New Persuasive Words

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Negative Space," a term coined by writer Aaron Renn to describe the increasingly hostile environment that, he argues, Christians in America have faced since 2014. Renn contends that this shift marks a departure from an era of neutrality, ushering in a cultural landscape where openly professing Christian beliefs—particularly those aligned with traditional or conservative values—is now viewed as a social liability.

You can find the New York Times piece we reference here.

In this episode, we delve into the recent dispute between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, analyzing the ideological and theological foundations that shape the foreign policy perspectives of Trump's supporters. We explore how nationalist and isolationist sentiments, intertwined with elements of Christian nationalism, influence some Republican's approach to global affairs, particularly regarding U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

In this episode, inspired by a quote from Ezra Klein, we consider the mythic and mystical components of the MAGA movement. Do they correspond to a broader current in the culture that some on the left are out of step with today?

In this episode we wonder why there isn't more progressive outrage over strangled babies and other recent atrocities committed by Hamas.

In this episode we unpack Vice-President Vance's recent comments about the Ordo Amoris. We ask the age old question: what's love got to do with it?

In this episode we consider the different ways in which identity is constituted, and how our identities might be in tension or even conflict.

You can find the substack piece we reference here.

In this episode we consider some classic questions about the ethics of Jesus and the Church's relationship to culture.

In this episode we examine the current intellectual and ideological foundations of the New Right in America, and consider how the right and the left seem to mirror some ancient Christian heresies.

We reference and quote a recent episode of The Ezra Klein Show. You can find the episode and the transcript of it here.

In this episode we talk about what to do when you come across a repugnant idea. With T.S. Eliot as our guide, we consider what strong visceral reactions to ideas and ideologies might tell us about ourselves.

The inspiration for the conversation was a Substack piece Scott published today. You can find it here. We actually discussed the Eliot essay we reference in episode 154 of this podcast, which you can find here.

In this episode we talk about Bishop Mariann Budde's recent sermon, in which she personally addressed and exhorted President Trump. We wonder what the Gospel is for President Trump, and the great Robert Farrar Capon would have done in Bishop Budde's shoes.

You can find Bishop Budde's sermon here.

You can find a host of Capon quotes for your reading pleasure here.