New Persuasive Words

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the idea of history as a form of divine revelation—alongside nature and the Bible—drawing inspiration from Tomáš Halík’s provocative new book, The Afternoon of Christianity. As Halík invites us to reimagine faith for a postmodern, post-Christendom world, we consider how historical consciousness itself can become a sacred text, revealing God’s presence not just in the past but in the unfolding of time. From the Incarnation to modern crises, we ask: What if salvation history hasn’t ended, but continues to speak in the afternoon light of our contemporary moment?

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore how the pattern of death and resurrection—so central to the Christian story—is also the essential rhythm of a thriving personal and public life. From letting go of ego and outdated identities to embracing new beginnings in our relationships, vocations, and politics, they argue that true transformation always passes through some form of dying. Drawing on theology, personal experience, and cultural analysis, they reflect on how this pattern can help us navigate a time of great institutional and existential upheaval. This isn't about escapism or sentimentality—it's about finding hope and renewal on the far side of surrender.

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the deep theological mystery of the Trinity in light of Trinity Sunday. But this isn’t just a church calendar check-in—we argue that the doctrine of the Trinity offers more than abstract metaphysics. It might just be the key to renewing the moral and relational foundations of liberal democratic society. Drawing from both ancient theology and contemporary political concerns, we ask: What does it mean to live in a world shaped by communion, difference, and love? And can the Trinitarian vision help us resist the isolating forces of individualism, authoritarianism, and despair? Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts creed and critique.

We reference two articles in the piece. You can find them here:

https://www.persuasion.community/p/a-chilling-prediction-by-leo-strauss

https://firstthings.com/fukuyama-gets-leo-strauss-wrong/

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill turn their attention to Pentecost—the wild, world-tilting moment when the Spirit descends, tongues ignite, and the Church is born not with decorum, but with fire. We explore what it means to be a Spirit-filled people in an anxious age, how Pentecost upends our tidy categories, and why divine disruption might be the most faithful thing to pray for. Along the way, we ask: is the Spirit more dangerous than we’ve let on? And could the chaos be the point? Come, Holy Spirit—and bring matches.

On this Ascension Day, Scott and Bill turn their attention to one of the most theologically rich and often overlooked events in the Christian calendar: the Ascension of Christ. What does it mean that Jesus was "lifted up" into heaven? Why does it matter that the risen Christ ascends rather than remains? In this episode, the hosts explore the biblical, historical, and spiritual dimensions of the Ascension, reflecting on how this event reorients our understanding of power, presence, and promise. Join us as we consider how the Ascension is not the absence of Christ, but the beginning of his reign—and what that means for the Church today.

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill explore the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and what it means for the Catholic Church—and the broader Christian imagination—to have an Augustinian pope. Drawing on their theological backgrounds and love of ecclesial history, they unpack the significance of Augustinian thought in shaping Christian identity, politics, and hope. What might Leo XIV's theological grounding signal for the Church’s engagement with modernity, moral complexity, and spiritual formation? Tune in as they consider the possibilities of this new papacy and its potential to reframe conversations across the Christian world.

We reference an essay by James K.A. Smith in the conversation. You can find it here.

n the latest episode of the New Persuasive Words podcast, hosts Scott Jones and Bill Borror delve into the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. As the first American and first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV's election marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church's history.

The hosts explore the implications of this unprecedented choice, considering how Pope Leo XIV's background and perspectives might influence the Church's direction. They discuss his emphasis on peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization, as highlighted in his inaugural speech, where he called for unity and building bridges among people .

Additionally, the episode addresses the varied reactions to Pope Leo XIV's election, including criticisms from certain political commentators who have labeled him as anti-Trump and pro-open borders . The hosts analyze these perspectives, offering insights into the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary discourse.

For a comprehensive discussion on Pope Leo XIV's election and its potential impact on the global Catholic community, you can listen to the episode on the New Persuasive Words website or find it on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we explore the radical implications of grace for the political sphere through the lens of Paul Zahl’s chapter “Grace in Politics” from his book Grace in Practice. What does it mean to bring a theology of one-way love into the often merciless arena of public life? Can grace shape policy, dialogue, and civic engagement in a culture of outrage and polarization? Join us as we consider how Zahl’s vision challenges both left and right, and invites us into a different kind of political imagination—one rooted not in power, but in mercy.

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill Borror and Scott Jones reflect on the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of our time — an era increasingly shaped by power, ego, and domination. Drawing a sharp contrast between ancient pagan ideals and the Judeo-Christian moral tradition, they examine how figures like Donald Trump symbolize more than political authority; they reflect a deeper cultural drift toward spectacle, conquest, and narcissism.

The conversation explores the idea of a “pagan century,” where authoritarianism, tech-driven individualism, and Christian nationalism converge into a new civilizational mood. Against this backdrop, Bill and Scott warn of the moral costs of abandoning humility, empathy, and shared purpose — not just for democracy, but for the human soul.

Yet amid this dehumanizing trend, the hosts identify a surprising countercurrent: a quiet but growing spiritual hunger, particularly among younger generations. From renewed interest in Christian faith in the West to the rediscovery of meaning through art, service, and community, they ask whether a moral and spiritual revival may already be stirring.

Together, they explore how religious and secular humanists alike might help lead a movement of rehumanization — one rooted in beauty, truth, and hope.

In this episode, we’re diving into an essay Scott wrote for Mockingbird Ministries. It's called “A Proper Confidence,” and it's reflection on what it really means to have faith in the modern world. Drawing heavily on the work of theologian Lesslie Newbigin, he hallenges the idea that faith needs to be about absolute certainty. Instead, he argues that Christian confidence should be grounded in a personal, lived commitment to following Christ—not in proving something beyond doubt.

You can find the essay here.