

New Persuasive Words
Scott Jones & Bill Borror
New Persuasive Words is a sharp and insightful podcast that dissects the intersections of culture, politics, and theology with intellectual rigor and a conversational ease. Hosted by Scott Jones and Bill Borror, the show offers a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues, blending humor, historical perspective, and philosophical depth. With a keen eye for nuance and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, New Persuasive Words invites listeners into a space where ideas are tested, assumptions are questioned, and meaningful dialogue thrives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2019 • 49min
Episode 283: Iconoclasm
In this episode, joined by Matthew Milliner, we talk about iconoclasm. The Iconoclastic Controversy, was a dispute over the use of religious images (icons) in the Byzantine Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Iconoclasts (those who rejected images) objected to icon veneration for several reasons, including the Old Testament prohibition against images in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4) and the possibility of idolatry. The defenders of the use of icons insisted on the symbolic nature of images and on the dignity of created matter.
You can download Matt Milliner's review essay "Everything you know about Byzantine art is wrong" here. Special Guest: Matt Milliner.

Nov 29, 2019 • 43min
Episode 282: Fully Human, Fully Divine
We continue our "Romance of Orthodoxy" series. We've been considering the development of Christian orthodoxy and some of the major challenges and debates that helped formulate the heart of the Christian faith. In this episode we consider the Fourth Century controversies that led to the Chalcedonian Council, which declared that Christ had two natures in one person, and the relationship between the natures.

Nov 14, 2019 • 36min
Episode 281: Arianism
In this episode we continue talking about the Romance of Christian Orthodoxy, considering what many consider to be the grandest heresy of them all: Arianism.

Oct 23, 2019 • 36min
Episode 280: No Gnosis is Good Gnosis...
In this episode we continue our series on the Romance of Orthodoxy. We consider the heresy that seems to have perennial appeal in Christian history: Gnosticism.

Oct 22, 2019 • 32min
Episode 279: Modalism: The Clark Kent/Superman Trinity
Continuing our series about the Romance of Orthodoxy, we consider the modalist heresy, which holds that Father, Son, and Spirit are really not persons but more like masks or roles God puts on in relationship to the world.

Oct 17, 2019 • 42min
Episode 278: Marcion, Thor and YHWH
In this episode we continue to talk about the Romance of Orthodoxy. We talk about Marcionism, a heresy that claims the God of the Hebrew Bible is fundamentally different than the God revealed in Jesus Christ. We find a surprising modern example of the position in renowned theologian David Bentley Hart. We consider a recent exchange he had with First Things contributor Peter Leithart.

Sep 30, 2019 • 36min
Episode 277: Docetism
Continuing our series on the Romance of Orthodoxy, we discuss the "docetic" heresy, which claims that Jesus Christ was divine, but not really human.

Sep 24, 2019 • 32min
Episode 276: Jesus, Judaism and the Early Church
Continuing our discussion of the romance of orthodoxy, we consider controversies in the history of the church. In this episode we discuss the early church's struggle with the role of Torah observance and the inclusion of Gentiles.
We reference an atonement chart put together by Brad East. You can find it here.

Sep 10, 2019 • 36min
Episode 275: The Romance of Orthodoxy
Fresh off of our summer vacations, we talk about how Christian orthodoxy has romanced us both and continues to do so.
We reference two podcast interviews in this episode. You can find them below.
https://giveandtake.fireside.fm/175
https://giveandtake.fireside.fm/174

Aug 16, 2019 • 39min
Episode 274: Summer Potpourri
We're both looking toward summer vacation! In this episode we mix it up, like the Jeoprady Potpourri category. You never know what's coming next.


