Conservatives, Progressives, and the Pursuit of the Common Good (Andrew Walker and Robert George)
Feb 6, 2023
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Conservative scholar Robert George and Andrew Walker discuss the common good, American conservatism, natural law. They delve into the impact of overturning Roe v. Wade, the transgender movement, and anticipate the collapse of a cultural movement.
Upholding religious liberty and dismantling misconceptions surrounding it are essential for the conservative movement.
Conserving the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, rather than relying on factors like ethnicity or religion, is crucial for national unity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Religious Liberty and Natural Law
The conversation explores the significance of religious liberty and the principles of natural law for the conservative movement. They emphasize the need to uphold religious liberty and dismantle misconceptions surrounding this fundamental right. They highlight the pedagogical function of law in shaping understanding and stress the importance of defending the inherent and equal dignity of every human being.
The Common Good as the Foundation of Unity
The discussion delves into the concept of the common good and its significance in conservative thought. They explain that American conservatives seek to unite around the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, contrasting it with European conservatism. They emphasize the importance of conserving these principles rather than relying on factors such as ethnicity, religion, or heritage for national unity.
The Power of Natural Law and its Role in Society
The conversation explores the concept of natural law and its relevance in shaping society. They highlight how the natural law, rooted in reason and accessible to human understanding, provides the foundation for moral obligations and principles. They discuss its explanatory and apologetic functions, emphasizing the need to apply natural law thinking to political thought and engage in conversations about the common good.
Addressing Cultural Challenges with Irony and Friendship
The discussion touches on the importance of respectful dialogue and friendship amidst disagreements. They emphasize the need to challenge cultural polarization and promote understanding by engaging with others in a gracious and intellectually liberating manner. While acknowledging the challenges conservatives face in influencing cultural narratives, they stress the importance of living out principles of kindness, respect, and truth, regardless of the outcomes.
In today's episode, conservative scholar Robert George and Andrew Walker discuss the idea of the common good and how it informs American conservatism.
Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, is one of the most influential conservative intellectuals of his generation. Among many honors and accolades, George received the US Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush and served as chairman of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Andrew T. Walker is associate professor of Christian Ethics at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and an associate dean in the School of Theology. He serves as the executive director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement and as managing editor of WORLD Opinions.