In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a conversation about service and volunteerism, highlighting leaders that show what Christians are doing to build a culture of service in their own communities. Phebe moderates as the panelists–Bryant Wright, President of Send Relief, Josh Dickson, Vice President of Public Policy at United Way Worldwide, and Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley–discuss their work in helping others by restoring human dignity and building trust. Sister Norma is also one of the first two recipients of the CCPL’s Civil Renewal Award, which honors Christians who show exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of their communities and nation. Jonathan Keller received the award on behalf of his father, the late-Rev. Timothy Keller. The talks from the awards ceremony are not included in the podcast, but are available on the website and Youtube channel.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“The message of this panel is that this is what Christians are doing in their own communities at very local levels every day. It’s something that each of us can do as we go about our lives, and it’s those kinds of contributions that really make up the fabric of this country and make life livable for so many.” -Michael [02:18]“Each of you have a wealth of experience working with faith groups or individuals who are motivated by faith. What motivates Christians to serve?” -Phebe [07:37]“I think that’s key to what our faith moves us forward to do–to help others–because we’re able to see the need and the struggle, and we want to be able to restore that dignity of the person that is in need of that.” -Sister Norma [11:55]“One thing I would encourage you folks on is don’t give up on the local church, because you’ve got the largest manpower of volunteers in local churches all over the world.” -Bryant [26:03]“It’s important to get offline a little bit and to get into community. I think that too often people are sitting on screens and only on screens, and I think where I have seen the most moving, formative, influential and impactful work happen is person-to-person with people.” -Josh [28:09]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:16] This week’s guests[07:05] Restoring human dignity[17:13] The church is the heartbeat[22:59] Building that trust[24:28] How to build a culture of service[29:11] Current trends and innovations[32:34] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitNew award honors Tim Keller and Sister Norma Pimentel for civic renewalCatholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleySend ReliefUnited Way WorldwideBeyond the Offering Plate: Views on VolunteeringCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a talk by Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization that works with governments, universities, private companies and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation, rather than a barrier of division. He draws from Muslim theology to share how to cultivate peace and pluralism by considering viewpoints and resources that are not our own. Following the talk, Michael joins Eboo to learn more about the work of Interfaith America, and to share more about Eboo and Michael’s history of friendship and partnership.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think that Christians, not only need to listen to others, but can benefit from listening to others, and Eboo’s talk is the proof of that.” -Michael [02:09]“Diversity is holy… that’s why it needs us–the practitioners of peace of pluralism–who seek the welfare of the city, but know that we are called to do it by our faith, because that will last.” -Eboo [23:54]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:44] About this week’s guest[04:19] Seek the welfare of the city[08:38] A Muslim theology of pluralism[14:42] The Constitution of Medina[24:35] The fundamental story[30:44] The work of Interfaith America[38:07] OutroREFERENCESInterfaith AmericaFor the Good of the Public SummitHigh Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda RipleyThe Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization by Peter T. ColemanHow to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David BrooksCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a talk by U.S. Senator Chris Coons about the way his Christian faith informs his public service. Senator Coons highlights the importance of friendship, the power of forgiveness and navigating difference. Following his talk in front of our summit audience, Michael joined Senator Coons for conversation, which you will hear in this episode as well. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“He always highlights friendship and he highlights getting to know people beyond their political convictions. Those models are so necessary right now in both our public life, but in our life with our next door neighbors and our parents and our grandparents who we may not agree with.” -Phebe [02:28]“Because at the end of the day, the most true thing I can say about our weekly prayer breakfast is that it is harder to throw a rhetorical punch on the floor of the Senate at someone with whom you’ve held hands in prayer in the morning.” -Senator Coons [11:25]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:25] About this week’s guest[05:09] How do we find our way in this moment[13:00] Reflecting on a trip with the late-John Lewis[16:35] The antidote to the division and distraction of our age[19:36] How we can help[23:17] OutroREFERENCESSenator Chris CoonsFor the Good of the Public SummitCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, and Ralph Diaz, a former correction officer and Vice-Chairman of the organization's Board, dive into the urgent need for criminal justice reform. They advocate for rehabilitative justice, emphasizing that today's inmates are tomorrow's neighbors and deserve support. The duo shares insights on the role of faith in transforming the justice system, the importance of local churches welcoming released individuals, and the impact of advocacy in shaping policy. Their vision centers on a system that embraces restoration and community.

