For the Good of the Public

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael shares his in-depth conversation with Jessica Grose, a columnist at the New York Times, about her five-part series on how Americans think about religion today. Jessica dives into some of the trends she discovered through her reporting, and explores what Americans value, or miss, about religious experiences in modern America. Michael and Jessica also talk about Artificial Intelligence, and consider the potential for AI to help, or deepen, loneliness and social disrepair. Jessica’s approach to writing about these issues with a degree of earnest curiosity provides a fresh, essential perspective regarding how we think about religion and modern life. As a bonus: don’t miss Michael’s effusive reflections on Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“It is just so rare to have someone who is approaching these things with an attempt to look at religion with fresh eyes, and that’s what Jessica’s really able to do in this series. I think it’s what she’s able to convey in this conversation that we have.” -Michael [01:14]“A distinct good that Jessica talks about in her interview is churches being a place where people can find meaning and belonging and enriching friendship.” -Phebe [03:35]“The best part of it has been opening up a space for people to talk about their faith.” -Jessica [14:53]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[06:25] What Lady Bird teaches about religion[10:12] Inspiration behind Jessica’s writing[13:57] Her contribution to the conversation[17:35] The role religion can play[21:48] The “Nones” and spiritual but not religion[26:42] AI and loneliness[29:36] Jessica’s personal story and what’s next[34:48] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitJessica GroseJessica’s columns for the New York TimesWhat Churches Offer That ‘Nones’ Still Long For By Jessica GroseLady BirdGeneration Z and the Future of Faith in AmericaWall Street Journal: More Americans Left Religion During the PandemicLoneliness Is a Problem That A.I. Won’t Solve by Jessica Grose‘Nobody Wants This’ Pits Jewish Women Against ‘Shiksas.’ Nobody Wins. by Jessica GroseCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:For the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25Community of Young Christians in PoliticsYoung Christians NetworkThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a presentation from Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, a leading international non-profit that seeks to understand the polarizing forces in our civic and cultural life and build strategies and partnerships to find common ground solutions. Tim highlights key findings that were discovered in More in Common’s recent report called Promising Revelations: Undoing the False Impressions of America’s Faithful, that uses data and research to understand how America’s polarization is playing out among Evangelical Christian, Mainline Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Latter-day Saint communities. Interviewing over 6,000 Americans with a specific focus on Christian, Jewish and Muslim Americans, the study reveals myths about faith in America today, but also a more hopeful perspective on what it means to be a person of faith and a clearer view of religion in American public life.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“What I love about More in Common is that they’re committed to data. They’re committed to research. They’re also committed to not making things worse than they appear. They’re committed to not just generating conflict for conflict’s sake. Tim–in this talk–actually sees ways in which maybe we’re overestimating how divided we are, overestimating how intractable some of our differences might be and I thought that was a good way to set the tone for the summit in 2024.” -Michael [00:37]“While Tim acknowledges that this is a distinct crisis facing our churches, that there is so much division in specific faith congregations, it also is the biggest opportunity. And he acknowledges that local churches is actually where change will take place and trust will be built.” -Phebe [02:04]“We’re still a country of faithful people. Yes, there’s a decline. Yes, there’s a change, and yes, I think there’s a lot of evidence of spiritual crisis, but the pews aren’t empty. And this is still a far more religious nation than other Western countries.” -Tim [23:17]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[05:59] Surveying over 6,000 Americans[07:52] The deepest story they found[13:34] Faith in politics[20:02] The perception of decline[23:34] Religion intolerance[26:07] Two other interesting findings[30:49] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitTim Dixon, Co-Founder of More in Common GlobalPromising Revelations: Undoing the False Impressions of America’s FaithfulCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeCCPL Short Survey for Pastors and Ministry LeadersFor the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff, of Center for Christianity & Public Life (CCPL), reflect on the meaningful and thought-provoking conversations from the second annual For the Good of the Public Summit, starting with Michael’s opening keynote. CCPL provides a hospitable place for speakers—from civic leaders to advocates to journalists and politicians—to reflect on some of the most pressing issues in public life today and what Christianity has to offer for a healthier politics and public life. While these conversations occurred a month prior to the 2024 Presidential Election, they will provide important context for the issues occurring today.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“It’s not only a summit where we cover a lot of deep and heavy topics, but it’s also genuinely fun. People come away from the summit having made new connections and friends and really having felt like they were at an event that has a generous and hospitable spirit to it.” -Phebe [04:18]“In order to truly engage with what’s happening nationally, you need to be attentive to what is happening within your own spirit. You need to be attentive to the kind of person you are becoming in the midst of all of your thinking about structures and systems. You need to think about who you are, who you are becoming and what you are doing.” -Michael [17:07]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:08] The work of CCPL[04:46] The approach to the summit[07:02] Being responsive to the moment[09:58] A keynote address for today[19:14] Sometimes a summit is called for[23:38] Christianity still has much to offer America[27:29] Spiritual formation is central to civic renewal[31:07] On the lookout for light[33:06] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitCCPL’s 2024 Annual ReportMartin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel Prize Acceptance SpeechSargent Shriver‘s Address to the National Conference of Catholic CharitiesNew York Times: CHRIST IS DECLARED ALWAYS WITH MAN; He Confronts Conscience All Through Life, Dr. B.E. Mays Says in Riverside SermonCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:For the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

The Center for Christianity & Public Life returns with another season of our podcast, For the Good of the Public. Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff, review some of the most impactful sessions from CCPL’s 2024 For the Good of the Public summit, which brings together civic leaders, organizations and individuals who care about the public good to learn, dream and work together. In the coming weeks, we invite you to listen to conversations with Rachael Denhollander on preventing abuse, Former Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger about democracy and Murdock Trust CEO Romanita Hairston on how philanthropy can strengthen our democracy along with other topics such as creating a culture of care and the future of religion in America.Connect 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 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: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeFor the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25

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: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeFor the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25

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: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeFor the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25

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: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeFor the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25

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: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:For the Good of the Public Summit 2025For the Good of the Public Summit '25The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life