes; need for directed, trustworthy giving.
31:14 - American philanthropy vs. UK's state-funded model.
33:12 - Epstein's wealth: Distasteful excess amid widespread struggle.
35:56 - Link to civil unrest; Blair's role in eroding national cohesion.
37:05 - Institutions hollowed out; need for moral renewal.
38:45 - Rediscovering common good and volunteerism (e.g., Scouts).
41:41 - Saints as moral heroes (St. Francis, St. Clare, Don Bosco).
43:30 - Epstein as a wake-up call for ethical capitalism and helping the left behind.
44:01 - Closing thoughts and farewell.

Related Resources: Follow Catholic Unscripted for more unfiltered discussions on faith, culture, and current events.
Read Rev. Dr. Lucie-Smith's writings on moral theology (search for his articles on Catholic Herald or similar).
Explore Epstein files coverage for context (note: viewer discretion advised).

If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more Catholic insights into today's world. Share your thoughts in the comments: How can we rebuild moral accountability in society? God bless! #EpsteinFiles #CatholicPerspective #MoralTheology #BritishEstablishment #PowerAndCorruption

Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith, author of numerous crime novels set in Sicily
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1422300.Alexander_Lucie_smith

They discuss the latest reports on the Epstein files, what this reveals about power, fame, money and morality.

Please support us at www.catholicunscripted.com
Thank you