Addressing ‘Barron’s Bodybuilders’

I received a number of comments following my publication of “Barron’s Bodybuilders.”

Some comments reveal an uncritical following of the auxiliary bishop of the Santa Barbara region. This includes those who took issue with a certain part of the article without appearing to have read the article, at least not thoroughly.

Separately, a friend who has worked with Word on Fire gave me an insightful perspective that I will address below.

After reflecting on the article and the associated comments, I decided to address some of these points.

1. Contrary to the interpretation of some readers, I never took issue with bodybuilding in and of itself…

In fact, I lift weights multiple times a week, and some of my exercise routine includes powerlifting.

2. …but I do highlight there can be elements of bodybuilding culture that are contrary to following Christ.

The “locker room talk” reported to Chris Damian is a common — though not exclusive — fruit of a culture that promotes physical appearance, brute strength, and aggressive dominance.

Moreover, the objectification of women and their reduction to sexual gratification corresponds to a culture that idealizes (and at times idolizes) the body.

3. Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire’s Leadership are reported to have been aware of this “locker room” dynamic among certain members of its male staff, but never addressed this.

Turning a blind eye to a toxic culture signifies that Word on Fire’s leadership is culpable for allowing such an environment to persist. This is not separate or outside of Word on Fire, but intertwined with the organization.

By not addressing this early on, Word on Fire inflicted an injustice both to the people harmed by this toxic culture, as well as to those who promoted this culture.

For the latter group, selfishly Word on Fire’s leadership ought to have curbed such behavior to protect its image. Pastorally, Word on Fire’s leadership ought to have curbed such behavior to lead these members closer to imitating and following Christ. This does not need to be done with an iron rod, but it doesn’t excuse nothing being done.

If the goal of Word on Fire’s evangelization is to lead people to conversion and a relationship with Christ and the Church, this mission should also extend to the persons within the organization.

4. We are all sinners, and we all fall short. Those who Christ calls are broken people and in need of God’s Love.

I completely agree. I daily reflect on the adage, “There but the grace of God go I.”

But it doesn’t permit being soft on areas that shouldn’t be tip-toed around: sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, and a toxic work environment.

Further, God calls us both to forgiveness from sin and restitution for sin. This would include calling for a complete cease and desist of this toxic culture and holding accountable those who promoted such a culture.

5. Joey Gloor has an impressive talent in videography and production.

This was shared with me by a friend who has worked with Word on Fire. Gloor demonstrated a keen eye to enhance the quality of a video shot and proved to be an asset in Word on Fire’s online content and media growth.

Even though Gloor likely did not have a professional background in video production prior to working with Word on Fire, he gained a strong skillset in this area and proved to be an effective producer.

Hence, Gloor’s ascent in the organization was likely warranted based on merit.

I am grateful for this information. It is important to have a complete picture of Gloor as well as Word on Fire’s ministry.

6. Since Gloor was a key person at Word on Fire, could this have given Gloor the privilege to behave and act in a certain way without consequence, and potentially have been protected amid allegations?

Again we are all fallen and broken people. A key person could be protected for the sake of the brand and for the person’s significance to the brand. A key person could also get away with certain actions.

Certainly this is a possibility, but I hesitate to conclude this.

But this is an important question for Word on Fire’s leadership to reflect on.

A former Word on Fire employee did share with Chris Damian her perspective that Gloor received favorable treatment, including when he overstepped professional boundaries.

7. The controversies at Word on Fire are symptomatic of a broader problem in the Church that promotes a culture lacking accountability and promoting uniformity over diversity.

This was a great insight from the friend I shared about earlier.

When there are aspects of the Church that reflect a “boy’s club,” these areas of the Church inevitably promote a culture of exclusion, which is contrary to the Sacred Heart which is a house of prayer for all people (cf. Is 56:7).

A symptom of exclusion is an environment where certain people feel unsafe and uncomfortable. For Word on Fire, several women shared that the referenced toxic culture made them feel this way.

Uniformity and echo chambers prevent being checked and hinder growth. Including diverse perspectives, particularly those from women as well as nonwhite persons, would permit these areas of the Church to promote the Church’s catholicity.

Without diversity and multicultural inclusion, the Church distances itself from being Catholic and in effect devolves into a sect.

8. The problems at Word on Fire are real, prompting high profile resignations and possibly more to come.

I applaud those who have taken a stand against an organization they found to be toxic and not reflecting the stated mission. This includes those who have spoken out publicly and privately.

We on the outside do not know the issues first-hand, and thus it is important to intently observe the feedback from those within the organization.

But those on the inside of the organization, most especially Word on Fire’s leadership, ought to take great heed to the outcries and the resignations. It’s the Spirit’s call to contrition and conversion.

In conclusion, it is time for Word on Fire to step into fire. Be transformed, and permit anything that needs to be burned away to be burned away, and that which is to be refined and strengthened in the fire to lead the organization to healing and conversion.