Good Faith

N.T. Wright, British New Testament scholar and theologian known for work on Paul and Christian eschatology. He argues the Bible points to new creation and God's homecoming on earth. Short takes explore continuity between Testaments, rejecting a Platonic escape, the royal priesthood calling, how worship and work fit into renewal, and the now-and-not-yet tension in suffering and hope.

Sara Groves, singer-songwriter and Twin Cities arts advocate, shares eyewitness accounts of ICE activity in St. Paul. She challenges common narratives about enforcement, explains Operation PARRIS and its effects on refugees, and reflects on “borrowed courage,” the cost of public witness, and how art and community can respond to fear and constitutional overreach.

Dr. Lee Warren, neurosurgeon, Iraq War vet, and author, blends neuroscience and Christian faith in practical ways. He explains how repeated thoughts rewire the brain. He discusses gratitude as an anxiety hack, morning practices to prep the brain, links between Philippians and neuroplasticity, and limits of change including epigenetic effects on future generations.

Rev. Mariah Tollgaard, pastor and organizer resisting ICE enforcement in Minneapolis–St. Paul. She recounts masked agents, rapid detentions, and airport deportation flights. Short scenes cover church mutual aid, constitutional observer trainings, clergy-led protests that led to her arrest, and the theological call to protect strangers and demand accountability.

Dr. Jonathan Moo, a New Testament professor who also studies environmental stewardship, bridges biblical theology with creation care. He discusses ecological grief, Romans 8’s hope for new creation, reframing dominion as servant stewardship, faith and science working together, and local conservation projects that love neighbors and the natural world.

David French, a constitutional lawyer and commentator, lays out the idea of a 'dual state' where normal life coexists with sudden lawless prerogative power. He examines the Renee Good shooting as a warning sign, traces how authoritarianism expands through language and fear, and urges everyday people—especially faith communities—to take courageous, consequential action. Short, urgent, and provocative.

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and former pastor, discusses the alarming decline of moderate American churches and its impact on democracy. He shares insights on the shifting demographics of evangelicals, mainline Protestants, and Catholics, revealing increasing polarization. Burge advocates for community engagement, encouraging even the nonbelievers to participate in church life to foster social cohesion. He emphasizes the church's potential role in reducing political divides and offers hope for rebuilding connections in an anxious age.

Pete Wehner, a columnist and former official in the Reagan and Bush administrations, dives into the moral erosion within U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He discusses alarming shifts towards a 'might makes right' mentality, contrasting it with past moral frameworks. Wehner highlights the critical role of history and civic education in moral judgment, critiques the current disconnection of Christian ethics from policy, and emphasizes the need for resistance against authoritarianism. He calls for a revival of human dignity and moral imagination in political discourse.

Katharine Hayhoe, a renowned climate scientist and evangelical Christian, unveils why climate action is a profound expression of faith and justice. She shares her personal journey from missionary work to addressing climate vulnerability, highlighting its intersection with Christian values. Hayhoe discusses the impact of political polarization on climate skepticism and introduces the 'Six Americas' framework for effective dialogue. She encourages individuals and congregations to approach conversations with hope and practical solutions, urging them to connect climate concerns to personal values.

Nancy French, an author and storyteller, shares her heartfelt insights on grandparenting, emphasizing the importance of connection over legacy. She discusses her year as a primary caregiver, how nurturing creativity through analog play enriches her grandchildren's lives, and the significance of preserving their natural hope. French candidly addresses navigating grief with kids and reflects on her own journey with cancer, urging listeners to embrace the present. This conversation is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for anyone influencing the next generation.