For the Good of the Public

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a conversation about service and volunteerism, highlighting leaders that show what Christians are doing to build a culture of service in their own communities. Phebe moderates as the panelists–Bryant Wright, President of Send Relief, Josh Dickson, Vice President of Public Policy at United Way Worldwide, and Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley–discuss their work in helping others by restoring human dignity and building trust. Sister Norma is also one of the first two recipients of the CCPL’s Civil Renewal Award, which honors Christians who show exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of their communities and nation. Jonathan Keller received the award on behalf of his father, the late-Rev. Timothy Keller. The talks from the awards ceremony are not included in the podcast, but are available on the website and Youtube channel.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“The message of this panel is that this is what Christians are doing in their own communities at very local levels every day. It’s something that each of us can do as we go about our lives, and it’s those kinds of contributions that really make up the fabric of this country and make life livable for so many.” -Michael [02:18]“Each of you have a wealth of experience working with faith groups or individuals who are motivated by faith. What motivates Christians to serve?” -Phebe [07:37]“I think that’s key to what our faith moves us forward to do–to help others–because we’re able to see the need and the struggle, and we want to be able to restore that dignity of the person that is in need of that.” -Sister Norma [11:55]“One thing I would encourage you folks on is don’t give up on the local church, because you’ve got the largest manpower of volunteers in local churches all over the world.” -Bryant [26:03]“It’s important to get offline a little bit and to get into community. I think that too often people are sitting on screens and only on screens, and I think where I have seen the most moving, formative, influential and impactful work happen is person-to-person with people.” -Josh [28:09]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:16] This week’s guests[07:05] Restoring human dignity[17:13] The church is the heartbeat[22:59] Building that trust[24:28] How to build a culture of service[29:11] Current trends and innovations[32:34] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitNew award honors Tim Keller and Sister Norma Pimentel for civic renewalCatholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleySend ReliefUnited Way WorldwideBeyond the Offering Plate: Views on VolunteeringCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: a...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a talk by Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization that works with governments, universities, private companies and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation, rather than a barrier of division. He draws from Muslim theology to share how to cultivate peace and pluralism by considering viewpoints and resources that are not our own. Following the talk, Michael joins Eboo to learn more about the work of Interfaith America, and to share more about Eboo and Michael’s history of friendship and partnership.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think that Christians, not only need to listen to others, but can benefit from listening to others, and Eboo’s talk is the proof of that.” -Michael [02:09]“Diversity is holy… that’s why it needs us–the practitioners of peace of pluralism–who seek the welfare of the city, but know that we are called to do it by our faith, because that will last.” -Eboo [23:54]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:44] About this week’s guest[04:19] Seek the welfare of the city[08:38] A Muslim theology of pluralism[14:42] The Constitution of Medina[24:35] The fundamental story[30:44] The work of Interfaith America[38:07] OutroREFERENCESInterfaith AmericaFor the Good of the Public SummitHigh Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda RipleyThe Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization by Peter T. ColemanHow to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David BrooksCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a talk by U.S. Senator Chris Coons about the way his Christian faith informs his public service. Senator Coons highlights the importance of friendship, the power of forgiveness and navigating difference. Following his talk in front of our summit audience, Michael joined Senator Coons for conversation, which you will hear in this episode as well. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“He always highlights friendship and he highlights getting to know people beyond their political convictions. Those models are so necessary right now in both our public life, but in our life with our next door neighbors and our parents and our grandparents who we may not agree with.” -Phebe [02:28]“Because at the end of the day, the most true thing I can say about our weekly prayer breakfast is that it is harder to throw a rhetorical punch on the floor of the Senate at someone with whom you’ve held hands in prayer in the morning.” -Senator Coons [11:25]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:25] About this week’s guest[05:09] How do we find our way in this moment[13:00] Reflecting on a trip with the late-John Lewis[16:35] The antidote to the division and distraction of our age[19:36] How we can help[23:17] OutroREFERENCESSenator Chris CoonsFor the Good of the Public SummitCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation about criminal justice reform with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, and Ralph Diaz, a former correction officer and Vice-Chairman of Prison Fellowship’s Board of Directors. With 1.7 million people incarcerated in prisons and jails across the country, Heather and Ralph discuss what they are seeking to do with the current criminal justice system and offer a vision for it. They draw from Prison Fellowship as a practical model for how to think about criminal justice reform and why rehabilitative justice is important and essential. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“When we think about the concept of justice, we’re thinking that it just doesn't leave people where they are, but it’s actually seeking their betterment.” -Phebe [01:50]“When we’re having public policy conversations, it helps to (consider) ‘What is the purpose we have in mind for this system? What is the goal that we have in mind?’ And that’s why I appreciate this conversation so much. The way that Heather and Ralph are able to talk about what we’re seeking to do with our criminal justice system and offering a vision for it.” -Michael [02:08]“I learned right away, today’s inmates are tomorrow’s neighbor, and sending people out back into a community with no resources, no skills, not dealing with some of the court issues, that was an injustice. Not only for the individual, but the communities that we’re sending them back to.” -Ralph [13:32]“I would encourage folks to make sure you’re following your lawmakers on these issues, talking to them about it. Local, federal, at every level, because we see the justice system does exist at every level.” -Heather [27:45]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:14] About this week’s guests[04:55] A little bit of context[06:08] Ralph’s experience in the justice system[11:21] The need for rehabilitation[17:53] Practical ways to prevent the cycle of crime[24:01] Coming from a place of love[27:56] Resources to get more engaged on this issue[31:12] OutroREFERENCESHeather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison FellowshipRalph Diaz, Vice Chairman of Prison Fellowship board of directorsCalifornia Department of Corrections and RehabilitationFor the Good of the Public SummitChristian Legal Aid of DCCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation with Chris Griswold, Policy Director at American Compass, a D.C.-based conservative policy think tank. Griswold previously served as the Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Mario Rubio. In this interview, Chris shares with Michael his vision for a worker-friendly, conservative economic agenda. They discuss how theology can inform public policy, and the prospects for new coalitions to be formed in this polarized political environment. This interview was among the favorites by summit attendees. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think this is an important conversation to have because there are innovative policy (conversations) that are happening when it comes to protecting workers.” -Phebe [02:03]“I think this conversation shows worker-friendly economics and working class issues are at the very heart of electoral fights and political positioning, and I think it’s important to show that Christian resources can be live, contributing factors there.” -Michael [03:36]“I think we really need to take very seriously the role of collective worker voice and power to dignify. Everyone likes to talk about the dignity of work. It’s a lot more important, I think, to talk about the dignity of workers.” -Chris [11:33]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:57] About this week’s guest[05:24] Chris’ journey to American Compass[08:01] The future of conservative economic policies[13:23] The purpose of political parties[16:36] The UAW Strike[21:09] A challenging moment[25:35] OutroREFERENCESChris GriswoldAmerican CompassFor the Good of the Public SummitReaganomics: Economic Policy and the Reagan RevolutionElection Results 20222023 United Auto Workers strikeSenator Vance Visits Uaw Picket Line In Toledo, OhioHawley visits UAW Picket Line to Support WorkersSanders, Brown Lead​ Resolution in Solidarity With Striking UAW WorkersFor the Good of the Public: Faith and BelongingNational Labor Relations Board dismisses UAW complaint against Tim ScottNikki Haley unveils economic proposal while slamming both parties...

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation about child hunger and child poverty and highlights organizations that are doing the essential work on the ground. Jason DeParle, a reporter for The New York Times and author of A Good Provider is One Who Leaves and American Dream, moderates the conversation with Rev. Pamela Irvin, Founder, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia; Rev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the World; and Anne Filipic, CEO at Share Our Strength. Child poverty fell to a record low in 2021 due to the expansion of government aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that rate along with child hunger have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. One in five children in the U.S. are food insecure. These panelists discuss the pathways to addressing and ending child hunger in America.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Where does that leave us? I guess an optimist could say that having been through the experience of cutting child poverty in half, we’ve seen the potency and potential of government action. Progressives often say that poverty is a policy choice, not a fate. And if the government could cut it in half, they could do so again. Of course, I’m a journalist, not an optimist. A pessimist might point to the political backlash against that aid and especially the current determination among conservative Republicans who control the House of Representatives to make deep cuts to government spending.” -Jason [07:42]“The way that I think about the work, Yes, I am deeply passionate about making sure that all our children have full bellies, but I think about it more broadly. I think about it as ensuring that all our children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.” -Anne [09:40]“And I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve seen some of the oldest people that I’ve worked with now for 42 years, and I believe it’s the fountain of youth. When you pour yourself out into someone else, it keeps you young. It keeps you spirited, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment in a way that you couldn’t do it any other way.” -Rev. Irvin [18:35]“When people ask me the question, ‘How do you think or why do you think people of faith and Christian should be involved in this work?’ I often and respectfully push back and say, how can we not?” -Rev. Cho [19:40]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:30] This week’s guests[06:04] Context on child poverty[08:27] Disrupting the status quo[14:38] The power of influence[19:19] Theology of flourishing[25:04] Speaking across political divides[31:01] Government aid vs private aid[35:00] OutroREFERENCESRev. Pamela Irvin, Founder, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest VirginiaRev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the WorldAnne Filipic, CEO at Share Our StrengthJason DeParle, reporter at the New York Timesa...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a conversation with Christine Emba, staff writer at the Atlantic and author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, a research think tank based in London. Christine argues that when it comes to sexual ethics today, “Consent is the floor. It was never meant to be the ceiling.” In this vital conversation, Christine and Chine help us face the reality of our culture today, and discuss what it might look like to build a healthier culture around sexuality and romantic relationships. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“It also feels like from your work and your conversation with younger people, that there is almost a realization that consent isn’t enough, that there is a dissatisfaction somewhere in their sexual relationships.” -Chine [10:34]“As a number of people have told me, the vibes are bad. They’re very bad in the romantic culture. And that’s actually true.” -Christine [11:58]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:29] What we highlighted this conversation[04:47] About this week’s guests[06:11] The problem with the focus on consent[10:35] It’s ok to want intimacy[15:44] Men and toxic masculinity[23:12] The role of the Church[28:07] OutroREFERENCESChristine Emba’s articles at The AtlanticRethinking Sex: A Provocation by Christine EmbaChine McDonaldFor the Good of the Public, Episode 9: Faith and BelongingMen are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness. By Christine EmbaTheosFor the Good of the Public SummitLet’s rethink sex by Christine EmbaOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the  Healing Effects of Social Connection and CommunityCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present an agenda-setting speech by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy delivered at CCPL’s inaugural summit about the “spiritual crisis” in America in which “millions of Americans feel like they have lost their sense of purpose, their identity, their conception of meaning.” Senator Murphy argues that “if we want to restore the spiritual health of this nation, then we have got to have a more purposeful and more powerful policy of supporting strong healthy religious institutions and a loud, vibrant labor movement.”Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Civic leaders are asking these questions. There’s an invitation on the table for Christians to engage in a substantive way, and it’s worth considering. What do you have to offer? What do you have to say?” -Michael [03:12]“What I believe is that supporting institutions that help build the common good and help grow social connection, it just has to be at the center, not at the periphery, of our public work.” -Senator Murphy [18:07]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:35] About this week’s guest[04:02] A spiritual crisis[07:06] What makes a good life?[12:18] The need for strong institutions[18:18] Restoring America’s soul[22:05] OutroREFERENCESU.S. Senator Chris MurphyOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the  Healing Effects of Social Connection and CommunityMurphy, Casey Introduce Bill to Fight Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older AmericansNational Strategy for Social Connection ActFor the Good of the Public SummitGross Domestic Product (GDP)Civilian unemployment rateHarvard Study of Adult DevelopmentThe State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss: Findings from the May 2021 American Perspectives Survey by Daniel A. CoxUnions increase job satisfaction in the United States by Benjamin Artz, David G. Blanchflower and Alex BrysonShawn Fain, President of United Automobile Workers (UAW)The Spirit of Our Politics by Michael Weara...

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, we present two sessions on the topic of moral knowledge. In the first session, Dr. Steve L. Porter, senior research fellow and executive director of Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont College, moderates a theoretical conversation about moral knowledge, in context of higher education, with Brandon Paradise, Associate Professor of Law and Professor Dallas Willard Scholar at Rutgers Law School; Dr. Cheryl Sanders, professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University School and the senior pastor at Third Street Church of God in Washington D.C.; and Matthew Scogin, president of Hope College. This panel reveals the differences in approaches about moral knowledge as they discuss ways to combat the abandonment of moral formation and if moral knowledge can be taught. In the second conversation, Anne Snyder, editor-of-chief of Comment Magazine and founder of Breaking Ground, interviews President Scogin about Hope Forward, a pilot program that is reimagining a way of how students pay for college. Matthew shares the five specific areas the school is studying in this gift-based system and the impact and transformation they have seen in the students as a result of this gift.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“You don’t have to go to school to learn how to be good.” -Cheryl [16:26]“We want to be able to produce good people, so when Michael, in his opening remarks, talked about the state of our politics and its quality, partly tied to the quality of the people who make it up and the quality of the soul, that’s directly relevant to us today.” -Steve [21:47]“I’m perfectly content with young people being taught very early on that you treat people equally with high respect and regard, independent of what we now call in the legal world–suspect classifications.” -Brandon [26:09]“I think we live in a society that often likes to say, ‘You need to put skin the game to really get invested’–and I’m sure you get that critique from time to time–but what I just watched was students from all over the world from all kinds of backgrounds suddenly having an aha moment of ‘I am so humbled by this. I am clearly part of some broader fabric out there of goodwill and trust and belief, and I am now going to pursue medicine in that same spirit.’” -Anne [49:33]“There’s 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States. If we had all 4,000 presidents in the room, every single one of them–with the exception of the very elite institutions who have ginormous endowments–every single one of the presidents knows the business model is broken. And yet, no one is doing anything about it. And what we decided is how about instead of waiting for somebody else to solve our problem, let’s just do it.” -Matthew [55:23]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:13] Two sessions as a coherent whole[02:10] Difference of approaches[03:33] Meet the panelists[05:05] The disappearance of moral knowledge[15:24] Can moral knowledge be taught?[20:22] Moral knowledge tied to virtue[28:04] Power and accountability[34:16] Where they see hope[38:45] A conversation with Anne and Matthew[41:51] About Hope Forward[44:54] Five observations of Hope Forward[51:09] The challenges, pushback and skepticism[53:16] Sometimes you just have to focus on the practice[56:18] OutroREFERENCESMatthew Scogin, president of Hope College

In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a powerful conversation about the role and resource of prayer in our public life and politics. James Catford, founding chair of The Center for Christianity and Public Life, moderates the discussion with Reverend Cece Jones-Davis and U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black about the significance prayer has been in their outreach and work. Rev. Jones-Davis shares her story about how she relies on prayer in her work as an activist. Chaplain Black draws from his experiences in public leadership as the chaplain of the U.S. Senate and a trusted advisor and confidant of civic leaders across the political spectrum. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I know this conversation moved many to tears and moved many into, I think, a deeper place of conviction that we don’t need to live bifurcated lives. That we can bring the whole of who we are to our civic life and make a difference there.” -Michael [02:56]“It was a powerful testimony to the fact that prayer not only transforms in our lives, but it also really does have the power to transform our external environment as well.” -Phebe [03:27]“I have a minute and a half worth of decent prayer material before I start repeating myself without an open bible. But with an open bible, I can pray for hours, and with an open bible, I give God the courtesy of starting the conversation.” -Chaplain Black [18:07]“God is found when we reach the end of our capabilities. He shows up there.” -James [22:38]“Prayer will always be essential, but it will not be prayer alone. We have to be willing to do the work.” -Rev. Jones-Davis [29:19]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:42] About this week’s guests[04:30] Prayer: A communication with God[09:18] Prayer as the most significant thing in their stories[19:26] The Prayer of Tears[22:48] What Chaplain Black thinks about when he prays[26:34] Advice from Rev. Jones-Davis and Chaplain Black[35:30] OutroREFERENCESJames Catford, founding board chair for The Center for Christianity and Public LifeReverend Cece Jones-Davis2023 Public Life FellowsU.S. Senate Chaplain Barry BlackJustice for JuliusFor the Good of the Public SummitGreat Is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas ChisholmThe love of God is greater far by Frederick Martin LehmanCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity &...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael speaks with Elizabeth Bruenig, a journalist at The Atlantic. Elizabeth’s series on the death penalty in Alabama tells stories in such a raw and humanizing way that it was named a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. This candid and deep conversation reflects on the issue as a moral and policy matter as well as reveal Elizabeth’s approach to her coverage and why these stories are important. She shares how keeping an open heart allows her to sustain in this difficult reporting while also informing her passion and motivation to continue to tell these stories.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Inmates, they’re the forgotten ones of our society, and she tells these stories in a really raw and humanizing way.” -Phebe [02:02]“What I see in the forgiveness that I’ve witnessed just doing this work is that forgiveness is a gift you give to other people.” -Elizabeth [18:47]“In the end, I’m convinced that the state of our politics is a reflection of the state of our souls.” -Michael [28:08]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:46] The importance of this conversation[03:39] What led Elizabeth to Alabama[07:02] Elizabeth’s approach to her reporting[11:00] The influence of her work[17:18] The virtue of forgiveness[23:55] Keep an open heart[27:43] There’s good and evil inside all of us[30:56] OutroREFERENCESElizabeth BruenigPulitzer Prize Finalist: Elizabeth Bruenig of The AtlanticElizabeth Bruenig on Alabama’s Botched ExecutionsFor the Good of the Public SummitExecution of Joe Nathan James Jr.Alan Eugene MillerExecution of Kenneth Eugene SmithThe Innocence ProjectBurl Cain, commissioner of the Mississippi Department of CorrectionsCriminal menopauseAlabama Executes James BarberJohn Sage, Founder and CEO of Bridges To LifeSister Norma PimentelA Conversation on Justice and Character with Gary...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a conversation with Ryan Burge, an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, Tara Isabella Burton, a writer and a 2023 Public Life Fellow, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, a religious society think tank based in UK. There has been a rise in religious disaffiliation or people who desire to distance themselves from the institutional church, especially among Gen Z and millennials. The panelists bring their perspective as they provide a deep dive on the current religious trends and demographics, and what the “Rise of the Nones” means for American politics, culture and communities.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think this is one of the most significant demographic and cultural shifts that’s taken place in American life over the last couple of decades, and so that’s an important reason for us to be hosting a conversation.” -Phebe [01:15]“It’s a trend that’s impacting every aspect of American society. There’s no demographic group that you can name that has not been more secularized today than 10 or 15 years ago, whether it be race or age or gender or politics or region. Everyone–basically every demographic group in America today—is less religious than they were 10 or 15 years ago. -Ryan [06:30] “One of the positives that one of my previous bosses used to say when looking at this from a religious disaffiliation in the UK was actually what you were left with was the real Christians, right? Because it was no longer socially advantageous to go to church or to occupy a pew on a Sunday morning.” -Chine [20:09]“I wonder–and I don’t have the wisdom to have the answer–how one preserves both the openness and the communal importance of religious life without ceding ground that church is just another thing you can choose to do with your Sunday.” -Tara [24:49]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[01:05] Why did we host this conversation?[01:56] About this week’s speakers[03:36] More introductions[05:31] People leaving the church[08:57] Community and belonging[15:16] American non-religion[20:06] What cause the disaffiliation[25:57] What they see in the future[30:28] OutroREFERENCES2023 Public Life FellowsTheosRyan Burge’s SubstackStrange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World by Tara Isabella BurtonFor the Good of the Public SummitThe Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan BurgeThe Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Michael Graham, Ryan Burge and Jim DavisSelf-Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public, Michael and Phebe share a conversation with Dr. Rosalind Picard and Michael Sacasas about artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Picard is a scientist, inventor, engineer, a member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab, founder and director of the Affective Computing research group at the MIT Media Lab and co-founder of Affectiva (now part of Smart Eye) and Empatica. Michael is the executive director of the Christian Study Center of Gainesville, Florida and author of The Convivial Society newsletter about technology, culture and the moral life. In this conversation, Sacasas and Dr. Picard discuss the implications of advanced Artificial Intelligence, and how Christian resources might contribute to how civic leaders and the general public navigate these technological developments and the attending challenges and opportunities. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“What I think is exciting about this moment, and this conversation around artificial intelligence, is that I think that people are engaging with these developments in a way that says, We don’t just have to passively receive these technological developments. We can be discerning. We can even shape how these technologies develop.” -Michael [01:24]“I think at its very core, the advancements around AI are causing us to ask some of the most essential questions that Christianity has provided answers for around what does it mean to be human? Who are we? What were we created for?” -Phebe [03:08]“Because there has been a long history of various cycles of development in AI and AI winters and hype cycles that come with it as well, right now we’re in a moment that feels as if things are changing very quickly, evolving very quickly.” -Michael Sacasas [07:17]“If we can inspire more people working on technology to serve the folks that are being left out, the world would be a much better place.” -Dr. Picard [14:43]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:38] About Dr. Rosalind Picard[04:07] About Michael Sacasas [04:37] The term “artificial intelligence”[07:18] AI in this moment[12:57] Dr. Picard’s faith has impacted her work[17:05] Wisdom to share[20:53] Pitching Affective Computing[22:33] How to live faithfully in the moment[24:47] OutroREFERENCESMIT Media LabMIT’s Affective ComputingEmpaticaAffectivaChristian Study Center of GainesvilleThe Convivial SocietyFor the Good of the Public SummitPresident Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial IntelligenceChatGPTa...

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a talk from Rev. CJ Rhodes, pastor of Mount Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, on what the Black Church offers America today. Rev. Rhodes is the founder and president of Clergy for Prison Reform, a Public Theologian in Residence for the AND Campaign, and the author of two books: “7 Leadership Principles of Service and Success” and “Deeper Still: Ministry Empowered by the Holy Spirit.” This talk–recorded at CCPL’s inaugural Summit–reflects on the witness and contributions of the Black Church, and what it has to offer America today. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“For me, learning from Black faith leaders has been so essential to my own understanding of what faith and public life look like when they’re intersected in a healthy way.” -Phebe [01:22]“The nostalgia for the Black Church of the ‘60s and the Civil Rights Movement can lead some to overlook the contributions that the Black Church is offering and can offer today, and Dr. Rhodes exemplifies the present and future of the Black Church.” -Michael [02:06]“Between the schoolhouse and the church house and your mama and daddy’s house, the Black Church has been a central force for making sure we bear witness, not only to freedom, but to do it in a way that maintain hope against great odds.” -Rev. Rhodes [8:54]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:32] This week’s guest, Rev. CJ Rhodes[03:10] A brief history of Mount Helm Baptist Church[10:01] Politics is one part of human flourishing[13:39] The Black Church’s role in the mission of hope[18:08] The social and historical realities of the Black Church[22:34] OutroREFERENCESJoin us at For the Good of the Public Summit this fallRev. C.J. Rhodes, pastor at Mount Helm Baptist ChurchClergy for Prison ReformAND Campaign7 Leadership Principles of Service and Success by Rev. C.J. RhodesDeeper Still: Ministry Empowered By The Holy Spirit by Rev. C.J. RhodesThe Spirit of Our Politics by Michael WearBarna: How the Church Can Fuel Black Gen Z’s Desire for JusticeCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram:

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael speaks with Gary Haugen, CEO and Founder of the International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. This conversation, titled “A Conversation on Justice and Character,” was recorded at the Center for Christianity and Public Life’s For the Good of the Public Summit and focuses on justice and character as well as the future of the justice movement. Gary shares the transformative worldwide experiences that revealed the reality of violence against the poor and inspired him to leave his job at the U.S. Department of Justice to start IJM. Listen as he discusses the organization’s work, and how Christian resources are integral to both IJM’s work, and the overall justice movement. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube! “Gary is someone who has operated at such a high level, whose life has been so oriented around the public good, and serving those who are–what Howard Thurman referred to as–the disinherited, and he’s done this in a way that’s not just integrated with, but supported by his faith.” -Michael [00:56]“And that is my actual conviction and that’s our conviction at IJM, that the power to do the work of justice in the world comes from God.” -Gary [18:00]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:26] This week’s conversation with Gary Haugen[01:47] Gary’s role in the start of CCPL[04:18] IJM’s origin story[09:33] IJM’s work in the past and today[13:34] The shape of injustice[19:07] The work of justice is long and boring[21:10] The future of the justice movement[23:16] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitInternational Justice MissionThe Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God by Dallas WillardApartheidDesmond TutuLawyers’ Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM)NPR: A Look Back At The Rodney King RiotsU.S. Department of Justice: Law Enforcement MisconductUnited Nations: International Criminal Tribunal for RwandaThe Spirit of Our Politics by Michael WearDeepening the Soul for Justice by Bethany H. HoangThe Book of Love by Peter GabrielCONNECT WITH US:Website:

In the debut episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor, of Center for Christianity & Public Life (CCPL), preview their conversations with civic and religious leaders about the future of Christianity and American public life. This summer, listeners will hear sessions from CCPL’s inaugural For the Good of the Public Summit that provides the environment for robust conversations, starting with Michael’s opening remarks, “The Spirit of Our Politics.” These remarks describe the purpose of the summit, and provide a preview of his book of the same name that explores what Christianity has to offer to our politics in this particular moment. It is also a great introduction to the spirit of the summit and CCPL’s work. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts in order to receive new episodes featuring speakers and conversations on some of the most pressing issues in public life today.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube! “I think one of the distinctives of our summit and of this podcast is that it's just not designed for Christians. We do believe at the center that Christian values and resources should be offered as an act of loving service and not as an imposition.” -Phebe [08:28]“The truth is that while I think I know public policy is important and systems matter, the state of our politics is in the end a reflection of the state of our souls.” -Michael [25:17]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:46] About CCPL and its mission[02:55] About For the Good of the Public Summit[04:09] Highlights from the summit[08:25] Not just designed for Christians[10:40] An invitation to a new conversation[12:51] The Spirit of Our Politics[27:55] Outro[28:49] What to expect at this year’s summitREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitYoung Professionals NetworkPublic Life FellowshipHigh School: Public Good GenerationGary Haugen of International Justice MissionEboo Patel of Interfaith AmericaThe Spirit of Our Politics by Michael WearCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife

The Center for Christianity & Public Life introduces For the Good of the Public podcast, bringing conversations on how Christians and Christianity can and must contribute in 21st Century America. This summer, Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor, will speak with journalists, U.S. senators, non-profit executives, activists and other leaders on today’s most pressing issues as well as discuss how Christianity can contribute to healthier politics and public life. Listen in upcoming weeks to hear conversations with Gary Haugen, Liz Bruenig, Eugene Cho, Eboo Patel, Christine Emba, and many others! Connect with Us:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclife