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
Jun 23, 2018 • 31min
Episode 224: The Laodicean Augustine
La·od·i·ce·an
adjective
adjective: Laodicean
lukewarm or halfhearted, especially with respect to religion or politics.
noun
noun: Laodicean; plural noun: Laodiceans
a person with a halfhearted attitude toward religion or politics.
In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, Bill argues for a "Laodicean" Augustinian understanding of human nature.
Jun 21, 2018 • 34min
Episode 223: Creation and Fall
In this episode we begin a new series of indeterminate length. We're attempting to talk through Creation, Fall and Redemption and everything in between and how this shapes how we discuss our understanding of salvation and the human condition.
Jun 20, 2018 • 23min
Episode 222: Creation In Anticipation
In this episode, inspired by Richard Rohr and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, we talk about what it means for creation to look forward to its fulfillment.
You can find the Richard Rohr piece we reference here: https://cac.org/evolving-the-universe-2018-06-08/.
Jun 1, 2018 • 26min
Episode 221: Faith Without Understanding
In this episode we consider what happens when faith is unreflective and ceases to seek continued understanding.
May 28, 2018 • 36min
Episode 220: The Forgotten Trinity
In this episode, inspired by a provocative and self-admittedly unorthodox sermon Trinity Sunday sermon posted on The Episcopal Cafe website, we reflect on the enduring significance of the doctrine of the Trinity.
We reference Colin Gunton's book The One, Three and the Many: God, Creation and the Culture of Modernity. You can find it here.
May 22, 2018 • 33min
Episode 219: Original Sin
In this episode, inspired by a piece in the New York Times by a contemporary philosopher, we reflect on the contemporary relevance of an often maligned ancient Christian doctrine.
The article we mention by Professor Crispin Sartwell can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/21/opinion/original-sin-ethics.html.
May 17, 2018 • 1h 1min
Episode 218: Greater Things
In this Bullgeschichte episode we are joined by Doug Pagitt. Doug is the founder and director of the non-profit Greater Things Foundation, which is the umbrella organization that much of his work operates within. We talk about faith, life, evangelicalism and politics. And of course, a little Donald Trump. Special Guest: Doug Pagitt.
May 16, 2018 • 28min
Episode 217: Jerusalem
In this episode we talk about Jerusalem and the tragedy in Gaza. We consider how things got here and if there's hope on the horizon. We also consider a past conversation "The Grace of Doing Nothing."
May 9, 2018 • 32min
Episode 216: Rabbi
This is the fourth episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. In this episode we consider Jesus as rabbi.
We regularly reference Robert Sherman's King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Priest-Prophet-Trinitarian-Atonement/dp/0567025608.
May 7, 2018 • 32min
Episode 215: King
This is the third episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. Our first episode considered Jesus as prophet. The second considered Jesus as priest. In this episode we consider Jesus as king.
We regularly reference Robert Sherman's King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Priest-Prophet-Trinitarian-Atonement/dp/0567025608.
