Acton Line

In this discussion, Gerard Wegemer, the founding director of the Center for Thomas More Studies and an expert on Thomas More, delves into the critical role of moral philosophy in addressing America's housing shortage. He emphasizes the need to empower impoverished households through dignity and agency. Additionally, Wegemer highlights Thomas More's legacy, advocating for self-governance and the moral implications of law. The conversation also touches on the significance of education and dialogue in fostering a well-formed conscience in society.

On today’s episode, Acton’s director of research, John Pinheiro, speaks to Gerard Wegemer, founding director of the Center for Thomas More Studies. They discuss More’s life, writings, and understanding of law, liberty, and citizenship. Subscribe to our podcasts Center for Thomas More Studies

This week, host Dan Hugger is joined by John Pinheiro and Dylan Pahman to discuss the presidential transition. What have past presidential transitions looked like, and how does this one compare? What should we make of the flurry of pardons from Presidents Trump and Biden? How many amendments does our Constitution, in fact, have—and what do they even mean? Who needs them when you have executive orders? And how will those new executive orders affect the economy and civil service?Subscribe to our podcastsBiden Pardons 5 Members of His Family in Final Minutes in Office | The New York TimesFamily outraged after man convicted in Connecticut killings gets clemency from Biden in drug case | AP NewsPardon of January 6 United States Capitol attack defendants | WikipediaBiden Says Equal Rights Amendment Has Passed, but Does Not Force Certification | The New York TimesBirthright Citizenship Is American Citizenship | John YooTrump Admin Orders Federal D.E.I. Efforts to Shut Down by Wednesday Night | The New York TimesRestoring America Means More Tuskegee Airmen and Less DEI

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Vallier, a philosophy professor at the University of Toledo and affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute, dives into the complexities of American fusionism, exploring how religion can coexist with liberty. Vallier shares his personal journey from atheism to intertwining libertarianism with Lutheranism. He analyzes the historical ties between Christianity and classical liberalism, debates the roles of moral understanding, and highlights the importance of dialogue between theologians and social scientists to navigate modern ideological challenges.

Director of the Acton Institute’s Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage Nathan Mech mediates a discussion between Mustafa Akyol and Rabbi Reuven Firestone on the current crises in Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations. Drawing from their respective religious traditions, Akyol and Rabbi Firestone confront the challenges of tribalism and discuss how religion can be a source of solutions, rather than problems, for the Middle East and conflicts around the world today. Special attention is given to insights from Mustafa Akyol’s new book, “The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World.”Subscribe to our podcastsThe Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the WorldCollins Center for Abrahamic Heritage

Though often used, the term “financialization” is largely misunderstood. In order to address this issue, the American Institute for Economic Research commissioned Acton board member and chief investment officer of the Bahnsen Group, David Bahnsen, to write a white paper on this topic. His approach to financialization is simple: that we defend and not demonize capital markets, and clarify and not obfuscate how financial markets enhance our attempts at achieving human flourishing. On today’s episode, Acton’s chief operating officer, Stephen Barrows, talks to David about his paper.Subscribe to our podcastsFinancialization and Missed Boats | American Institute for Economic Research

On today’s episode, Acton librarian Dan Hugger sits down Kris Mauren, co-founder and president of the Acton Institute. They discuss why the Acton Institute was founded, what it’s done, and where it’s hoping to go in the new year. Subscribe to our podcasts

On today’s episode, we’re bringing you a rebroadcast from December 1, 2021. Eric Kohn, Acton’s former director of marketing and communications, sits down with Dallas Jenkins, director of “The Chosen,” an online multi-season TV series depicting the life of Jesus. Later in the episode Kohn interviews Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrays Jesus.The Chosen is the largest crowdfunded media project of all time. At the time of this interview, they had raised 90% of the money for season 3. Now, season 5 is set to premiere on March 27, 2025.Subscribe to our podcastsWatch | The Chosen TV How A Crowdfunded Christian TV Series Could Change Entertainment  

In recent years, America’s status as a “Christian nation” has become an incredibly vexed question. This is not simply a debate about America’s present, or even its future—it has become a debate about its past. Some want to rewrite America’s history as having always been highly secular in order to ensure a similar future; others seek to reframe the American founding as a continuation of medieval Christendom in the hopes of reviving America’s religious identity today.In his book “Religion & Republic: Christian America from the Founding to the Civil War,” Miles Smith offers a fresh historical reading of America’s status as a Christian nation in the Early Republic era.  On today’s episode, Eric Kohn, former Acton director of marketing and communications, talks to Miles about his book.Subscribe to our podcastsMiles Smith | Hillsdale CollegeReligion & Republic | Miles Smith

Join Joe Creech, the Executive Director of the Lilly Network, as he dives into the evolving landscape of Christian higher education. He highlights the network’s crucial role in supporting 101 ecumenical colleges and universities through contemporary challenges. Creech explores identity crises within Catholic institutions and calls for a stronger bond between local churches and schools. He also discusses the importance of liberal arts in fostering human flourishing, advocating for education that prioritizes community and deeper understanding over mere vocational training.