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  • Episode 358: The American Pope

    Episode 358: The American Pope
    2025/05/09
    n the latest episode of the New Persuasive Words podcast, hosts Scott Jones and Bill Borror delve into the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. As the first American and first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV's election marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church's history. The hosts explore the implications of this unprecedented choice, considering how Pope Leo XIV's background and perspectives might influence the Church's direction. They discuss his emphasis on peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization, as highlighted in his inaugural speech, where he called for unity and building bridges among people . Additionally, the episode addresses the varied reactions to Pope Leo XIV's election, including criticisms from certain political commentators who have labeled him as anti-Trump and pro-open borders . The hosts analyze these perspectives, offering insights into the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary discourse. For a comprehensive discussion on Pope Leo XIV's election and its potential impact on the global Catholic community, you can listen to the episode on the New Persuasive Words website or find it on Apple Podcasts.
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    26 分
  • Episode 357: Grace In Politics

    Episode 357: Grace In Politics
    2025/05/06
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we explore the radical implications of grace for the political sphere through the lens of Paul Zahl’s chapter “Grace in Politics” from his book Grace in Practice (https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Practice-Theology-Everyday-Life/dp/0802828973/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EZI5E3CATJY7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.toemGFKwi0DsD1v4St3uUshN9OKUfDIOf90aV498sb6HX5QnjttvaKOcsNqNxVFf6MQjSqD036XWqCKSh9gXpT7zOV_wNQz-yJ-h5xBHcuqRIQrlvmeJR6obQKGlLMBhLqKRSD0cjYWSsiYScxBi24h8CSdiepe4namEfCAiqcl_ECQZUcj9YhVBMuny2E3ojJ2mMS8NvHXMHQzEonwJqUQejKMGPjDLTFALyHUMIoE.3K9lU_-3oRVzmrQKCvNNS0xKX2VaB_uo399ujTRYTa0&dib_tag=se&keywords=grace+in+practice&qid=1746494686&sprefix=grace+in+practic%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1). What does it mean to bring a theology of one-way love into the often merciless arena of public life? Can grace shape policy, dialogue, and civic engagement in a culture of outrage and polarization? Join us as we consider how Zahl’s vision challenges both left and right, and invites us into a different kind of political imagination—one rooted not in power, but in mercy.
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    47 分
  • Episode 356: Paganism, Power, and the Promise of Rehumanization

    Episode 356: Paganism, Power, and the Promise of Rehumanization
    2025/05/05
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill Borror and Scott Jones reflect on the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of our time — an era increasingly shaped by power, ego, and domination. Drawing a sharp contrast between ancient pagan ideals and the Judeo-Christian moral tradition, they examine how figures like Donald Trump symbolize more than political authority; they reflect a deeper cultural drift toward spectacle, conquest, and narcissism. The conversation explores the idea of a “pagan century,” where authoritarianism, tech-driven individualism, and Christian nationalism converge into a new civilizational mood. Against this backdrop, Bill and Scott warn of the moral costs of abandoning humility, empathy, and shared purpose — not just for democracy, but for the human soul. Yet amid this dehumanizing trend, the hosts identify a surprising countercurrent: a quiet but growing spiritual hunger, particularly among younger generations. From renewed interest in Christian faith in the West to the rediscovery of meaning through art, service, and community, they ask whether a moral and spiritual revival may already be stirring. Together, they explore how religious and secular humanists alike might help lead a movement of rehumanization — one rooted in beauty, truth, and hope.
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    36 分
  • Episode 355: Proper Confidence Revisited

    Episode 355: Proper Confidence Revisited
    2025/05/02
    In this episode, we’re diving into an essay Scott wrote for Mockingbird Ministries. It's called “A Proper Confidence,” and it's reflection on what it really means to have faith in the modern world. Drawing heavily on the work of theologian Lesslie Newbigin, he hallenges the idea that faith needs to be about absolute certainty. Instead, he argues that Christian confidence should be grounded in a personal, lived commitment to following Christ—not in proving something beyond doubt. You can find the essay here. (https://mbird.com/theology/a-proper-confidence/)
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    33 分
  • Episode 354: From Order to Chaos: The Unraveling of the Post-Cold War Dream

    Episode 354: From Order to Chaos: The Unraveling of the Post-Cold War Dream
    2025/04/24
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we trace the dramatic rise and fall of the liberal democratic order that shaped the world after the Cold War. Between 1988 and 2003, liberal democracy flourished, free trade expanded, and a rules-based international order took root. But by 2014, that world was coming apart. We explore how the 2008 financial crisis, endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the meteoric rise of authoritarian China shattered the pillars of the old consensus. And we follow the thread through the global convulsions of 2014—Putin’s annexation of Crimea, Modi’s election, ISIS’s rise, and the wave of right-wing populism that would soon sweep across Europe and America. Now, in the era of Trump’s second act, we consider what it means to live in a “shadow world”—where liberal democracy shades into authoritarianism, free trade gives way to protectionism, and power, not principle, shapes international relations. It’s a story of transformation, disillusionment, and the uncertain road ahead. Much of the insights from this podcast come from Rory Stewart's recent conversation with Jon Stewart. You can watch the conversation here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at-smySDPNU&t=25s)
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    29 分
  • Episode 353: The Death of the World's Conscience

    Episode 353: The Death of the World's Conscience
    2025/04/21
    In this episode of the New Persuasive Words podcast, we reflect on the life, legacy, and passing of Pope Francis. From his unexpected election as the first Jesuit pope and first from the Global South, to his efforts to shift the tone of the Catholic Church toward mercy, justice, and care for the marginalized—Pope Francis was a singular figure in a time of deep cultural and religious change. We discuss what his papacy meant for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, how he navigated the complexities of modernity with humility and courage, and what his death might mean for the future of the Church and the world.
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    27 分
  • Episode 352: What's so Holy about this Saturday?

    Episode 352: What's so Holy about this Saturday?
    2025/04/19
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we reflect on the meaning of Holy Saturday—the in-between day of waiting, silence, and uncertainty. We explore its theological significance, its emotional resonance in times of personal and collective loss, and what it can teach us about living faithfully in the tension between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Join us as we consider how Holy Saturday might speak to our contemporary moment, inviting us to sit with mystery, grief, and hope.
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    33 分
  • Episode 351: Spy Wednesday

    Episode 351: Spy Wednesday
    2025/04/16
    In this episode of the podcast, recorded on Holy Wednesday—also known as Spy Wednesday—we turn our attention to one of the most enigmatic and troubling figures in the story of Jesus: Judas Iscariot. Traditionally remembered as the day Judas conspired to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Spy Wednesday invites us to reflect not only on the act of betrayal, but on the deeper questions it raises about loyalty, fate, forgiveness, and the role of evil in a redemptive story. What do we make of Judas? Was he a necessary part of the divine plan, or simply a tragic figure lost to greed and disillusionment? Join us as we explore the complexity of Judas’s role and what it means for how we understand the Passion narrative today.
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    29 分