The Aaron Renn Show

James Davison Hunter, a renowned sociologist at the University of Virginia, introduces listeners to the concept of 'hybrid Enlightenment' and its role in today's cultural fragmentation. He discusses the evolution of America's political conflicts, particularly the abortion debate, emphasizing the dangerous effects of dehumanizing opposition. Hunter highlights the importance of solidarity in maintaining democracy and critiques how progressive ideologies dominate institutions. He offers insights into navigating the current culture war, advocating for dialogue and courageous leadership.

Joshua Klein, editor of Mortise and Tenon magazine, joins me to talk about his love of traditional wood construction techniques, and the value of craftsmanship and manual work. In addition to the magazine, Klein is also an Associate Fellow in Mechanical Arts at Greystone Theological Institute. Buy Mortise and Tenon Magazine: https://www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/Greystone Theological Institute: https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Jon Tyson, founding pastor of Church of the City in New York, dives into the evolving landscape of urban ministry post-COVID. He explores the challenges of a transient city and the unique characteristics of Generation Z, who are less inclined to plant churches. Tyson discusses cultural shifts, the impact of migration on Manhattan, and how social media is bridging gaps in cultural understanding. He emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue in ministry and offers insights on guiding spiritual explorations in today's society.

Oren Cass is founder of American Compass, a reformist center-right think tank seeking to look beyond dogmatic adherence to libertarian economics. He joins me to talk about the future of the American worker.American Compass: https://americancompass.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Artificial intelligence is the hot topic of the tech world today. But how do we make sense of it? Dean Ball is a Research Fellow in the Artificial Intelligence & Progress Project at the Mercatus Center, who also writes a Substack on the subject. He joins me to discuss this new AI technology and how to regulate it.Subscribe to Dean Ball's Substack: https://www.hyperdimensional.co/Subscribe to my Substack: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

BYX (Beta, Upsilon, Chi in Greek, for Brothers Under Christ and pronounced "Bucks") is a Christian college fraternity. National director Jared Musgrove and Georgia chapter member Will Pesch join me to talk about this fraternity and how it shapes young men in a campus environment.BYX Website: https://byx.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Miami and South Florida have been booming. City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez joins me to talk about their success and the "Miami model" of urbanism. We discuss:- Miami's transition from America's most dangerous big city to one of its safest.- Why Miami is an emerging national and global business center- The inflection points that boosted Miami's trajectory- How Mayor Suarez, a Republican, and his party have found success in a big, dense, diverse, heavily Latino city.- What Miami will do next that will surprise people.Read my profile of Miami as an under-heralded urban success story: https://www.governing.com/urban/miami-the-under-appreciated-urban-success-storyRead my article on why conservatives should care about cities: https://americancompass.org/conservatives-should-care-about-cities/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Yuval Levin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of 'American Covenant', discusses the Constitution's relevance in today’s polarized society. He argues it can be a unifying force amidst division. Levin examines congressional dysfunction and the challenges facing political parties, highlighting how ideological purity impacts governance. He emphasizes the need for cultural renewal and civic engagement, while critiquing the modern elite's role in societal stability. The conversation reflects on how televised sessions might affect legislative collaboration.

Miles Smith, an assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College, discusses insights from exvangelical memoirs and Christian nationalism. They explore loose ecclesiology in churches, clericalism's influence, pastors in purity culture, evangelical complexity, and the impact of World War I on churches.

Matthew Peterson, editor-in-chief of the Blaze and founding editor of the American Mind, joins me to talk about the media and conservative media landscape in America today.Visit the Blaze: https://www.theblaze.com/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/