First Things Podcast

In this engaging talk, Paul Kingsnorth, a distinguished novelist and essayist, shares profound insights from his 2024 Erasmus Lecture. He reflects on cultural loss and personal trauma, drawing from a visit to Little Bighorn. Kingsnorth discusses the displacement of Native Americans and the struggle to retain identity amidst cultural erasure. He critiques the decline of Christianity in Western society, contrasting true Christian values with today's materialism. Ultimately, he advocates for transformation through repentance and a return to love as the heart of Christian civilization.

Mike Aquilina, a well-known figure at EWTN and author of "Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins," dives into how cities became crucial to the spread of Christianity. He discusses how apostles targeted urban areas for their diverse populations and synagogues, facilitating evangelization. Notably, he highlights the significance of Jerusalem and Antioch, examines the tension in Ephesus between new Christian ideals and pagan practices, and explores the cultural legacy of Carthage in shaping Latin Christian identity.

Daniel Pipes, a historian and author renowned for his insights on Middle Eastern politics, dives into critical themes surrounding Israel's future. He discusses Israel's unique birth rate and the cultural factors supporting strong family values. The conversation examines the historical roots of rejectionism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contrasting it with Zionist perspectives. Pipes also explores the roles of military strategies and economic incentives, the complexities of conflict resolution, and shifts in American Jewish political sentiments.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Rosario Forlenza and Bjørn Thomassen join in to discuss their new book, “Italy's Christian Democracy: The Catholic Encounter with Political Modernity​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

The discussion dives into G.K. Chesterton’s unique perspective on life as a narrative filled with romance and paradox. It emphasizes how our personal stories intertwine with larger philosophical themes of freedom and meaning. The conversation also explores how beliefs about death and the afterlife shape our understanding of life's significance. Additionally, it critiques modern notions of self-improvement, arguing that recognizing evil and adversity is essential for grasping joy and redemption.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Christine M. Wohar, joins in to discuss her new book, “Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, Charles Taylor, joins in to discuss his new book, “Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment​.” Donate now at www.firstthings.com/campaign Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.

F. H. Buckley, a professor at George Mason University's Scalia School of Law and author of "The Roots of Liberalism," dives into the foundations of liberalism. He critiques modern movements like critical race theory and emphasizes the need for civic virtue to unite society. Buckley explores how traditional liberalism balances individualism with ethical responsibility, drawing on historical teachings about equality. He also discusses the resilience of liberal ideals in America today, highlighting their role in fostering community amidst division.

In this captivating discussion, Paul Krause, an editor at Vogelin View and author of "Finding Arcadia," delves into the waning significance of classical texts in education. He recounts his awakening to foundational works like Antigone and the Iliad, showcasing their timeless relevance. Krause highlights the human-centered themes in Homeric literature and explores justice versus vengeance in Aeschylus' Oresteia. He also reflects on Augustine's journey through cultural conflicts, offering insights into truth and reconciliation in a complex world.

José Carlos González-Hurtado, President of EWTN España and author of "New Scientific Evidence for the Existence of God," explores the fascinating intersection of science and belief in God. He reveals how many Nobel Prize-winning scientists maintain their faith despite societal pressures. The dialogue touches on the Big Bang theory as a potential proof of creation, and how personal experiences have shifted the beliefs of skeptics. González-Hurtado critiques modern atheism while showcasing how historical figures like Einstein challenged materialistic views.