Episodes

  • Episode 365: Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran

    Episode 365: Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran
    Jun 23 2025
    In this special live episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill record in person at The Green Line Café (https://www.greenlinecafe.com)in Philadelphia, reflecting on the recent bombing of Iran ordered by President Trump. With coffee in hand and other patrons in the room, they unpack the political and ethical dimensions of this act of war. What does it say about American power, the role of conscience in foreign policy, and the ever-thinning line between calculated strategy and reckless provocation? Join us for a real-time theological and political conversation rooted in moral seriousness and public faith. We reference an anonymous open letter from an Iranian living abroad. You can find it here. (https://www.persuasion.community/p/a-letter-from-an-iranian?publication_id=61579&utm_campaign=email-post-title&r=8ly27&utm_medium=email)
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    24 mins
  • Episode 364: History as Revelation

    Episode 364: History as Revelation
    Jun 20 2025
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the idea of history as a form of divine revelation—alongside nature and the Bible—drawing inspiration from Tomáš Halík’s provocative new book, The Afternoon of Christianity. As Halík invites us to reimagine faith for a postmodern, post-Christendom world, we consider how historical consciousness itself can become a sacred text, revealing God’s presence not just in the past but in the unfolding of time. From the Incarnation to modern crises, we ask: What if salvation history hasn’t ended, but continues to speak in the afternoon light of our contemporary moment?
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    36 mins
  • Episode 363: Dying to Live: Death and Resurrection as the Key to Life

    Episode 363: Dying to Live: Death and Resurrection as the Key to Life
    Jun 18 2025
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore how the pattern of death and resurrection—so central to the Christian story—is also the essential rhythm of a thriving personal and public life. From letting go of ego and outdated identities to embracing new beginnings in our relationships, vocations, and politics, they argue that true transformation always passes through some form of dying. Drawing on theology, personal experience, and cultural analysis, they reflect on how this pattern can help us navigate a time of great institutional and existential upheaval. This isn't about escapism or sentimentality—it's about finding hope and renewal on the far side of surrender.
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    36 mins
  • Episode 362: Can The Trinity Save Democracy?

    Episode 362: Can The Trinity Save Democracy?
    Jun 15 2025
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the deep theological mystery of the Trinity in light of Trinity Sunday. But this isn’t just a church calendar check-in—we argue that the doctrine of the Trinity offers more than abstract metaphysics. It might just be the key to renewing the moral and relational foundations of liberal democratic society. Drawing from both ancient theology and contemporary political concerns, we ask: What does it mean to live in a world shaped by communion, difference, and love? And can the Trinitarian vision help us resist the isolating forces of individualism, authoritarianism, and despair? Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts creed and critique. We reference two articles in the piece. You can find them here: https://www.persuasion.community/p/a-chilling-prediction-by-leo-strauss https://firstthings.com/fukuyama-gets-leo-strauss-wrong/
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    44 mins
  • Episode 361: Come On Spirit, Light My Fire

    Episode 361: Come On Spirit, Light My Fire
    Jun 7 2025
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill turn their attention to Pentecost—the wild, world-tilting moment when the Spirit descends, tongues ignite, and the Church is born not with decorum, but with fire. We explore what it means to be a Spirit-filled people in an anxious age, how Pentecost upends our tidy categories, and why divine disruption might be the most faithful thing to pray for. Along the way, we ask: is the Spirit more dangerous than we’ve let on? And could the chaos be the point? Come, Holy Spirit—and bring matches.
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    35 mins
  • Episode 360: Lifted Up: The Meaning of Christ’s Ascension

    Episode 360: Lifted Up: The Meaning of Christ’s Ascension
    May 29 2025
    On this Ascension Day, Scott and Bill turn their attention to one of the most theologically rich and often overlooked events in the Christian calendar: the Ascension of Christ. What does it mean that Jesus was "lifted up" into heaven? Why does it matter that the risen Christ ascends rather than remains? In this episode, the hosts explore the biblical, historical, and spiritual dimensions of the Ascension, reflecting on how this event reorients our understanding of power, presence, and promise. Join us as we consider how the Ascension is not the absence of Christ, but the beginning of his reign—and what that means for the Church today.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 359: An Augustinian on the Chair of Peter: Further Reflections on Pope Leo XIV

    Episode 359: An Augustinian on the Chair of Peter: Further Reflections on Pope Leo XIV
    May 21 2025
    In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill explore the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and what it means for the Catholic Church—and the broader Christian imagination—to have an Augustinian pope. Drawing on their theological backgrounds and love of ecclesial history, they unpack the significance of Augustinian thought in shaping Christian identity, politics, and hope. What might Leo XIV's theological grounding signal for the Church’s engagement with modernity, moral complexity, and spiritual formation? Tune in as they consider the possibilities of this new papacy and its potential to reframe conversations across the Christian world. We reference an essay by James K.A. Smith in the conversation. You can find it here. (https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/05/12/smith-augustinian-pope-leo-250662)
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    33 mins
  • Episode 358: The American Pope

    Episode 358: The American Pope
    May 9 2025
    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 mins