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Welcome to the Conservative Caucus podcast! In this episode, host Jim Pfaff sits down with Dr. Ryan Reeves, noted church historian and theologian, for an engaging discussion on the true role of charity in Christian life. They explore how the early church cared for the poor, the effectiveness of government versus private charity, and what the Bible really teaches about helping those in need. The conversation also addresses modern issues, including faith-based initiatives, government spending, and the ethical implications of AI. Tune in for a timely and thoughtful look at faith, charity, and public policy.
(00:02) USAID Cuts and Christian Ethics Debate
(06:44) Questioning Aid Allocation to the Poor
(13:02) Early Church's Charitable Mission
(17:12) Egalitarian Spirit Unites Community
(26:11) Church and State: Seeking Balance
(28:46) Old Testament Governance: Libertarian Theocracy?
(36:23) Local Charity vs. Government Aid
(40:57) Evaluating Nonprofits' Administrative Costs
(45:53) Constitution: Charter of Negative Rights
(48:02) AI's Impact on Society and Economy
(54:49) "AI Bias and Truth Challenges"
(59:00) "Enhancing Theology with AI Insights"
About Guest: Ryan Reeves is a scholar and academic with roots in seminary training, where he witnessed firsthand the evolving relationship between churches and government assistance programs. During his time in seminary—a period when most peers prepared for ministry or nonprofit work—Reeves observed and often joked about how churches managed to help the poor more efficiently than government initiatives, which typically spent more for less impact. Reflecting on these shifts, Reeves notes it was within his own lifetime that conservative Christian attitudes began to change regarding government support, marking a significant transformation in how faith communities engage with broader social policies.
About the Host: Jim Pfaff is the president of The Conservative Caucus (TCC) and an influential voice in conservative circles. He is a nationally recognized public policy leader in strategic management and development for government officials, campaigns, and non-profit organizations. His government relations work has included federal and state legislative issues. Jim helps government and non-profit organizations, political efforts, and businesses use communications tools to advance grassroots organizing, message development, coalition building, and fundraising goals.
Links
X: @TCCaucus
X: @jimpfaff
www.theconservativecaucus.org
By Jim PfaffWelcome to the Conservative Caucus podcast! In this episode, host Jim Pfaff sits down with Dr. Ryan Reeves, noted church historian and theologian, for an engaging discussion on the true role of charity in Christian life. They explore how the early church cared for the poor, the effectiveness of government versus private charity, and what the Bible really teaches about helping those in need. The conversation also addresses modern issues, including faith-based initiatives, government spending, and the ethical implications of AI. Tune in for a timely and thoughtful look at faith, charity, and public policy.
(00:02) USAID Cuts and Christian Ethics Debate
(06:44) Questioning Aid Allocation to the Poor
(13:02) Early Church's Charitable Mission
(17:12) Egalitarian Spirit Unites Community
(26:11) Church and State: Seeking Balance
(28:46) Old Testament Governance: Libertarian Theocracy?
(36:23) Local Charity vs. Government Aid
(40:57) Evaluating Nonprofits' Administrative Costs
(45:53) Constitution: Charter of Negative Rights
(48:02) AI's Impact on Society and Economy
(54:49) "AI Bias and Truth Challenges"
(59:00) "Enhancing Theology with AI Insights"
About Guest: Ryan Reeves is a scholar and academic with roots in seminary training, where he witnessed firsthand the evolving relationship between churches and government assistance programs. During his time in seminary—a period when most peers prepared for ministry or nonprofit work—Reeves observed and often joked about how churches managed to help the poor more efficiently than government initiatives, which typically spent more for less impact. Reflecting on these shifts, Reeves notes it was within his own lifetime that conservative Christian attitudes began to change regarding government support, marking a significant transformation in how faith communities engage with broader social policies.
About the Host: Jim Pfaff is the president of The Conservative Caucus (TCC) and an influential voice in conservative circles. He is a nationally recognized public policy leader in strategic management and development for government officials, campaigns, and non-profit organizations. His government relations work has included federal and state legislative issues. Jim helps government and non-profit organizations, political efforts, and businesses use communications tools to advance grassroots organizing, message development, coalition building, and fundraising goals.
Links
X: @TCCaucus
X: @jimpfaff
www.theconservativecaucus.org