The Civitas Podcast

The discussion tackles the interplay between the church and modern liberalism, emphasizing potential solutions. A new pope's election sparks debates about unity, public life, and its political repercussions. They clarify papal infallibility and its limits while contrasting Catholic and Protestant theological freedoms. The evolution of the nation-state concept is scrutinized, linking it to warfare and loyalty initiatives that shape identity and immigration. Lastly, ancient Israel's political identity highlights the church's unifying role amid national complexities.

David P. Goldman, a Washington Fellow at The Claremont Institute and Deputy Editor of Asia Times, dives into intriguing discussions about the intersection of culture, faith, and politics. He highlights the rise of classical music in China as a cultural expression amidst political constraints. Goldman also critiques modern economic policies and the challenges of balancing free markets with necessary government intervention. The podcast further covers the evolving role of Christianity in Chinese society, comparing it to religious shifts in Africa.

Aaron Renn, a thoughtful writer and consultant based in Indianapolis, discusses the evolving landscape of Christianity in America. He critiques the shift from cultural dominance to marginalization, delving into historical events that shaped this change. Renn explores the impact of technology on societal trends, including the rise of new forms of gambling. The conversation also highlights the political evolution of evangelical engagement and emphasizes the church's need for renewed cultural commitment amidst challenges. Lastly, he underscores the balance of divine agency and human responsibility in shaping society.

In a riveting discussion, Jeff Shafer, Director of the Hale Institute, offers insights from his extensive legal career, highlighting the changing landscape of family law and its societal implications. He tackles how landmark cases have redefined marriage and parenthood, challenging traditional family structures. Shafer also warns of the commercialization of family processes and its threat to parental rights. The interplay between church authority and modern family dynamics further emphasizes the urgent need for a robust theological response to today’s legal challenges.

Jon Askonas, an Assistant Professor of Politics at the Catholic University of America, dives deep into the friction between technology and conservative values. He critiques how conservatism has struggled to adapt to modern advancements and emphasizes the significance of the family unit in this transition. The conversation also highlights the need for government support in nurturing innovation while preserving human experiences. Askonas proposes a proactive redefinition of conservatism, advocating for a balance between technological progress and community life.

Peter Leithart and James Wood answer some of your questions, closing the episode with a discussion of what they have been reading. To Give to Theopolis, click HERE.Get the Theopolis App, HERE.Use Code "theopolitan" to get your first month free!Sign up for In Medias Res, HERE.

Peter Leithart and James Wood talk with Rod Dreher about his recent work, Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age. Purchase the book:Rod DreherLiving in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age_______About Rod DreherRod Dreher is a journalist and author of six books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Little Way of Ruthie Leming (2013), The Benedict Option (2017), and Live Not by Lies (2020). His work covers the intersection of religion, culture, and politics. Dreher has worked as a columnist for the New York Post, the Dallas Morning News, National Review, the American Conservative, the European Conservative, and other publications, and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Time. He is an Orthodox Christian. A native of Louisiana, Dreher lives in Budapest, where he is a senior fellow at The Danube Institute.More Books by DreherLive Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian DissidentsThe Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation The Little Way of Ruthie Leming

Peter Leithart and James Wood talk with Tim Nichols and Joe Anderson about their work in Englewood, Colorado.  Joe Anderson is a Pastor at Christ the Anchor church in Englewood, Colorado. For the last 10 years, Joe has led the local pastors prayer group and organized meetings between the pastors and local government officials that have led to several collaborative initiatives between the Church in Englewood and the city government. Additionally, since 2019, Joe has served on City Council in Englewood.Tim Nichols cut his teeth in ministry teaching at the seminary level while pastoring a small church plant in the California desert, frequently getting whiplash in the transitions between the two. He presently teaches middle school at Hammersmith School, a homeschool hybrid program, operates a bodywork practice, teaches martial arts, and serves in pastoral roles at Christ the Anchor church and at Centerpoint Church, an outreach to the homeless community in Englewood.Together, they've founded Headwaters Christian Resources, a nonprofit devoted to local ministry and producing resources for the broader church, and written the Victorious Bible curriculum for middle school, Loving: Spiritual Exercises in Tangibly Loving your Literal Neighbors, and an assortment of smaller projects.Links: Peter Leithart's article on Micro-Christendoms can be found HERE.Tim and Joe's Theopolis Conversation on "Proclamation" can be found HERE.Click HERE for Tim Nichols' excellent articles at Theopolis.

D.C. Schindler, a Professor at the John Paul II Institute and author of 'God and the City,' discusses how metaphysics intertwines with contemporary politics. He argues for revisiting classical political theories to address modern challenges and critiques the modern political frameworks. The conversation highlights divine influence in governance, the church's vital role in civic life, and the relationship between authority and freedom. Schindler emphasizes the need for a metaphysical understanding of social structures that acknowledges the divine.

Peter Leithart and James Wood talk with Philip Bess about architecture, cities, and his book titled Till We Have Built Jerusalem. Philip Bess is Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame.