Good Faith

James Cham of Bloomberg Beta and John Kim of the Karamaan Group discuss the spiritual trajectory of AI. They explore AI's distinction from previous technology, the importance of responsibility, the redemptive potential of AI, learning from biblical resources, and choosing a path in the tech industry.

Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, discusses the descent of the evangelical church into political idolatry, the dangerous response of congregants to their pastors, a misleading narrative of a Christian nation under siege, strategies to empower the less extreme majority, the importance of addressing church scandals, and the author's personal relationship with his pastor father and unique writing style.

Reflecting on the Capitol insurrection, taking responsibility, decay of institutions, preserving democracy, and setting achievable goals for the New Year are interesting topics discussed in this thought-provoking podcast.

David French, author and commentator, joins the hosts to reflect on the past year with a focus on humility and hope. They discuss the complexity of the world, the decline of marriageable males in African-American communities, and the danger of losing hope by solely focusing on national politics. They also touch on the fragility of the political system in 2024 and express gratitude for listeners' support.

Climate change is a major long term threat to our world. Yet, we find very few evangelical Christians voices or mass engagement on this issue. Why this disturbing gap? To explore this question, Curtis is joined by Bruce Huber who teaches about environmental law as Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. Together, they explore the deep reasons why many Christians struggle even to make proper sense of climate change.   Laudato Si' -- Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on "Care for our Common Home"   The website of Jonathan Haidt -- see especially "The Righteous Mind"   The website of the IPCC -- the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which acts as a sponsor of and clearinghouse for climate research   An accessible book about carbon taxation, "The Case for a Carbon Tax," by Prof. Shi-Ling Hsu of Florida State University  

The wave of immigrants and refugees at the border has filled the news, and will most likely influence the next presidential elections. But what’s really happening there? And how should American Christians make sense of this issue? In the second of two episodes on this topic, Curtis is joined by someone with a unique perspective, Michael Debruhl. Michael is a former agent and executive in the Border Patrol who felt disturbed at the widespread misconceptions on the topic. Upon leaving the agency, he started volunteering at the Sacred Heart Shelter, one of the main church based programs receiving migrants at the border.    Helpful resources on immigration and the border   Accurate information from The National Immigration Forum (a non-partisan effort at sensible and compassionate reform of our national approach to immigration)   What’s happening at the U.S.-Mexico border in 7 charts from The Pew Research Center   What’s behind the influx of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border? from PBS NewsHour   Public database from the US Customs and Border Protection (the main federal agency overseeing the border)   DONATE to the Sacred Heart Shelter (Casa del Sagrado Corazón) - the shelter directed by guest Michael Debruhl  

The wave of immigrants and refugees at the border has filled the news, and will most likely influence the next presidential elections. But what’s really happening there? And how should American Christians make sense of this issue? In the first of two episodes on this topic, Curtis is joined by Bri Stensrud, Director of Women of Welcome, a ministry that helps American evangelical women understand what’s happening at the border in light of Scripture and current reality. They talk about why Christians should care about the border, the common misconceptions in play, and how opening our minds and hearts on this topic changes us.   To make an end of year contribution to the Good Faith podcast, donate online here (https://redeemingbabel.org/donate-to-redeeming-babel/).   For major gifts, donor advised funds, or family foundations, please email us at info@redeemingbabel.org.   Order Bri's latest book: Start with Welcome Learn more about Women of Welcome Free resources & Bible studies from Women of Welcome  Join the Women of Welcome community online: FB & IG Watch the Who is Welcome Here documentary  More on World Relief More on National Immigration Forum  Follow Bri online   On the forced separation policy:    The Atlantic on “the secret history”  Immigration Forum’s analysis Christianity Today’s coverage The failure of “zero tolerance” policy  

David Brooks, author of 'How to Know a Person', joins the podcast to discuss the art of connecting with others and the need for meaningful conversations. They explore emotional range, the impact of illuminators in conversations, and understanding individuals in a divisive society. They also touch on the conflict between left and right perspectives, transforming education in post-war countries, and the power of vulnerability in opening up to others.

Rabbi Michael Holzman and David French discuss the impact of the Gaza crisis on American Jews and Christians, including personal experiences, the shift in support for the Palestinian cause on the left, and the complexities surrounding Israel as a country for Jews. They also explore the implications of the Gaza military campaign and the impact of the conflict on the American Jewish community.

American youth who grew up in Christian families are leaving the church at a massive pace.  Curtis talks with Kara Powell, executive director of The Fuller Youth Institute, about the complex  reasons for this trend - and what can be done. They discuss why any understanding of the causes – and therefore the necessary response – must include parents and churches doing the hard work of self-examination and self-transformation.   To make an end of year contribution to the Good Faith podcast, donate online here (https://redeemingbabel.org/donate-to-redeeming-babel/).   For major gifts, donor advised funds, or family foundations, please email us at info@redeemingbabel.org. Kara’s Ten x 10 Initiative that seeks to combine efforts to reach the next generation   For resources on preventing and responding to suspected abuse in youth ministry, see GRACE (Godly Responses to Abuse in Christian Environments).