Twenty years ago today, a small social media platform called “Twitter” was launched to the public. Nobody could have foreseen the cultural juggernaut it would become. Driven by algorithms that promote the loudest, punchiest, most controversial statements, Twitter and the larger digital revolution have reshaped our public habits.

Artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to human freedom. It is already rapidly changing everything from the economy to relationships to attitudes about what it means to be human. Kevin Vallier joins us to look at how the people of the Church can engaged in the governance of AI technologies.

Guest Info

Kevin Vallier is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toledo, where he is Director of Research at the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership.

Today, Catholic Answers announced that legendary apologist Tim Staples has retired as senior apologist, though he will continue with regular appearances on Catholic Answers Live. Tim’s book Behold your Mother was instrumental in Marcus’ journey to the Catholic Church. Marcus reflects on the impact he has had.

Further Reading

Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines

Everyone knows about the US Constitution and the role it played in forming American society. But Jordan Ballor proposes that there are actually two constitutions, both of which are foundational, but whose relationship requires attention and consideration. He joins us.

Further Reading

America’s Two Constitutions

Guest Info

Jordan J. Ballor (Dr. theol., Ph.D.) is executive director at First Liberty’s Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy and a senior fellow at the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity & Politics at Calvin University.

Yesterday, Marcus looked at some of the social and legal ramifications of surrogacy. He continues his discussion looking at the medical effects on the practice.

When people talk about marriage from a secular perspective, they often ask whether a couple is “compatible.” There’s a new study from the Journal of Research in Personality that seems to show “compatibility” is overrated, and other factors are more important for long-term intimacy. Dr Greg Popcak has more.

Further Reading

The 2 Personality Traits Long-Term Couples Actually Have in Common

Catholic Households on Mission

Guest Info

Dr. Greg Popcak is the founder of CatholicCounselors.com Together with his wife Lisa, he’s the author of over 20 popular books, and the host of More2Life, heard each day at 10am E on EWTN radio. Greg and Lisa are also the founders of the CatholicHOM app that provides couples and parents with the coaching and resources they need to build strong domestic churches.

On July 14, the French remember Bastille Day, when revolutionaries stormed the infamous Paris prison. It’s regarded as the start of the French revolution. How does the French revolution differ from the American Revolution? What were their philosophical foundations and what kinds of societies did they seek to create? Brad Birzer is our guest.

Guest Info

Bradley J. Birzer is Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies and Professor of History, Hillsdale College. He is also author of several books, including the award winning Russell Kirk: American Conservative, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth, Tolkien and the Inklings (forthcoming), American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Sanctifying the World: The Augustinian Life and Mind of Christopher Dawson.

On July 1 the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $500,000 in local taxpayer monies to Planned Parenthood of Michigan. The commission indicated there may be more local resources committed to the organization in the future. Genevieve Marnon.

Further Reading

Right to Life of Michigan press release

Guest Info

Genevieve Marnon is the Legislative Director for Right to Life of Michigan.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus seems to use some particularly harsh language – or it at least seems harsh without its Old Testament context. Marcus has more.

It’s easy for us to take for granted the unique, incredible gift of having a God that wants to have a personal relationship with us. No other faith has a God who demands a personal covenant bond with His followers. We reflect on this gift with Fr. Patrick Gonyeau.

Further Reading

Into the Fire: Intimacy, Mission, and Miracles: The Life of Adventure in the Holy Spirit

Fr. Patrick’s Renewal of the Mind radio program

Fr. Patrick’s website