Acton Line

Yuval Levin, an influential author and policy expert, argues that the Constitution can heal America's political divides rather than cause them. He discusses the importance of unity as framed by the Constitution and critiques misconceptions surrounding key elements like the electoral college. Levin emphasizes the need for political reforms that reconnect governance with constitutional principles and advocates for a clear separation of powers. He concludes with a hopeful vision for collective action in renewing American democracy.

In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, sits down with financial expert David Bahnsen to discuss the current state of the American and global economies, where inflation is at, and the role of the Federal Reserve.Subscribe to our podcasts  Acton University Acton On-Demand Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life | David Bahnsen

In the 34-year history of the Acton Institute, never have we had an opportunity to combine Ludwig Von Mises and the Austrian school of economics with mixed martial arts. That is, until Renato Moicano presented us with just that opportunity at Acton University 2024. Hailing from Brazil, Renato has been a professional MMA fighter since 2010 and currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rather than boasting about himself after a match in April, he took the opportunity to express his enthusiasm for the U.S. Constitution, private property, the Second Amendment—and then gave a shout-out to Ludwig Von Mises and the Austrian school of economics.  After this viral clip caught our attention, we welcomed Renato to Acton University 2024 for a conversation with Acton’s co-founder and president emeritus, Fr. Robert Sirico. In this episode, we bring you that conversation. Subscribe to our podcasts Watch the video here Acton University Acton On-Demand Renato Moicano

Gurcharan Das was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, during World War II. His mother noted in her diary that he was a restless child, and by age 3 was a “troublemaker.” He discovered one day, however, that he could also run—and he’s been running ever since.Gurcharan set out to become an engineer but wound up with a philosophy degree from Harvard instead. From there he abandoned a promising academic career to become a salesman for Vicks VapoRub in India’s colorful bazaars, eventually leading him to become CEO of Procter & Gamble India. Then, at the peak of his professional life, he walked away from his corporate identity to become a celebrated writer and public intellectual. He’s written on the classical Indian goals of the ideal life, political reforms around the world, and most recently a memoir entitled Another Sort of Freedom.In this episode, Acton librarian and research fellow Dan Hugger speaks with Gurcharan from Acton University 2024 about his writing, politics in India, and pursuing a life of action.Subscribe to our podcasts  Gurcharan Das Another Sort of Freedom | Penguin 

For four days each summer, Acton University brings together from around the developing and the developed worlds leaders in business, academia, and the church, as well as students of all ages, for a four-day exploration of theology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, international development, and market-based economics.Hundreds of attendees from more than 75 different countries pack our venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to listen to dozens of experts bring thought-provoking presentations on the intellectual and practical foundations of a free society. As you can imagine, a lot goes into putting on a conference of this scale. Most of this work is done by Acton’s programs team under the leadership of Dan Churchwell, director of programs and education. In this episode of Acton Line, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, Eric Kohn, talks to Dan about Acton University—what makes it unique and why you should attend. Subscribe to our podcastsActon InstituteActon UniversityContact the Acton Programs TeamActon On-Demand 

Dylan Pahman discusses Orthodox Christian social thought, resilience of Middle Eastern communities, adaptation to conquests, and pursuit of holiness. The podcast explores historical challenges, theological perspectives, and unique developments within Orthodox traditions.

That America has a weight problem is no surprise. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of Americans are overweight or obese. A wide variety of so-called solutions are on offer from diet gurus, traditional healthcare practitioners, and social media fitness influencers. One need only browse the shelves of bookstores or an Instagram feed to find details of all different kinds of diets promising how “this one weird trick” will help you lose weight quickly, keep it off, and live a healthier life. And yet Americans’ obesity problem persists. How can those in the church find the narrow gate of healthy living and avoid the wide road of bodily destruction without judgment and shame?On this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn talks to Acton distinguished research fellow Anthony Bradley and Dr. Michael Jones about their coauthored essay in the Spring 2024 issue of Religion & Liberty entitled “A C.L.E.A.N. Diet for the Overweight Christian,” which explores the relationship between diet, health, and the Christian faith. Subscribe to our podcastsSubscribe to Religion & LibertyA C.L.E.A.N. Diet for the Overweight Christian | Religion & Liberty OnlineResources from Dr. Michael Jones

Debate on government and religion featuring Sebastian Morello and Kevin Vallier. Topics include historical impact of ideologies, connection between religion, politics, and human nature, religious freedom in modern society, Christianity and welfare states, dynamics between post-Christian societies and state churches, and the intersection of church and state in politics.

During times of extreme divisiveness, civility can help us transcend important differences and flourish amid them. It is through true civility, the recognition of the innate dignity of others, that we can bridge social, cultural, and political disagreements.In this episode, Alexandra Hudson discusses her new book, “The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves,” with Acton’s director of programs and education, Dan Churchwell. How can we empower people to live tolerantly with others? How should our shared humanity inform the respect that we have for others with different lives and opinions? We can’t change others, but if enough of us choose civility, we might be able to change the world.Subscribe to our podcastsThe Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves | Alexandra HudsonActon Lecture Series

Fr. James Schall, known for liberal learning, discusses the crisis in higher education. Topics include the decline of philosophy in academia, the importance of liberal arts, the role of Christian faith in education, and practical steps for advancing wisdom and virtue in institutions. The conversation contrasts traditional academia with the philosophy of liberal learning, explores challenges in modern education, emphasizes the power of books in intellectual life, and delves into the quest for truth in education.