New Persuasive Words

In this episode we discuss the death of a progressive evangelical community in Philadelphia. We also consider what it means for the ongoing legacy of the "evangelical left." You can find The New Yorker article we reference in the podcast here. (https://www.newyorker.com/news/on-religion/losing-a-beloved-community)

In this episode we talk about presuppositional apologetics. It's a 20th century strategy for defending religious faith. We consider what it tells us about the nature of religious faith, and what insights it gives into the process of thinking and making intellectual commitments.

In this episode we talk about our culture's propensity toward reductionism. We make the case that living with two truths in tension is better than settling for a truth. If you want to support the work of this podcast, you can go to our Patreon page here: patreon.com/scottkentjones

In this episode we talk about theological family trees. What influences shape our core religious convictions and make us who we are? We also talk a little about the debate and the near extinction of humanity that almost happened 900,000 years ago.

In this episode, recorded minutes after Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, we talk Nietzsche. We think a bit Nietzsche's early work, The Birth of Tragedy (https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Tragedy-Spirit-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140433392/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MTSS2LTQF8WS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qHW7hKbv88wyEQdqfYp12PLxBN3yOsA37On_KbCKB-oDQ4E1Ruw7t5EKXCBMlr3_9ncMYcgMx9YR7KF7Y51cfJp8_p2sCcxfGcR8A6-2_HfOMAL951QB_q-7yxW3cwPxCbAxx9peSLBDw7nW8bmT6RABKleJ988wjTjQSJvkdnFiI-SIgUh_iI4cE-stAeQqHaz7Z2MEGHGuvG1W9M-jWQty5R9P4Yn52Bm6GbHBIAXN5gQqYvGFGbx7s9Mv5yC9E87PeUc4G1iiDIFFv16_P_H9oz_FS73u60z0j-iP6lo.F4TuSm7ESPWQdqCleZcyv8tyYSPx9AO5Nt06Yl6aCjQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=birth+of+tragedy&qid=1721596828&sprefix=birth+of+trage%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1). We try to think through what it might speak to a dramatic, polarized political situation, and what it might teach us about how both parties understand the human condition.

In this episode Bill and Scott talk about Donald Trump, his shooting, and his convention where he accepted the Republican nomination for President of the United States. We were both excited to see the Hulkster back in public life!

In this episode we discuss a phenomenal text on leadership, Failure of Nerve (https://www.amazon.com/Failure-Nerve-Leadership-Age-Quick/dp/159627042X). We think with the author about what's behind the emotional limitations to change in church, society, and our personal lives. We conclude with some Christian reflections on Rabbi Friedman's work, which we think could be useful inside and outside the church. You can find Rabbi Friedman's book here. (https://www.amazon.com/Failure-Nerve-Leadership-Age-Quick/dp/159627042X)

In this episode, recorded on the anniversary of the historic duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, we consider some of the best arguments against the existence of God.

In this episode we talk about the nature of faith in a modern and pluralistic world. What does it mean to have faith and have it challenged? What do you do when people call you dogmatic for believing? How do you share that faith in an inviting, reasonable, and humble way?

In this episode we talk about recent Supreme Court decisions and their short term and long term implications for life in the Republic.

Continuing in the New Persuasive Words tradition, we bring you our legendary post-debate coverage.

In this episode we talk about the Presbyterian Church of America's (https://pcanet.org) "cancelling" of NY Times columnist David French. (https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french) Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/opinion/presbyterian-church-evangelical-canceled.html)for David French's account of the affair. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S46GQCKlXwI)if you'd like to hear the affair chronicled in song.

In this episode, actually by listener request, we talk about Israel, Antisemitism, and the war in Gaza.

Bill and Scott are back after a bit of a hiatus. We talk about the current electoral climate, the politicization and polarization of everything, and the spiritual implications of it all.

In this episode we discuss something neither of us are sure we care about or completely get: the 2023 Dove Awards. We also discuss recent scientific discoveries about human DNA in neanderthals , as well as the current state of leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In this episode we reflect on a multi-year journey that has led us to our 300th episode. In a change of pace, we are interviewed by renowned author and journalist Benyamin Cohen. Thanks to our listeners for making it all worth it! Special Guest: Benyamin Cohen.

In this episode we talk about the historic motion to vacate the Speaker of the House of Representatives. What's next?!?

In this episode we do a little post debate analysis. But first we stumble unexpectedly into a discussion of Original Sin. We conclude with a little Aristotlean reflection on the nature of politics. Thanks again for all your feedback recently. Keep it coming!

In this episode, recorded on Yom Kippur 2023, we reflect a bit on the nature of atonement. We delve into the possibility of atoning for one's wrongdoings, whether or not it's possible and what Kant has to say about it. We also talk about the recent squabble involving Donald Trump, Howard Stern and Bill Maher. Again, glad to be back! If you have topic suggestions for future shows feel free to email us: scottkentjones@gmail.com billborror@gmail.com

In this episode we return from our long hiatus. We're glad to be back!