New Polity

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on other platforms Liberalism is on the defensive. Political discussion is shifting from “what’s wrong with liberalism” to “what’s true about politics”—to the question of what exactly must displace liberalism. In The Politics of the Real, D. C. Schindler takes us to the definitive metaphysical roots of liberal politics: the modern reversal of the priority of act over potency; the modern privileging of empty possibility over flourishing perfection. In this podcast, Michael Boland and D. C. Schindler discuss liberalism, and how we can build a politics of the real.Politics of the Real is now available in Paperback! Get a copy on sale now.Subscribe to New Polity Magazine! https://newpolity.com/magazine Check out our books! https://newpolity.com/press Read more: https://newpolity.com/essays

The podcast dives into the moral dilemmas surrounding the use of AI chatbots, particularly from a Christian perspective. It contrasts emotional reactions to technology with the ethical ramifications of human-AI interactions. The discussion emphasizes authentic communication and the potential loneliness exacerbated by AI, exploring how these tools can manipulate user engagement. There's a critique of the Church's evolving stance on technology, urging listeners to consider the deeper implications on human relationships and societal values.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on other platforms Professor Rocco Buttiglione and Dr. Andrew Willard Jones discuss the rise of nationalism and populism both in Europe and America. What is the proper Catholic understanding of the peoples and nations? How should we navigate a global economic order within modern nation-states? They discuss how the Church has responded to this situation, and how the theology of the peoples can provide an answer. Rocco Buttiglione's book "Modernity's Alternative: How History is Formed in the Depths of the People" is now available!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

D. C. Schindler, an author and thinker on authority, discusses the critical loss of authority as a defining human crisis. He connects Nietzsche’s idea of the 'death of God' to societal collapse and the fragmentation of social order. Schindler outlines how true authority should be rooted in transcendent values, challenging perceptions of freedom tied to submission. The conversation also dives into the importance of self-sacrifice, the interplay between obedience and education, and the evolution of authority through history, ultimately arguing for a balanced relationship between leadership and society.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on other platforms We live in a disillusioned political age, one where old liberal arguments no longer have hold. Conservatism has moved into a right-wing politics which no longer sees the value of Christianity. Lost in an ostensibly equal mass, individuals have experienced a loss of identity. New developments in technology, and especially AI, present an existential threat to human agency. In our time (2025) and place (America), we need the social doctrine of the Church. New Polity is hosting a Masterclass on Catholic Social Teaching in the Summer of 2026! Learn more and register.Andrew Willard Jones and Alex Denley are writing a book on Catholic Social Teaching to be published by Word on Fire Academic. We need your support to bring this project to completion. Please consider donating.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on other platforms In this podcast, Marc Barnes and Reuben Slife discuss the latest New Polity magazine, Issue 6.1, and specifically the translation of Alberto Methol Ferré's striking essay "The Church, People Among the Peoples." Is the Church a visible people, or a people among the peoples? How does the Church overcome oppositions, universal-particular?New Polity Magazine Issue 6.1 is available for order.Rocco Buttiglione's new book Modernity's Alternative is now available from New Polity Press.Subscribe to New Polity Magazine! Help us make more by donating. Thank you.

In this engaging conversation, Rocco Buttiglione, an esteemed Italian philosopher and former politician, shares insights from his colorful life alongside popes and politicians. He reflects on his early experiences in post-WWII Poland and the warmth of his encounter with John Paul II, revealing how these moments shaped his faith. Buttiglione discusses the challenges of merging faith with politics, especially during authoritarian regimes, and highlights his friendship with Jorge Mario Bergoglio. His rich anecdotes bring to life a fascinating blend of theology and political philosophy.

The discussion highlights Pope Leo XIII's influential role in shaping modern Catholic social teaching during a time of social upheaval. The evolving relationship between the Church and state is examined, revealing tensions between Christian values and secular ideologies. Delving into the historical context of Rerum Novarum, the podcast critiques radical responses to poverty and emphasizes understanding power dynamics. Lastly, it tackles the challenges posed by consumerism and technology, advocating for a more adaptable approach to social teaching.

This discussion reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and his theological vision, particularly emphasizing the 'theology of peoples.' The hosts dive into the moral complexities faced during his early life in Argentina and explore how his teachings advocate for unity amidst division. They critique modernity's focus on individualism, aligning it with the Pope’s celebrations of community and authentic relationships. Additionally, the conversation touches on the significant roles of faith in secular society and the need for genuine, compassionate leadership in the Church.

Matthew Crawford, bestselling author of 'Shop Class as Soulcraft,' explores the tension between technocracy and the human spirit. He contrasts the technocratic view of humanity with a Christian perspective that sees life as a gift. Crawford emphasizes the importance of social intelligence and embracing uncertainty in a mechanized world. He shares personal anecdotes and poetic reflections on nature, highlighting how experiences like watching dolphins surf connect us to existential meaning and the vitality of life.