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In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…
Content provided by The von Helms Show. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The von Helms Show or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
In addition to being a leading voice in academic, secular, and religious settings, Dr. Todd von Helms hosts The von Helms Show, which provides a broad audience opportunities to experience deep conversations about what is most important in life. At a time when polarization and despair permeate many parts of society, these conversations provide a sense of belonging and remind us that abiding faith, civil discourse, critical thinking, and unity are necessary and possible.
Content provided by The von Helms Show. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The von Helms Show or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
In addition to being a leading voice in academic, secular, and religious settings, Dr. Todd von Helms hosts The von Helms Show, which provides a broad audience opportunities to experience deep conversations about what is most important in life. At a time when polarization and despair permeate many parts of society, these conversations provide a sense of belonging and remind us that abiding faith, civil discourse, critical thinking, and unity are necessary and possible.
Todd von Helms visits Duke University to discuss the topic of angels and demons with Ivy League educated, tenured professor Dr. J. Warren Smith. Dr. Smith is an expert in historical theology, from the apostles to the present, but his primary focus is upon patristic theology.
Despite increasing polarization, as well as racial and political division that permeate many aspects of society, including some churches, this conversation with Dr. Todd von Helms and Dr. Reginald High demonstrates that genuine friendship, unity, and civil discourse are possible when people focus on what matters most. Dr. “Reggie” High has two earned doctorates and was mentored by the famous Reverend Dr. Gardner Taylor (1918-2015), who was known as the “Dean of Preachers” during the 20th century. Dr. Taylor also mentored Martin Luther King, Jr., preached in New York City for 42 years, and was presented with the Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 2000. Today, Reggie High continues Gardner Taylor’s legacy of great preaching by serving as the Senior Pastor of Beaver’s Chapel Christian Church in Zebulon, NC, and teaching at Campbell University.…
Fr. Michael Ward of Oxford University is regarded by many to be the world’s leading C.S. Lewis scholar today. This conversation features Dr. Todd von Helms talking with Michael Ward about the life, conversion, friendships, writings, and legacy of C.S. Lewis, as well as what advice Lewis provides regarding suffering, honesty, prayer, and how Catholics and Protestants can unite despite differences.…
Dr. Todd von Helms asks renown C.S. Lewis scholar Fr. Michael Ward of Oxford University to explain C.S. Lewis’s view of the devil and why The Screwtape Letters remains such an influential work.
Todd sits down inside the famous Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University to interview teenager Thomas Hash, who talks about his courageous battle with brain cancer, and how many organizations, celebrities, doctors, nurses, friends, family, and even strangers, have rallied around him. This conversation encourages us to consider what it means to believe in God, the power of prayer, and importance of community.…
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