The Civitas Podcast

Kevin Flatt, a historian and associate dean at Redeemer University who studies secularization and Protestantism, discusses how societies organize around sacred or secular orders. He contrasts Western modern institutions with global sacred frameworks, explores contested, elite-driven secularization, and surveys contemporary resacralization movements around the world.

Stefan Borg, Associate Professor at the Swedish Defence University and author of The Return of the Common Good, explores post-liberal thought and its ties to communitarian social liberalism. He traces post-liberalism’s intellectual roots, teases apart left and right strands, and debates migration, feminism, capitalism, and whether post-liberalism needs theological foundations.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Harrison, a former professor of science and religion at Oxford, explores the complex history of belief in miracles and the skepticism surrounding them. He delves into how modernity's emphasis on naturalism emerged alongside Protestantism's challenges to authority. Harrison distinguishes between popular belief in miracles and the intellectual elite's dismissal of them. He also highlights the evolving relationship between faith, reason, and the privatization of religion in a pluralistic society.

Dr. Jason Staples, an NC State scholar of Pauline studies and Israelite identity, discusses Paul’s focus on Israel’s restoration. He connects Paul to Ezekiel’s themes of cleansing, Spirit, and reunified Israel. They explore how Gentiles become part of Israel, ethnicity as peoplehood, and the church’s civic loyalties in light of restored Israel.

Dive into a rich conversation on the nuances of Christian nationalism and political theology. Discover why thinkers like Barth and Bonhoeffer are seen as unconventional yet influential. Explore challenges like reconciling Christianity with liberalism, and the roles of magistrates in public life. Students' enthusiasm for figures like O'Donovan reveals a hunger for practical insights. The hosts dissect the implications of historical traditions on modern faith and public action, ultimately viewing current challenges as opportunities for theological revival.

Philip Pilkington, macro-economist and author, offers a provocative take on economics, liberalism, and geopolitics. He contrasts macro and micro thinking, explores China’s distinct model and multipolarity, and traces liberalism’s origins and cultural effects. He warns of liberal decline and discusses re-civilization, the role of churches, and policy levers for social renewal.

Peter Leithart and James Wood have a conversation with Anna Grzymala-Busse, the author of Sacred Foundations: The Religious and Medieval Roots of the European State.Anna Grzymala-Busse is the Michelle and Kevin Douglas Professor of International Studies in the Department of Political Science, the Director of the Europe Center, and Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute. Her research focuses on the historical development of the state and its transformation, political parties, religion and politics, and post-communist politics. Other areas of interest include populism, informal institutions, and causal mechanisms.She is the author of three books: Redeeming the Communist Past: The Regeneration of Communist Successor Parties; Rebuilding Leviathan: Party Competition and State Development in Post-Communist Europe; Nations Under God: How Churches Use Moral Authority to Influence Politics and Sacred Foundations: the Religious and Medieval Roots of the European State. She is also a recipient of the Carnegie and Guggenheim Fellowships._________________To Give to Theopolis, click HERE.Get the Theopolis App, HERE.Use Code "theopolitan" to get your first month free!Sign up for In Medias Res, HERE.

In this lively discussion, Alec Ryrie, a Professor of Christianity at Durham University and author of 'The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It', delves into the dark interplay of Protestantism and the Nazi regime. He highlights the moral complexities of that era, showcasing figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The conversation also warns against compromising political alliances today and critiques the fragile foundations of modern human rights. Ryrie argues for the preservation of Christian traditions to inform ethics in today's turbulent climate.

Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor and director of the National Marriage Project, dives into the declining marriage rates since the 1970s and their impact on individual and societal well-being. He discusses the crucial role of stable two-parent families in fostering mental health and financial stability. Wilcox also analyzes the unintended consequences of family policies, societal double standards on marriage among elites, and the pressures modern couples face, emphasizing the importance of community support and fostering healthy relationships.

The discussion tackles the interplay between the church and modern liberalism, emphasizing potential solutions. A new pope's election sparks debates about unity, public life, and its political repercussions. They clarify papal infallibility and its limits while contrasting Catholic and Protestant theological freedoms. The evolution of the nation-state concept is scrutinized, linking it to warfare and loyalty initiatives that shape identity and immigration. Lastly, ancient Israel's political identity highlights the church's unifying role amid national complexities.