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
Mar 1, 2025 • 30min
Episode 343: Christian Realism or Pagan Cynicism?
In this episode, we delve into the recent dispute between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, analyzing the ideological and theological foundations that shape the foreign policy perspectives of Trump's supporters. We explore how nationalist and isolationist sentiments, intertwined with elements of Christian nationalism, influence some Republican's approach to global affairs, particularly regarding U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Feb 27, 2025 • 32min
Episode 342: Is MAGA The White Man's Rastafarianism?
In this episode, inspired by a quote from Ezra Klein, we consider the mythic and mystical components of the MAGA movement. Do they correspond to a broader current in the culture that some on the left are out of step with today?
Feb 23, 2025 • 54min
Episode 341: Where is the Progressive Outrage over Kfir Bibas?
In this episode we wonder why there isn't more progressive outrage over strangled babies and other recent atrocities committed by Hamas.
Feb 18, 2025 • 40min
Episode 340: Hillbilly Curia?
In this episode we unpack Vice-President Vance's recent comments about the Ordo Amoris. We ask the age old question: what's love got to do with it?
Feb 12, 2025 • 37min
Episode 339: A House Divided Against Itself?
In this episode we consider the different ways in which identity is constituted, and how our identities might be in tension or even conflict.
You can find the substack piece we reference here.
Feb 7, 2025 • 43min
Episode 338: Whose Christ? What Culture?
In this episode we consider some classic questions about the ethics of Jesus and the Church's relationship to culture.
Jan 30, 2025 • 38min
Episode 337: American Political Heresies
In this episode we examine the current intellectual and ideological foundations of the New Right in America, and consider how the right and the left seem to mirror some ancient Christian heresies.
We reference and quote a recent episode of The Ezra Klein Show. You can find the episode and the transcript of it here.
Jan 27, 2025 • 33min
Episode 336: An Ode To Repugnance
In this episode we talk about what to do when you come across a repugnant idea. With T.S. Eliot as our guide, we consider what strong visceral reactions to ideas and ideologies might tell us about ourselves.
The inspiration for the conversation was a Substack piece Scott published today. You can find it here. We actually discussed the Eliot essay we reference in episode 154 of this podcast, which you can find here.
Jan 24, 2025 • 24min
Episode 335: What would Capon have said to President Trump?
In this episode we talk about Bishop Mariann Budde's recent sermon, in which she personally addressed and exhorted President Trump. We wonder what the Gospel is for President Trump, and the great Robert Farrar Capon would have done in Bishop Budde's shoes.
You can find Bishop Budde's sermon here.
You can find a host of Capon quotes for your reading pleasure here.
Jan 22, 2025 • 31min
Episode 334: Shall We Overcome?
In this episode we talk about what it means to walk by faith and not by sight in public life.
