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  • Episode 367: The Airing of Grievances

    Episode 367: The Airing of Grievances
    2025/07/05
    In this episode Scott and Bill explore various themes surrounding grievances in American society, including military spending, Medicaid myths, immigration issues, and the complexities of American identity. They discuss the cultural and creedal aspects of patriotism, the challenges of Christian realism, and the need for a national myth while navigating the current political landscape. The dialogue reflects on the past, present, and future of American ideals and the importance of understanding the narratives that shape them. Takeaways The airing of grievances is a common theme in public discourse. Military spending for celebrations raises questions about public funds. Medicaid fraud is often exaggerated in political rhetoric. Immigration policies are influenced by economic incentives. American identity is shaped by both cultural and creedal elements. The left and right have diverging narratives on patriotism. Christian realism requires a balance between faith and national identity. Historical context is crucial for understanding current American ideals. Political identity is complex and often contradictory. Coalition building is essential in navigating political landscapes. Chapters 00:00 Airing of Grievances: Setting the Stage 02:56 The Cost of Celebration: Military Spending and Public Funds 05:58 Medicaid Myths: The Reality of Fraud and Abuse 08:54 Immigration and Economic Incentives: A Complex Dilemma 11:51 Cultural Identity vs. Creed: Understanding American Values 14:50 The Left and Right: Diverging Narratives on Patriotism 17:44 Christian Realism: Balancing Faith and National Identity 20:46 The Future of American Ideals: Learning from History 23:49 Coalition Building: The Complexity of Political Identity
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    31 分
  • Episode 366: Why is there so much Bullsh#*???

    Episode 366: Why is there so much Bullsh#*???
    2025/07/02
    In this conversation, Scott and Bill explore the decline of American pride, the erosion of the middle class, and the pervasive nature of 'bullshit' in political discourse. They discuss how political identity fluctuates based on party affiliation, the cultural implications of consumerism, and the role of rhetoric in shaping public opinion. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on sincerity and self-awareness in a world filled with misinformation and superficiality. Takeaways Only 58% of Americans express extreme pride in their country. Democratic pride in America fluctuates significantly with political leadership. The middle class in America has been eroding since the 1980s. Cultural commentary often highlights the contradictions in American values. Bullshit in politics is a greater threat to truth than outright lies. Rhetoric can distort truth, serving neither honesty nor deception. The rise of social media has amplified the spread of bullshit. Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our own beliefs and biases. Sincerity is often mistaken for truth in public discourse. The conversation emphasizes the need for skepticism towards our own convictions. Sound bites "We're killing the middle class." "Born in the USA is a sad song." "Sincerity itself is bullshit." Chapters 00:00 American Pride and Political Identity 03:53 The Erosion of the Middle Class 09:47 The Nature of Bullshit in Politics 19:35 The Role of Rhetoric and Communication 29:31 Self-Reflection and Sincerity in Discourse
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    34 分
  • Episode 365: Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran

    Episode 365: Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran
    2025/06/23
    In this special live episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill record in person at The Green Line Café (https://www.greenlinecafe.com)in Philadelphia, reflecting on the recent bombing of Iran ordered by President Trump. With coffee in hand and other patrons in the room, they unpack the political and ethical dimensions of this act of war. What does it say about American power, the role of conscience in foreign policy, and the ever-thinning line between calculated strategy and reckless provocation? Join us for a real-time theological and political conversation rooted in moral seriousness and public faith. We reference an anonymous open letter from an Iranian living abroad. You can find it here. (https://www.persuasion.community/p/a-letter-from-an-iranian?publication_id=61579&utm_campaign=email-post-title&r=8ly27&utm_medium=email)
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    24 分
  • Episode 364: History as Revelation

    Episode 364: History as Revelation
    2025/06/20
    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?
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    36 分
  • Episode 363: Dying to Live: Death and Resurrection as the Key to Life

    Episode 363: Dying to Live: Death and Resurrection as the Key to Life
    2025/06/18
    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.
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    36 分
  • Episode 362: Can The Trinity Save Democracy?

    Episode 362: Can The Trinity Save Democracy?
    2025/06/15
    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/
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    44 分
  • Episode 361: Come On Spirit, Light My Fire

    Episode 361: Come On Spirit, Light My Fire
    2025/06/07
    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.
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    35 分
  • Episode 360: Lifted Up: The Meaning of Christ’s Ascension

    Episode 360: Lifted Up: The Meaning of Christ’s Ascension
    2025/05/29
    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.
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    27 分