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation with Chris Griswold, Policy Director at American Compass, a D.C.-based conservative policy think tank. Griswold previously served as the Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Mario Rubio. In this interview, Chris shares with Michael his vision for a worker-friendly, conservative economic agenda. They discuss how theology can inform public policy, and the prospects for new coalitions to be formed in this polarized political environment. This interview was among the favorites by summit attendees. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think this is an important conversation to have because there are innovative policy (conversations) that are happening when it comes to protecting workers.” -Phebe [02:03]“I think this conversation shows worker-friendly economics and working class issues are at the very heart of electoral fights and political positioning, and I think it’s important to show that Christian resources can be live, contributing factors there.” -Michael [03:36]“I think we really need to take very seriously the role of collective worker voice and power to dignify. Everyone likes to talk about the dignity of work. It’s a lot more important, I think, to talk about the dignity of workers.” -Chris [11:33]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:57] About this week’s guest[05:24] Chris’ journey to American Compass[08:01] The future of conservative economic policies[13:23] The purpose of political parties[16:36] The UAW Strike[21:09] A challenging moment[25:35] OutroREFERENCESChris GriswoldAmerican CompassFor the Good of the Public SummitReaganomics: Economic Policy and the Reagan RevolutionElection Results 20222023 United Auto Workers strikeSenator Vance Visits Uaw Picket Line In Toledo, OhioHawley visits UAW Picket Line to Support WorkersSanders, Brown Lead​ Resolution in Solidarity With Striking UAW WorkersFor the Good of the Public: Faith and BelongingNational Labor Relations Board dismisses UAW complaint against Tim ScottNikki Haley unveils economic proposal while slamming both parties over government spendingCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation about child hunger and child poverty and highlights organizations that are doing the essential work on the ground. Jason DeParle, a reporter for The New York Times and author of A Good Provider is One Who Leaves and American Dream, moderates the conversation with Rev. Pamela Irvin, Founder, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia; Rev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the World; and Anne Filipic, CEO at Share Our Strength. Child poverty fell to a record low in 2021 due to the expansion of government aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that rate along with child hunger have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. One in five children in the U.S. are food insecure. These panelists discuss the pathways to addressing and ending child hunger in America.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Where does that leave us? I guess an optimist could say that having been through the experience of cutting child poverty in half, we’ve seen the potency and potential of government action. Progressives often say that poverty is a policy choice, not a fate. And if the government could cut it in half, they could do so again. Of course, I’m a journalist, not an optimist. A pessimist might point to the political backlash against that aid and especially the current determination among conservative Republicans who control the House of Representatives to make deep cuts to government spending.” -Jason [07:42]“The way that I think about the work, Yes, I am deeply passionate about making sure that all our children have full bellies, but I think about it more broadly. I think about it as ensuring that all our children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.” -Anne [09:40]“And I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve seen some of the oldest people that I’ve worked with now for 42 years, and I believe it’s the fountain of youth. When you pour yourself out into someone else, it keeps you young. It keeps you spirited, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment in a way that you couldn’t do it any other way.” -Rev. Irvin [18:35]“When people ask me the question, ‘How do you think or why do you think people of faith and Christian should be involved in this work?’ I often and respectfully push back and say, how can we not?” -Rev. Cho [19:40]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:30] This week’s guests[06:04] Context on child poverty[08:27] Disrupting the status quo[14:38] The power of influence[19:19] Theology of flourishing[25:04] Speaking across political divides[31:01] Government aid vs private aid[35:00] OutroREFERENCESRev. Pamela Irvin, Founder, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest VirginiaRev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the WorldAnne Filipic, CEO at Share Our StrengthJason DeParle, reporter at the New York TimesAmerican Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation's Drive to End Welfare by Jason DeParleFeeding AmericaFor the Good of the Public SummitSNAP Benefits - COVID-19 Pandemic and BeyondImplementation of Universal School Meals During COVID-19 and Beyond: School Food Authority and Parent PerspectivesCoronavirus Tax Relief: Child Tax CreditChild Poverty Fell to Record Low 5.2% in 2021Understanding Child Poverty in 2024: Facts and StatisticsAre we doing better on child hunger? A sweeping UNICEF report weighs inBig Win for Kids: Congress Approves New Funding for Summer MealsHousehold Food Security in the United States in 2022Farm BillSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

Christine Emba, a staff writer at the Atlantic and author of Rethinking Sex, teams up with Chine McDonald, director of Theos, to tackle modern sexual ethics. They unravel the idea that consent alone isn’t enough, stating that intimacy and emotional engagement are crucial for fulfilling relationships. The discussion dives into the challenges of loneliness among young people, the evolving nature of masculinity, and the church's role in fostering healthy conversations around sexuality. Both guests advocate for richer, genuine connections in today’s romantic landscape.

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present an agenda-setting speech by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy delivered at CCPL’s inaugural summit about the “spiritual crisis” in America in which “millions of Americans feel like they have lost their sense of purpose, their identity, their conception of meaning.” Senator Murphy argues that “if we want to restore the spiritual health of this nation, then we have got to have a more purposeful and more powerful policy of supporting strong healthy religious institutions and a loud, vibrant labor movement.”Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Civic leaders are asking these questions. There’s an invitation on the table for Christians to engage in a substantive way, and it’s worth considering. What do you have to offer? What do you have to say?” -Michael [03:12]“What I believe is that supporting institutions that help build the common good and help grow social connection, it just has to be at the center, not at the periphery, of our public work.” -Senator Murphy [18:07]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:35] About this week’s guest[04:02] A spiritual crisis[07:06] What makes a good life?[12:18] The need for strong institutions[18:18] Restoring America’s soul[22:05] OutroREFERENCESU.S. Senator Chris MurphyOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the  Healing Effects of Social Connection and CommunityMurphy, Casey Introduce Bill to Fight Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older AmericansNational Strategy for Social Connection ActFor the Good of the Public SummitGross Domestic Product (GDP)Civilian unemployment rateHarvard Study of Adult DevelopmentThe State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss: Findings from the May 2021 American Perspectives Survey by Daniel A. CoxUnions increase job satisfaction in the United States by Benjamin Artz, David G. Blanchflower and Alex BrysonShawn Fain, President of United Automobile Workers (UAW)The Spirit of Our Politics by Michael WearPresident Obama’s remarks from the 2023 Democracy ForumAlienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse by Timothy P. CarneyFamily Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be by Timothy P. CarneyBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. PutnamCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, we present two sessions on the topic of moral knowledge. In the first session, Dr. Steve L. Porter, senior research fellow and executive director of Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont College, moderates a theoretical conversation about moral knowledge, in context of higher education, with Brandon Paradise, Associate Professor of Law and Professor Dallas Willard Scholar at Rutgers Law School; Dr. Cheryl Sanders, professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University School and the senior pastor at Third Street Church of God in Washington D.C.; and Matthew Scogin, president of Hope College. This panel reveals the differences in approaches about moral knowledge as they discuss ways to combat the abandonment of moral formation and if moral knowledge can be taught. In the second conversation, Anne Snyder, editor-of-chief of Comment Magazine and founder of Breaking Ground, interviews President Scogin about Hope Forward, a pilot program that is reimagining a way of how students pay for college. Matthew shares the five specific areas the school is studying in this gift-based system and the impact and transformation they have seen in the students as a result of this gift.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“You don’t have to go to school to learn how to be good.” -Cheryl [16:26]“We want to be able to produce good people, so when Michael, in his opening remarks, talked about the state of our politics and its quality, partly tied to the quality of the people who make it up and the quality of the soul, that’s directly relevant to us today.” -Steve [21:47]“I’m perfectly content with young people being taught very early on that you treat people equally with high respect and regard, independent of what we now call in the legal world–suspect classifications.” -Brandon [26:09]“I think we live in a society that often likes to say, ‘You need to put skin the game to really get invested’–and I’m sure you get that critique from time to time–but what I just watched was students from all over the world from all kinds of backgrounds suddenly having an aha moment of ‘I am so humbled by this. I am clearly part of some broader fabric out there of goodwill and trust and belief, and I am now going to pursue medicine in that same spirit.’” -Anne [49:33]“There’s 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States. If we had all 4,000 presidents in the room, every single one of them–with the exception of the very elite institutions who have ginormous endowments–every single one of the presidents knows the business model is broken. And yet, no one is doing anything about it. And what we decided is how about instead of waiting for somebody else to solve our problem, let’s just do it.” -Matthew [55:23]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:13] Two sessions as a coherent whole[02:10] Difference of approaches[03:33] Meet the panelists[05:05] The disappearance of moral knowledge[15:24] Can moral knowledge be taught?[20:22] Moral knowledge tied to virtue[28:04] Power and accountability[34:16] Where they see hope[38:45] A conversation with Anne and Matthew[41:51] About Hope Forward[44:54] Five observations of Hope Forward[51:09] The challenges, pushback and skepticism[53:16] Sometimes you just have to focus on the practice[56:18] OutroREFERENCESMatthew Scogin, president of Hope CollegeAnne Snyder, editor-of-chief of Comment MagazineHope ForwardSteve L. Porter, senior research fellow and executive director of Westmont’s Martin Institute for Christianity and CultureBrandon Paradise, Associate Professor of Law and Professor Dallas Willard Scholar at Rutgers Law SchoolCheryl Sanders, professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University SchoolThird Street Church of GodBreaking GroundFor the Good of the Public SummitThe Disappearance of Moral Knowledge by Dallas WillardHow America Got Mean by David BrooksPlato: The RepublicFor the Good of the Public Podcast, Episode 1: The Spirit of Our PoliticsThe Spirit of Our Politics by Michael WearThe De-Moralization of the Public Square by Michael Wear The Gift LogicAnne Snyder’s articles in Comment MagazineDr. Daryl Van TongerenThe Intimacy of Imbalance by Leah Libresco SargeantCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a powerful conversation about the role and resource of prayer in our public life and politics. James Catford, founding chair of The Center for Christianity and Public Life, moderates the discussion with Reverend Cece Jones-Davis and U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black about the significance prayer has been in their outreach and work. Rev. Jones-Davis shares her story about how she relies on prayer in her work as an activist. Chaplain Black draws from his experiences in public leadership as the chaplain of the U.S. Senate and a trusted advisor and confidant of civic leaders across the political spectrum. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I know this conversation moved many to tears and moved many into, I think, a deeper place of conviction that we don’t need to live bifurcated lives. That we can bring the whole of who we are to our civic life and make a difference there.” -Michael [02:56]“It was a powerful testimony to the fact that prayer not only transforms in our lives, but it also really does have the power to transform our external environment as well.” -Phebe [03:27]“I have a minute and a half worth of decent prayer material before I start repeating myself without an open bible. But with an open bible, I can pray for hours, and with an open bible, I give God the courtesy of starting the conversation.” -Chaplain Black [18:07]“God is found when we reach the end of our capabilities. He shows up there.” -James [22:38]“Prayer will always be essential, but it will not be prayer alone. We have to be willing to do the work.” -Rev. Jones-Davis [29:19]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:42] About this week’s guests[04:30] Prayer: A communication with God[09:18] Prayer as the most significant thing in their stories[19:26] The Prayer of Tears[22:48] What Chaplain Black thinks about when he prays[26:34] Advice from Rev. Jones-Davis and Chaplain Black[35:30] OutroREFERENCESJames Catford, founding board chair for The Center for Christianity and Public LifeReverend Cece Jones-Davis2023 Public Life FellowsU.S. Senate Chaplain Barry BlackJustice for JuliusFor the Good of the Public SummitGreat Is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas ChisholmThe love of God is greater far by Frederick Martin LehmanCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife