New Persuasive Words

In this special live recording from Philadelphia’s Green Line Café, Scott and Bill take the conversation out of the studio and into the heart of the city. Against the backdrop of community and caffeine, they grapple with the shockwaves still reverberating from the assassination of Charlie Kirk. What does this moment mean for our public life? How do we make sense of the anger, polarization, and gri...

In the wake of the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk, we take a hard look at the language of our politics. Is it ever right—or wise—to call our opponents Hitler, fascists, or Nazis? In a culture already boiling with suspicion and outrage, does this kind of rhetoric sharpen moral clarity or simply fuel more division? Bill and Scott wrestle with the weight of our words, the dangers of toxic labeling,...

In this episode of the podcast Scott and Bill wrestle with the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the deeper fractures in American life. Beyond the headlines and hot takes, they explore what this moment says about the condition of our politics, the rising tide of anger and alienation, and the spiritual vacuum shaping our national conversation. Can we find a way to move beyon...

In this thought-provoking episode of New Persuasive Words, hosts Bill and Scott explore an op-ed by Bishop Robert Barron—published on September 7, 2025—titled “The dangers behind Sen. Kaine’s rejection of God-given rights as a founding principle.” Bishop Barron raises serious concerns about Senator Tim Kaine’s remarks during a Senate confirmation hearing—where Kaine questioned the idea that our ri...

In this episode, Scott and Bill discuss various topics ranging from personal anecdotes to serious public health issues, particularly focusing on vaccination mandates and public opinion. They explore the moral implications of leadership in contemporary society, the influence of Enlightenment thought on modern morality, and the challenges of navigating cultural and economic interests in politics. Th...

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott dive into the provocative little book _ The Let Them Theory _and ask a big question: can the stoic mindset and the Christian vision really coexist, or are they fundamentally at odds? Along the way, they explore how “letting them” might be a healthy act of detachment—or a spiritual cop-out—and whether the calm of Marcus Aurelius can live in ha...

In this conversation, Scott and Bill explore various themes ranging from light-hearted banter about summer drinks and streaming services to deeper discussions on the gall of bitterness as presented in the Bible. They reflect on the nature of sin in Christianity, the politics of resentment, and the role of grace in the Christian life. The dialogue also touches on cultural reflections and the danger...

In this conversation, Scott Jones and Bill Bohr explore the concept of demythologizing, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's influence on contemporary beliefs and narratives about Jeffrey Epstein. They discuss the implications of demythologizing in religion, the cognitive dissonance experienced by Trump supporters, and the nature of grace and redemption. The conversation also touches on the...

In this episode Scott and Bill explore various themes surrounding grievances in American society, including military spending, Medicaid myths, immigration issues, and the complexities of American identity. They discuss the cultural and creedal aspects of patriotism, the challenges of Christian realism, and the need for a national myth while navigating the current political landscape. The dialogue...

In this conversation, Scott and Bill explore the decline of American pride, the erosion of the middle class, and the pervasive nature of 'bullshit' in political discourse. They discuss how political identity fluctuates based on party affiliation, the cultural implications of consumerism, and the role of rhetoric in shaping public opinion. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on sincerity and se...

In this special live episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill record in person at The Green Line Café 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...

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, reveali...

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 o...

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 theol...

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...

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 As...

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...

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, consi...

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we explore the radical implications of grace for the political sphere through the lens of Paul Zahl’s chapter “Grace in Politics” from his book Grace in Practice . What does it mean to bring a theology of one-way love into the often merciless arena of public life? Can grace shape policy, dialogue, and civic engagement in a culture of outrage and polarizatio...

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill Borror and Scott Jones reflect on the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of our time — an era increasingly shaped by power, ego, and domination. Drawing a sharp contrast between ancient pagan ideals and the Judeo-Christian moral tradition, they examine how figures like Donald Trump symbolize more than political authority; they reflect a deeper cultural...

In this episode, we’re diving into an essay Scott wrote for Mockingbird Ministries. It's called “A Proper Confidence,” and it's reflection on what it really means to have faith in the modern world. Drawing heavily on the work of theologian Lesslie Newbigin, he hallenges the idea that faith needs to be about absolute certainty. Instead, he argues that Christian confidence should be grounded in a pe...

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we trace the dramatic rise and fall of the liberal democratic order that shaped the world after the Cold War. Between 1988 and 2003, liberal democracy flourished, free trade expanded, and a rules-based international order took root. But by 2014, that world was coming apart. We explore how the 2008 financial crisis, endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and...

In this episode of the New Persuasive Words podcast, we reflect on the life, legacy, and passing of Pope Francis. From his unexpected election as the first Jesuit pope and first from the Global South, to his efforts to shift the tone of the Catholic Church toward mercy, justice, and care for the marginalized—Pope Francis was a singular figure in a time of deep cultural and religious change. We dis...

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we reflect on the meaning of Holy Saturday—the in-between day of waiting, silence, and uncertainty. We explore its theological significance, its emotional resonance in times of personal and collective loss, and what it can teach us about living faithfully in the tension between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Join us as we consider how Holy Saturday might sp...

In this episode of the podcast, recorded on Holy Wednesday—also known as Spy Wednesday—we turn our attention to one of the most enigmatic and troubling figures in the story of Jesus: Judas Iscariot. Traditionally remembered as the day Judas conspired to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Spy Wednesday invites us to reflect not only on the act of betrayal, but on the deeper questions it rais...