Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., President of the Magis Center Episode 291 - Part 1
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak globally on subjects ranging from metaphysics to moral theology to spiritual warfare.
In this episode, Brad sits down with Father Spitzer at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, for a candid conversation about his book Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives and the reality of spiritual battle. Father Spitzer shares formative stories from his upbringing in Hawaii, his Jesuit formation, and the pivotal moments when challenges like vision loss became turning points for deeper faith. He unpacks the eight deadly sins, the tactics of the evil one, and the role of prayer, confession, and the Eucharist in resisting temptation. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on discernment, the power of gratitude, and why the rosary remains one of the strongest weapons in spiritual life.
“To live without thankfulness is the most self-centered way to live.” – Father Spitzer
“Lord, you are the just judge. You take care of it.” – Father Spitzer
“Nip temptation in the bud early. Don’t wait until it grows into something that can destroy you.” – Father Spitzer
This Week on The Wow Factor
Growing up in Honolulu and how his parents shaped his faith and values
Discovering proofs of God’s existence in philosophy and science during college
How his mother’s prayers and wisdom steadied him in seasons of doubt
The diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and how it reshaped his calling
Discernment of spirits: learning to reject the “rhetoric of damaged goods”
Why the devil’s greatest lie is convincing people he doesn’t exist
The eight deadly sins, their tentacles in modern life, and how to resist them
Practical tools for spiritual resilience: Eucharist, confession, daily prayer, and the rosary
Why 90% of the fruit of prayer comes outside of prayer
Encouragement for parents: the power of modeling prayer and faith for their children
Father Spitzer’s Word of Wisdom
Bring every temptation and struggle to God. Don’t fight it in your own strength. Dependence on Him, daily prayer, and trust in His unconditional love are the surest path to freedom and joy.
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