The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Dive into a whirlwind of thoughts as Jonah explores the political optics surrounding Trump's East Wing renovation, questioning authority and voter perception. He critiques how media narratives often miss the mark on direct political action. The podcast delves into the controversial 'Great Feminization' thesis, examining its implications on institutions and gender dynamics. Additionally, Jonah enthusiastically recounts the allure of heist stories, capped with an intriguing glimpse into a famous Louvre theft. Tune in for a mix of sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes!

Charles Murray, an Emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author, delves into profound topics from his book, *Taking Religion Seriously*. He discusses his spiritual journey influenced by his wife, explores the existence of God, and shares thoughts on life after death. Murray explains near-death experiences and their implications on consciousness and materialism. He also touches on the historicity of the Gospels and the moral arguments from C.S. Lewis. Their keen debates navigate belief and evidence, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Kori Schake, a foreign and defense policy expert at AEI and author of The State and the Soldier, analyzes the evolution of American civil-military relations. She critiques traditional theories about military democracy, highlighting significant historical events like Andrew Jackson's invasion of Florida and the implications of the Insurrection Act. Kori also discusses the current state of the military amid partisan pressures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism in political contexts and the challenges facing Ukraine.

A recent indictment of John Bolton leads to a deep dive into sovereigntism and its implications for foreign policy. Jonah critiques the allure of selective prosecution while addressing elite accountability in politics. The conversation also touches on troubling remarks from young Republicans, revealing an alarming rise of intolerance and antisemitism in certain circles. He condemns moral cowardice among leaders who excuse extremist behavior and warns against the erosion of institutional trust. The podcast explores these pressing issues with sharp insights and a keen sense of humor.

Father Gregory Pine, a Dominican friar and theologian, dives deep into intriguing questions about faith and doctrine. He discusses the essence of Christian identity as relational and communal, and addresses whether prayer influences God's plans. The conversation explores the fate of souls before Christ, the complexities of salvation across denominations, and the Catholic perspective on other Abrahamic faiths. Pine also tackles women in the clergy and the reasoning behind priestly celibacy, making for a thoughtful and enlightening dialogue.

Steve Hayes, co-founder and CEO of The Dispatch and a seasoned political journalist, joins to discuss the growth and goals of The Dispatch. He shares insights on their recent SCOTUSblog acquisition and how they aim to maintain editorial integrity. The conversation delves into the nuanced debate between 'center-right' and 'conservative' branding, the importance of trust and intellectual honesty, and strategies for audience engagement. Hayes also expresses concerns over political corruption and violence while advocating for robust, daily-impact reporting.

Jonah delves into pressing global issues, including the Gaza hostage exchange and its implications for Israeli sentiment. He questions whether recent indictments reflect selective prosecution and critiques the weaponization of justice. Covering cultural dynamics, he discusses the intrusion of politics in sports and the fixation on victimhood narratives among conservatives. Lastly, he scrutinizes motivations in media, reflecting on figures like Tucker Carlson, and expresses optimism about the potential of new mainstream media voices.

Molly Worthen, historian and professor at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into the intriguing dynamics of charisma in American history. She elaborates on its theological roots and contrasts it with charm, highlighting its role in creating compelling narratives that shape followers. Worthen traces the lineage of charismatic figures from the Puritans to JFK and critiques modern populism's anti-intellectualism. She also discusses the impact of technology on charismatic movements and notes a resurgence of religious interest among Gen Z, stressing the importance of committed institutions.

Jay Nordlinger, a seasoned writer on foreign affairs and culture, joins to discuss pressing global issues. They delve into the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing need for vigilance, particularly among Jewish communities. Jay offers insights on the complex history of the Nobel Peace Prize and its ties to presidential aspirations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of Middle East peace, the necessity of rule of law in Democratic principles, and the layers of free speech commitment amidst societal crises.

Delve into G.K. Chesterton’s insights on Edmund Burke and explore three pivotal revolutions: agricultural, Christian, and Lockean. Jonah Goldberg dissects the concept of 'identity crisis,' tracing its evolution from adolescence to broader societal implications. He also critiques the media's handling of political events and discusses the hypocrisy within party politics. Attention is drawn to the complexities of military policy and women's roles in combat, with a nod to the intertwining of ideas and material forces in history.