Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler

John Wilsey, church history professor and author on religious freedom and American identity. He discusses conserving religious liberty, grounding conservatism in theism, rightly ordered patriotism rooted in family and history, the tension between tradition and change, and how long horizons and virtue shape cultural resilience.

Carl Trueman, professor of biblical and theological studies and author of The Desecration of Man, offers a sharp cultural critique. He discusses technology, transhumanism, and AI reshaping ideas of humanity. They trace secular revolutions in sex, procreation, and death. The conversation closes on churchly consecration and preserving human dignity amid rapid social change.

Katy Faust, founder of Them Before Us and children's rights advocate, speaks about how Obergefell reshaped family law with consequences for children. She discusses reframing marriage as child protection, adoption ethics versus acquisition, reproductive technologies commodifying kids, and campaigns to restore mother and father language.

Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, shares insights from his influential work, 'Seeking Truth and Speaking Truth.' He delves into the vital connection between law and morality, stressing human dignity in societal debates. George recounts personal experiences that shaped his pro-life activism and explores the moral frameworks of creation order and natural law. The conversation also challenges conventional legal interpretations of personhood and critiques judicial reasoning, urging a return to foundational principles in law.

In this engaging conversation, Yoram Hazony, President of the Herzl Institute, discusses his book, "The Virtue of Nationalism." He highlights the distinction between legitimate nationalism and extremist ideologies, especially in the wake of events like Brexit and Trump's election. Hazony critiques contemporary educational biases, emphasizing the importance of Anglo-American traditions. He argues for the family as a cornerstone of nations and explores the complexities of war, national identity, and the resurgence of nationalist movements in response to globalism.

In this engaging conversation, Christian Smith, a renowned sociologist and author, shares insights from his book on the declining role of traditional faith in America. He discusses how cultural shifts and technological advancements contribute to secularization, particularly among younger generations. The conversation delves into moralistic therapeutic deism’s impact on modern Christianity and the rising interest in alternative spiritualities. Smith also highlights the challenges young believers face in reconciling their faith with contemporary societal values.

Clare Morell, Director of the Technology and Human Flourishing Project and author of "The Tech Exit," dives deep into the impact of social media on children. She discusses the pitfalls of current parental controls and the addictive nature of technology, likening it to drug dependency. The conversation reveals alarming research on social media's role in increasing anxiety and self-harm among youth. Morell emphasizes the urgent need for parental guidance to counteract digital dependence, promoting healthier relationships and emotional well-being for children.

Carter Snead, Charles E. Rice Professor of Law at Notre Dame and bioethics expert, delves into the wicked dangers of personhood theory. He critiques the reduction of personhood to cognitive abilities, highlighting its risks for vulnerable populations. The discussion spans historical ties between bioethics and political discourse, revealing how media shapes public perceptions around abortion. Snead also examines the ethical complexities of IVF and biotechnology, urging a reevaluation of humanity amidst evolving societal norms.

Allie Beth Stuckey, host of the popular podcast Relatable and author of Toxic Empathy, joins for an eye-opening discussion. She critiques how empathy has been weaponized in cultural debates, especially following the George Floyd protests. The talk highlights the complex nature of empathy and its moral implications in discussions on abortion and gender identity. Stuckey emphasizes a biblical perspective on national sovereignty and immigration, arguing for a balance between compassion and societal welfare.

Joe Rigney, a Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College and author of "The Sin of Empathy," dives deep into the nuances of empathy. He explores its role in emotional manipulation versus genuine compassion. The complexities of empathy within Christian theology are discussed, along with the dangers of unchecked empathy and its moral implications. Rigney also tackles gender dynamics in evangelical leadership and critiques narratives of victimhood, highlighting their impact on unity and discourse in contemporary Christianity.