The Aaron Renn Show

Jon Askonas is a professor of politics at Catholic University. He wrote an interesting piece for Comment magazine on how Americans went from seeing technology as a source of progress to viewing it as leading us to an apocalypse. He joins us to discuss: How and why did this shift take place? Why are we so anxious? How should we live in this age of anxiety?Read "Building a Future in the Face of the Apocalypse": https://comment.org/building-a-future-in-the-face-of-the-apocalypse/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Academia is almost entirely dominated by the left. Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, has thrived in it as a strong Catholic. But is it possible for conservatives and Christians to follow the same path today? What are the signs of optimism both for conservatives in academia, but also for a healthier climate for academia itself? George joins me to discuss these topics and what's he's personally been doing to push academia in a healthier direction.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Ryan Williams, the President of the Claremont Institute, shares insights on navigating today's political landscape with a focus on dissident ideas. He discusses the Institute's rich history and its commitment to shaping public policy beyond academia. The conversation touches on the influential 'Flight 93 Election' essay, which called for a radical shift in conservative strategy, and contrasts West Coast and East Coast Straussian perspectives. Williams emphasizes the importance of adaptability and citizen engagement amid political polarization.

Despite major progress in civil rights, black economic uplift, and even electing a black President, the question of race continues to be an ongoing major issue in the United States. There are continuing significant racial disparities between races. A black underclass still remains in America. And political and cultural debates around race continue to be major flashpoints. This includes within the evangelical church, where debates over race have become very intense. Joining me to discuss the ongoing question of race is Robert "Bob" Woodson, Sr. He is one of American's foremost civil rights leaders and experts on alleviating poverty. He's been an advisor to Presidents, a MacArthur Genius Grant Award winner, and recipient of numerous other awards. He's the founder of the Woodson Center and editor of the new book A Pathway to American Renewal.What actually is the state of racial inclusion in America? Where has progress been made, and where does it still remain? How many of the problems around race today are actually class related? How should American evangelicals think about the question of race and how should they seek to engage on it? What are some of the most encouraging initiatives and leaders that he sees in the country today? Buy A Pathway to American Renewal: https://www.amazon.com/Pathway-American-Renewal-White-Black-ebook/dp/B0D4HDLSN2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20The Woodson Center: https://woodsoncenter.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Justin Shubow is the president of the National Civic Art Society, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. that promotes the classical and humanistic tradition in public art and architecture. He was also formerly the chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts. He joins me to talk about our public buildings and how to make them beautiful.Note that this podcast includes a discussion of specific buildings. Pictures of these buildings are shown in the video version of the podcast, which you can watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6MwHNiEgcQNational Civic Art Society: https://www.civicart.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Rod Dreher, bestselling author and cultural commentator, dives into his latest work, Living in Wonder. He discusses the idea of re-enchantment in modern life, contrasting it with secular views and the role of spirituality. Dreher explores the rise of psychedelics and the occult, reflecting on the public's search for meaning. He tackles the complex relationship between mental illness and perceived demonic influences through personal narratives. Ultimately, he encourages embracing the divine in everyday experiences, showcasing the transformative power of faith.

Os Guinness, an author and social critic with a rich background as a child of medical missionaries in China, shares profound insights into our current civilizational challenges. He discusses pivotal moments in Western history and the decline of Christianity's influence. The rise of secularism is examined, revealing its deep impact on faith today. Os emphasizes the urgent need for ideologically clear choices in society and critiques the growing interest in alternative spiritual experiences. His call for a revival rooted in historical truths is both timely and compelling.

Delano Squires, a Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and contributor to The Blaze, discusses the importance of manhood and family in today’s society. He addresses the challenges men face in education and work, emphasizing the need for strong male role models. Squires critiques modern narratives around masculinity and highlights the significance of traditional values and active community involvement. He also debunks myths about Black family dynamics and stresses the crucial role of family structure in children's well-being.

Stephen Eide, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins the conversation to tackle the challenges faced by marginalized men, particularly those grappling with homelessness and mental illness. They discuss the need for accessible support systems and the gender disparities in mental health care. Eide critiques the social service industrial complex and proposes balanced strategies that combine rehabilitation and resource redistribution. The stigma attached to manual labor is also examined, emphasizing the value of all types of work in society.

Austin Knuppe, an assistant professor at Utah State University and expert on Middle Eastern politics, discusses the plight of dwindling Christian communities in the region. He highlights the historical significance of these groups, particularly in Lebanon and Egypt, and challenges misconceptions about their identities. Knuppe argues that America's Global War on Terror has accelerated their decline, particularly following the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The conversation also touches on the awareness gap among American Christians regarding the persecution faced by their Middle Eastern counterparts.