A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy and Difficult Conversations

Dr. Dan Kittle on Education as a Public Good https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/opinion/columns/kittle-education-as-a-public-good

I had the privilege to be interviewed on the SDPB show "In the Moment" with Lori Walsh. In a free wheeling conversation, we discussed the new prison controversy, the Braver Angels style debate which we're leading, and the new Saint John's Bible on our campus (topic of a previous episode with John Ross).

This podcast explores the astounding creation of human genius and perseverance in the Saint John's Bible - the first hand-inscribed, beautifully illustrated/illuminated Benedictine manuscript of the Bible in over 500 years. Some of the title ideas provided by AI are below: “Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible in a Modern Age” A blend of tradition and innovation in sacred art. “Script...

Jonah’s journey reminds us that depolarization begins with confronting our own prejudices and learning to embrace God’s inclusive vision. We humans have a natural tendency to curve ourselves in our ourselves. Our sinful nature seems to provide us with a permission structure to not only disagree but to dislike (even despise) those with whom we disagree. Disagreement becomes disagreeableness which d...

An interview with David R. Brubaker about his new book, "When the Center does not Hold" (Fortress). Over the past forty years, congregations, businesses, other organizations, and communities across the United States have become increasingly divided along political and ideological lines. In  When the Center Does Not Hold , David R. Brubaker, with contributions by colleagues Everett Brubaker, Caroly...

**A More Perfect Fellowship** is a podcast that explores the crossroads of faith, patriotism, democracy and difficult conversations. In an era when churches have too often become polarizing forces of extremism, this podcast challenges and resources church leaders to serve communities for civic renewal. Host Joel Allen examines how worshiping communities can overcome incivility and build social cap...

A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations Host: Joel Allen with DWU student Ian Chrisler Welcome to A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations , where we explore how scripture speaks to our most pressing challenges—especially the challenge of engaging with those we might rather avoid. Today, we continue our journey through the book of Jo...

A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations Host: Joel Allen (with Ian Chrisler) Welcome to A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations , where we explore how faith communities can bridge divides, foster meaningful dialogue, and cultivate a spirit of reconciliation in a polarized world. I’m Joel Allen and I’m glad you’re here. Today, we tur...

In a time of deep division, this podcast explores how communities of faith can become catalysts for civic renewal and social connectedness. Through compelling conversations and real-world examples, we challenge religious leaders to see building social capital not just as a civic duty, but as a vital part of their spiritual calling. Join us as we uncover how faith can bridge divides and strengthen...

Mark Lempke here interviews Peter Stavrianos - a long-time friend of the McGovern family. Peter drove McGovern around as he campaigned for his seat in the US Senate. The overarching theme of this episode is the tremendous kindness and humility with which Sen. McGovern treated everyone no matter what their political opinion.

Welcome back to another episode of "The McGovern Report." Today, we're delving into the and enduring relationship between two iconic American senators: George McGovern and Gary Hart. In 1972, Gary Hart took on a pivotal role as the national campaign director for George McGovern's historic presidential bid. Their shared vision for progressive change in America united them as they...

We embark here on a journey through history exploring the unique bond that united two excpetional people and ignited a passion for change. Join us as we uncover the dynamic friendship between Senator George McGovern and our special guest, former Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle. In this episode, we recognize the enduring friendship and shared vision that paved the way for monumental shifts in A...

Sen. George McGovern was born on July 19, 1922. To celebrate his 101st birthday, and to extend and enliven his legacy, I offer this conversation. Ann McGovern, the eldest daughter of George and Eleanor, and her brother-in-law Jim Rowen, joined us to get a glimpse of both George and Eleanor on a more personal and intimate level. Historian Mark Lempke led our conversation. Thanks to all for your par...

The bios for Marshall Matz, Alan Stone and Catherine Bertini Marshall has devoted his career, for the most part, to domestic and global food security. Starting as Counsel to the Senate Committee on Agriculture he crafted all the nutrition legislation championed by Senators George McGovern (D-SD) and Bob Dole (R-KS). He was also counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition when it published...

I’m here today to interview Judy Harrington. This is a part of a larger project called, “George McGovern: an Oral History.” The goal of this project is to document the personal memories of those who worked closely with Sen. McGovern and to preserve those memories for posterity. My hope is that some day, historian may draw on these episodes as a primary source in crafting the history of that period...

This episode is the first in a long while - about 1/2 a year. So there's a lot of catching up to do. 1) An update on the McGovern Center 2) An interview with Andrea Hult (a student at DWU - Non-Profit Admin major) and Kristy Zink (Academic Success and Career Services Coordinator) about why they love going to Uganda with AsOne Africa. 3) A delightful interview with David Aylward (see bio below) who...

Senator George McGovern would have turned 100 on July 19, 2022. It has been almost exactly 50 years since he received the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for president. It has almost been 10 years since his passing in October of 2012. This podcast is a commemorative conversation between three people who know and deeply appreciate the contributions made by the Senator.  Professor Tho...

Don is a great friend and partner in crime or ministry (whichever makes greater sense to you :). Don is a graduate of DWU, a former president of DWU (our youngest ever), former president of Iliff Theological Seminary and now the executive director of the Center for Health and Hope. Here is his latest newsletter which we will discuss.

Sarah is a retired educator in Sioux Falls, SD who, in her retirement, has now written a lovely book about George McGovern. She holds undergraduate and master's degrees from University of South Dakota in Vermillion SD. She was motivated to write this book about McGovern after he died in 2012. She realized that nothing for children had yet be written even with the great impact he had on South Dakot...

Since 1980, progressive Christianity, once the powerful force for civil rights and against the Vietnam war, has faded from the scenes. Voices like George McGovern and Walter Mondale who proclaimed a social gospel, are fading. In their place is a more conservative muscular version of evangelical Christianity that downplays the need for social justice and works instead to preserve traditional values...

Its a privilege to welcome Dr. Shawn Moore to DWU on March 18th as our 2021 Stark Lecturer. Because of COVID, we can only welcome a limited number of guests from off-campus. If you want to come in person, email me (Joel Allen) at joallen@dwu.edu and I'll send you a sign-up link. If you prefer, you can watch online at www.dwu.edu/live.  Shawn is the pastor of Living Spirit United Methodist Church i...

Welcome to Stephanie Bolman-Altamirano of Chamberlain SD! I especially appreciate Stephanie's patience as we had to record this more than once due to some technical difficulties and had to reschedule several times before that. Stephanie is a 1998 graduate of DWU in biology. She was elected to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribal Council on Oct 7, 2020 and has been an enthusiastic leader accomplishing much...

Don Hedrick has steadily climbed the ranks in the Rapid City police department, starting as a patrol officer in 2002 and ultimately being appointed as chief of police on August 17 of this year. He was named a Bloomberg Fellow in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where he is working on his Ph. D. in public health. In addition, he serves on the boards of a number of organizations i...

A conversation with Professor Sean Flynn, chair of the history department at Dakota Wesleyan University. We discussed the troublesome transition from the Trump to the Biden presidency. Just how destructive can these days become to our national well-being? Where are we headed and are there any historical precedents? I found this conversation comforting and grounding. The center will hold. I've past...

Anne Kelly is Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Psychology at Dakota Wesleyan University. She is also the Dean of the College of Leadership and Public Service. Anne and I had a discussion about her work in Community-Based Learning. She describes the work she's done with students matched to senior adults at the James Valley Community Center. She's also done fascinating work with the Abbott House...