CNLP 740 | Overpoliticized and Undermoralized: David Brooks on the American Church, Culture, Becoming a Christian and Being Pastored By Tim Keller

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Jul 8, 2025

David Brooks, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times and commentator on PBS NewsHour, explores the deep-rooted spiritual and relational crises in American culture. He shares his journey to Christianity and the mentorship he received from Tim Keller. The discussion dives into the challenges of moral leadership amidst societal divisions, the importance of storytelling in writing, and how vulnerability fosters growth. Brooks emphasizes the need for meaningful conversations to bridge gaps and build trust within communities.

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ANECDOTE

Trump Supporter's Personal Story

A North Dakota man described his layoff as his best day, feeling valued by coworkers.
This story reveals why many supporters seek change through figures like Donald Trump.

ADVICE

Master Basic Social Skills

Learn basic social skills like how to end conversations and offer criticism kindly.
Developing these skills helps restore connection and empathy in relationships.

ADVICE

Use Storytelling to Build Empathy

Ask people respectful deep questions about their life stories.
This approach fosters empathy and reveals richer human truths beyond surface opinions.

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Public Philosophy

Walter Lippmann

Paddings and the Bear

No subtitle available.

George Marsden

No description available.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Gerd Albers

Jane Jacobs

Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses[2][3][5].

The Nature and Destiny of Man

Reinhold Niebuhr

In *The Nature and Destiny of Man*, Reinhold Niebuhr presents a comprehensive Christian interpretation of human existence, focusing on the dual aspects of human nature: finitude and freedom. The book, based on his 1939 Gifford Lectures, challenges Western civilization to understand its roots in biblical faith, particularly the Hebraic tradition. It is considered one of the most important works of twentieth-century thought, offering profound insights into human nature, history, and the end of history.

The better angels of our nature

Why Violence Has Declined

Steven Pinker

In this book, Steven Pinker presents a detailed argument that violence has significantly decreased over the course of human history. He uses extensive data and statistical analysis to demonstrate this decline in various domains, including military conflict, homicide, genocide, torture, and the treatment of children, homosexuals, animals, and racial and ethnic minorities. Pinker identifies four key human motivations – empathy, self-control, the moral sense, and reason – as the 'better angels' that have oriented humans away from violence and towards cooperation and altruism. He also discusses historical forces such as the rise of the state (which he terms 'Leviathan'), the spread of commerce, the growth of feminist values, and the expansion of cosmopolitanism, which have contributed to this decline in violence[1][4][5].

The meaning of marriage

Herbert Doms

In 'The Meaning of Marriage', Herbert Doms delves into the theological and philosophical underpinnings of marriage, discussing its primary and secondary ends. The book emphasizes the procreation and education of children as the primary end of marriage, while also addressing the mutual help and support between spouses as a secondary end. Doms' work is rooted in traditional Catholic teachings and explores the implications of these teachings on marital relationships and sexual ethics[2][3][5].

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].

How to Know a Person

The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

David Brooks

David Brooks's "How to Know a Person" delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring how we perceive and understand others. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-awareness in building meaningful connections. Brooks challenges readers to move beyond superficial judgments and embrace a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them. He argues that true connection requires vulnerability and a willingness to be seen authentically. Ultimately, the book offers a practical guide to fostering richer, more fulfilling relationships.

The Road to Character

David Brooks

In 'The Road to Character,' David Brooks delves into the lives of some of the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders to illustrate how they built strong inner characters. The book contrasts 'résumé virtues' (external achievements) with 'eulogy virtues' (internal character strengths like kindness, bravery, and honesty). Brooks examines figures such as Frances Perkins, Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, and others, highlighting their personal struggles and the virtues they developed. He argues that modern society often prioritizes external success over internal character, and he provides practical advice on how to rebalance these aspects of life. The book is a call to rethink priorities and strive for a life marked by humility, moral depth, and meaningful relationships[2][4][5].

The cultural contradictions of capitalism

Daniel Bell

In this book, Daniel Bell argues that the cultural values and norms of contemporary society are in conflict with the economic imperatives of capitalism. He suggests that capitalism has created a consumer culture that emphasizes instant gratification and materialism, leading to a loss of traditional values and a weakening of social bonds. Bell critiques the idea of progress, arguing that the pursuit of economic growth and technological advancement has disregarded the ethical and cultural dimensions of human life. The book also explores how the character structure inherited from the nineteenth century clashes with the modern culture fostered by capitalism, creating inherent contradictions within capitalist societies.

The Long Loneliness

Dorothy Day

The Long Loneliness is Dorothy Day's compelling autobiographical account of her life. The book recounts her journey from a bohemian lifestyle in the 1920s Greenwich Village to her conversion to Catholicism and her subsequent dedication to social activism. Day co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement with Peter Maurin, establishing initiatives such as the Catholic Worker newspaper, hospitality houses, and rural farming communes. The autobiography explores her struggles, spiritual growth, and the importance of community and service to others in alleviating the 'long loneliness' that she and many others experience. Day's story is a powerful portrait of early twentieth-century America and the ongoing struggle for social justice and spiritual fulfillment[2][3][5].

Silent Spring

Rachel Carson

Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.