The Aaron Renn Show

Pragmatism is about what we can do with our own two hands with the material we see in front of us. It's an important perspective on the world - but very limiting as well. Too much devotion to pragmatism can blind us to the possibilities in the world and life.

Brad Littlejohn and Chris Castaldo discuss their book 'Why Do Protestants Convert?' exploring psychological, theological, and sociological factors behind Protestant conversions to Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. They delve into motivations, differences in ministries, the importance of tangible grace, the tension between church history and evangelicalism, and the desire for authority as a major reason for conversion.

Ben Merkle, president of New St. Andrews College, joins me to discuss the broken financial model of higher education in America.Read Big Ed, Too Big to Fail: https://nsa.edu/blog/big-ed-too-big-to-failSubscribe to my newspaper: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Nancy Pearcey, a professor at Houston Christian University, joins me to discuss her book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Pearcey was named one of the top five women apologists by Christianity Today and hailed in The Economist as America's preeminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.Buy The Toxic War on Masculinity: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-War-Masculinity-Christianity-Reconciles-ebook/dp/B0B6Q3BCG8/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

Exploring masculinity crisis within the church, the journey towards holiness, and living a kingdom-centered life with Christ's lordship. Discusses spiritual growth, emotional intelligence, ethical considerations, and the holy man's journey towards spiritual growth and mentorship.

Dr. John Seel discusses cultural engagement in a negative world, highlighting the church's challenges in adapting to societal shifts. He explores the sacredness of sexuality, the need for innovative strategies, and the balance between reason and imagination in spiritual reformation. Seel also reflects on cultural biases and paradigm shifts within the church community, emphasizing the complexity of personal and cultural change.

Long time missionary Andrew Brunson joins me to talk about his two year nightmare in a Turkish jail after being falsely imprisoned by the government for spying.Wavestarters, a Ministry of Andrew and Norine Brunson: https://www.wavestarters.org/Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

John Lovell, a former Army Ranger and combat veteran, shares insights from his new book, emphasizing the duality of being a warrior and poet. He discusses the importance of personal empowerment, courage, and moral responsibility in today’s world. Lovell critiques modern masculinity, urging men to embrace their artistic sides while showcasing strength. He also tackles the need for robust masculine leadership in faith communities, and he highlights the Second Amendment's role in personal safety with some entertaining firearm recommendations.

The discussion dives into why many men abandon traditional churches for online influencers. It critiques the evangelical portrayal of masculinity as narrow and overly focused on self-sacrifice. The concept of servant leadership is reexamined, revealing how its current interpretation can devalue men's own aspirations and desires. The podcast advocates for a richer understanding of masculinity that incorporates both service and self-fulfillment, urging a shift away from outdated notions of male leadership.

Gen Z Youtuber "Redeemed Zoomer," a member of the PCUSA, joins me to discuss his case for why Christians should not abandon mainline denominations.Visit Redeemed Zoomer's Youtube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@redeemedzoomer6053Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.aaronrenn.com/