New Polity

Reuben Slife, a careful reader of papal teaching and commentator on tech and Catholic thought, joins to unpack Pope Leo XIV's message on AI. They probe faces and voices as sacred, worry about deepfakes and chatbots simulating relationships, and debate threats to creativity, memory, and civic trust. Short reflections on responsibility, education, and preserving human presence round out the conversation.

Dr. Andrew Willard Jones, scholar of religion, culture, and education, discusses AI’s corrosive effect on writing and the book as a human craft. He warns AI mimics discourse, erases serendipity, and undermines apprenticeship. Short, urgent reflections on libraries, literacy, and what we lose when machine-made prose replaces slow scholarship.

Join Marc and Alex as they reflect on a transformative year. They explore how Christmas fosters evangelization and review magazine issues from 2025. A look ahead reveals plans for an intriguing 2026 conference on gender and politics. The conversation dives deep into AI's impact on creativity and community dynamics, linking cultural homogenization to increased scams. The duo also shares exciting new book insights and upcoming podcasts, emphasizing the importance of personal formation in the face of tech adoption. A festive farewell wraps it all up!

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on other platforms We are excited to announce New Polity's 2026 conference: Man, Woman, Tyrant, Slave. Learn more and register at https://newpolity.com/2026 The sixth annual New Polity conference aims to refute bad ideas concerning marriage and sexual difference; to debate the metaphysics of man and woman; to argue for a profound continuity between the order of man and woman and the political and cosmic order as a whole; to shed a light on the tyranny-destroying potential of marriage; and, in sum, to rediscover the mystery and purpose of sexual difference as revealed by the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. In this podcast, Marc Barnes and Andrew Willard Jones discuss the relation of man and woman, the metaphysical implications, and the 2026 conference. Please consider donating at https://www.newpolity.com/donate Subscribe to New Polity Magazine! https://newpolity.com/magazine Check out our books! https://newpolity.com/press Read more: https://newpolity.com/essays Check out our Catholic Social Teaching Masterclass hosted here in Steubenville, Ohio: https://newpolity.com/masterclass

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on America's deeper societal issues, exploring the concept of 'structures of sin' and how they shape our perception of truth. The hosts examine the clash between personal faith and secular politics, revealing how a consumer mindset stifles true communal responsibility. Intriguingly, they highlight local businesses as potential sites for transformation and critique modern individualism through the lens of Catholic imagination. Join them as they challenge cultural norms and advocate for a more profound, collective sense of community.

In this discussion, Joseph Hobbs, a Senior Solution Architect at Databricks, faces off against Marc Barnes, who argues that AI chatbots are inherently evil. They delve into the nature of conversation and the risks of human-machine interaction, weighing the moral implications of forming relationships with chatbots versus simple information retrieval. Joseph suggests keeping AI in commercial contexts to limit harm, while Marc warns against the seductive design elements that mimic human characteristics, ultimately questioning how AI reshapes our communication and ethical landscape.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on AI and its intersection with Christian values and technocracy. Experts explore the Church's perspective on technology's impact on humanity. They critique the notion of AI neutrality and advocate for purposeful technological design aimed at the common good. The dangers of rapid tech adoption and the implications of a mechanistic worldview are addressed. The conversation culminates in a call for Christians to reclaim agency in shaping a future that prioritizes human flourishing over mere efficiency.

Peter Berkman, the frontman of Anamanaguchi and a tech-savvy essayist, dives into the complex relationship between technology and humanity. He discusses how digital advancements influence our interactions and spirituality, echoing Marshall McLuhan and Romano Guardini's insights. Berkman reflects on creativity emerging from technological limitations and the importance of stewardship over our devices. He argues for a moral framework in navigating AI's challenges and urges churches and institutions to engage proactively with technological ethics.

In this engaging discussion, Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns and a civil engineer, shares his insights on the decline of American towns. He explores the unsustainable post-war suburban development and the pitfalls of building without a long-term vision. Marohn emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure over pursuing new projects. He also delves into how the design of cities influences social behavior and civic cooperation. Highlighting the church's potential role, he advocates for a humble, incremental approach to rebuilding community wealth and connection.

This discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in human interaction, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of genuine conversation. It contrasts shallow exchanges with meaningful connections, exploring how technology impacts our identities. Concerns about the effects of AI on loneliness and creativity are raised, alongside the need for moral frameworks to guide tech use. The speakers advocate for a conscientious approach, urging the Church to engage with AI in a way that fosters genuine human connections and supports community well-being.