Dr. Yuval Levin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the essence of unity within the Constitution. He argues that America’s real challenge lies in an overly legalistic interpretation rather than misunderstanding the document itself. Discussion includes the importance of coalition building in governance and reforms for broader election representation. Levin shares a personal story from a naturalization ceremony that reshapes understanding of American identity, advocating inclusivity to bridge political divides.

Join Elaine Petty, a policy panelist, Charmaine Yoest, a bioethics expert, and Dr. Bill Hurlbut, a physician and bioethicist, as they tackle the complex world of in vitro fertilization (IVF). They dive into the ethical challenges posed by IVF technologies, the implications of genetic manipulation, and the societal impact on fertility choices. The trio explores critical issues of human dignity, embryo rights, and the commodification of reproduction, ultimately questioning how these factors shape our understanding of life and ethics.

Dr. Jessica Moerman, a climate scientist and the President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, dives into the vital connection between faith and environmental stewardship. She discusses the biblical mandate for caring for creation and humanity’s responsibility in addressing climate change. Moerman highlights how climate impacts maternal and child health, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable communities. She also counters misconceptions about environmental crises, framing them as a chance for Christians to engage in meaningful advocacy and justice.

Laura Wolk Slavis from Becket advocates for religious liberties, while Paul J. Ray of the Heritage Foundation offers insights on regulatory policies, and Rachel Morrison from the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses the implications of recent legal changes. They delve into how the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Chevron deference impacts agency rules and religious freedom. The conversation also examines the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, highlighting conflicts between accommodations for pregnant employees and religious beliefs.

Marriage and fertility rates are lower than ever seen before in America’s history. This means that a record share of today’s young adults will never marry or have children. But the paradox is that men, women, and children in married families are much more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and financially than their peers who don’t enjoy that safety and stability.University of Virginia Professor Brad Wilcox of the Institute for Family Studies and American Enterprise Institute joined us to reveal what’s happening to marriage and family life, why these two institutions are losing ground, and what Washington can do to revive their fortunes in 21st-century America.Support the show

Disagreements are easy; productive disagreements require effort. But productive disagreements are the heartbeat of a healthy democracy, a healthy team, and even a healthy family. Dr. Rick Langer and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff of Biola University joined us for a look at productive disagreements and what they ask of our hearts as well as what they ask of our speech–both toward those on the other side and also toward our own in-groupSupport the show

Dr. Vince Bacote, a theology professor at Wheaton College, dives deep into the intricate relationship between creation and politics. He explores how Christians can engage responsibly in governance while embracing stewardship of the earth. The discussion highlights the significance of Jesus' incarnation and common grace in societal flourishing. Bacote encourages a proactive approach to community impact inspired by faith, emphasizing love for one’s neighbor amidst the complexities of political life, while promoting thoughtful self-examination within the Christian community.

In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Is it even possible to build anything at the moment?With a strong track record of working under challenging circumstances to bring about societal change, Baroness Philippa Stroud, Member of the House of Lords and a leading public influential in the UK,  identified the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud discussed how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. Support the show

Dr. Matthew Mehan, an Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Government at Hillsdale College, offers profound insights on how love intertwines with law. He reflects on the wisdom of biblical texts and Cicero, highlighting how gratitude shapes community values. The discussion spans topics like the role of love in contemporary legal debates, such as the 1619 Project and marriage rights. He also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Empire and modern societal values, emphasizing the necessity of benevolence and moral integrity in law.

Over 70 million adults in the U.S. have a criminal record. These individuals face over 44,000 government-imposed barriers to work, housing, education, and civil rights that limit their efforts to become responsible stewards of their families and communities. How can churches, businesses, law enforcement, and policymakers better unlock second chances for Americans who have paid their debt to society?A panel of experts from Prison Fellowship joined us for a conversation about the importance of strategies that protect public safety and promote success for individuals with a criminal record.Support the show