The Russell Moore Show

Seth Kaplan's Answer to Our Collective Problem

Feb 14, 2024

Seth Kaplan discusses the importance of healthy relationships for community stability and shares advice on building flourishing neighborhoods. They explore the effects of social media, the role of institutions, the relationship between public health officials and churches during COVID-19, and the practice of Sabbath. Kaplan also encourages creating wills and embracing failure as a learning tool.

52:32

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Quick takeaways

Strong relationships are crucial for community stability and combating feelings of vulnerability and anger.

Technology has contributed to the fragility of neighborhoods by weakening face-to-face interactions and local institutions, emphasizing the need to prioritize real-life relationships and community-building activities.

Deep dives

Importance of Strong Relationships in Fragile Neighborhoods

In this podcast episode, Seth Kaplan, an expert on fragile states, discusses the importance of strong relationships in fragile neighborhoods. He emphasizes that the health of relationships is key in determining the health of a state or community. Fragile neighborhoods are characterized by weak relationships, thinned-out institutions, and a lack of common bonds. Kaplan highlights the need for people to actively engage with their neighbors and foster connections within their community. By knocking on doors, looking for opportunities to interact with others, and joining local institutions or activities, individuals can start to rebuild community and combat loneliness and alienation. Collaboration and collective action are key in creating a sense of belonging and building stronger communities.

Introduction

2min

Moments of Connection and Compassion

12min

The Crisis of Institutions and the Need for Strong Relationships

3min

Relationships Between Public Health Officials and Churches during COVID-19

23min

Preparation, Protection, and Embracing Failure

3min

The Practice of Sabbath

10min

As Seth Kaplan has worked in 35 countries around the world, one thing has made itself clear: healthy relationships are the key to community stability.

“When I go to any place, whether it’s a neighborhood or country,” says Kaplan on this episode of The Russell Moore Show, “the thing I’m most interested in finding out is how well people are treating each other on so many levels.”

In conversation with Moore, Kaplan—author of Fragile Neighborhoods, lecturer, and consultant—explains the reasons Americans feel vulnerable, alienated, and angry. He describes the opportunities people have to do something about those negative feelings and experiences by engaging in local activities that bond them to their neighbors.

Moore and Kaplan discuss the necessity of institutions, identify organizations that are strengthening relationships, and consider the importance of marriage. Their conversation covers how children are being socialized, the effects of social media and digital play, and how to build a local ecosystem. Kaplan also describes his family’s practice of Shabbat and encourages his Christian friends to prioritize Sabbath rest.

Tune in for an episode that gives concrete, creative advice for cultivating flourishing neighborhoods that resist the division of our times.

Resources mentioned in this episode include: