While the challenge of poverty has always been a part of the human condition, the rise of modernity and the Industrial Revolution have made the problem more acute, particularly for Christians who know that the poor will always be with us and that we’ve been commanded to look out for the least of these. While we cannot rightly characterize C.S. Lewis primarily as an economic or political thinker, he did address social and political matters in his major and minor works. Perhaps more importantly, his treatment of “mere” Christianity with regard to matters of conviction and practice offers hope that Christians from different backgrounds can find common cause in thinking about, and acting on, such issues.    On today’s episode, we present to you the latest installment of the Acton Lecture Series, recorded live at the Acton Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his address, Dr. Micah Watson considers what wisdom we might glean from Lewis’ understanding of how the church should, and shouldn’t, engage the social question.   Subscribe to our podcasts   The Church Should Give Us a Lead: C.S. Lewis on Modern Social Thought

In this episode, Dan Hugger speaks with Jordan Ballor, Director of Research at the Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy, about his Religion & Liberty cover story “The Faithful Christian and the Politics of the Tao”. They discuss the nineteenth and twentieth century Dutch political party, the Anti-Revolutionary Party, it’s most famous member the theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper, and the prospects for a distinctly Christian politics today. Subscribe to our podcasts    Religion & Liberty Online  The Faithful Christian and the Politics of the Tao | Acton Institute Select Works of Edmund Burke, vol. 2 | Online Library of Liberty (libertyfund.org) Unbelief and Revolution (Lexham Classics): van Prinsterer, Groen, Van Dyke, Harry: 9781683592280: Amazon.com: Books Our Program: A Christian Political Manifesto – Acton Bookshop Makers of Modern Christian Social Thought – Acton Bookshop Work info: Calvinism: Six Stone-lectures - Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org) About — American Solidarity Party (solidarity-party.org) Richard Dawkins and Mere Cultural Christianity – Religion & Liberty Online (acton.org) Code of Canon Law - Book II - The People of God - Part I. (Cann. 208-329) (vatican.va) Ecumenical Babel: Confusing Economic Ideology and the Church's Social – Acton Bookshop

On today’s episode, Noah Gould, Acton’s Alumni and Student Programs manager, talks to author Caleb Franz about his new book, “The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism’s Essential Founding Father.”   Subscribe to our podcasts   The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism’s Essential Founding Father

Named after distinguished American theologian Michael Novak, the Acton Institute’s prestigious Novak Award rewards outstanding scholarly research concerning the relationship between religion, economic freedom, and the free and virtuous society.    In recognition of her outstanding research in the fields of family economics, law and economics, and public choice, the recipient of the 2024 Novak Award is Dr. Clara Piano.   In this episode, Acton’s executive editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality, Dylan Pahman, sits down with Dr. Piano to discuss the fertility gap, family economics, and the Novak Award.   Subscribe to our podcasts     Novak Award   Clara Piano | 2024 Novak Award Winner   Acton University   Acton On-Demand

For this episode of Acton Line, we’re bringing you one of the plenary talks from Acton University 2024. Robert and Berni Neal explore the complementarity of business and philanthropy, sharing their personal journey and philosophy on integrating wealth creation and ethical stewardship. Robert, a managing partner at Hager Pacific Properties, and Berni, a dedicated Catholic evangelist, discuss how their faith and values guide their business decisions and philanthropic efforts. They emphasize the importance of delayed gratification, ethical behavior, and the role of stewardship as a collaboration with God. Through personal anecdotes and strategic insights, the Neals illustrate how business can serve as a noble vocation that not only generates wealth but also contributes to the greater good.   Subscribe to our podcasts   Acton University   Acton On-Demand

On today’s episode, we bring you a wide-ranging conversation between Acton librarian Dan Hugger and Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado from Acton University 2024. They discuss the religious heritage of India, democracy, and the promises and challenges of interreligious dialogue today. Subscribe to our podcasts Acton University Acton On-Demand

How should you allocate your personal wealth? How do the decisions you make regarding personal wealth impact your character? In his Acton Lecture Series talk, Kenneth Elzinga discussed Christian stewardship and proposed a new way to think about the relationship between “donor” and “receiver.”  Before his lecture, Professor Elzinga sat down with Acton Alumni and Student Programs Manager Noah Gould for a preview. They discussed the professor’s journey to faith, his finding a calling in economics, the importance of the NCAA Supreme Court case he testified in, and Christian philanthropy.  Subscribe to our podcasts   Ken Elzinga Giving Is Not God’s Way of Raising Money  Acton On-Demand

Capitalism didn’t fail—it was ruined, says Ruchir Sharma.   In his new book, “What Went Wrong with Capitalism,” Sharma takes you back to the 19th century to illustrate how the reflexes of government have changed. From hands-off to hands-on, from doing too little to help in hard times to trying to prevent anyone from suffering economic pain ever.   The result? Expensive state guarantees for everyone: bailouts for the rich, entitlements for the middle class, and welfare for the poor. Sharma says this constant government intervention and relentless spread of bailout culture has build an even bigger state, one that’s surely going to double down on what ruined capitalism in the first place.   Subscribe to our podcasts   What Went Wrong with Capitalism | Simon & Schuster

Too much of the conversation about poverty, whether in government, among social service providers, or in churches, is animated by highly emotional conventions, trite melodramatic comparisons, and comfortable ideological clichés, says Ismael Hernandez.   But how can we change this? How can we do better? In his new book, “Rethinking Charity: Restoring Dignity to Poverty Relief,” Ismael looks at the practical work of authentic poverty relief. The point is to see the poor not as nameless victims but as free, responsible, and creative image-bearers who possess a value far greater than their need.   On today’s episode, Caleb Whitmer, the Acton Center for Social Flourishing project manager, talks to Ismael about his new book, the current state of global charity, and the value of every person.   Subscribe to our podcasts   Rethinking Charity: Restoring Dignity to Poverty Relief

For this episode of Acton Line, we’re bringing you one of the plenary talks from Acton University 2024. In this talk, Dr. Umi Waheeda, co-founder of the Al Ashriyyah Nurul Iman Islamic boarding school in West Java, Indonesia, shares her journey of transforming lives through education and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1998 during the Indonesian riots, the school provides free education, meals, accommodation, and health services to over 15,000 children, supported by 65 student-run business units. Dr. Waheeda discusses the challenges she faced after her husband's death, her innovative approach to self-sustainability, and her vision of creating entrepreneurs who are job creators rather than job seekers. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of combining principled entrepreneurship with a commitment to the social good.   Acton University is the Acton Institute’s flagship conference, focused on building the foundations of human freedom and exploring the intersection of faith and free markets. To learn more about Acton University, please visit university.acton.org. And to find additional content from previous Acton Universities, visit ondemand.acton.org.   Subscribe to our podcasts Acton University Acton On-Demand Heterodox Academy

In this episode, Dan Hugger speaks with Daniel Silliman, historian and news editor for Christianity Today, about his new book, One Lost Soul: Richard Nixon’s Search for Salvation. Silliman argues that Nixon’s life was framed by a fundamentally theological struggle: He wanted to be loved by God but couldn’t figure out how. From an idiosyncratic Quaker childhood, to an explicitly modernist youth and final embrace of a Cold War Christianity, did the president ever find the grace he craved? Subscribe to our podcasts One Lost Soul | Daniel Silliman He Told Richard Nixon to Confess | Daniel Silliman, Christianity Today How Christian fiction shaped a culture and a faith | Acton Line

In this episode, Acton’s director of research, John Pinheiro, speaks to Jeremy Beer from Acton University 2024 about the definition of philanthropy, the importance of philanthropy today, and why finding a way to connect identities is the key to success.  Subscribe to our podcasts   Jeremy Beer | AmPhil   Acton University   Acton On-Demand

In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn talks to Kevin Vallier about his book “All the Kingdoms of the World,” the conversations he’s had with young college students interested in ideas like Catholic integralism and post-liberalism, and where he thinks movements rooted in those ideas are at today.   Subscribe to our podcasts     Acton University   Kevin Vallier   All the Kingdoms of the World    The Rise and Fall of American Integralism | The Dispatch

In today’s episode, we bring you one of the plenary talks from Acton University 2024. Here Dr. John Tomasi, a distinguished political philosopher and president of Heterodox Academy, delves into the critical role played by universities in supporting a free society.    Subscribe to our podcasts   Acton University   Acton On-Demand   Heterodox Academy

Each summer, the Acton Institute welcomes a cohort of students to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of our Emerging Leaders Program. This leadership-development program is not your typical internship. Students from across the United States and around the globe get to participate in eight weeks of seminars, networking, and Acton events to develop professional experience, grow their network, and go deeper into the ideas of a free and virtuous society.   In this episode, Noah Gould, Acton alumni and student programs manager, talks to three Emerging Leaders about how they found Acton, how they’ve spent their summer, and how they’ll take what they’ve learned into their future vocations.   Emerging Leaders Program

Common ground is hard to find in today’s politics. In a society teeming with irreconcilable political perspectives, many people have grown frustrated under a system of government that constantly demands compromise. More and more Americans on both the right and the left have come to blame the Constitution for the resulting discord.    But the Constitution is not the problem; it’s the solution, says Yuval Levin in his new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation—And Could Again.    In today’s episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn talks to Yuval about his new book, the constitution, and how a proper understanding of our system of government can heal our broken politics. Subscribe to our podcasts   American Covenant | Basic Books   Yuval Levin | American Enterprise Institute

In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, sits down with financial expert David Bahnsen to discuss the current state of the American and global economies, where inflation is at, and the role of the Federal Reserve. Subscribe to our podcasts   Acton University   Acton On-Demand   Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life | David Bahnsen

In the 34-year history of the Acton Institute, never have we had an opportunity to combine Ludwig Von Mises and the Austrian school of economics with mixed martial arts. That is, until Renato Moicano presented us with just that opportunity at Acton University 2024.   Hailing from Brazil, Renato has been a professional MMA fighter since 2010 and currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rather than boasting about himself after a match in April, he took the opportunity to express his enthusiasm for the U.S. Constitution, private property, the Second Amendment—and then gave a shout-out to Ludwig Von Mises and the Austrian school of economics.    After this viral clip caught our attention, we welcomed Renato to Acton University 2024 for a conversation with Acton’s co-founder and president emeritus, Fr. Robert Sirico. In this episode, we bring you that conversation.   Subscribe to our podcasts   Watch the video here   Acton University   Acton On-Demand   Renato Moicano

Gurcharan Das was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, during World War II. His mother noted in her diary that he was a restless child, and by age 3 was a “troublemaker.” He discovered one day, however, that he could also run—and he’s been running ever since. Gurcharan set out to become an engineer but wound up with a philosophy degree from Harvard instead. From there he abandoned a promising academic career to become a salesman for Vicks VapoRub in India’s colorful bazaars, eventually leading him to become CEO of Procter & Gamble India. Then, at the peak of his professional life, he walked away from his corporate identity to become a celebrated writer and public intellectual.  He’s written on the classical Indian goals of the ideal life, political reforms around the world, and most recently a memoir entitled Another Sort of Freedom. In this episode, Acton librarian and research fellow Dan Hugger speaks with Gurcharan from Acton University 2024 about his writing, politics in India, and pursuing a life of action. Subscribe to our podcasts   Gurcharan Das  Another Sort of Freedom | Penguin

For four days each summer, Acton University brings together from around the developing and the developed worlds leaders in business, academia, and the church, as well as students of all ages, for a four-day exploration of theology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, international development, and market-based economics. Hundreds of attendees from more than 75 different countries pack our venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to listen to dozens of experts bring thought-provoking presentations on the intellectual and practical foundations of a free society.  As you can imagine, a lot goes into putting on a conference of this scale. Most of this work is done by Acton’s programs team under the leadership of Dan Churchwell, director of programs and education. In this episode of Acton Line, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, Eric Kohn, talks to Dan about Acton University—what makes it unique and why you should attend.  Subscribe to our podcasts Acton Institute Acton University Contact the Acton Programs Team Acton On-Demand

Resources on Catholic and Protestant social thought abound, but where are the resources for answers to the social question to be found in Eastern Orthodoxy? Dylan Pahman, executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality and research fellow at the Acton Institute, has spent his career tracking them down. In this interview, he and Acton’s librarian and research associate, Dan Hugger, explore the nature and unique approach of Orthodox Christian social thought. Then they drill down into the history of Orthodox communities in the Middle East and their creative responses to invasion, conquest, and flux that allowed them to flourish until the 20th century. The example of these communities demonstrates that the universal call to holiness can be embraced even in the most trying circumstances. Subscribe to our podcasts   Notes on Arab Orthodoxy Samuel Noble and Alexander Treiger, The Orthodox Church in the Arab World, 700–1700 Constantin Alexandrovich Panchenko, Arab Orthodox Christians Under the Ottomans 1516–1831 Thomas Wright, Early Travels in Palestine Isaac of Nineveh, Mystic Treatises John of Damascus, Writings

That America has a weight problem is no surprise. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of Americans are overweight or obese.  A wide variety of so-called solutions are on offer from diet gurus, traditional healthcare practitioners, and social media fitness influencers. One need only browse the shelves of bookstores or an Instagram feed to find details of all different kinds of diets promising how “this one weird trick” will help you lose weight quickly, keep it off, and live a healthier life. And yet Americans’ obesity problem persists. How can those in the church find the narrow gate of healthy living and avoid the wide road of bodily destruction without judgment and shame? On this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn talks to Acton distinguished research fellow Anthony Bradley and Dr. Michael Jones about their coauthored essay in the Spring 2024 issue of Religion & Liberty entitled “A C.L.E.A.N. Diet for the Overweight Christian,” which explores the relationship between diet, health, and the Christian faith.  Subscribe to our podcasts Subscribe to Religion & Liberty A C.L.E.A.N. Diet for the Overweight Christian | Religion & Liberty Online Resources from Dr. Michael Jones

In 2022, the Acton Institute launched The Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage. The mission is to advance research and education on economics, liberty, and human flourishing from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives. As part of this mission, earlier this year the Collins Center launched a debate series on the relationship between government and religion, featuring robust dialogue between scholars and leaders of different faiths.  On today’s episode, we present to you the second of these debates. Moderated by Acton’s director of research, John Pinheiro, senior editor of The European Conservative Sebastian Morello and professor of philosophy at Bowling Green State University Kevin Vallier discuss whether government and religion really should be separate.  Subscribe to our podcasts The Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage DEBATE: Sebastian Morello vs. Kevin Vallier | Christianity and the State

During times of extreme divisiveness, civility can help us transcend important differences and flourish amid them. It is through true civility, the recognition of the innate dignity of others, that we can bridge social, cultural, and political disagreements. In this episode, Alexandra Hudson discusses her new book, “The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves,” with Acton’s director of programs and education, Dan Churchwell.  How can we empower people to live tolerantly with others? How should our shared humanity inform the respect that we have for others with different lives and opinions? We can’t change others, but if enough of us choose civility, we might be able to change the world. Subscribe to our podcasts The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves | Alexandra Hudson Acton Lecture Series

On today’s episode, Acton librarian and research associate Dan Hugger sits down with Acton research director John Pinheiro to talk about the state of higher education in America and contrast it with the philosophy of liberal learning advanced by the late Fr. James V. Schall, S.J.  Has philosophy fled the academy? How does the crisis in higher education compromise the teaching and learning of the liberal arts? What are the perils and promises of liberal learning outside the university? Are the “Great Books” the solution to the crisis? What role should the Christian faith play in higher education? What practical steps can students and teachers take to advance liberal learning in institutions uncongenial to the cultivation of wisdom and virtue? Subscribe to our podcasts   Education for a Free Society | Acton Line Podcast Rumble in the Christian College Jungle | Acton Unwind Podcast On Christians and Prosperity | James V. Schall The Great Books: Enemies of Wisdom? | Frederick Wilhelmsen A Student's Guide to Liberal Learning | James V. Schall, S.J. Another Sort of Learning | James V. Schall, S.J. The Life of the Mind: On the Joys and Travails of Thinking | James V. Schall On the Unseriousness of Human Affairs: Teaching, Writing, Playing, Believing, Lecturing, Philosophizing, Singing, Dancing | James V. Schall Education of a Wandering Man: A Memoir | Louis L'Amour Philosophy as a Way of Life | Pierre Hadot The Book of Chuang Tzu | Martin Palmer, Elizabeth Breuilly (translators)

In 2022, the Acton Institute launched The Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage to advance research and education from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives on economics, liberty, and human flourishing. As part of its mission, the Collins Center earlier this year launched a debate series on the relationship between government and religion, featuring robust dialogue between scholars and leaders of different faiths.  On today’s episode, we present the first of these debates: dean of the Islamic Seminary of America Yasir Qadhi and Cato senior fellow Mustafa Akyol exchange a wide range of ideas on Islam and the state. The dialogue is moderated by Collins Center manager Nathan Mech. Subscribe to our podcasts The Collins Center for Abrahamic Heritage DEBATE: Yasir Qadhi vs. Mustafa Akyol | Islam and the State

The modern world is a busy and complicated place for Christians. Obligations to jobs, friends, and family, along with personal interests, frequently overshadow our relationship with Christ.  In spite of all this, John Michael Talbot shows there are many ways to deepen a connection to Christ with a busy life. He's written 28 books, produced 59 music albums, and still maintains an active ministry from Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas, where he teaches the importance of community living and finding inspiration in the Scriptures. In this episode, Acton's director of research, John Pinheiro, speaks to John Michael about converting to Christianity, the choice to live the monastic life, and the challenges of following Christ in today’s world. Subscribe to our podcasts  John Michael Talbot Late Have I Loved You | Troubadour

When celebrated American novelist and short story writer Flannery O’Connor died at the age of 39 in 1964, she left behind an unfinished third novel titled, “Why Do the Heathen Rage?” Scholarly experts uncovered and studied the material, deeming it unpublishable. It stayed that way for 40 years. Until now. For the past 10-plus years, award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson has explored the 378 pages of typed and handwritten material of the novel—transcribing pages, organizing them into scenes, and collating everything to provide a glimpse into what O’Connor might have planned to publish. “Flannery O’Connor’s Why Do the Heathen Rage: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Work in Progress” is the result.   In this episode, Acton alumni and student programs manager Noah Gould speaks to Jessica Hooten Wilson about introducing O’Connor’s unfinished novel to the public for the first time. Subscribe to our podcasts  Why Do the Heathen Rage | Jessica Hooten Wilson How Racist Was Flannery O'Connor? | The New Yorker There the Story Stops: Flannery O’Connor’s Why Do the Heathen Rage? | Sally Thomas, RLO

There is no question today that new technology is changing the way we think about and experience work. Speculation abounds about how the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies will affect the workplace. Worries about machines replacing humans on the job are common. Others, however, are optimistic about the way AI is changing how we work—they see AI as an important tool to promote better efficiency and productivity in the workplace. How will AI change the way work is done? How will it affect the workforce? How will it affect the economy?  To answer some of these questions and more, we bring you a panel discussion from our February Business Matters Conference. Acton’s director of programs and education, Dan Churchwell, leads Brent Orrell, Mark Johnson, and Máté Csak in a conversation looking to the future of work and the role disruptive technology will play in it. Subscribe to our podcasts   Business Matters 2024: Hope for Work and Enterprise | Acton On-Demand

Gertrude Himmelfarb was one of the foremost historians of Victorian life. She produced page-turning biographies of some of the age’s most intriguing and influential figures, including Lord Acton, Charles Darwin, John Stuart Mill, and George Eliot. She also produced social histories of the period and brought a Victorian sensibility to American politics as a leading conservative public intellectual. In this episode, Acton librarian and research associate Dan Hugger speaks with Nicole Penn, author of an essay just published in National Affairs entitled “The Historian’s Craft,” which deftly explores the life and legacy of one of the conservative movement’s most accomplished women. Subscribe to our podcasts   The Historian's Craft | National Affairs Middlemarch | George Eliot The Roads to Modernity: The British, French, and American Enlightenments | Gertrude Himmelfarb The Moral Imagination: From Adam Smith to Lionel Trilling: Gertrude Himmelfarb Write like a Man: Jewish Masculinity and the New York Intellectuals: Ronnie Grinberg Lord Acton: A Study in Conscience and Politics | Gertrude Himmelfarb The Idea of Poverty: England in the Early Industrial Age | Gertrude Himmelfarb The New History and the Old: Critical Essays and Reappraisals, Rev. Ed. | Gertrude Himmelfarb Glad to the Brink of Fear | Nicole Penn A House Full of Females: Plural Marriage and Women's Rights in Early Mormonism, 1835-1870 | Laurel Thatcher Ulrich The Forgotten Greatness of PV Narasimha Rao | The Seen and the Unseen Historian of the Liberal Paradox | Gertrude Himmelfarb Remembering Gertrude Himmelfarb with Yuval Levin | Acton Line Learning from Victorian Virtues | Interview with Gertrude Himmelfarb

Many Christian congregations now offer hybrid worship services: you can worship in person or online. While these options have become increasingly popular, our understanding of them has not kept pace. Furthermore, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence will only complicate matters further. The contemporary church needs a way to make sense of the dizzying influx of emerging technologies, practices, and possibilities. In this episode, Acton director of programs and education Dan Churchwell talks to Rev. A Trevor Sutton, senior pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and coauthor of “Redeeming Technology,” about hybrid worship, the effect AI will have on the church, and how to respond to concerns from laity and clergy alike. AI and the Discipline of Human Flourishing | Religion & Liberty Online Church in a Digital Age: Must We Worship Bodily to Worship at All? ‘Redeeming Technology’ | Concordia Publishing House  Acton Lecture Series

In this episode, Noah Gould, Acton’s alumni and student programs manager, speaks to Jane Clark Scharl about her verse play, Sonnez Les Matines, which asks, What if John Calvin, Ignatius of Loyola, and Francois Rabelais had their convictions put to the test while navigating their involvement in a brutal crime? Subscribe to our podcasts Sonnez Les Matines | Wiseblood Books  Calvin, Loyola, Rabelais: A Murder Mystery | Religion & Liberty The Violent Faith of Cormac McCarthy | Acton Unwind

Our culture tells parents there’s one best way to raise kids: enroll them in a dozen activities, protect them from trauma, and get them into the most expensive college possible. If you can’t do all that, don’t even bother. How’s that strategy going? Record rates of anxiety, depression, medication, debts, loneliness, and more. In his new book, Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be, bestselling author and father of six Timothy P. Carney says it’s time to end this failed experiment. In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks to Carney about why he wrote his new book, why we should have more kids, and how to give kids deeper meaning for their lives than material success. Subscribe to our podcasts   Family Unfriendly | HarperCollins

In this episode, we bring you a conversation from our recent Business Matters virtual conference between Acton’s director of marketing and communications, Eric Kohn, and David Bahnsen, founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of the Bahnsen Group. They discuss Bahnsen’s new book, Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, in which he makes the case that our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose.” He argues that the time has come to stop tiptoeing around the issues that matter, that separating our identity from what we do is deeply damaging, and that this era of alienation is for many a direct result of a low view of work. It is in work of every kind—effort, service, striving—that we discover our meaning and purpose, and a significant and successful life is one rooted in full-time productivity and the cultivation of God’s created world. Subscribe to our podcasts   Acton On-Demand  Business Matters 2024 “Full-Time: Working and the Meaning of Life” | David Bahnsen

In 1980, Nobel Prize–winning economist Milton Friedman released a 10-part documentary series on PBS called “Free to Choose,” with each hour-long episode giving his perspective on important public policy debates and social issues. The series was a hit and possessed a staying power far beyond the 1980s. Through this and much of his other work, Friedman became one of the leading public intellectuals of his time, and his ideas have influenced economics and public policy deeply. In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks to Jennifer Burns, author of a new biography, Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative. In this important contribution to understanding Friedman’s legacy, Burns explores the great economist’s life, ideas, and the important women with whom he worked. Subscribe to our podcasts   Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative | Jennifer Burns Milton Friedman: The Conservative Institution Builder | James M. Patterson

Managing a business is a challenge no matter the context. Talent comes and goes, supplies change, and you can’t always achieve everything you want. Every day, new constraints create roadblocks to the next goal. There may not be one solution to these problems, but co-founder and managing partner of Michigan Software Labs Mark Johnson says strong company culture is the foundation of any successful company.  In this episode, Acton director of programs and education Dan Churchwell speaks to Mark about becoming an entrepreneur, managing the ever-changing challenges of managing a business, and why it’s important to be a good steward to both clients and colleagues. Subscribe to our podcasts  Mark Johnson | Michigan Software Labs Serving Trough Technology | Cornerstone University

Anyone of a certain age will remember the massive hit that was “We Are The World,” the Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones produced charity single by USA for Africa. The considerable profits from the that hit song went to the USA for Africa Foundation, which used them for the relief of famine and disease in Africa and specifically to 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. Even though Africa is an enormous and diverse continent with 54 sovereign countries, many people in the United States, and the west more generally, were left with the impression of Africa as destitute and poverty-stricken. What they may not realize is the enormous amount of growth and development Africa has been seeing. To help us better understand this growth and development, particularly in the country of Nigeria, today Eric Kohn talks with Wiebe Boer and Danladi Verheijen. Wiebe Boer is the president of Calvin University, here in Grand Rapids, MI, and Danladi Verheijen is the co-founder and managing partner of Verod Capital Management, a leading West-African private equity investor. Eric talks to them about their experiences growing up in Nigeria, and what they are seeing with the booming growth that country is experiencing.

On today’s episode, Acton librarian and research associate Dan Hugger sits down with Acton research fellow and Journal of Markets & Morality executive editor Dylan Pahman to talk about education. They begin with the 18th-century vision of education advanced by America’s Founders. Why did they believe education was necessary for a free society, and what kind of education did they have in mind? The discussion then turns to attempts by St. John Henry Newman, F.D. Maurice, and Abraham Kuyper to build institutions of liberal learning in 19th-century Europe. What innovations did these men introduce to education? How did their approaches differ from what came before (and each other), and where were there continuities? What can we learn from these attempts in addressing the crisis in education today? Subscribe to our podcasts  Benjamin Rush Proposes a system of public schools for Pennsylvania | Monticello Discourse 5: “Knowledge Its Own End” | John Henry Newman Learning and Working | F. D. Maurice Like Bright Stars: Abraham Kuyper on the Nature and Vocation of the Scholarly Sphere | Dylan Pahman Pano Kanelos on the University of Austin | Acton Line The Next Generation of Church Leaders | Acton Line

We are living in the age of deconstruction. We are constantly bombarded online, in schools, and sometimes even in our homes by attitudes and arguments aimed at deconstructing our faith. Through this, do we know what it means to question well? Faith is not the sort of thing that endures so long as our eyes are closed. The opposite is the case: Faith helps us see, and that means not shrinking from the ambiguities and the difficulties that provoke our most profound questions. Professor Matthew Lee Anderson says we need not fear questions. By the grace of God, we have the safety and security to rush headlong into them and find ourselves better for it on the other side. In this episode, Professor Anderson joins Acton director of programs and education Dan Churchwell to discuss his latest book “Called into Questions: Cultivating the Love of Learning Within the Life of Faith”. Subscribe to our podcasts  Matthew Lee Anderson Called into Questions: Cultivating the Love of Learning Within the Life of Faith Reality: A Post-Mortem | Jon Askonas

In this episode, we bring you a recent Acton Lecture Series event with Kevin Vallier. The 20th century featured an unusual phenomenon: global secularizing movements. In the 19th century, these movements were confined mostly to Western Europe, but in the 20th century they exploded, suppressing the influence of religion around the world. In some milder cases, as in Turkey and India, the political expression of only the great religions was throttled. In others, such as in the USSR and Mao’s China, ferocious religious persecution was an ideological necessity. In light of new political realities, however, older religious traditions are beginning to take back their influence in the public square. And they’re doing so by rejecting the “liberalism” they see as their oppressor.  Dr. Vallier discusses these different anti-liberal movements, critiques them, and explains how Christian liberals can understand and engage them. Subscribe to our podcasts  Acton Lecture Series

On today’s episode, Acton librarian and research associate Dan Hugger speaks with lawyer and chair of Common Good Philip K. Howard about his new book: Everyday Freedom: Designing the Framework for a Flourishing Society. Why do so many people feel powerless today? How can people experience “everyday freedom” at work, in school, and in all of life? What forces in American life today stifle our sense of freedom and responsibility, and how can they be counteracted to ensure flourishing for all? What special role do people of faith have in empowering others in their community to realize freedom and responsibility?  Subscribe to our podcasts  Everyday Freedom: Designing the Framework for a Flourishing Society | Philip K. Howard Common Good Philip K. Howard | Common Good

After decades of trade and investment with advanced democracies, China is far richer and stronger than it otherwise would have been. Simply put, the West’s strategy of engagement with China has failed. Democracies have underestimated the resilience, resourcefulness, and ruthlessness of the Chinese Communist Party. Growth and development have not caused China’s rulers to relax their grip on political power, nor have they accepted the rules and norms of the existing international system. In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Aaron L. Friedberg, professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, about the biggest misconceptions the West has about China and the current Chinese regime—and what the West should be focused on in years to come. Subscribe to our podcasts  Getting China Wrong | Polity

In this episode of Acton Line, Dylan Pahman, Acton research fellow and executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality, interviews Dr. Clara Piano, assistant professor of economics at Austin Peay State University, about her recent paper “Familial Liberty: Property and Family in Late Scholastic Thought,” presented at Acton’s Third Annual Academic Colloquium. Their wide-ranging discussion addresses such questions as: What is the connection between family and property? What insights do late Scholastic theologians have for us today? What does modern “pro-family” policy get wrong?  Subscribe to our podcasts  Alejandro Chafuen, “Faith and Liberty: The Economic Thought of the Late Scholastics” Juan de Mariana, “A Treatise on the Alteration of Money” Frank H. Knight, “Ethics and Economic Reform, I: The Ethics of Liberalism” Acton Line, “Free Enterprise and the Common Good” Pope Leo XIII, “Rerum Novarum” Victor V. Claar and Angela K. Dills, “Claudia Goldin Is the Ideal Academic Researcher”

On today’s episode, Acton, director of marketing and communications, Eric Kohn, speaks with AEI economic policy expert James Pethokoukis about his new book: The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised. With a popular culture fixated on catastrophe, are we at risk of pushing a pro-progress future into the realm of the impossible? Pethokoukis argues there’s still hope if we choose to do more than just dream—we must act, too. Why suddenly are we threatened by change? And where are our flying cars? Can we once again turn imagination into reality? The Conservative Futurist | Hachette Book Group

In the late 1960’s as the hippie movement was shredding norms of hygiene and cleanliness in order to live more ‘authentically’, diseases emerged not seen in so long they didn’t have a latin name. The hippies, and others, were relearning why we engaged in certain hygienic practices all over again.  In an essay titled “The Great Unlearning” from the January 2024 issue of National Review, senior writer Noah Rothman observes similar patterns of people persuading themselves that inherited wisdom and common knowledge no longer apply.  In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Rothman about why certain people have persuaded themselves that the lessons of history, economics, and good governance don’t apply anymore.  The Great Unlearning | National Review The Great Relearning | Tom Wolfe Don't Buy Stuff | Saturday Night Live What J.D. Vance Could Learn From Reading Hillbilly Elegy | Reason

On today’s episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Mike Cosper, director of podcasting for Christianity Today, about his recent trip to Israel. How has the region changed since the October 7 terrorist attacks? What do Christians in the region think? What hopes do those caught in the middle of the conflict have? The stories Mike heard, the people he talked to, and the impression left on him by the experience are all part of Christianity Today’s newest roundtable podcast, The Bulletin.  The Bulletin | Christianity Today

On today’s episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), about his new book, The Canceling of the American Mind. Cancel culture appears to be pervasive, and this book is the first to examine the effect it has had—and is having—on the United States. How are both left and right using the power to “cancel” someone? Is cancel culture a relatively new phenomenon or has it always been with us in some form? And more importantly, what can we do to reclaim a free-speech culture? The Canceling of the American Mind | Simon & Schuster

On today’s episode of Acton Line, we bring you a conversation about poverty recently held on our sister podcast, Acton Unwind. Acton’s Eric Kohn and Dan Hugger are joined by their colleague Michael Matheson Miller, who discusses his essay “The Poverty Pyramid Scheme,” and AIER’s Samuel Gregg on his book review “Mistaken About Poverty.” Both pieces appear in a special poverty-themed edition of RELIGION & LIBERTY magazine (Fall 2023) that contends that there isn’t one solution to poverty, but many. Subscribe to RELIGION & LIBERTY The Prosperity Pyramid Scheme | Michael Matheson Miller Mistaken About Poverty | Samuel Gregg Poverty, Inc. Reason, Faith, and the Struggle for Western Civilization | Samuel Gregg Afghanistan I fought for lacks foundation for freedom | Stephen Barrows

Your strengths, relationships, and self-awareness are all essential in determining how your business will operate—and whether it will succeed or fail. But how can you optimize each of these elements? How can you set realistic goals? How can your business overcome a plateau and continue to grow? SpringGR aims to answer these questions by connecting entrepreneurs with the intellectual, social, and financial capital needed to thrive.

In 2007, Thales Academy was born with a simple vision: provide an excellent and affordable education through the use of Direct Instruction and a Classical Curriculum that embodies traditional American values. In The Thales Way, Robert L. Luddy, the founder of Thales Academy and several other schools, explains the rationale for the school's educational approach and elaborates on his mission to better educate students. In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Robert about the importance of a rigorous academic environment, virtuous leadership, lifelong learning, and truth seeking. Thales Academy The Thales Way | Robert L. Luddy

You’ve probably heard the phrase “America isn’t a democracy—it’s a republic.” This is typically trotted out to make a salient point about the type of government we have in fact, but is it a distinction the Founding Fathers would have recognized and made themselves? Yes and no, says Jay Cost, the Gerald R. Ford nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book “Democracy or Republic: The People and the Constitution.” How is the system crafted by the Founders holding up in the 21st century? Is a government of the people still one for the people? Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution | AEI Press Jay Cost | AEI

In this episode, we present the most recent installment of the Acton Lecture Series, with Dr. Mary L. Hirschfeld. Economists investigate the workings of markets and tend to set ethical questions aside. Theologians often dismiss economics, losing insights into the influence of market incentives on individual behavior. Dr. Hirschfeld bridges this gap by showing how a humane economy can lead to the good life as outlined in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.

In this episode, Acton director of programs and education Dan Churchwell speaks with Leah Kral, an expert facilitator and author who helps nonprofits doing the hard work of building civil society to innovate and be more effective. Good intentions alone don’t translate to impact, so why are nonprofits like the Mayo Clinic so successful when others fail? How can innovation, creativity, originality, and risk-taking be wedded to those good intentions? Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results | Wiley, 2022 To learn more, visit LeahKral.com.

Learn more about Acton UniversityOn today’s episode, we present a discussion from Acton University 2023 between director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn and North Korean defector and human rights activist Yeonmi Park. At age 13, Park and her family made a daring escape from North Korea in search of a life free of tyranny. In her viral talks, viewed online nearly 250 million times, Park urges audiences to recognize—and resist—the oppression that exists in North Korea and around the world.

In this episode, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, Eric Kohn, talks with Jonathan Greenberg, the Jack Miller Family Foundation’s director of freedom initiatives and the former Midwest director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee about the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the significance of the October 7 massacre, especially what it will mean for Israel and the region going forward. While the Gaza-Israeli dispute has been going on since at least 2006, the broader Israeli-Palestinian battle dates back decades, the contours of which are often poorly misunderstood as some subset of geopolitics or primarily about human rights or the specifics of a two-state solution. To fully grasp what’s going on, you have to understand that the conflict didn’t start in 1973 or even 1948. In fact, in some ways, it goes back millennia.  Why do some people hate the jews? | Acton Line

In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn speaks with Bill Courtney about coaching football, running a successful lumber business, and walking the red carpet with George Clooney and P. Diddy. In 2003, Bill began coaching the Manassas Tigers, an inner-city Memphis high school football team that had never once won a playoff game. By 2008, Courtney had helped build an award-winning football program that was chronicled in the Academy Award–winning documentary “Undefeated.” Today Bill coaches a different kind of team—an Army of Normal Folks. He’s the host of a podcast and leader of a movement that celebrates everyday people doing extraordinary things and that brings together Americans of all stripes committed to bridging our country’s divides and changing local communities for the better. Subscribe to our podcasts Coach Bill Courtney

Dr. Angela Dills is a labor economist who teaches at Western Carolina University and whose work focuses on the economics of education, crime, and health. In this episode of Acton Line, Angela and Dan Hugger discuss her research into the gender wage gap. Do women really earn only $0.83 for every $1.00 a men earn? Do the data represent a true “apples to apples” comparison? How much of the gender wage gap can be accounted for by discrimination? How do women participate in the labor market differently than men? What are promising new avenues of research that help economists understand the gender pay gap better? Angela Dills | Western Carolina University A Grand Gender Convergence: Its Last Chapter | American Economic Review How to Achieve Gender Equality in Pay | Milken Institute Review  Female Labor Force Intermittency and Current Earnings | SSRN The Gender Wage Gap: Extent, Trends, and Explanations | Journal of Economic Literature Dame Stephanie Shirley: Why do ambitious women have flat heads? | YouTube India: Maternity leave increase | CNBC

In this episode, Dr. John Pinheiro speaks with Dr. Joseph Stuart about the complexity of the European Enlightenments: namely, the most common misconceptions and the mistake made by Christian and secular scholars alike who see in the Enlightenments only a simplistic conflict between faith and reason.   Professor Stuart argues that Christians interacted with the Enlightenments by using one of three strategies: conflict, engagement, or retreat. Along the way, Dr. Pinheiro and Dr. Stuart uncover interesting tales of a Catholic Enlightenment in Italy, consider the connection between an authentic human anthropology and genuine liberty, and draw lessons about the unintended consequences of integral Catholic states. Subscribe to our podcasts

Dr. Bradley J. Birzer, Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies and professor of history at Hillsdale College, discusses his new book, Mythic Realms: The Moral Imagination in Literature & Film with Dan Hugger. How does Mythic Realms extend the author’s prior work on Christian humanism? What is the role of the moral imagination in navigating popular culture? What do the pulps have to do with romanticism? How did the Inklings seek to promote Christian humanism through genre fiction? How can the moral imagination be employed to answer life’s biggest questions and deepen religious faith? Subscribe to our podcasts Bradley Birzer | Hillsdale College Bradley J. Birzer’s Substack Mythic Realms, Bradley Birzer | Angelico Press Beyond Tenebrae, Bradley Birzer | Angelico Press Bradley J. Birzer, Author at The Imaginative Conservative Cronyism vs. free markets in ‘Stranger Things’ | Religion & Liberty Online Supernatural thriller Stranger Things shows the all-too-human evil of communism | Religion & Liberty Online The Western Heritage to 1600 | Hillsdale College The Rediscovery of Mystery by Russell Kirk | Imprimis (hillsdale.edu) The Science Fiction Novel — Imagination and Social Criticism | Internet Archive A Means to Freedom: The Letters of H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard (Volume 1)  The Dark Virtues of Robert E. Howard | Modern Age De Descriptione Temporum by C. S. Lewis | Internet Archive Christian Humanism and the Imaginative Mysteries | Religion & Liberty Online

Joseph Lemoine, deputy director of the Freedom and Prosperity Center at the Atlantic Council, joins Stephen Barrows, Acton’s COO, to discuss the Atlantic Council’s recently released 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes.  The Freedom and Prosperity Center created these indexes to provide a snapshot of the current distribution of freedom and prosperity around the world; gain a sense of the evolution of both over the past 28 years at global, regional, and national levels; and facilitate an exploration of the relationship between freedom and prosperity. Lemoine and Barrows explore the Freedom and Prosperity Center’s expansive understanding of what constitutes a free and prosperous society. Subscribe to our podcasts. Prosperity that Lasts: The 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes | Atlantic Council

Better WAY Detroit engages, pays, feeds, and counsels homeless persons, and connects them to services for housing, medical and mental health care, and stable employment opportunities. Through their efforts, participants inspire community spirit, pride of ownership, and confidence in the dignity of work. While serving as participants, we also mentor them so that they can best help them find permanent employment after their service. Subscribe to our podcasts Better Way Detroit

Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at The Catholic University of America, shares his thoughts on “Organizational Culture” with Sarah Negri, Research Project Coordinator at the Acton Institute, at Acton University 2023. They discuss how culture affects us as humans without our being aware of it and how we in turn can affect culture through our free choices and actions. Conversation topics include the Competing Values Framework of evaluating a company’s culture; “culture drivers” including what Dr. Vaidyanathan calls scripts, models and habits; the role of virtue in forming company culture; the principle of subsidiarity as a guidepost for good organizational culture; and the importance of integration in harmonizing the various social environments encountered by the individual. Subscribe to our podcasts “Organization Culture”, lecture at Acton University 2023  Competing Values Framework explanation Mercenaries and Missionaries: Capitalism and Catholicism in the Global South by Brandon Vaidyanathan NUMMI plant GM vs. Toyota culture example Brunello Cucinelli fashion company story Beauty at Work National Study of Catholic Priests

In this episode, Dylan Pahman interviews Dr. Rachel Ferguson about her lecture at Acton University on the problem of political polarization. From social media to cable news to tribalism to racial injustice to transgender activism, Dr. Ferguson gets at the deeper roots of the problem and offers a path of hope grounded in her Christian faith and philosophical expertise. Subscribe to our podcasts  Black Liberation Through the Marketplace | Amazon

The law of conservation of mass dates from Antoine Lavoisier's 1789 discovery that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions. Evidence of the past three decades leads Marvin Olasky to suggest a parallel Law of Conservation of Welfare regarding political reactions. In 1995-1996 the first GOP-majority House of Representatives in four decades changed AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) into TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) but left alone dozens of other programs. As work requirements and time limits reduced the number of AFDC/TANF recipients, programs such as SNAP, SSI, and SSDI expanded. The conservation of welfare is not good for many recipients who would be much better off with challenging, personal, and spiritual help, but changing the law requires a charge from outside current chemical configurations.

In this episode of Acton Line, Dylan Pahman, executive editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality, and a research fellow here at Acton, interviews Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley about her lecture at Acton University on “Corporate Welfare and Inequality.”  In this conversation, this discuss why  the prices of some goods, like education and healthcare, risen at astronomical rates while others, such as video games, remain fairly unchanged in price despite monumental improvements in quality and steady inflation over the decades. Also, what happens when companies use government privilege to secure special favors that push would-be competitors out of markets? What can be done about the unjust inequalities created by corporate welfare? Subscribe to our podcasts Cronyism, Corporate Welfare and Inequality | Acton University 2023

If you asked people to describe our current cast of politicians in America right now, they might say that some, if not most, are slyly taking advantage of the system. They are hoping no one is savvy enough to notice.  Matt Lewis, senior columnist at The Daily Beast, believes that today’s politicians are an unsavory lot—a hybrid of plutocrats and hypocrites. And it’s worse (and more laughable) than you can imagine. In his new book, Filthy Rich Politicians: The Swamp Creatures, Latte Liberals, and Ruling-Class Elites Cashing in on America, Lewis introduces you to a crop of ivy league populists, insider traders, trust-fund babies, and swamp creatures as he exposes how truly ludicrous money in politics has gotten. In Filthy Rich Politicians, Lewis embarks on an investigative deep dive into the ridiculous state of modern American democracy—a system where the rich get elected and the elected get rich. Lewis doesn’t just complain: he articulates how Americans can achieve accountability from their elected leaders through radically commonsense reforms. But many of these ruling-class elites have a vested financial interest in rejecting the reforms so desperately needed to rebuild Americans’ trust in the institutions that once made our nation great. Subscribe to our podcasts  Filthy Rich Politicians | Amazon

Kevin Vallier, political philosopher and associate professor of philosophy at Bowling Green State University, joins Dan Hugger to discuss Catholic Integralism and his forthcoming book All the Kingdoms of the World: On Radical Religious Alternatives to Liberalism, which publishes with Oxford University Press in September. What is Catholic Integralism and what is its relation to Catholic Social Teaching? What is its history and the story of its contemporary rise? How has it caused controversy in the broader Church and world? What is the American Integralist theory of social change?How concerned should ordinary people be about this movement? What fuels this sort of deep discontent with liberalism and modernity? The conversation then turns what a constructive political-theological vision would look like and Kevin’s future plans. Trust in a Polarized Age | Acton Line Immortale Dei DIGNITATIS HUMANAE They Have Uncrowned Him | Amazon The Josias Adrian Vermeule | Harvard Vatican II's Declaration on Religious Freedom: Revision, Reform, or Continuity? | Youtube Selections from Three Works | Liberty Fund Non Possumus | First Things The Church's Once-Notorious Seizure of a Jewish Child Is Back. Why? | Mosaic Against David French-ism | First Things Integration from Within | American Affairs Liberalism and the Invisible Hand | American Affairs Patrick Deneen’s Otherworldly Regime | Religion & Liberty Patrick Deneen and Our Otherworldly Postliberal “Future” | Acton Unwind Replace the Elite | First Things What Is To Be Done? | Wikipedia All The Kingdoms of the World | Oxford University Press All The Kingdoms of the World | kevinvallier.com The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millenium | Amazon

In this episode, Father Roger J. Landry, a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and Catholic Chaplain to Columbia University in New York City sits down with Sarah Negri, Research Project Coordinator at the Acton Institute, to discuss the social teaching of Pope John Paul II and especially his emphasis on the vocation of the Christian entrepreneur. Father Landry shares some history on John Paul II’s three most famous social encyclicals and elucidates their importance for the ordinary Christian worker. The discussion centers around the Christian vocation to work as a divine injunction, the subjective and objective elements of work, and how the Christian worker imitates both God as creator and Christ as the perfect human model of holy labor. It also touches on the challenges faced by the human worker, including the possibility of alienation, workaholisim, and the toil that accompanies hard labor, as well as solutions to these challenges. Subscribe to our podcasts  The Entrepreneurial Vocation (recorded lecture) – Acton University 2023 The Social Teaching of John Paul II (recorded lecture) – Acton University 2023 Laborem Exercens by Pope John Paul II Sollicitudo Rei Socialis by Pope John Paul II Centesimus Annus by Pope John Paul II  The Entrepreneurial Vocation by Fr. Robert Sirico

This week, we’re bringing you one of the plenary lectures from this year’s Acton University, featuring Bishop Robert Barron speaking on “The Philosophical Roots of Wokeism.” "Wokeism” is arguably the most influential public philosophy in our country today. It has worked its way into the minds and hearts of our young people, into the world of entertainment, and into the boardrooms of powerful corporations. But what is it precisely, and where did it come from? I will argue in my presentation that “wokeism” is a popularization of critical theory, a farrago of ideas coming out of the French and German academies in the mid-twentieth century. Until we understand its origins in the thinking of Adorno, Horkheimer, Derrida, Marcuse, and Foucault, we will not know how critically to engage this dangerous philosophy. Subscribe to our podcasts  Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

One of the campaign themes that launchd Bill Clinton into the White House in 1992 was, “it’s the economy, stupid.” While much of our politics is focused today on the culture war, the economy is the one issue that touches everyone. Much of the last few years have been spent concerned about the crushing effects of inflation. Previously on Acton Line, we’ve discussed the causes of the inflation we’ve experienced over the last few years with David Bahnsen — founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group. Today, David returns as we take a survey of the current state American and global economy, examine what’s happening now with inflation, discuss the housing and rental market, and then explore the economic effectiveness of conservative culture war boycotts. Subscribe to our podcasts Bahnsen.com There's No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode starts with a clip from the trailer for 2009 comedy/drama “The Informant!,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, and Melanie Lynskey. It’s a wild based-on-a-true-story film about Mark Whitacre. In the early-1990s, Whitacre was the corporate vice president and President of the BioProducts Division of the agro-business giant Archer Daniels Midland. Whitacre would go on to become an informant in the FBI investigation into a conspiracy to price-fix lysine, an essential amino acid. At the same time he was informing on his employer to the FBI, Whitacre was embezzling $9 million from ADM in a kickbacks and money laundering scheme.  It all came to an end a few years later when ADM settled federal charges for more than $100 million and paid hundreds of millions of dollars more to plaintiffs and customers to settle class-action lawsuits. In 1998, Whitacre pled guilty to tax evasion and fraud and was sentenced to nine years in prison. But what marked the end of this tumultuous period in Mark Whitacre’s life also marked the beginning of his journey to his Christian faith, redemption, and a series of second chances. Today, Eric Kohn talks with Mark Whitacre about his time as a corporate executive, his time as an FBI informant, his time in federal prison, and how all of this brought him to his Christian faith that he now integrates into his corporate work. Subscribe to our podcasts The Informant! Trailer MarkWhitacre.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2007. Spider-Man 3 is the top grossing film at the box office. Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” is the biggest hit song. American Idol is the most watched TV show. It was also the last time that the United States was at replacement level fertility, which is 2.1 children born per woman. In the years following, through the ups and downs of the great recession, the 2016 election, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate has fallen to 1.66 children per woman. When you zoom out, you’ll see that American birth rates have been falling for decades. But this is far from the phenomenon isolated to the United States. The 2020 fertility rate in the U.K. was 1.6. In Germany it was 1.5. Finland hit 1.4. Denmark and Sweden were both at 1.7. In South Korea, it’s a shocking 0.81. In response to these long-run trends, some have advocated pro-natalist government policies to incentivize more reproduction, or to at least smooth the way for people who want to have more kids.  But are the policies effective?  Elizabeth Nolan Brown, senior editor at Reason magazine, says “no.” In the cover story for the June 2023 issue of Reason, Brown surveys the flagging international reproductive landscape and the government policies that have been enacted to address that problem. In the end, she advocates, at a minimum, not panicking. Today, Eric Kohn talks to Elizabeth Nolan Brown about the falling birthrates, failing pro-natalist policies, and how we should think about a world when fewer and fewer people are expecting. Subscribe to our podcasts Storks Don't Take Orders From the State | Reason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anyone of a certain age will remember the massive hit that was “We Are The World,” the Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones produced charity single by USA for Africa. The considerable profits from the that hit song went to the USA for Africa Foundation, which used them for the relief of famine and disease in Africa and specifically to 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. Even though Africa is an enormous and diverse continent with 54 sovereign countries, many people in the United States, and the west more generally, were left with the impression of Africa as destitute and poverty-stricken. What they may not realize is the enormous amount of growth and development Africa has been seeing. To help us better understand this growth and development, particularly in the country of Nigeria, today Eric Kohn talks with Wiebe Boer and Danladi Verheijen. Wiebe Boer is the president of Calvin University, here in Grand Rapids, MI, and Danladi Verheijen is the co-founder and managing partner of Verod Capital Management, a leading West-African private equity investor. Eric talks to them about their experiences growing up in Nigeria, and what they are seeing with the booming growth that country is experiencing. Subscribe to our podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 4 marked the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, in which the Chinese Communist Party put down a pro-democracy protest movement that had bubbled up in Tiananmen Square and throughout mainland China. For many, it served as a stark reminder the brutality of the country that, under the autocratic leadership of Mao Zedong killed between 40 and 80 million of its own people, could still be just as brutal. Tiananmen happened just three years before Benedict Rogers moved to China to begin teaching English. For Rogers, this marked the beginning of a professional career focused on issues in and around China and Hong Kong that saw him work as a journalist in Hong Kong for the first five years after the handover to traveling to China’s borders with Myanmar/Burma and North Korea to document the plight of refugees escaping from Beijing-backed satellite dictatorships and then campaigning for human rights in China, especially for Uyghurs, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners, human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents, and the people of Hong Kong. Rogers, who today runs the organization Hong Kong Watch, a watchdog organization which researches and monitors threats to Hong Kong’s basic freedoms, the rule of law and autonomy as promised under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle which is enshrined in the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, is the author of the new book, “The China Nexus: Thirty Years In and Around the Chinese Communist Party’s Tyranny.” In the book, Rogers takes the readers on a journey through some of the leaders and participants in the Human rights activities that China has suppressed since its inception in 1949. He goes on to dispute and lays to rest all of the specious claims by the tyrants in Beijing that all Chinese citizens are equal and are afforded human and civil rights. Currently, the regime is engaged in re-education, cultural assimilation, and multiple genocides, leading to better citizens for China and the world if one believes Chinese officials. Today, Eric Kohn talks with Benedict Rogers about his book, China’s history, its rise as a global power, its record on human rights, and what the future holds the Chinese Communist Party and the people under it’s thumb.  Subscribe to our podcasts The China Nexus | Amazon Are Artists Really Free to Express Themselves? | Acton Line freejimmylai.com Hong Kong Watch chinanexusbook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into some of the profound changes occurring in American society. Back in the day, social scientist Robert Putnam observed a concerning trend—he called it "bowling alone"—where Americans were becoming increasingly disconnected from community bonds and support systems. Fast forward to the present, and we see not only a retreat from these vital sources of communal life but also a rise in loneliness, anxiety, depression, and overall mental and physical distress. Marriage and parenthood are also being delayed or foregone altogether. These developments have far-reaching implications for both American politics and civil life, as well as for the individual's well-being and fulfillment. Taking us back to the roots of democratic thought, we turn to Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." Tocqueville recognized the unique nature of the democratic social state and the need for a "new political science" to navigate its strengths and weaknesses. He explored how the principles of democratic equality would transform our intellect, sentiments, and social norms, painting vivid images of democracy and the dangers of soft despotism that still resonate today. While Tocqueville's masterpiece provides a comprehensive view of American democracy, there are areas he did not directly address. One such topic is friendship—a central element in Tocqueville's own life. Although seemingly absent from his work, we can draw upon Tocqueville's theories, as well as insights from Aristotle and C.S. Lewis, to ask: How does democratic equality transform friendship, a fundamental association crucial to human flourishing?  Today, Dan Churchwell, Director of Program & Education, talks with Sarah Gustafson, as they exploring how democratic equality opens up new possibilities for meaningful connections while also introducing habits and trends that can erode genuine companionship and push individuals into the "solitude of their own hearts." Sarah H. Gustafson is a PhD Candidate in Government (Political Theory) at Harvard University where she is completing her dissertation on the thought of Alexis de Tocqueville. She graduated from Davidson College, and earned a MA in the History of Political Thought at Queen Mary University of London, where she won the Quentin Skinner Prize for Excellence in the History of Political Thought. In her years at Harvard, she has had the opportunity to work closely with Professors Harvey Mansfield, Michael Sandel, Richard Tuck, and Eric Nelson, among others, and is a Fellow at the Abigail Adams Institute. In her free time, she has authored reviews for publications such as Law and Liberty and The University Bookman. Subscribe to our podcasts Aristocrats in a Democratic Age | Law & Liberty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Acton Line, we’re bringing you the remarks by Rev. Timothy J. Keller at the Acton Institute’s Annual Dinner in 2018, in which he spoke on identity, business, and the Christian gospel. Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, New York Times bestselling author, teacher, and arguably the most influential evangelical preacher of his generation died May 19, 2023, after a three-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 72. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Kathy, and three sons: David, Michael, and Jonathan.   Keller’s winsome appeal and professorial demeanor grew an exploratory prayer group in 1989 to a 5,000-plus-member megachurch in the heart of the Big Apple, a supposed desert wasteland for spirituality. His impact on urban church planting, his ability to speak in a forthright and non-condescending manner to skeptics, and his deliberate avoidance of political partisanship were just a few qualities that made him stand out in a world of so-called celebrity preachers and would-be chaplains to the rich and famous. His intellectual curiosity wedded to a personal humility were also hallmarks of his unique ministry.   Through such books as The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, Generous Justice, and Making Sense of God, Keller argued for the centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his all-sufficient sacrifice in a world of idols and “self-made” men and women. As he liked to sum it up: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Taped just a few weeks before his death, he left behind one final message for Redeemer Presbyterian Church and any who would wish to follow in his footsteps. “Forget about your reputation. Jeremiah 45:5: ‘Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not.’ … Ministers, don’t make your ministry success your identity… People, don’t make getting a big name in New York City your main thing. Lift up Jesus’ name. Hallowed be thy name. Forget yourself.”   For those who had the honor to hear him, to be counseled by him, to be challenged by him—he will never be forgotten. Subscribe to our podcasts Died: Tim Keller, New York City Pastor Who Modeled Winsome Witness | Christianity Today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been much discussion of how “wokeness,” for lack of a better term, operates as a form of civic religion for the political left. Less discussed, according to Jack Butler of National Review, is the emerging form or forms of paganism on the political right. Most prominent among them is Costin Alamariu, a Romanian political-science Ph.D. from Yale, who goes by the moniker “Bronze Age Pervert.” Alamariu is the author of Bronze Age Mindset, which Butler describes as “an intentionally provocative, discursive, and ungrammatical “exhortation” outlining his thought.” In it, Alamariu laments the diminution of the authentic expression of masculinity and the masculine virtues, and the failures of political conservatism to preserve those virtues and whatever else is good about civil society. In ideas reminiscent of Frederich Nietzsche, Alamariu castigates the “bug men” or “human cockroaches” for their weakening of men and of society, and the need for a league of neo-ubermenches to rise up and reshape the world in their image. Butler contents that, wild as this all sounds, we should take the Bronze Age phenomenon and the rising new paganism seriously.  Today, Eric Kohn talks with Jack Butler about the rise of this new paganism on the left and on the right, and how he contends that only a reinvigorated Christianity in the public square can adequately contend with these new “pretender faiths of our time.” Subscribe to our podcasts Against the New Paganism | National Review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in what appears at first glance to be a highly skeptical age, one characterized by moral relativism in public discourse and ‘value-freedom’ in science. But is this really the case? Hadley Arkes believes that, despite many people’s protest to the contrary, what they do is informed–perhaps unwittingly–by an understanding of natural law. In this wide-ranging conversation, the founding director of the James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding unpacks this paradox as explored in his new book, Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution. -What is natural law and what sort of alternative does it provide to skepticism? -Why is there hostility or disinterest in natural law today among both self-styled progressive and conservative jurists? -Why do contemporary criticisms of natural law fall flat? -Where can natural law principles contribute to clarifying and answering contentious moral and legal debates of our time? - Why are comedians the best expositors of natural law principles? Subscribe to our podcasts Mere Natural Law | Amazon About Hadley Arkes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last time you took a commercial airline flight, odds are that you were on a plane that was manufactured by one of two companies: American-based Boeing, or French-based Airbus. Together, these two companies have almost the entire market for commercial airplanes. A piece published recently at the website American Compass makes the argument that Airbus is a success story for industrial policy: European government decided they needed to compete with foreign manufacturers of airplanes, they made the public-money backed investments, and propelled Airbus past Boeing and others to be the world leader. As American Compass said when publishing the piece: “According to free-market dogma, state-backed Airbus shouldn't have been able to compete with Boeing. Instead, Airbus surpassed Boeing as leading aircraft manufacturer, gaining a reputation for cutting-edge innovation. U.S. policymakers should take note.” The American Compass piece really took off. But is really describing reality for Airbus and Boeing? Economist and Mercatus Center research fellow Veronique de Rugy says those claims need some serious grounding. In a response to the American Compass piece published at National Review, de Rugy flies into the industrial policy headwinds and argues that while crony capitalism certainly works for the companies it benefits, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for the country. Buckle your safety belts and secure your deployed oxygen masks, because today, Eric Kohn talks with Veronqiue de Rugy about the turbulent claim that European industrial policy to boost Airbus “worked,” the reality of massive American public subsidies to Boeing, and whether advocates industrial policy can actually bring their goals into a safe landing. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University 2023 Airbus’s Industrial Flight Plan | American Compass A Closer Look at Aircraft Industrial Policy | National Review When ‘Success’ Breeds (Even Bigger) Failure | The Dispatch View From The Wing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Acton Line, Dylan Pahman, the editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality and a research fellow here at Acton, speaks with Alexander Salter. Salter is the author of the recent article "Free Enterprise and the Common Good,“ published at the Heritage Foundation. The article has generated a lot of buzz, particularly online, where the Salter’s ideas have been the subject of much debate.  Before delving into specific questions about the article and its reception, we start with some definitions to clear the air: What is common-good capitalism? What is the common good? And what is the difference between the "science" of economics and the "art" of political economy?  They then explore how the author's article has been perceived within the context of the Heritage Foundation's recent changes, as well as how their ideas diverge from those of other national conservative economic proposals.  They also discuss the influence of Roman Catholic social thought on the author's ideas, and the ways in which the Swiss German ordoliberal economist Wilhelm Röpke has shaped their thinking. Finally, we look at the concept of industrial policy and how it fits into the author's vision of common-good capitalism. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University 2023 Free Enterprise and the Common Good: Economic Science and Political–Economic Art as Complements | The Heritage Foundation Photo Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Acton Line, we’re bringing you a panel discussion from the Grand Rapids edition of the Free Market Road Show, an event the Acton Institue recently co-hosted along with the Austrian Economics Center. In this conversation, entitled “Unleashing the Entrepreneur,” the panelists explore the theme of entrepreneurship and how it can be a key driver of economic growth and prosperity, as well as examine the challenges that entrepreneurs face, such as regulatory barriers and access to capital, and how these challenges can be overcome to unleash the full potential of a market economy. The panelists discuss how entrepreneurs can play a crucial role in addressing societal issues and creating positive change through innovation and entrepreneurship, and on the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their own economic destinies and how this can lead to greater prosperity for all. This panel features John Chisholm, has three decades of experience as an entrepreneur, CEO, and investor. A pioneer in online marketing research, he founded and served as CEO/Chairman of Decisive Technology (now part of Google), publisher of the first desktop and client-server software for online surveys, and Dylan Pahman, a research fellow here at Acton, where he also serves as executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality.  Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karl Marx. If you’re listening to this podcast, it’s unlikely that I need to explain to you who Karl Marx is. You know he’s the author of The Communist Manifesto, and the father of one of the most significant and impactful philosophical and economic theories of the late 19th and the 20th century. It would be fair for you to assume that Marx was always celebrated in the way he was throughout the 20th century, as numerous countries, like the Soviet Union, sought to put his theory into practice.  But a new research paper from Phillip W. Magness and Michael Makovi says that this common, popular understanding of Marx’s significance is wrong. They contend, and seek in the paper to demonstrate empirically, that Marx was largely dismissed as a scholar in his own time, and that he owes is outsized influence today to historical and political events, in particular the success of the Russian Revolution. Today, Eric Kohn talks with Phil Magness about the findings in his paper, how we should properly understand the influence of Karl Marx, and what it means that his ideas seem to again be ascendent in the modern world. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the course of the last year here at the Acton Institute, we’ve been bringing in local social providers so that our staff can gain a better understanding of the critical work that they do here in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro region to help alleviate poverty. Today, Eric Kohn sits down to talk with the leader of one of those social service providers, Trevor Rubingh of New City Kids. New City Kids offers after school programming for local low-income youth. Children and teens get a chance to explore music and academics in a creative and fun environment. Though there are many challenges of urban life, especially for youth, these programs give children a safe place to feel and hear that they are valued and loved. New City Kids aims to draw children into hope by developing in them skills, talents, and desires for their future. By surrounding them with a community of love and development, we strive to set youth on a path of transformation that will carry them forward for the rest of their lives. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University New City Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Acton Line we’re bringing a panel discussion from the Free Market Road Show - Grand Rapids, a recent special event we hosted here at the Acton Institute in conjunction with the Austrian Economics Center.  There is no need to describe the many problems and crises of our time. But there is a great need to look at the causes and to refute the simplified and politically opportune explanations. Only if we know exactly what the problems are and how they arose will we be able to find the right solution. New standards have come into force in almost all areas of policy and they are changing our lives, sometimes noticeably, sometimes surreptitiously, but often permanently. This discussion centers on the problem of Unrestrained Government Spending and Economic Prosperity. The conversation features Dr. Barbara Kolm, Vice President of the Austrian Central Bank, and the Director of the Austrian Economics Center, Dr. Daniel Mitchell, a public policy economist based in Washington, DC, and is moderated by Dr. David Hebert, assistant professor of economics and director of the Center for Markets, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship at Aquinas College and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A belief in the positive power of free markets has been a part of the political and philosophical program of the political right for virtually all of the post-World War II conservative movement. While elements of protectionism, and even isolationism, have always been currents in the political right, a support for free trade and free markets has been part of the right’s dogma for years.  Now that is no longer the case. Many have lost confidence in the country’s commitment to economic liberty. Across the political spectrum, many want the government to play an even greater role in the economy via protectionism, industrial policy, stakeholder capitalism, or even quasi-socialist policies. Numerous American political and business leaders are embracing these ideas, and traditional defenders of markets have struggled to respond to these challenges in fresh ways.  From the perspective of advocates for a free market economy, this amounts to conservatives taking a left turn on economic questions. Why is this happening? And what can free market advocates do about this problem? Today, Eric Kohn, Acton’s Director of Marketing & Communications talks with Dr. Samuel Gregg, Distinguished Fellow in Political Economy and Senior Research Faculty at the American Institute for Economic Research and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute, about the turn to the state by members of the so-called “New Right” and how arguments for a market-based economy need to be refreshed for the problems of the 21st century. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University The Next American Economy | Amazon The hundred-year war for American Conservatism | Acton Line Of Course You Know What "Woke" Means | Substack FreeJimmyLai.com | The Hong Konger Photo Credit: Associated Press Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religious freedom is a bitterly contested issue that spills over into political, public, and online spheres. It's an issue that's becoming ever more heated, and neither of the global political polarities is interested in protecting it. While the political left is openly hostile toward traditional religion, the political right seeks to weaponize it. How can we ensure that "religious freedom" is truly about freedom of one's religion rather than serving an ethno-nationalist agenda? In Religious Freedom in a Secular Age, New Testament scholar and author of “Evangelical Theology” Michael Bird has four main goals: To explain the true nature of secularism and help us to see it as one of the best ways of promoting liberty and mutual respect in a multifaith world. To dismantle the arguments for limiting religious freedom. To outline a biblical strategy for maintaining a Christian witness in a post-Christian society. To encourage Christians to participate in a new age of apologetics by being prepared to defend not only their own believes but also the freedom of all faiths. While Bird does address the recent political administrations in the US, his focus is global. Bird—who lives in Melbourne, Australia—freely admits to his anxiety of the militant secularism surrounding him, but he also strongly critiques the marriage of national and religious identities that has gained ground in countries like Hungary and Poland. The fact is that religion has a lot to contribute to the common good. Religious Freedom in a Secular Age will challenge readers of all backgrounds and beliefs not only to make room for peaceable difference, but also to find common ground on the values of justice, mercy, and equality. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University Religious Freedom in a Secular Age | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should businesses allow their employees to work remotely? Almost all employers and employees have wrestled with this question. More and more job-seekers are expecting remote-work flexibility, and COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns greatly accelerated this trend. But are employees really as productive working from home? Does remote work hurt company culture? Or could hybrid or remote options make businesses more successful? David Bahnsen, Founder of the Bahnsen Group, argues that remote work should be minimized. Dr. Raj Choudhury, remote work expert at Harvard Business School, argues that businesses should embrace hybrid and remote options. This debate took place as a part of the 2023 Business Matters conference. Subscribe to our podcasts Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When people think of interactions between the police and the public these days, for many, the first thoughts that come to mind are of horrific incidents like the deaths of George Floyd or Brianna Taylor. Here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the Acton Institute is headquartered, a police officer is currently awaiting trial in the shooting death of 26-year old Patrick Lyoya.  These incidents, and the rifts they have created between members of the community and members of law enforcement, highlight some of the challenges of modern policing. How can we bridge the divide between the police, who serve and important and necessary function in our society, and the public, to whom they are ultimately responsible. Enter iCI Nation, an organization based here in Grand Rapids that brings communities together by uniting citizens, law enforcement & community organizations to foster a healthy environment for community to build trust with law enforcement. iCI is lead by founder and executive director Jennifer Franson, who in just two years has facilitated over 100 connections with law enforcement and community building new relationships and trust.  This momentum has continued to snowball as her membership has quadrupled in size and now has the FBI coming to her to ask for help building relationships with their community. Today, Eric Kohn talks with Jenn Franson about her work, the challenges facing local law enforcement and the communities they serve, and how those obstacles to more meaningful connections between the police and the public can be overcome. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) iCI Nation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The feminine genius,” a term coined by Pope St. John Paul II, has become something of a buzzword in the Catholic world. But has the fullness of femininity been exhausted? In a new collection of seventeen essays entitled With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life, written by Catholic women of diverse backgrounds and vocations, you will find a call to pursue what is too often excluded from our picture of femininity: the intellectual life. Following Mary, the “Seat of Wisdom,” who “treasured” the words of the shepherds and “pondered them in her heart,” With All Her Mind shows how the feminine genius involves both affectivity and active intellectual engagement. With practical advice and personal testimonies and featuring a foreword by celebrated scholar Tracey Rowland, this collection opens readers to the endlessly unique ways for a woman to follow the first and greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all her soul, with all her heart, and with all her mind. In this episode, Acton’s research project coordinator Sarah Negri, is joined by guests Dr. Jennifer Frey and Amanda Achtman, two of the seventeen contributors to With All Her Mind. They discuss the importance of having an intellectual life both as women and as human beings in general, touching on such topics as the value of contemplation for both intellectual and spiritual formation, the integrity of the human person, leisure and work in the academic realm, the nature of a liberal education and interior freedom. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) About Jennifer Frey About Amanda Achtman With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life (Ed: Rachel Bulman) Leisure: The Basis of Culture (Josef Pieper) Waiting for God (Simone Weil) The Spirit of the Liturgy (Romano Guardini) Tertio Millenio Seminar on the Free Society Christian philosopher takes helm of new Oklahoma Honors College dedicated to the classics “Canada’s Orwellian Euthanasia Regime” (Amanda Achtman) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March 2021, Winston Marshall was the banjo player and guitarist for Mumford & Sons, the highly popular and award-winning folk rock ensemble.  That same month, Marshall shared a seemingly innocuous tweet offering praise for guerrilla journalist Andy Ngo, and his book “Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy.”  “Congratulations Andy Ngo. Finally had time to read your important book. You’re a brave man.” As is the common story with Twitter, a firestorm ensued, with Marshall facing a swarm of criticism for the tweet, prompting Marshall, under pressure, to issue an apology. But Marshall later reconsidered the propriety of that apology, penning an essay on Medium defending his praise for Ngo and his book, and announcing he was leaving his band. Since then Marshall has launched a podcast, Marshall Matters, and written for outlets such as Bari Weiss’s Common Sense, a precursor to her current The Free Press publication, on issues relating to freedom of speech and expression in the arts and beyond. Marshall also credits his Christianity for helping to sustain him through this incident and other rocky paths in his life.  Marshall also helps run Hong Kong Link-Up, which helps to connect Hong Kongers newly arriving in London with people who can help them get settled in a new country.  Today, Eric Kohn speak with Winston Marshall about the climate of free speech and free expression in music and the arts, his life and music, his support for the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for human freedom, and more. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) @winstonmarshall Linktree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If money is the mother’s milk of politics, then rhetoric is its currency. And few political characters of the late 20th century had a sharper wit than former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. Consider this gem from Koch: “If you agree with me on nine out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.” Over this career in politics, Koch found himself sparring with numerous people, politicians and celebrities and even, occasionally, the voters. To be sure, Koch saw this as part and parcel of his role as a political and an elected official. As he said, “You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for one's self-respect to be a punching bag.” But Koch also saw his role in picking political fights as having a larger purpose than his own political advantage: he was a stalwart defender of the Jewish people and the state of Israel, and a tireless booster of New York City. In a new essay in the February 2023 issue of Commentary Magazine, Tevi Troy looks at five battles Koch picked and the bigger reasons for them. In conclusion, Troy finds Koch “was, at his best, a happy warrior.” In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s Director of Marketing & Communications, speaks with Tevi Troy, a visiting fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, about Ed Koch’s life, legacy, and the lessons we can learn from him on what battles to pick for greater causes and why. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Ed Koch, Ten Years Gone | Commentary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since debuting in the New York Times Magazine on August 14, 2019, the 1619 Project has ignited a debate about American history, the founding of the country, and the legacy emanating from the nation’s history with chattel slavery. The project’s creator and editor, Nikole Hannah-Jones, has described the project as seeking to place “the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Components of a related school curriculum have been adopted in major cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Buffalo, New York. For her work on the project, Hannah-Jones was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. A book collecting all the essays debuted at number one on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list in November 2021. Now, the 1619 Project has been reimagined as a television docuseries from Lionsgate and Hulu. But the project has also come in for heavy criticism from historians and economists of all political and philosophical persuasions for inaccuracies in “matters of verifiable fact” in history and economics. In response to these critics, Hannah-Jones has declared the project not a work history, but instead a work of journalism. One of the project’s most frequent critics is Phil Magness, Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research. In this episode, which is a rebroadcast of an interview from August 2020, I talk with Phil Magness about the objectives of the 1619 Project, the economic history of slavery, the project’s historical errors, and why many Americans seem to have such a difficult time accepting the complicated totality of our own history. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Duff, a co-founder and head of operations at Styx Golf, delivers a speech on how to align company culture with the human experience to create a compelling vision for employees. He stresses the significance of identifying a gap in the market and developing a unique value proposition, as Styx Golf did by providing high-quality minimalist designed golf gear at a reasonable cost. Additionally, he highlights the importance of being attentive to customer feedback and making updates to the product, as the company did with their new version launch in April 2021. He also stresses the need for a defined and compelling company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and supports the company's growth goals. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, authenticity and shared responsibility to foster an environment where employees can flourish. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their own time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Russell Kirk occupied different ends of the political spectrum. Their philosophies inspired the two most powerful movements of the age: the Nonviolent Movement (which led the larger Civil Rights Movement) and the modern Conservative Movement. Without King and Kirk modern American Social Justice liberalism and modern American conservatism as we know them would not exist. And yet, for all of their differences, our modern politics suffer because contemporary liberalism and conservatism lack the grounding in virtues, communitarian values and faith in an ordered universe that both Kingian Nonviolence and Kirkian Conservatism held fast to. Is it possible that by reacquainting ourselves with these lost traditions we could summon the better angels of left and right and restore a politics of virtue for the modern age? In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s Director of Marketing & Communications, talks with John Wood, Jr., National Ambassador for Braver Angels about the overlap in first principles between Dr. King and Russell Kirk and reducing partisan polarization in our divisive times. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Braver Angels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI—scholar, teacher, theologian, prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, and finally supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church until his resignation in 2013—died on December 31, 2022, at the age 95.   Whether the subject was Islam, ecumenism, the rise and decline of the West, or simply "Who is Jesus Christ?,” Benedict opened up discussions once considered taboo and caused even hardened secularists to rethink some of their positions.    For today’s episode of Acton Line, in remembrance of Pope Benedict XVI’s life and legacy, we’re airing a lecture from Sam Gregg, currently senior research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, illustrating how much the pope changed the focus of Christian engagement by addressing political, social, and economic issues.    Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Pope Benedict XVI: 1927-2022 | Joshua Gregor, Acton Institute Faith and Reason in the Life and Work of Benedict XVI | Kevin Duffy, Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 7, 2022, the jackpot for the Powerball lottery reached an astonishing $2.05 billion. Even after the federal and state governments take their piece of that, the winner will still be the recipient of a life-changing amount of money, more than enough to last an entire lifetime. But if the winner of that $2.05 billion Powerball jackpot was the United States federal government, they'd burn through that enormous sum of money in just over a week. How did the federal budget get this large? What does that budget say about our political system and the desires and priorities of the public and politicians? In this episode, Eric Kohn sits down with Dr. David Hebert, chair of the economics department and associate professor of economics at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, to discuss his recent article for the American Institute for Economic Research using the Powerball to explain the size and scope of the federal budget. David Hebert graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from Hillsdale College in 2009, and then attended George Mason University, where he earned a master's in 2011 and a doctorate in 2014. During graduate school, he was an F.A. Hayek fellow with the Mercatus Center and a fellow with the Department of Health Administration and Policy. He also worked with the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Congress. Since graduating, he has worked as an assistant professor at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He was also a fellow with the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, where he authored a comprehensive report on federal budget process reform. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Taxes, Spending, and Powerball Winnings by David Hebert | AEIR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Acton Institute is named in honor of John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton (1834–1902), 1st Baron Acton of Aldenham, a historian of freedom. Known as “the magistrate of history,” Lord Acton was one of the great personalities of the 19th century. Widely considered one of the most learned Englishmen of his time, Lord Acton made the history of liberty his life’s work.   The most notable conclusion of Acton’s work is that political liberty is the essential condition and guardian of religious liberty. He thereby points to the union of faith and liberty, which has been the Acton Institute’s inspiration. In describing the Institute’s purpose, Acton’s president emeritus, Rev. Robert Sirico, has said: “Acton realized that economic freedom is essential to creating an environment in which religious freedom can flourish. But he also knew that the market can function only when people behave morally. So faith and freedom must go hand in hand. As he put it, ‘Liberty is the condition which makes it easy for conscience to govern.’”   So who was Lord Acton?   In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing & communications, sits down with Dan Hugger, Acton’s librarian, a research associate, and editor of the book Lord Acton: Historical and Moral Essays, to discuss Lord Acton: his work, his beliefs, his life, and his legacy. Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing)   Lord Acton: Historical and Moral Essays | Dan Hugger   Lord Acton: A Study in Conscience and Politics | Gertrude Himmelfarb   Lord Acton: Historian and Moralist | Samuel Gregg   Selected Writings of Lord Acton | J. Rufus Fears   The Pope and the Professor: Pius IX, Ignaz von Dollinger, and the Quandary of the Modern Age | Thomas Albert Howard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beatles will go down in history as one of the most prolific music acts of all time. Their music is still played in our homes and around the world and has influenced pop culture on a global scale. In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton's Director of Communications, sits down with Samuel Staley to discuss his new book The Beatles and Economics: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and the Making of a Cultural Revolution.  Subscribe to our podcasts Register Now for Business Matters 2023 Apply Now for Acton University 2023 (Early Bird Pricing) Book | Beatles & Economics  Pope John Paul, George, and Ringo on the harms of high taxes   Music contained in this episode: Getting Better | The Beatles | 1967 I Want to Hold Your Hand | The Beatles | 1963 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | The Beatles | 1967 Here Comes the Sun | The Beatles | 1969 Everything in its Right Place | Radiohead | 2000 Come Together | The Beatles | 1969 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) | The Beatles | 1965 Tomorrow Never Knows | The Beatles | 1966 Strawberry Fields Forever | The Beatles | 1966 Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds | The Beatles | 1967 Revolution | The Beatles | 1968 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Klein is professor of economics and JIN Chair at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he co-leads a program in Adam Smith. There's been renewed interest in the role Christianity has played in liberalism since Larry Siedentop’s 2014 book, Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism. Today, Dan Churchwell, Acton’s Director of Programs and Education, sits down with Klein to discuss Adam Smith and his enlightenment vision. Building on Siedentop, Klein says universal benevolent monotheism, and Christianity in particular, has led to the articulation of a specific social grammar and corresponding rights—in short Adam Smith’s “liberal plan.”  Subscribe to our podcasts Dr. Klein’s faculty page Full discussion of Larry Siedentop’s book: Full set of notes on Siedentop Klein published interview on Siedentop: Klein replies to Deirdre McCloskey on Siedentop: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, we’re presenting the final evening plenary from Acton University 2022. This plenary was a panel discussion on Hong Kong medial mogul and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, the subject of Acton’s most recent documentary feature film, The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai’s Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom. When Hong Kong’s basic freedoms come under attack, Jimmy Lai finds himself in the crosshairs of the state and must choose between defending Hong Kong’s long-standing liberties or his own freedom. This conversation with the filmmakers and interview subjects of The Hong Konger discusses the rise of China, the plight of Hong Kong, the fight for freedom that continues there to this day, and the man at the center of it all: Jimmy Lai. The featured panelists are: Victoria Tin-bor Hui, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Notre Dame Mary Kissel, Former Senior Adviser, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Simon Lee, Former Op/Ed Columnist, Apple Daily Rev. Robert A. Sirico, President Emeritus, Acton Institute, and Executive Producer, THE HONG KONGER Eric Kohn, moderator and Director of Marketing & Communications, Acton Institute, and Associate Producer, THE HONG KONGER Jimmy Lai is currently sitting in a jail cell in Hong Kong awaiting trial on national security law charges. Recently, Lai was granted permission to be represented by a UK barrister in the trial, human rights attorney Tim Owen. That decision to allow Owen to represent Lai is being appealed to Beijing for “clarification.” The trail, which was supposed to start on December 1st has been delayed until December 13, and will almost certainly be delayed even further into the future. Subscribe to our podcasts The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai's Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sarah Negri, research project coordinator at the Acton Institute, sits down with Margarita Mooney Clayton, professor of practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and founder and executive director of Scala Foundation, to talk about Mooney Clayton’s most recent book The Wounds of Beauty: Seven Dialogues on Art and Education (Cluny Media, 2022). They discuss beauty as a way of encountering and participating in the splendor of transcendental being through embodied sensory experiences, point out the dangers of viewing art merely as self-expression or “art with an agenda”, and draw out beauty’s connection to human freedom, creativity, and flourishing.   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Margarita Mooney Clayton  The Wounds of Beauty: Seven Dialogues on Art and Education (Margarita Mooney Clayton)   Beauty: A Very Short Introduction (Roger Scruton) The Face of God (Roger Scruton) The Soul of the World (Roger Scruton) “The Feeling of Things, the Contemplation of Beauty” (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) Scala Foundation Event: An Interactive Conversation with Aidan Hart Scala Foundation 2023 Conference Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, we're bringing you a session from our recent Poverty Cure Summit, a debate between between Bryan Caplan and Chris Arnade. The Poverty Cure Summit provides an opportunity for participants to listen to scholars, human service providers, and community leaders address the most critical issues we face today that can either exacerbate or alleviate poverty. Speakers joined panel discussions to discuss the legal, economic, social, and technological issues pertaining to both domestic (U.S.) and global poverty. Rooted in foundational principles of anthropology, politics, natural law, and economics, participants gained a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and identify practical means to reduce it and promote human flourishing. Subscribe to our podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're bringing you the keynote address from Mary Kissel at this year's Acton Institute Annual Dinner. Mary Kissel is executive vice president and senior policy adviser at Stephens Inc., a Little Rock, Arkansas–based, privately held financial services firm, where she advises management and clients on foreign policy and geopolitical risk. Prior to joining Stephens, she served as senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo from October 2018 to January 2021. In that role, she provided advice to advance the national interests of the United States, conducted special projects for the secretary, and traveled to more than 60 countries. Kissel also appears in Acton's latest documentary film, The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai's Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom. Subscribe to our podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can leaders respond to discouragement in their work? Noah Gould sits down with Peter Greer, President & CEO of HOPE International, to discuss his latest book, The Gift of Disillusionment. In this conversation, they explore the responses of cynicism and idealism, and how leaders can move forward through extreme trials and disappointments. Subscribe to our podcasts The Gift of Disillusionment | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2016, Nick Eberstadt’s book “Men Without Work: America's Invisible Crisis” brought to light the grim reality that millions of working-age men were retreating voluntarily from the labor force. Although this trend was widely overlooked for decades, Eberstadt’s searing analysis finally made it impossible to ignore. Today, six years and one catastrophic pandemic later, the male exodus from work has not only intensified but has spilled over into new demographics, including women and workers over the age of 55. By most reports, America now has something on the order of 11 million open jobs yet millions of men and women sitting jobless on the sidelines. Now, in the newly re-released “Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition,” Eberstadt marshals recently released data to explain how this sad state of affairs came to be, what it means for American society, and what it portends for the country’s economic future. Subscribe to our podcasts Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Common economic perceptions pervade our discourse on policy. Dr. Caleb Fuller’s latest book, No Free Lunch: Six Economic Lies You’ve Been Taught and Probably Believe, sets out to dispel these myths. Acton’s President Emeritus, Fr. Robert Sirico said of the book, “Anyone who wants a well-rounded education will not want to be without the knowledge this book contains.”   This week on Acton Line, Noah Gould, Alumni & Student Programs Manager at the Acton Institute, sits down with Dr. Fuller to discuss the book and some of the most pervasive examples of economic myths. Subscribe to our podcasts No Free Lunch | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of America’s greatest success stories is its economy. For over a century, it has been the envy of the world. The opportunity it generates has inspired millions of people to want to become American. Today, however, America’s economy is at a crossroads. Many have lost confidence in the country’s commitment to economic liberty. Across the political spectrum, many want the government to play an even greater role in the economy via protectionism, industrial policy, stakeholder capitalism, or even quasi-socialist policies. Then there is a resurgent China bent on eclipsing the United States’ place in the world. At stake is not only the future of the world’s biggest economy, but also the economic liberty that remains central to America’s identity. But managed decline and creeping statism do not have to be America’s only choices, let alone its destiny. In his latest book, “The Next American Economy: Nation, State, and Markets in an Uncertain World,” Dr. Samuel Gregg insists that there is an alternative—and that is to become a vibrant Commercial Republic grounded in entrepreneurship, competition, and trade openness, as envisioned by the founding generation.   In this episode, Dylan Pahman, executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality and a research fellow at the Acton Institute, sits down with Dr. Gregg, Distinguished Fellow in Political Economy and Senior Research Faculty at the American Institute for Economic Research and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute, to discuss the book and the economic, political, and moral complications of our increasingly globalized world. Subscribe to our podcasts The Next American Economy | Amazon The Next American Economy Is Cause for Hope “Globalization,” in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Adam Smith on the Benefits of International Trade Dylan Pahman, “Fiat Currency, the Euro, and Greek Default” Samuel Gregg, “Rethinking Free Markets in an Age of Anxiety” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American conservatism appears to be coming apart at the seams. What, if anything, can bring the various factions together to fight the much greater threat of an illiberal, intolerant left? Perhaps plain common sense. In this episode of Acton Line, George H. Nash sits down with Noah Gould to discuss his article "Conservatism and Its Current Discontents: A Survey and a Modest Proposal" which appeared in the Winter/Spring 2022 issue of Religion & Liberty. George H. Nash is a Senior Fellow of the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal. He is author of The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 and several scholarly volumes about the life of Herbert Hoover. He writes and speaks frequently about the history and current direction of American conservatism. He lives in western Massachusetts. Subscribe to our podcasts Conservatism and Its Current Discontents: A Survey and a Modest Proposal | Religion & Liberty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Hernandez Romanowski is a crypto research analyst at Tribal.  Formerly a blockchain research analyst at the Mcnair Center for entrepreneurship at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, Romanowski focuses on how blockchain technology can improve access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Stephen Barrows, Acton’s Chief Operating Officer, sits down with Romanowski to examine a research report entitled “Accelerating Small Business with Blockchain Technology.”  Romanowski explains how blockchain technology is evolving, how its adoption is increasing, and what the implications are for decentralized finance and small businesses. Subscribe to our podcasts (99+) Alexander Hernández Romanowski | LinkedIn Accelerating Small Business with Blockchain Technology | Houston, Texas USA (bakerinstitute.org) McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth | Baker Institute Tribal Credit | A Corporate Card Built For Growing Businesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5G. Microchips in vaccines. Crisis actors. Chemtrails.  It seems that tales of conspiracy theories are in the news, and on social medial, constantly. But conspiracy theories have been with us for a long time. Black helicopters. 9/11 trutherism. The JFK assassination. And, anti-semitism is arguably the oldest conspiracy theory there is. Are conspiracy theories more prevalent now than they have been before? And what attracts people to believing in them?  In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s Director of Marketing & Communications, talk with Dr. Aaron Pomerantz, assistant professor of psychology at University of St. Thomas Houston, about his research into the psychology of conspiracy theories. Subscribe to our podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Booth is professor of finance, public policy, and ethics and director of Catholic Mission at St. Mary’s University explores all aspects of free trade and globalization. What is globalization? Is it a new phenomena? How did globalization fuel progress in the 19th century and how was it disrupted? How has globalization effected the developing world? How are effects different in the developed world? What challenges does globalization present to both the developed and developing world? Does protectionism offer an effective answer to the challenges of globalization in the developed world? The developing world? Why have political movements on both the left and the right seemed to grow more hostile to globalization over recent years? Does free trade and globalization erode local cultures? What concerns have religious leaders raised concerning globalization? Subscribe to our podcasts About Philip Booth Catholic Social Thought America's Trade and Regulatory Policies Have Contributed to the Baby Formula Shortage | Reason Globalization, Poverty and International Development Catholic Social Teaching and the Market Economy Revised Second Edition A leading economist analyses what the Pope's new encyclical really says about markets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin serves as the president of the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty and is also a resident research fellow at the Tikvah Fund has a wide ranging conversation on Judaism and Markets. How does religion in general speak to the market economy? Does Judaism’s covenantal self-understanding foster a unique perspective? Where do the perspectives of Christianity and Islam overlap with Judaism and how do they differ? What is the historical contribution of the Jewish community to economic dynamism? How does this relate to anti-Jewish attitudes and prejudice? What are contemporary attitudes toward the market in the United States and the larger Jewish world? Subscribe to our podcasts Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty Are American Jews Shifting Their Political Affiliation? Race and Covenant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Rise of the New Puritans, Commentary Magazine associate editor Noah Rothman explains how, in pursuit of a better world, a relatively new and fervent strain of progressivism, in a “burst of moral enthusiasm” is ruining the very things which make life worth living by attempting to craft a society full of verbal trip wires and digital witch hunts. Football? Too violent. Fusion food? Appropriation. The nuclear family? Oppressive. As the social scientist Yuval Levin wrote in a review of the book, what’s interesting about this New Puritanism is that “it is not rooted in a Christian ethic, at least not explicitly, and therefore that its worldly severity is not moderated by humility before the divine.” In response to this phenomenon, Rothman encourages us to spurn a movement whose primary goal has become limiting happiness. The book uncovers the historical roots of this war on fun and reminds us of the freedom and personal fulfillment at the heart of the American experiment. Subscribe to our podcasts Rise of the New Puritans | Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David George Moore, founder and president of Two Cities Ministries, discusses his recent book Stuck in the Present: How History Frees and Forms Christians. Dylan Pahman, Acton research fellow and executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality, joins Moore to explore his vision of how a deeper appreciation of history can ground Christians in an age in which one too often faces a landslide of information with insufficient tools to sift through the mess of our present world.  Subscribe to our podcasts Stuck in the Present Lord Acton: Historical and Moral Essays Nietzsche’s Thoughts Out of Season, Part II Orthodox Christian Social Thought and History Raising Some Concerns over the “Inductive Method” of Bible Study Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

P. J. Hill, professor of economics emeritus at Wheaton College (Illinois) and a senior fellow at the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana, delves into the topic of “Economic Inequality and Envy” based on a lecture he gave at Acton University 2022. Sarah Negri, research project coordinator at Acton, sits down with Hill to talk about the different kinds of economic inequality, the difference between inequality and poverty, and the economic and moral problems with envy being the modern standard mindset towards those who create mass wealth. They discuss the relationship between inequality and injustice with regard to human dignity, including what moral obligations might go hand in hand with being wealthy, as well as whether economic measures which have the goal of lessening inequality, such as resource transfers, are effective.   Subscribe to our podcasts   About P. J. Hill  Growth and Welfare in the American Past The Birth of a Transfer Society   The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier A Theory of Justice (John Rawls) John Rawls’s “veil of ignorance” thought experiment The preferential option for the poor Subscribe to our podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rev. John Arthur Nunes, Ph.D., is a Lutheran pastor and senior fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, discusses the current challenges in higher education.  How can students be challenged to enter into the world of new ideas in an era when many students and administrators seem more concerned with affirming student identities and experience? What are the current challenges to academic freedom in the face of increasing pressure to censor ideas? How can campus leaders promote an environment of free inquiry? What bureaucratic obstacles exist to building student resilience?  In addition, Rev. Nunes considers the promise of creative disruption in the educational status quo by new institutions of higher learning, particularly within the humanities. How does a robust education in the humanities prepare students not only for a future world of work but all of life. The conversation concludes with an illuminating discussion of the religious dimensions of current conflicts in higher education and how trust can be restored in damaged institutions. Harvard lecturer takes heat for defending existence of biological sex  Biology Lecturer’s Comments on Biological Sex Draw Backlash University of Austin Pano Kanelos on the University of Austin | Acton Line Academic Leaders Task Force on Campus Free Expression Meant for More: In, With. and Under the Ordinary | John Nunes Wittenberg Meets the World: Reimagining the Reformation at the Margins | Alberto L. Garcia The Road to Character | David Brooks A World after Liberalism: Philosophers of the Radical Right | Matthew Rose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve heard of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Each is a natural and recurring human weakness that impedes happiness. In addition to these vices, however, there are deadly economic “sins.” They, too, wreak havoc in both our personal lives and in society. They can seem intuitively compelling, yet lead to waste and lost prosperity. Dylan Pahman, Acton’s research fellow and executive editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality, sat down with James R. Otteson, author of "Seven Deadly Economic Sins," to discuss his lecture on this very topic during Acton University 2022.    Subscribe to our podcasts   ‘Seven Deadly Economic Sins’    About James R. Otteson    David Hume | Essential Scholars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Acton Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative that brings together a cohort of students from across the nation and globe for a transformative experience. During the summer, Emerging Leaders gain professional experience, grow their network, and delve deeper into the ideas of a free and virtuous society.    In this episode, we sit down with three of our Emerging Leaders: Walker Haskins, Lauren McCoy, and David Mendoza. They discuss Acton’s Emerging Leaders Program, the landscape of the broader liberty movement, and how Acton fits into their future scholarly pursuits. Also discussed is Walter’s and David’s research on Wawrzyniec Goślicki, a 16th-century influential but now largely forgotten Polish bishop whose book, The Accomplished Senator, argued for the importance of legislative bodies in mediating between a monarch’s absolutist tendencies and noblemen’s attempts to acquire more power.   Subscribe to our podcasts   Emerging Leaders Program | Acton Institute    Our Mission & Core Principles | Acton Institute   Why Read the Classics in Economics? | Econlib   How to Get Action | Foundation for Economic Education   Wawrzyniec Goślicki | Wikipedia   ‘De optimo senatore’ | Wikipedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francis Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies at Baylor University, discusses the lecture he gave at Acton University 2022 entitled, “Taking Rites Seriously: Law, Politics, and the Reasonableness of Faith.” Sarah Negri, Acton’s research project coordinator, sits down with Beckwith to discuss how religious rites such as marriage have a special significance not typically recognized in civil law, and how religion is unfairly set up as in conflict with reason, when in fact rites and religious observances can be profoundly reasonable. In addition, they talk about the difference between conscience and religious freedom, and how using these two similar but distinct concepts as a basis for legal decisions may have different social ramifications.   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Francis J. Beckwith    Taking Rites Seriously: Law, Politics, and the Reasonableness of Faith    The Heart Has Its Reasons | Church Life Journal    Is it Time to Rethink the School Prayer Cases? | Anchoring Truths    Taking Rites Seriously: Law, Politics, and the Reasonableness of Faith | Kresta in the Afternoon  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Gladstein, chief strategy officer at the Human Rights Foundation, discusses his new book, “Check Your Financial Privilege,” and how cryptocurrency can aid in pulling people out of poverty. Dan Hugger, Acton’s librarian and research associate, sits down with Gladstein to discuss what's happening, for example, in Nigeria, where human rights activists depend on Bitcoin for donations. In Cuba, those who saved in Bitcoin managed to stay afloat after a dual-currency system devalued the peso. In El Salvador, where remittance fees and exchange rates can eat away a simple money transfer to family members in need, Bitcoin offers hope with lower fees and faster transactions.    Subscribe to our podcasts   ‘Check Your Financial Privilege’   About Alex Gladstein    The Quest for Digital Cash | Bitcoin Magazine    Bitcoin's Price Surge Amid Doubts: What Would Aquinas Say? | Forbes    Crypto and Blockchain: A flash in the pan or something more? | Acton Institute    Should you bet on Bitcoin? | Acton Institute  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” is one of the most popular Christian podcasts of the past year. It chronicles how Mars Hill Church in Seattle went from one of the most influential multisite evangelical churches in the U.S. to an abuse- and scandal-ridden nightmare, finally having to shut its doors for good in 2014 following the resignation of its charismatic founder, Mark Driscoll.   Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, sits down with Mike Cosper, producer, writer, and host of the podcast, to discuss the lessons from the stories Cosper tells in “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill,” as well as the problems associated with celebrity pastors and church institutions.    Subscribe to our podcasts   ‘The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill’ Podcasts | Christianity Today    About Mike Cosper   Is Christianity doing more harm than good to American men? | Acton Institute PowerBlog    Saving men requires the leadership of laymen | Acton Institute PowerBlog    Faithfulness Is the Future of the Church | Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Bradley, professor of religious studies at The King’s College, NYC, and Acton research fellow, sits down with Dan Churchwell, Acton’s director of program outreach, to discuss the importance of fatherhood as well as Dr. Bradley’s new research on the good that fraternities do in the way of moral formation of young men.   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Anthony B. Bradley, PhD    Black Marriage Matters | Acton Institute    Saving men requires the leadership of laymen | Acton Institute    Is Christianity doing more harm than good to American men? | Acton Institute    Mobilizing Fathers to Close Prisons - Dr. Anthony Bradley | BreakPoint  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson has written an exciting new book—“The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints”—on how we’re called to live beyond a merely mundane existence of settling for small goals. In fact, we’re called to live a life of holiness. Wilson instructs us on how hearing the call to holiness requires cultivating a new imagination—one rooted in the art and discipline of reading. Reading with eyes attuned to the saints who populate great works of literature enables us to see how God opens up ways of holy living.    Sarah Negri, Acton’s research project coordinator, sits down with Wilson to discuss how literature has the power to show us what a truly holy life looks like.    Subscribe to our podcasts   The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints   About Jessica Hooten Wilson    Jessica Hooten Wilson on Solzhenitsyn Against Propaganda | Acton Institute YouTube Channel  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betsy DeVos joins Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, in the studio to discuss her new book, “Hostages No More.“   In her book, DeVos writes about her experiences working in the Trump administration and how the “woke” curriculum is negatively impacting our children’s learning. She also lays out a detailed approach to fixing America’s badly broken education system and securing a prosperous future for our kids.    Subscribe to our podcasts   Hostages No More by Betsy DeVos | Center Street   About Betsy DeVos   Redemption, not retreat: Betsy DeVos' vision for redeeming U.S. education | Acton Institute PowerBlog    Betsy DeVos and Sal Khan on education and entrepreneurial disruption | Acton Line Podcast   What's driving the decline of religion in America? Secular education | Acton Institute PowerBlog    The Myth of a Value-Free Education | Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dan Churchwell, Acton’s director of program outreach, sits down with Dr. Richard Turnbull, the director of the Center for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics, to discuss how banks and credit unions develop a culture of savings, independence, and poverty prevention. Do trends in the direction of large, national, even global banking institutions best serve these ideals? And what are the implications of the loss of diversity in institutional and local provisions for personal saving? What does all this tell us about the nature of civil society?   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Dr. Richard Turnbull    Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics    4 arguments for the free market | Acton Institute   Brexit: One last roll of the dice? | Acton Institute   How to rebuild the economy after COVID-19 | Acton Institute   Boris Johnson: The great survivor? | Acton Institute PowerBlog   John Calvin and God's civil government | Acton Institute PowerBlog  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Wagner, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of philosophy at Aquinas College, sits down with Dan Hugger, Acton’s librarian and research associate, to explore the Aristotelian-Thomistic account of the human good, natural law, and living well. Why should we seek to know ourselves? How is the human good related to excellence and virtue? How do we reconcile this account of the good with the divergent moral views we see in the world?   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Daniel Wagner    The Elements of Philosophy: A Compendium for Philosophers and Theologians | William Wallace, OP    Aristotle | Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy    Aquinas 101 | The Thomistic Institute  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sam Gregg sits down with award-winning political theorist Yoram Hazony to discuss Hazony’s new book, “Conservatism: A Rediscovery.”    Hazony argues that the idea that American conservatism is identical to “classical” liberalism, which has been widely held since the 1960s, is seriously mistaken. According to Hazony, the best hope for Western democracy is a return to the empiricist, religious, and nationalist traditions of America and Britain. These conservative traditions brought greatness to the English-speaking nations and became the model for national freedom for the entire world.   Subscribe to our podcasts   Conservatism: A Rediscovery   About Yoram Hazony   Edmund Burke Society & The Russell Kirk Center    What I Saw at the National Conservatism Conference, by Dan Hugger | Acton Institute    The Post-Liberal Right: The Good, the Bad, and the Perplexing, by Sam Gregg | Public Discourse    Patrick Deneen and the Problem with Liberalism, by Sam Gregg | Public Discourse    Nationalism and the Future of Western Freedom, by Yoram Hazony | Mosaic Magazine   What Is Conservatism? by Yoram Hazony | American Affairs Journal   The Challenge of Marxism, by Yoram Hazony | Quillette Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Acton Line, Dylan Pahman, research fellow and executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality here at Acton, sits down with Jeff Fisher, professor of theology and director of spiritual formation, and Branson Parler, professor of theology and director of theological education, both of the Foundry, to discuss their entrepreneurial alternative to traditional Christian higher education for ministry leaders. Topics range from the specifics of how the Foundry works to broader questions of the economic and identity crises of colleges and universities across the country. What is the role of the Church in training the next generation of pastors and teachers? Is the Foundry’s model the new way forward or a further symptom of the breakdown and silo-ization of the university?    Subscribe to our podcasts   The Foundry: Strengthening and Supporting Church Leaders    About Branson Parler and Jeff Fisher    New seminary head aims to revive church life and an entrepreneurial spirit in Venezuela | Acton Institute    Lincoln Christian University Revamping Its Model, May Sell Campus | Christian Standard   Abilene Christian University eliminated a $4.5 million budget deficit and reimagined itself | Mindstream   Hundreds of Positions Eliminated at Evangelical Colleges and Universities | Christianity Today   The Great Upheaval | Arthur Levine & Scott Van Pelt    Deschooling Society | Ivan Illich    After Whiteness | Willie James Jennings  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Schmiesing, director of research at the Freedom & Virtue Institute, takes you on a journey through American history to more than two dozen sites and events that symbolize and embody America’s rich Catholic past in his new book, “A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History: People and Places that Shaped the Church in the United States.”  Subscribe to our podcasts Apply now for Acton University 2022  "A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History: People and Places that Shaped the Church in the United States" Freedom & Virtue Institute   About Kevin Schmiesing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rev. Robert A. Sirico, Acton’s president emeritus, and Dan Hugger, Acton’s librarian and research associate, dismiss the many misinterpretations of Jesus' parables to reveal their timeless wisdom as explored in Rev. Sirico’s new book, “The Economics of the Parables.”   Subscribe to our podcasts   Apply now for Acton University 2022    "The Economics of the Parables" — Regnery Publishing    The Rev. Sirico Leadership Fund — Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Gerard Wegemer, professor of English at the University of Dallas, sits down with Sam Gregg, Acton’s director of research, to discuss Wegemer’s new book, “The Essential Works of Thomas More.” For the first time, Thomas More’s most influential English and Latin works have been gathered into a single volume, creating a unique resource for anyone interested in More’s teaching on theology, statesmanship, and renaissance humanism.    Subscribe to our podcasts   Apply now for Acton University 2022    "The Essential Works of Thomas More"   About Gerard Wegemer, Ph.D.    St. Thomas More: Saint, Scholar, Statesman, Martyr — EWTN  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Vallier, political philosopher and associate professor of philosophy at Bowling Green State University, joins Dylan Pahman, Acton’s executive editor of the “Journal of Markets and Morality,” to discuss Vallier’s new book, “Trust in a Polarized Age.”    America seems to be falling into further hopelessness, divisiveness, and cultural decay. Yet Vallier sees things differently. He offers effective ways we can defend liberty, protect democracy, strengthen liberal economic institutions, and respect basic human rights.    Subscribe to our podcasts    "Trust in a Polarized Age"   About Kevin Vallier    "Are We a Nation?" with Samuel Goldman    How to talk about rights in our polarized age – Acton Line Podcast   Adam MacLeod on morality in public discourse – Acton Vault Podcast   Divided we fall: America after the 2020 election – Acton Lecture Series      We are a fractured nation, but there is still hope – PowerBlog  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Continetti’s new book, The Right, gives readers a clear historical perspective of the conservative movement—from the Progressive era to the present. He tells the story of how conservatism began as networks of intellectuals, developing and institutionalizing a vision that grew over time. This book is essential for anyone looking to understand what it truly means to be an American conservative.   In this episode of Acton Line, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, sits down with Continetti to discuss The Right and especially where the conservative movement is headed.   Subscribe to our podcasts    About Matthew Continetti     The Right by Matthew Continetti    An Awkward Alliance: Neo-Integralism and National Conservatism | Acton Institute    Rise of the national conservatives with Matthew Continetti | Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Acton Line, Eric Kohn, our director of marketing and communications, sits down with Samuel Goldman, associate professor of political science at George Washington University, to discuss the history of our American national identity as explored in his new book, “After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division.”  Goldman lays out the history of American national identity and offers new inspiration for how we can live together despite our current polarization and division.  Subscribe to our podcasts  After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division God's Country: Christian Zionism in America Loeb Institute for Religious Freedom  About Samuel Goldman  Politics & Values Program at George Washington University  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications, sits down with Matt Brown, sports journalist and author of the “Extra Points” daily newsletter. They discuss the economic system behind college athletics and athletes’ compensation in general.     Subscribe to our podcasts    Extra Points with Matt Brown    Extra Points Podcast    What If?: A closer look at college football's great questions | By Matt Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dan Hugger, research associate and librarian here at Acton, sits down with Dr. Micah Watson, associate professor and executive director of the Paul Henry Institute at Calvin University, to discuss Congressman Paul Henry and his leadership in shaping the way Christian politicians live out their faith within their public service.    The Paul Henry Institute seeks “to understand the role of faith in public life across time, from the earliest efforts of ancient peoples to organize their laws and institutions to present-day tensions between religion and the modern state.”   Subscribe to our podcasts    About Dr. Micah Watson   Henry Institute for the study of Christianity and politics    5 Things that Christianity brings to our understanding of politics | Acton Institute    Controversial Christianity: Understanding faith and politics | Acton Institute    Our Mission & Core Principles | Acton Institute  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special edition of Acton Line, featuring Ian Rowe, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, speaking on his new book, “Agency.“   On Wednesday, March 16, Rowe visited the Acton Institute for a discussion in front of a live audience with Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of marketing and communications. Rowe spoke on how we can inspire young people as they make the passage into adulthood. All children should be taught that a path to a successful life exists and that they have the power to follow it.   Subscribe to our podcasts    "Agency" by Ian Rowe | Book     About Ian Rowe   American Enterprise Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dan Churchwell, director of program outreach here at Acton, sits down with James Whitford, executive director of Watered Gardens Ministries, to discuss the challenges of poverty we face here in our communities. Whitford supports the economic principle of subsidiarity. Subsidiarity is a social practice where neighbors help neighbors so the state doesn’t have to intervene. This discourages reliance on the welfare state and avoids government bureaucracy.   Subscribe to our podcasts    Watered Gardens Ministries    The Principle of Subsidiarity   Build Together: Why lived experience is essential for crafting poverty solutions   God doesn't need your good works (but your neighbor does)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dan Hugger sits down with Acton’s director of research, Samuel Gregg, to discuss his new book, “The Essential Natural Law.” They explore the fundamental principles of natural law and their place in Western thought and tradition.    How does natural law deepen our understanding of economics, justice, human rights, private property, and the rule of law? Is our path to increased human flourishing contingent on the principles of natural law being applied?   Subscribe to our podcasts    About Sam Gregg    Fraser Institute    “The Essential Natural Law”  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of communications, sits down with Joseph Lehman, president of the Mackinac Center, to discuss the “Overton Window” and the influence it continues to play in politics. How can we use it to understand changing ideas in our culture and the marketplace?   Subscribe to our podcasts    Joseph G. Lehman, President of the Mackinac Center    Mackinac Center for Public Policy    The Overton Window | Mackinac Center    The Overton Window: The Most Misunderstood Concept in Politics | The Daily Wire  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dan Hugger sits with Daniel Silliman, journalist and news editor for Christianity Today, to discuss his new book, "Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith." Silliman argues that the formation of evangelical identity does not stem from institutions or political stances but from Christian fiction and Christian publishing in general. In light of this, he explores the questions, what is evangelicalism, and what is evangelical subculture?    Subscribe to our podcasts    Business Matters 2022 — 50% off registration with promo code PODCASTBM22   About Daniel Silliman    What's True About Christian Fiction | Christianity Today   Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith | Daniel Silliman  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sarah Negri, research project coordinator at the Acton Institute, sits down with  David Michael Phelps, dean and director of program development at Harmel Academy of the Trades, to discuss the dignity of human work and how it is tied to our freedom to create value in the world and its connection to virtue. Why is formation in virtue important for skilled laborers? Who was Léon Harmel, and what was his impact on Catholic social teaching?    Subscribe to our podcasts    Business Matters 2022 — 50% off registration with promo code PODCASTBM22   Laborem Exercens, encyclical by John Paul II   Rerum Novarum, encyclical by Leo XIII   The Love of Learning and the Desire for God: A Study of Monastic Culture by Fr. Jean Leclercq, O.S.B.   The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Iain McGilchrist   Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew Crawford   The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction by Matthew Crawford   Harmel Academy of the Trades   Léon Harmel: Pioneer of the Just Wage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since its announcement in November, media buzz has surrounded the University of Austin in Texas (UATX), newly founded to push back against a growing illiberal tide of “wokeness” and “cancel culture” in higher education. According to its website, UATX is “dedicated to the fearless pursuit of truth” and seeks to promote freedom of inquiry and ideological independence.  Today on Acton Line, Dylan Pahman interviews Dr. Pano Kanelos, president of UATX, to dig deeper than the social media hot takes to discover the truth of what UATX is really all about.   Subscribe to our podcasts  Business Matters 2022 — 50% off registration with promo code PODCASTBM22   The University of Austin  About Dr. Pano Kanelos The University of Austin is scaring all the right people Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a conversation with Acton’s librarian and research associate Dan Hugger, the Honorable Mark T. Boonstra, author of “In Their Own Words,” presents powerful insights into the minds of our Founding Fathers on the subject of religion.    It’s clear now more than ever that our country is no longer the one inhabited by our Founding Fathers. Boonstra claims that we have essentially lost our relationship to God. According to our country’s sacred documents, we were established as one nation under God, our rights were given by God, we appealed to God for protection, and freedom to worship God was a primary concern. Things are a bit different now.    In his book, Boonstra brings to light what our Founding Fathers truly believed about America as a nation united under God.    Subscribe to our podcasts   Buy the Books — “In Their Own Words”    About Mark T. Boonstra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a conversation with Dan Churchwell, Acton’s director of program outreach, Alan Noble, author of "You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World," presents powerful insights into the anxiety and unease many feel today. He describes how a single line from the Heidelberg Catechism reframes our identity and helps us better understand ourselves, our families, our society, and our God.   Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Use code aipod22 to get 30% off the book   Details about the book   Excerpt   About Alan Noble Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we continue the conversation from our last episode, Dan Hugger and Dylan Pahman move the discussion forward on the Acton Institute’s vision for a free and virtuous society. We examine the Institute’s 10 core principles, which serve as the bedrock of who we are and what we do—namely, we seek to integrate religious truths (virtue) with free market principles (sound economics).   Subscribe to our podcasts    About Dan Hugger    About Dylan Pahman    Our Mission & Core Principles    Lord Acton's philosophy should guide our next two centuries    Foundations of a Free & Virtuous Society — Acton Bookshop    A Legacy of Liberty — Acton Bookshop  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we enter into this new year, we reflect on the Acton Institute’s vision for a free and virtuous society. In this episode of Acton Line, Acton’s librarian and research associate, Dan Hugger, sits with Dylan Pahman, research fellow and executive editor of Acton’s Journal of Markets and Morality, to discuss the Institute’s mission and core principles. This is part one of a two-part series.    Subscribe to our podcasts    About Dan Hugger    About Dylan Pahman    Our Mission & Core Principles    Lord Acton's philosophy should guide our next two centuries    Foundations of a Free & Virtuous Society — Acton Bookshop    A Legacy of Liberty — Acton Bookshop  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In November of 2021, Fr. Robert A. Sirico passed the torch of the presidency of the Acton Institute to Acton co-founder Kris Mauren. In this episode, Eric Kohn sits down with Mauren to discuss Acton’s vision for a free and virtuous society in 2022 and beyond. Subscribe to our podcasts About Kris Mauren Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If we face America’s racial history squarely, must we conclude that the American project is a failure? Conversely, if we think the American project is a worthy endeavor, do we have to lie or equivocate about its past?   In this episode, Dan Churchwell, Acton’s director of program outreach, sits with Rachel Ferguson, economic philosopher at Concordia University Chicago, to discuss her new book, Black Liberation Through the Marketplace.   Exhausted by extremism on both left and right, a majority of Americans—black and white—still love this country and want to do right by all its citizens. In Black Liberation Through the Marketplace, Rachel Ferguson leaves readers with a better understanding of black history and creative ideas for how to make this nation one that truly enjoys liberty and justice for all.   Subscribe to our podcasts   About Rachel Ferguson    Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of America    Anthony Bradley on why black lives matter    Acton Lecture Series with Rachel Ferguson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Kohn sits down with Neil Chilson, research fellow for technology and innovation at Stand Together, to discuss his new book, Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World. Instead of trying to control people, systems, and protocols, Chilson explains how leaders must pursue the art of influence to lead and win.  Subscribe to our podcasts Getting Out Of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World About Neil Chilson  Stand Together Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Kohn sits down with Yuval Levin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and editor-in-chief of National Affairs, to discuss his new article featured in The Dispatch, "The Changing Face of Social Breakdown."   Levin notices a strange cultural trend. Although things may look great from a mere statistical perspective, something more ominous is going on in the background.    Levin writes:  “This mix of seemingly good and bad news is no paradox. The good news is often just one consequence of the bad. There are fewer divorces because there are fewer marriages. … There are fewer abortions because there are fewer pregnancies. …  There are fewer out-of-wedlock births because there are fewer births in general. … Fewer teenagers are dying in car accidents because fewer teenagers are getting driver’s licenses. There is less social disorder, we might say, because there is less social life. We are doing less of everything together, so that what we do is a little more tidy and controlled.”    Subscribe to our podcasts    About Yuval Levin     "The Changing Face of Social Breakdown" by Yuval Levin    Report | The Divided State of Our Unions  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pope John Paul II was an artist, an author, an actor, a philosopher, and a theologian. But most important, he was a lover of freedom and liberty. In this episode, Reason magazine's managing editor, Stephanie Slade, sits down with Eric Kohn to discuss her new article on the pope who helped bring down communism.    The Pope Who Helped Bring Down Communism    Stephanie Slade on the future of fusionism    Will-to-power conservatism with Stephanie Slade    About Stephanie Slade    Subscribe to our podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of communications, sits down with Dallas Jenkins, director of The Chosen, an online multi season TV series depicting the life of Jesus. Later in this episode, Kohn interviews Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrays Jesus.   The Chosen is the largest crowdfunded media project of all time. According to The Chosen website: “Season 2 was fully funded in November 2020. This time 125,346 people contributed a total of $10,000,000. 86% of people who funded Season 1 also funded Season 2, with an average contribution of $299.99.” Season 3 is over 90% crowdfunded. This has been achieved completely outside the Hollywood system, with no plans of ever being sold to a major studio. Watch | The Chosen TV  How A Crowdfunded Christian TV Series Could Change Entertainment    Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of communications, sits down with David L. Bahnsen to discuss his new book, There’s No Free Lunch. In his book, Bahnsen explores how the free market has enabled hundreds of millions of people to rise from the depths of poverty and achieve a higher quality of life. In fact, there is no better economic system for human flourishing. However, a contagion has begun infecting public opinion with regard to capitalism in general and free markets specifically. Call it socialism, progressivism, or leftism, more and more people each day are turning away from the time-tested free market that has been absolutely essential to the prosperity of nations around the world. The question is, Why? Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  There's No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths David Bahnsen on GameStop, RobinHood and market populism About David Bahnsen ‎Capital Record Podcast Sirico & Bahnsen: Liberty & Morality in the Midst of Crisis  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dylan Pahman, executive editor and research fellow here at the Acton Institute, sits down with Kevin Schmiesing, director of research at the Freedom & Virtue Institute and coauthor and editor of the newly released Race and Justice in America. They discuss cultural tensions stemming from race and justice issues, the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements, and how to move forward in a peaceful, unified manner.    Race and Justice in America tackles the most enduring and provocative issues with a rare combination of intellectual sophistication and bracing realism. Featuring the writings of John Sibley Butler, Ismael Hernandez, and Kevin Schmiesing, this collection is an original and necessary contribution to our national discourse. Race and Justice in America: The Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and the Way Forward  Freedom & Virtue Institute  About Kevin Schmiesing  The Economy of Order: Justice Requires Love Acton Lecture Series - Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of America  Justice, applied equally  Institutionalizing the critical race revolution  America's two warring views of race  Is Critical Race Theory un-American?  Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digital technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits, but it has also come with growing threats to our privacy, our families and businesses, our mental health, and our freedom. Call it digital contagion. From cancel culture to fake news, from data collection and surveillance to outright social manipulation, we are bombarded by content that insidiously influences our behavior and threatens our security and even our livelihood. In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton's director of communications, sits down with Michael Matheson Miller, Acton senior research fellow, to discuss Michael's new book, Digital Contagion: 10 Steps to Protect Your Family & Business from Intrusion, Cancel Culture, and Surveillance Capitalism. Digital Contagion: 10 Steps to Protect your Family & Business from Intrusion, Cancel Culture, and Surveillance Capitalism  Bio | Michael Matheson Miller  Google and surveillance capitalism The panic over Big Tech Civil society in a time of pandemic  Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Increasingly, people are turning to intermittent fasting to bolster their health. But we aren’t the first people to abstain from eating for a purpose. This routine was a common part of our spiritual ancestors’ lives for 1,500 years.   In his new book, Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding your Soul―A Christian Guide to Fasting, Jay Richards argues that Christians should recover the fasting lifestyle, not only to improve our bodies, but to bolster our spiritual health as well. He draws upon forgotten insights from the Christian tradition on fasting and feasting and combines them with the growing body of modern scientific literature on ketogenic diets and fasting for improved physical and mental health, arguing that re-thinking our modern diet with an eye toward these ancient insights and new discoveries will lead us to a far more healthy and wholesome lifestyle. Today, Dylan Pahman, research fellow at Acton and executive editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality, talks with Jay Richards about his new book and how Christians can and should recover the fasting lifestyle, not only to improve our bodies, but to bolster our spiritual health as well. Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul―A Christian Guide to Fasting | Jay W. Richards Jay W. Richards bio Acton’s 31st Annual Dinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October 3, 2021, Frances Haugen—the so-called Facebook whistleblower—appeared on 60 Minutes to detail her time with the social media giant, as well as the content of the thousands of internal documents that reveal, according to her, the "conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook.” Two days later, she was testifying before Congress, who had hauled Big Tech CEOs like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and others before them at least a half-dozen times in recent years. The conventional wisdom is that Big Tech and social media platforms like Facebook are a threat: to our way of life, to our democracy, and even to our happiness and our well-being. But is this threat real or just moral panic?  Today, Acton senior research fellow Michael Matheson Miller talks with Robby Soave, a senior editor at Reason and author of the new book Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn’t Fear Facebook and the Future. In the book, and in this interview, Soave examines the recent kneejerk calls to regulate Big Tech from both sides of the aisle. He argues that we should balance our concerns about Big Tech with the consequences of altering the ecosystem that allowed tech to get big in the first place, cautioning us to at least ask the question, “Are we sure we really want to do this?” Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn't Fear Facebook and the Future | Robby Soave Whistleblower: Facebook is misleading the public on progress against hate speech, violence, misinformation | 60 Minutes Digital Contagion: 10 Steps to Protect your Family & Business from Intrusion, Cancel Culture, and Surveillance Capitalism | Michael Matheson Miller Scott Lincicome on Section 230 and social media | Acton Line Hold internet companies responsible for content on their platforms, not just the government | Paul Clyde, Acton Institute Acton’s 31st Annual Dinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All children deserve the love and affection that come from being in a family. Most importantly, children deserve to have their needs met in a permanent and loving home. The original ideal of the foster care system was to provide such fundamental necessities until a child is reunited with his or her biological parents, or adopted. However, the present reality shows us something entirely different. The child welfare system has declined to the point where it now caters to the needs of the adults rather than to those of the children.  In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton director of communications, sits with Naomi Schaefer Riley, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss her new book, No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives.   Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives  Bio | Naomi Schaefer Riley Anti-religious hostility takes aim at foster care and adoption agencies  Our Foster Care System Is Becoming A 'Pipeline' For Human Trafficking  Social justice crusaders are putting kids in the foster care system at risk  Banter Podcast | Naomi on American child welfare  Why kids in foster care end up sleeping in offices  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the greatest writers of Western civilization. As we watch or read his plays, we are still able to draw applicable lessons on politics, our fallen human nature, and how one should relate to God and neighbor. In this episode, I sit down with Nicolas McAfee to discuss the political wisdom of Shakespeare's late plays. Bio | Nicolas McAfee is a fourth-year doctoral student studying political philosophy at the University of Dallas. He is currently writing a dissertation on the political wisdom of William Shakespeare’s late plays under the direction of Dr. Gerard Wegemer. By unpacking the power of narrative storytelling to shape communities for good or ill, Nicolas’ work aims to foster thoughtful engagement of political literature and healthy participation in civic life. A native of Upland, Calif., he and his wife currently live in Irving, Texas. Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Playing Shakespeare: An Actor's Guide by John Barton  Playing Shakespeare, The Two Traditions, 1984  A Guide to Shakespeare's Political Thought  Can Shakespeare Survive Woke? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forced labor camps have been embedded in Chinese politics since the birth of the People’s Republic of China. Mao Zedong created and instituted these camps to terrorize and indoctrinate anyone who didn’t “fall in line.”   Today these camps are more prevalent than ever. Not only are they hothouses for indoctrination and torture, but the products they produce are sold globally, generating more profit for the communist regime.   In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton's director of communications, sits down with Weifeng Zhong, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, to discuss Dr. Zhong's troubling research. Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  The China Challenge: The West Struggles To Respond To Beijing’s Forced-Labor Camps Weifeng Zhong, Author at Discourse  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Acton Institute will host its First Annual Academic Colloquium on Markets & Morality. This year’s theme is “Neo-Calvinism & Modern Economics.”   In this episode, Dan Hugger, librarian and research associate, and Sarah Negri, research project coordinator, both at the Acton Institute, sit down with Dylan Pahman, an Acton research fellow and executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality, to discuss why Acton is hosting an academic colloquium, what an academic colloquium is, and who should attend.   Register here for the colloquium   More details    Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID-19 has impacted us in ways that will continue to affect us for generations. In this episode, I explore a very particular consequence of COVID: Children born during the pandemic have scored significantly lower on IQ tests. I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, president and founder of the Ruth Institute, to unpack this disturbing phenomenon. Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  The Ruth Institute  Bio | Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D  Love & Economics: It Takes a Family to Raise a Village  Love and Economics: Why the Laissez-Faire Family Doesn't Work  The Sexual State: How Elite Ideologies Are Destroying Lives and Why the Church Was Right All Along  Covid-19: Children born during the pandemic score lower on cognitive tests, study finds  Forbes deletes article on psychological damage of masking children - LifeSite  School Mask Mandates Mean Trauma For Millions Of Children, Especially Those From Low-Income Families  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beatles will go down in history as one of the most prolific music acts of all time. Their music is still played in our homes and around the world and has influenced pop culture on a global scale. In this episode, Eric Kohn, Acton's Director of Communications, sits down with Samuel Staley to discuss his new book The Beatles and Economics: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and the Making of a Cultural Revolution.  Book | Beatles & Economics  Pope John Paul, George, and Ringo on the harms of high taxes   Subscribe to Acton Line, Acton Unwind, & Acton Vault  Music contained in this episode: Getting Better | The Beatles | 1967 I Want to Hold Your Hand | The Beatles | 1963 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | The Beatles | 1967 Here Comes the Sun | The Beatles | 1969 Everything in its Right Place | Radiohead | 2000 Come Together | The Beatles | 1969 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) | The Beatles | 1965 Tomorrow Never Knows | The Beatles | 1966 Strawberry Fields Forever | The Beatles | 1966 Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds | The Beatles | 1967 Revolution | The Beatles | 1968 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Crisis” is a catch-all phrase used in modern rhetoric typically attached to any movement or belief that aims to point out an issue. However, it is as important as ever to rationally conclude what constitutes a crisis, and to what extent eras of “crises” defend government intervention. In this episode, Acton Institute’s research associate and librarian Dan Hugger sits down with participants of Acton’s Emerging Leader program, Grace Hemmeke, Ben Luker, and Jeremy Ward to discuss their Capstone project on the rights and responsibilities of government action in times of crisis. The three Emerging Leaders discuss the ordered role of the United States government during times of crisis through the Acton Institute’s framework of a free and virtuous society, characterized by individual liberty, and sustained by religious principles. Their research was prompted by the government’s role in the COVID-19 crisis, and is extended to practical judgement in both historical and current analysis of catastrophic periods. Are crises an agent in government force and control? And how will American society return to normalcy if and when this Coronavirus crisis is ever over? COVID-19 bailout unleashed a pandemic of fraud Is big government a near occasion of sin?  COVID-19: the tyranny of experts  Acton Line | Covid relief bill’s side effects on our future economy  Subscribe to Acton Vault podcast Subscribe to Acton Unwind podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The events of 9/11 are forever etched in the hearts of all Americans. Most of us still remember exactly where we were when it happened. In this episode, Acton’s Director of Communications Eric Kohn sits down with Niels Jorgensen, a retired New York firefighter, who shares his story of what happened at ground zero that day.  As we approach the 20th anniversary of September 11th, let us reflect on the bravery and courage that took place those two decades ago and to be especially thankful for all that God has given us. 20 for 20 podcast: 20 Stories for 20 Years Since 9/11  The Gift of a Second Chance  Subscribe to Acton Vault podcast Subscribe to Acton Unwind podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nathan Mech, program outreach project manager here at the Acton Institute, sits down with Ali Salman, co-founder of Islam & Liberty Network, to discuss his new book, Islam & Economics. Islam offers three moral principles of economic organization: ownership, wealth creation, and wealth circulation. Based on these principles, Islam and Economics derives a framework of operational institutional tenets for the economic organization of a society. It addresses all important business, policy, and equity issues that any economic system should resolve and broadens the discussion on the modern discipline of “Islamic economics.”  In this conversation, they delve into the most contentious issue within Islamic economics, which is charging interest. They cover how Islamic banks have answered the Qur’anic prohibition on usury, and how Salman sorts through this problem. Next, they explore the Islamic view of taxation, and Salman  made an Islamic argument that the only two permissible forms of taxation are wealth taxes and land use taxes. Based on his view of taxation, Salman built an Islamic case for a limited government. Islam & Economics: A Primer on Markets, Morality, and Justice  Islam & Liberty Network  On Islam available for first time in English Islam and Markets Islam and Freedom    Bio | Ali Salman    Subscribe to Acton Vault podcast Subscribe to Acton Unwind podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Acton Unwind, Sam Gregg, and special guests Dan Hugger and Michael Miller discuss the ongoing developments in Afghanistan as we approach the 31st deadline. Then, they discuss the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill and how we can look to C.S. Lewis for guidance on how to respond. What is human infrastructure? Is the United States a civilization-building nation? Is all truth subjective?  Subscribe to the Acton Unwind Podcast  Biden’s ‘stimulus’ for a growing economy is all about central control  Afghanistan I fought for lacks foundation for freedom  A Taliban 9/11 - William McGurn  Bio | Michael Miller  Bio | Dan Hugger  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in more than 6 decades Cuban citizens are protesting in the streets against their communist government regime.  In this episode, Dan Hugger, Librarian and research associate here at the Acton Institute sits down with a Cuban priest Fr. Alberto Reyes to discuss the horrors of communism in Cuba, the revolution, and how Christians should respond to it. As a quick note, in this interview, Fr. Reyes speaks in his native tongue, Spanish and we have translated his answers to English. The Tragedy of Communism in Cuba | Acton Vault Cuba Libre: Protestors call for an end to communism and oppression  The crumbling façade of Cuban communism  Subscribe to Acton Vault podcast Subscribe to Acton Unwind podcast About Fr. Reyes:   Alberto Reyes Pías was born in Camagüey, Cuba, on May 26, 1967. He grew up in Florida, Camaguey, where he studied until finishing high school. At the age of 18 he entered the University of Medical Science in Camagüey. At the end of his third year of medicine he decided to leave university and start his ecclesiastical studies. He studied humanities and philosophy at the seminaries San Basilio Magno, in Santiago de Cuba, and San Carlos and San Ambrosio, in Havana. For his theological studies he was sent to Rome, to the Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. After completing his studies, he was ordained a priest in his hometown of Florida on December 12, 1996. After a few months serving provisionally in the parishes of Guáimaro and El Cristo, the latter in the city of Camagüey, he was sent as pastor to the area of Esmeralda, where he remained for six years. He was then sent to the Pontifical University of Comillas, in Madrid, to do a degree in psychology. Upon returning, he was assigned to the parish of Guáimaro, where he remained for six years. He decided to take a sabbatical in which he makes a pilgrimage on foot from Rome to Jerusalem. Upon returning he is sent as a volunteer to the parish of Maisí, in the easternmost tip of Cuba. Two years later he was appointed trainer of the San Agustín Seminary, in Camagüey, where he worked full-time for a year. Currently, he continues as a trainer of the Seminary of St. Augustine, as a spiritual father, and at the same time attends the parish of Esmeralda. He has published "Do my will. (History of a resistance)". A book that relates his vocational itinerary but is at the same time a reflection on how to find the meaning of one's life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Acton Unwind, Eric Kohn, Sam Gregg, and special guest Mustafa Akyol discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan, as the United States works feverishly to get Americans out of the country. How many refugees should the United States accept? What will rule by the Taliban look like? Have they changed at all, as some people have suggested? Then, Eric and Sam discuss the FDA’s final approval of the COVID vaccines, the lockdowns in Australia and New Zealand and the resistance they have produced, and whether our elites and civic leaders are more incompetent than they were in the past, or whether the velocity and availability of information just makes it seem that way. Subscribe to Acton Unwind on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify More options Mustafa Akyol Reopening Muslim Minds with Mustafa Akyol - Acton Line Welcoming the stranger: The dignity and promise of Afghan refugees - Joseph Sunde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nathan Mech, program outreach project manager here at the Acton Institute, sits down with Mustafa Akyol, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, to discuss his new book, Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance.  In his book, Akyol dives deep into Islamic theology, shares lessons from his own life story, and reveals how Muslims lost the universalism that made them a great civilization in their earlier centuries.  Values often associated with Western thought like freedom, reason, tolerance, and science were historically part of Islamic philosophy but in recent generations have been cast aside to reach political ends. Mustafa Akyol | Bio   Islam and Freedom Islam and Markets  Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance  Mustafa Akyol on the prospects for liberty in the Islamic world   Subscribe to Acton Vault podcast Subscribe to Acton Unwind podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Acton Unwind, Eric Kohn, Sam Gregg, and Dan Hugger discuss the collapse of the Afghanistan government as the United States withdraws from the country nearly 20 years after September 11th and the beginning of combat operations there. We were told a collapse might happen in a year. Instead, it took days. What lessons should be learned from this? And how are we to trust our institutions when they’re constantly shown to be either wrong or lying to us? August 15 marked the 50th anniversary of President Richard Nixon taking the United States off the gold standard. How much of the economic turbulence in the decades since can be blamed on this decision? And, what role can cryptocurrencies play in the future of monetary policy? Subscribe to Acton Unwind on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify More options “Why, as a Muslim, I Defend Liberty” by Mustafa Akyol “Islam and Economics: A Primer on Markets, Morality, and Justice” by Ali Salman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As of May 2021, prices increased 5% over the course of one year – the sharpest increase in inflation since 2008. Inflation poses a palpable threat to the economic prosperity of America. Its prevalence is perpetuated by political institutions, corporations, and personal opinions. Big corporations and moguls will not necessarily suffer through significant change with a 5% increase in prices, the common citizen is more likely to be presented with financial hardships in their daily purchases. Guest Peter Jacobsen, Assistant Professor of Economics at Ottawa University and the Gwartney Professor of Economic Education as well as a staff member at the Foundation for Economic Education, sits down with Director of Communications, Eric Kohn, to discuss the problems inflation proposes to America’s economic processes. In this episode, Peter Jacobsen also speaks further on his newest article, “No, Higher Wages are Not a ‘Silver Lining’ of Inflation,” and the false notions that the general public has on inflationary trends. Understanding the escalation inflation undergoes due to COVID policies, the Federal Reserve’s reaction, and modern monetary theorists is timely and necessary in pinpointing solutions. The U.S. economy is in a difficult economic position, but by presently understanding the potential threat inflation poses, necessary steps can be taken to ensure a sound economic future. No, Higher Wages Aren’t a 'Silver Lining' of Inflation | Peter Jacobsen    Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're thrilled to bring you a new podcast from the Acton Institute: Acton Unwind. Acton Unwind is a weekly roundtable discussion of news and current events through the Acton Institute's lens on the world: promoting a free and virtuous society and connecting good intentions with sound economics. Each week I’ll be joined by Dr. Samuel Gregg and other Acton Institute experts for an exploration of news, politics, religion, and culture. This week, we discuss the extension of the CDC's unconstitutional eviction moratorium, the Biden administration's economically problematic proposal for free community college, and the New Right's infatuation with Viktor Orbán's Hungary. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy Acton Unwind. ‘Small-Time Landlords “Hanging on By Their Fingernails” as Eviction Moratorium Drags On’ - National Review A Landlord Says Her Tenants Are Terrorizing Her. She Can’t Evict Them. - New York Times Making community college free has hidden costs - Detroit News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Genuine friendships are one of the core qualities of a great life. Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero called a friend “a second self.” British author C.S. Lewis exalted friendship as adding “value to survival.” Whether in antiquity or modernity, friendship plays an integral part in the richness of the human experience for men and women alike. However, recent studies have shown that the amount of friendships the average man has are on the decline. Daniel Cox, founder and director of the Survey Center on American Life and a senior research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, sits down with Acton Line producer Gabriel Geagea to speak further on his latest article published in the National Review, “American men suffer a friendship recession,” an article focused on the diminishing rates of male friendships in the United States and its implications on America’s social sphere. If friendship is indeed an inherent good, what threats does its absence present to modern American society? In addition to analyzing the root causes of this decrease in companionship and its effect on our nation’s social nature, Daniel and Gabriel discuss how emerging social norms can alter the ways in which society views friendships, and what society is to do to ensure good male friendships reappear as a strong thread in our American social fabric. Do the American people view friendship as essential and giving value to our survival, or is it seen as an unnecessary commodity? American Men Suffer Friendship Recession Bio | Daniel Cox The Survey Center on American Life American Enterprise Institute The joy of fatherhood: How sacrifice brings meaning to life Wilfred McClay on friendship new and old – Acton Institute PowerBlog How fatherhood leads to flourishing – Acton Institute PowerBlog Bridging Income Inequality: The Subsidiarity Of Friendship – Acton Institute PowerBlog  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 1900’s, the Netherlands was under the rule of a dynamic prime minister, Abraham Kuyper. A multi-faceted figure, he implemented significant change in a vast array of sectors and contributed his work to Dutch society as a statesman, a journalist, a historian, a University founder, and a Calvinist theologian, among many other things. But what can contemporary economic and political reasoning gain from the work of a man who was not a conventional economist? In this episode, Dan Hugger, librarian and research associate here at the Acton Institute is joined by Peter Heslam, director of Transforming Business and a senior member of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge to discuss Kuyper’s teachings on Business & Economics. Heslam is also published widely on business, economics, religion, and is the author of Creating Christian Worldview: Abraham Kuyper’s Lectures on Calvinism. Hugger and Heslam discuss the life of Abraham Kuyper, his genius, and the role he plays in societal understanding in our modern age. Although not purely an entrepreneur or economist, Abraham Kuyper was able to comment on business and economics because he was engaged analytically in almost every sector of life, reflecting his belief that all spheres are interconnected under the sovereignty of God. For Kuyper, sound reasoning and action, no matter what sphere it pertains to, under the ordinance of God necessitates it as truth. Similarly, The Acton Institute is devoted to the mutuality and synthesis of economics and morals. When a worldview is good, true, and beautiful, the ultimate truth of every facet in human existence logically follows from one to another. Bio | Peter Heslam, D.Phil. Faith in Business Acton Bookshop | On Business & Economics  Acton Bookshop | The Abraham Kuyper Collection  Acton Line | How should Christians engage the world? In conversation with Abraham Kuyper   Acton Line | Abraham Kuyper's "Common Grace"  Abraham Kuyper: ‘The school belongs to the parents’  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Industrial policy is making a comeback in political discourse as a key issue to be tackled in maintaining America’s dominance internationally. Industry has always been a greater reflection of the trademarks of America; its efficiency, economic values, and its entrepreneurial spirit. However, in America’s current understanding of industrial policy, among other issues, it leans towards the government seizing the role of the market for itself; to control the economy in job opportunities and losses, unaccompanied by the natural flow of the market. In this episode, Dr. Samuel Gregg, Acton Institute’s director of research is joined by Dr. Veronique de Rugy, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, to discuss the industrial soul of American society, and if it is to be adopted as a major governmental policy, its ramifications on the American economy. Also discussed are ideas like the word itself: “industry,” and how it has become politically opportunistic in the hasty push for its accompanied legislation, it is utilized as an umbrella term to push many other policies through that pertain to public sectors outside of industry itself, like education, R & D, and training. Innovation comes best from competition and creative freedom, not government intervention. The remaining question is: does a federal-centered industrial policy hinder American citizens and business’ ability to adjust to the ebb and flow of a natural economy? Bio | Veronique De Rugy  Veronique de Rugy on The Made in America Podcast - Biden's Infrastructure Plan Infrastructure Insanity, by Dr. Veronique de Rugy  Edmund Burke’s conservative case for free markets, by Dr. Samuel Gregg  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Generation Z is a demographic group born between the late 1990’s and early 2010’s and they are beginning to trickle into workplaces. The push for open mindedness to become the norm in modern society means “Gen Zers” have already been confronted with ideas like fourth wave feminism, intersectionality, the transgender movement, and wokeism throughout their upbringing. Along with receptivity for progressive ideals, Gen Z now claims the largest percent of college attendance in history. In fact,  59 percent of 18 to 20 year olds were enrolled in colleges in 2017, compared to 53 percent of similar aged students in 2002 for the millennial generation. In this episode, Acton Line Producer Gabriel Geagea sits down with Acton Institute’s college interns from our Emerging Leaders program, Grace Hemmeke and Kara Wheeler, to discuss what it is like to be a young woman on a college campus in 2021.  A University’s purpose is to train students in developing skills needed to perform a job and instill a desire for the pursuit of higher knowledge. Is this still the case in American Universities today? With educating a generation that is the most inclined to accept progressive ideals, what role, if any, do social beliefs play on a college campus? Camille Paglia: The fearless feminist The politically correct rule at Harvard Law Speech codes limit campus freedom  Free Speech Still Not Free on College Campuses Terrorists or freedom fighters: What's the difference?  Left-wing college administrators are a mirror of American political reality  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Nossel, CEO of Pen America sits down with Eric Kohn, Acton’s director of communication to discuss her new book, Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All.  Nossel, a leading voice in support of free expression, delivers a vital, necessary guide to maintaining democratic debate that is open, freewheeling, but at the same time respectful of the rich diversity of backgrounds and opinions in a changing country. Centered on practical principles, Nossel’s primer equips listeners with the tools needed to speak one’s mind in today’s diverse, digitized, and highly divided society without resorting to curbs on free expression. About Suzanne Nossel  Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All  Communist China forces shutdown of Apple Daily, stifling truth in pursuit of control  ‎Acton Line | Dylan Pahman on free speech and cancel culture Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're bringing you a panel discussion featuring Betsy Devos and Sal Khan that was delivered as part of Acton University Online 2021. The Panel was moderated by Jeff Sandefer, entrepreneur and founder of the Acton School of Business.  An educated citizenry is fundamental to securing a free and flourishing society.  Innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial endeavors are transforming education in many ways.  This panel examines common myths about learning and the provision of education, highlights the great entrepreneurial efforts to improve its quality and accessibility, and explores what the future holds in providing an education that secures creative opportunity, growth, and fulfillment for everyone. Bio | Sal Khan  Bio | Betsy DeVos  Bio | Jeff Sandefer  America's Public Schools: Crisis and Cure - Chapter 1  What’s driving the decline of religion in America? Secular education  A silver lining in the Golden State's school shutdowns  The Myth of a Value-Free Education  The Entrepreneur as Servant  The Biblical Case for Entrepreneurship  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberal Arts Education is a classical academic discipline that focuses on educating the whole person and is rooted in a lifelong study of transcendent, interdisciplinary knowledge. In June 2021, Dr. Margarita Mooney, an associate Professor in the Department of Practical Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and Executive Director of the Scala Foundation, published her book “The Love of Learning: Seven Dialogues on the Liberal Arts” to promote liberal arts education for the improvement of education and human virtue. In this episode, Dr. Mooney discusses the purpose of a classical education, its preservation of moral virtue and human goodness, and its place in schools and society. Some schools and universities have built their base curriculum from a foundation of the Liberal Arts, while other individual teachers and professors are swimming against the stream by promoting its ideals: the pursuit of holistic, transformative knowledge, in their classroom. “The Love of Learning” tells the story of seven scholars who fell in love with learning, explores the roots that the Liberal Arts has in Western Tradition, and considers the beauty it offers our contemporary education. It also offers discussion questions between chapters to foster discussion in reading groups or for personal reflection. The Love of Learning: Seven Dialogues on the Liberal Arts  Liberal Arts Education in a Free Society  About Margarita Mooney  Scala Foundation  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Along with more than half a million American deaths, lockdowns and federal mandates, the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it unprecedented government spending and economic disruption. In this episode, Acton Institute’s research fellows, Dan Hugger and Dylan Pahman evaluate the economic and moral implications of the COVID relief bill. In March 2021, the Biden administration passed a 1.9 trillion dollar COVID stimulus package to provide monetary aid for the American people under the guise of a “COVID relief bill”. However, a little less than 9% of this bill directly targets public health relief. In a live economy, how does this amount of government spending shape the future of America? Hugger and Pahman discuss the true purpose of a stimulus package, the Biden administration’s COVID relief bill itself and its effect on the future economy, how the American people should react morally, and if stimulus checks could have been rolled out in a more effective way. Will the fiscal legacy of the massive COVID relief bill remain or can America get back on track? Three core principles to evaluate the coronavirus stimulus  Parenting after the pandemic: More freedom, less ‘safetyism’  States’ rights, federal behavior: Alabama and COVID-19 spending Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cultural American ideologies, which were historically influenced by Christian beliefs, have continued to deteriorate throughout the years. Faith in politics, rather than having a theological perspective, continues to grow aggressively. While our country is greatly divided, American culture turns to ideological politics for a solution. Shadi Hamid, senior fellow at the center of middle east policy at the Brookings Institution calls it, “religion without religion” in an article titled, "America without God," published in the Atlantic. America without God  Islamic Exceptionalism: How the Struggle Over Islam Is Reshaping the World  Lyman Stone on the decline of religiosity in the United States  What’s driving the decline of religion in America? Secular education  Pastors less concerned as religious liberty declined: Poll  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We bring you a conversation between Acton’s Director of Communications, Eric Kohn, and the Jack Miller Family Foundation’s Director of Freedom Initiatives, Rabbi Jonathan Greenberg. In this episode, they discuss a new surge in antisemitic violence in America as tensions between Israel and Gaza continue to grow. Jews have been beaten in broad daylight, synagogues have been vandalized, pro-Israel demonstrations have resulted in riots, and major cities across the Unites States have experienced explosive growth in antisemitic attacks. Journalist Bari Weiss wrote in her new article, “We saw them on Thursday, when pro-Palestinian protesters threw an explosive device into a crowd of Jews in New York’s Diamond District. We saw them on Wednesday, when two men were attacked outside a bagel shop in midtown Manhattan. We saw them on Tuesday, at a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood, when a group of men draped in keffiyehs asked the diners who was Jewish, and then pummeled them. And in a parking lot not far away, when two cars draped in Palestinian flags roared after an Orthodox man fleeing for his life. And in the story of the American soccer player Luca Lewis, cornered by a band of men in New York demanding to know if he was a Jew.” How did this happen, and why is this hate becoming a trend?  How to Fight Anti-Semitism: Bari Weiss   The New Furies of the Oldest Hatred  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   National Review: Action Institute's Father Robert Sirico Cautions Against Despair  Chilling video captures the moment socialism morphs into anti-Semitism  Terror in New York: Is anti-Semitism on the rise?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We bring you a conversation between Acton’s Director of Communications Eric Kohn and Congressman Peter Meijer, who took office in January as the representative for Michigan’s 3rd congressional district, and recently visited the Acton Building. They discuss bipartisanship, leadership, the often counterintuitive incentive structure that exists in the US Congress and much more. Representative Peter Meijer Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does hard work pay off? Do workers enjoy the fruits of their labor? Can a child living in poverty grow up to be financially successful? These are the questions Dr. Michael R. Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, answers in his new book, The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It). Populists on both sides of the political aisle routinely announce that the American Dream is dead. According to them, the game has been rigged by elites, workers can’t get ahead, wages have been stagnant for decades, and the middle class is dying.  This rhetoric is dangerous and wrong. Dr. Strain shows that on measures of economic opportunity and quality of life, there has never been a better time to be alive in America. Markets, populism and a fading American dream – Acton Institute PowerBlog  The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It) - Book AEI - American Enterprise Institute  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police reform, police training, foot pursuit policy, how to comply, lack of parenthood, and why we are so preoccupied with race. It’s been a year since the death of George Floyd and a lot has changed and a lot hasn’t. Dr. Anthony Bradley from King’s College presents effective solutions on how we can promote human flourishing in black communities. Acton Line podcast: Anthony Bradley on George Floyd, police reform, and riots  When police get it wrong (repeatedly): The rule of law and police reform  How Christians should think about racism and police brutality  Derek Chauvin guilty, but riots will hurt Minneapolis for generations  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acton Line brings you a conversation with Dylan Pahman and Alexander Salter. Pahman is a research fellow here at Acton Institute and serves as executive editor of our Journal of Markets and Morality. Salter is an associate professor of economics at Texas Tech University, and research fellow of the university's Free Market Institute.  In this episode they discuss the relationship between money and liberty. In his article, The American Tradition of Ordered Liberty, Salter writes that “The United States is an experiment both in revolutionary freedom and communal virtue. In other words, our public institutions reflect an ongoing quest for ordered liberty. Without understanding the sources of ordered liberty, we cannot come to grips with our own institutions.” This “source of ordered liberty” is found in the four pillars that Russell Kirk writes of in his book, Roots of The American Order. The first pillar is Jerusalem where we derive our Judeo-Christian tradition. The second is Athens with our classical Greek intellectual tradition. Third, is Rome, giving us our Roman legal tradition, and the fourth is London — our English constitutional tradition.  “Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London — these are the antecedents of ordered liberty in America. Each tradition left its mark on American social and political institutions, and continues to influence them today.” The American Tradition of Ordered Liberty – AIER  Money and the Rule of Law - Salter’s book Free Market Institute   Reading Russell Kirk – Acton Institute PowerBlog  Sirico on Russell Kirk and populism – Acton Institute PowerBlog  Video: Samuel Gregg on Russell Kirk’s contributions to conservatism  The History of Freedom in Antiquity - Lord Acton Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re bringing you a conversation between our director of communications, Eric Kohn, and Nate Hochman about young conservatives and what’s happening today on the young right. Nate is a Publius Fellow at the Claremont Institute, a previous contributor to Acton’s Religion & Liberty magazine, and, in my opinion, one of the sharpest and most interesting voices among the young conservatives out there. This episode is a little different from previous episodes of Acton Line in that it’s much more a conversation between Nate and Eric than the typical interview we host. We hope that you find it interesting and revealing about where some of the intellectual energy is amongst young conservatives, what’s informing how they see the world, the state of the nation and of American culture, and how they think our national political and cultural problems should be addressed. Toward a Conservative Environmentalism - Nate Hochman  Nate Hochman on Twitter (@njhochman) Is Critical Race Theory un-American? Rise of the national conservatives with Matthew Continetti  The particular genius of conservatism  The Virtue of Liberalism  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we speak with Helen Raleigh on her new book, Backlash: How China’s Aggression has Backfired. This book sets out to provide a comprehensive overview of China’s domestic and international aggressions and how they overplayed their hand. We discuss China’s actions in the South China Sea, their cultural tyranny with their social credit system, oppressive international trade, and their handling of the Covid-19 outbreak.  Raleigh was born and raised in communist China, and has 1st hand experience of the cultural and political changes and the socialist experiments that millions of Chinese people had to endure - including her family. In her book she writes, “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) likes to compare itself to the sun. The party has wielded the power to determine the life and death of over one billion people for more than seventy years and is resolved to maintain such control for many more years to come. No matter how many skyscrapers arise in China, no matter how much China’s economy has shifted to depend on international trade and access to international markets, the nature of the Chinese Communist Party has never changed and it never will.”  There are ongoing protests in Hong Kong, and an overwhelming international distrust in the CCP. The United States future with China is a great unknown with a new administration in the White House.  Backlash: How China's Aggression Has Backfired - Book The Coming Global Backlash against China - Helen Raleigh   Helen Raleigh on how China is destroying Hong Kong's freedom - Acton Line Helen Raleigh on how Communist China's coverup caused a pandemic - Acton Line   Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Smith once said, “Every man, as long as he does not violate the laws of justice, is left perfectly free to pursue his own interest in his own way, and to bring both his industry and capital into competition with those of any other man.” In this episode, Acton brings you a conversation with political scientist and scholar, Dr. Donald Devine and Eric Kohn, director of communications here at the Acton Institute. Devine’s new book, The Enduring Tension: Capitalism and the Moral Order, is a much needed commentary on the sustaining nature of morality and the free market.  Devine states that in order for free markets to thrive, there are two missing components: morality and tradition. In his book, Devine writes, “The moral assumptions of the Western traditional mythos, in which individuals have been created free and equal, are indispensable to legitimizing a pluralist, federalist, traditionalist, capitalist society with free markets and localized powers under a limited central state — a society where liberty and order coexist in creative tension. If its legitimizing source is forgotten or denied, civilization will likely fail.” If our culture continues toward this steep path of socialism, what is left is an oppressive bureaucracy, and a centralized totalitarian government. Devine writes that what truly sustains humanity derives from Judeo-Christian beliefs, beginning with the initial doctrine of God who made us in His own image, endowing us with a moral worth that exists permanently in every person. This was the faith of the American Founders. The Fund for American Studies - Donald Devine  The Enduring Tension: capitalism and the moral order  Journal of Markets & Morality Is there an intrinsic morality of the free market? - Acton Commentary   Free-market Economics - Acton Research  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acton Line brings you a conversation with theologians Darrell Bock and Jonathan Armstrong, and Dan Churchwell -- Acton’s director of program outreach. In this episode, they discuss the pros and cons of virtual reality and its impact on Christian worship. Bock and Armstrong recognize that the world is changing faster each day as we discover new ways of navigating this seemingly infinite digital space. According to the World Economic Forum, we are entering into a Fourth Industrial Age. This age is characterized by a fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.  In their book, Virtual Reality Church, Bock and Armstrong layout a strategy on how to joyfully communicate the teachings of Jesus Christ through disruptive technologies in this new digital age. They examine how this can affect how we worship in person, but also how we can leverage virtual reality to evangelize the Christian faith where many are persecuted. Virtual Reality Church is a guide on how to integrate revolutionary technologies into our everyday Christian life to be better evangelizers.  Virtual Reality Church  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the difference between propriety and virtue, and how does this relate to the constant abuse of free speech we see today? According to economist and philosopher, Adam Smith, propriety is the extent to which our actions accord with social expectations; which themselves are subjective and you could say are relationally determined. Virtue, on the other hand, is the extent to which an action is well-intended and the extent to which it produces that intended result.    Acton Line brings you a conversation with Acton Institute’s Dylan Pahman, research fellow, and Eric Kohn, director of communications.  Pahman is also the managing editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality, a peer reviewed academic journal published by The Acton Institute, that promotes intellectual exploration of the relationship between economics and morality from both a social science and theological perspective.    In this episode, they discuss free speech, the cancel culture, and the difference between propriety and virtue. Journal of Markets & Morality  Clobbering free speech with the Constitution  The constitutional way to defeat cancel culture  The solution to ‘cancel culture’ is true community Why do we embrace ‘cancel culture’? Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are bringing you a conversation with Trent Horn, staff apologist for Catholic Answers, and Eric Kohn, the director of communications here at Acton. In this episode, they discuss Horn’s new book, Can a Catholic be a Socialist? Horn explains that, “Societal injustices are the result of deeper moral evils like greed, envy, indifference, and selfishness. However, simply reordering society so people aren’t poor can’t eliminate these vices (and doesn’t solve poverty, either).”  Some Catholics who claim to be socialists look at government as an altruistic solution - if done correctly - to solve all the world's problems with their infinite resources and boundless regulation. This simply just isn't the case. Horn writes that “Governments are really just groups of individuals who have been given weighty responsibilities. Those individuals are not immune to the effects of vice; in fact, the temptations that government officials face make them more susceptible to sin and the magnitude of the problems they face make them more prone to error." According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, socialism is dangerous. Government interference can and will threaten individual freedom and liberty. The Church teaches the principle of “subsidiarity,” which “opposes all forms of collectivism. It sets limits for state intervention. It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies. It tends toward the establishment of true international order.” We must work towards building a free and virtuous society. As long as humans are running our governments, there will be no “utopia.” The solution is not an overarching government, the solution starts and ends in our homes, where we build virtuous families, and care for our communities. As Horn puts it, “so we can have confidence and peace that in applying ourselves with hard work and diligence we can joyfully participate in God’s co-creation—a task we are urged to take up for the good of our families and our communities.”   Can a Catholic be a Socialist? Is Raphael Warnock right that ‘the early church was a socialist church’?  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Acton Institute president and co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico joins John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, to discuss Mackey’s new book, “Conscious Leadership.” This conversation was part of Acton Institute’s Business Matters online conference. Leading experts and CEOs discussed the current challenges, and ethical principles needed for businesses to thrive in the midst of COVID-19, civil unrest, and political turmoil. A conscious leader, as Mackey defines it, is one who’s more conscious of their purpose, emotions, and what motivates them to move forward in a successful direction with their business. He says that “business people create the most value in the world more so than any government in history.” A conscious leader creates value for their customers, employees, suppliers, investors, and communities. He furthers his point by saying that “there should be no contradiction between purpose and profit, as they belong together.” Mackey, also the author of “Conscious Capitalism”, explains the benefits provided to society by entrepreneurs and the free market, while also discussing engaging topics like the effects of raising the federal minimum wage, Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods, and more. Business Matters 2021 playlist Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business  Conscious Capitalism and the Higher Purpose of Business  Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are bringing you a conversation with Stephanie Slade, the managing editor of Reason Magazine, and Eric Kohn, the director of communications here at Acton. In this episode they discuss the philosophy of fusionism.    Slade writes that Fusionism is the marriage of two value sets: liberty & virtue. “Liberty - in the classical sense of freedom from aggression, coercion, and fraud; and virtue - in the Judeo-Christian sense of submission to God's commands.” In this unifying value set, we can see fusionism as a “distinct philosophical orientation unto itself.”   Rather than a tug of war between two philosophies which we see played out today, fusionism introduces the idea that liberty and virtue should have never been separated. With Fusionism, we see this unbreakable bond between these two philosophies. Thus people can freely choose to live out their individual rights and freely live out the teachings of Christianity.   The founding fathers believed that virtue and liberty were, according to Slade, “Mutually reinforcing—and that neither could survive long without the other. A free society depends on a virtuous populace.”   The question we explore in this episode is this: If a free society requires morality, how do we live virtuously in an age that rejects it?  Stephanie Slade - Reason Magazine Is There a Future for Fusionism? - Stephanie Slade The Future of Fusionism - Jordan Ballor Fusionism and Western Civ - Jordan Ballor Free marketers should take social conservatives’ concerns more seriously - Sam Gregg The Conservative Fight over the Size of Government - Sam Gregg Will-to-power conservatism with Stephanie Slade - Acton Line Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To listen to economic nationalists, national conservatives and certain politicians, you would believe that we’re in a period of mass deindustrialization. Employment in American manufacturing has been declining since the early 1980s. And manufacturing’s share of the economy has been declining since 1970. These trends, they argue, pose not just social and economic challenges to the country, but national security challenges, as well. The response from some political leaders in Washington is arguments for increased economic protectionism, tariffs, and subsidies to shore up the American manufacturing sector and the support people who work in it. But is deindustrialization really happening? In this episode, we speak with Scott Lincicome, senior fellow in economic studies at the Cato Institute, about his new paper: “Manufactured Crisis: ‘Deindustrialization,’ Free Markets, and National Security.” In it, Lincicome argues that the data paint a picture of the American economy and manufacturing base that is strong and resilient, even as it and the larger economy undergo disruptions, the consequences of which are in most cases beneficial, and in other cases better addressed by policy choices other than protectionism. Scott Lincicome - Cato Institute Manufactured Crisis: “Deindustrialization,” Free Markets, and National Security - Scott Lincicome Busting the ‘Deindustrialization’ Myth - Scott Lincicome Tariffs (That Biden Won’t Remove) Threaten the U.S. Manufacturing Recovery (That Biden Wants) - Scott Lincicome Scott Lincicome on how free trade benefits everyone - Acton Line Scott Lincicome on how free traders crippled the free trade consensus - Acton Lecture Series Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On February 17, 2021, conservative radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh passed away at the age of 70. From his humble origins as a rock music DJ in Cape Girardeau, MO, Rush rose to become one of the most recognizable names and voices in radio history, media history and of the modern American political scene. Enabled by the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, The Rush Limbaugh Show went national in 1988, bringing Rush and his “Excellence in Broadcasting” network to radios from coast to coast. At its peak, the program was heard on over 600 radio stations and attracted more than 20 million listeners a week.A cheerleader for conservative causes, Rush was no stranger to controversy. Indeed, in many ways he courted it by, in his own words, illustrating absurdity by being absurd. In doing so, he inspired derision from his opponents as well as the loyalty of his listening audience. What is the significance of Rush Limbaugh to American conservatism and what influence did he have our modern political culture? In this episode, we talk with Matthew Continetti, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about Rush’s legacy and his place in conservative history and conservative politics. Matthew Continetti - American Enterprise Institute Rush Limbaugh, RIP: 6 quotations on socialism, the Founding Fathers, and life - Rev. Ben Johnson Rush Limbaugh on clergy who accept socialism - Rev. Ben Johnson Rise of the national conservatives with Matthew Continetti - Acton Line Register for Business Matters 2021 Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and governments across the country ordered most businesses closed, people have increasingly turned to online services like Amazon to meet their needs. As a result, Amazon’s sales soared as the company reported a 37% increase in revenue in the third quarter of 2020, with total revenues north of $96 billion. This, in turn, has led to some increased scrutiny on people like outgoing Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, whose personal net worth increased by at least $28 billion since the onset of the pandemic. Voices like former Clinton administration labor secretary Robert Reich have pointed to this growth in personal wealth, complaining that despite this massive increase in their personal wealth, they have refused to provide paid sick leave, raises, hazard pay, and more to their employees, who are all suffering real hardships. But is this an accurate picture of what is happening? In this episode, we speak with David Hebert, director of the Center for Markets, Ethics and Entrepreneurship and chair of the economics department at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. Hebert argues that people like Reich misunderstand, purposefully or not, what this “accumulation of wealth” means to both Bezos personally and to a company like Amazon, and how it has been a benefit to consumers and workers alike. David Hebert - Aquinas College COVID-19 pandemic economics - Acton Line COVID-19 and crony capitalism - Noah Gould Register for Business Matters 2021 Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we look around the country and the world, we see towering barriers are holding millions of people back, and institutions that should help everyone rise that are not doing the job. We see crumbling communities and one-size fits all education. Businesses rig the economy. Public policy stifles opportunity and emboldens the extremes. As a result, this country is quickly heading toward a two-tiered society. People are looking for a better way. In the new book, “Believe in People: Bottom-Up Solutions for the Top-Down World,” authors Brian Hooks and Charles Koch contend that today’s challenges call for nothing short of a paradigm shift – away from a top-down approach that sees people as problems to be managed, toward bottom-up solutions that empower everyone to realize their potential and foster a more inclusive society. Such a shift starts by asking: What would it mean to truly believe in people? In this episode, we speak with Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together and co-author of “Believe in People.” In the book, Hooks and Koch maintain that the only way to solve the really big problems – from poverty and addiction to harmful business practices and destructive public policy – is for each and every one of us to find and take action in our unique role as part of the solution. Brian Hooks - Stand Together Believe in People - Charles Koch & Brian Hooks Register for Business Matters 2021 Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the course of two weeks in January 2021, the stock price for GameStop – the brick-and-mortar video game retailer – rose by a shocking 1,500 percent. Suddenly, a handful of hedge funds who had shorted GameStop’s stock, betting that the stock price would go down, found themselves the victim of what’s called a short squeeze. What made this wild ride on Wall Street different is that the short squeeze was organized and coordinated by retail traders, primarily on online chat forms like Reddit and Discord, and executed on retail, commission-free investing apps like RobinHood.  What actually happened in the GameStop short squeeze? Are there are identifiable heroes and villains in this story? In what way is this a financial manifestation of our populist political moment? And, how particularly should Christians think about this market rollercoaster? In this episode, we talk with David Bahnsen – the founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group – to simply and clearly explain the GameStop story, and what is likely to come of it. David Bahnsen - The Bahnsen Group Dividend Cafe - The Bahnsen Group Capital Record Podcast - David Bahnsen Sirico & Bahnsen: Liberty & Morality in the Midst of Crisis - Acton Institute Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The question of how to reconcile our faith and our work is a permanent challenge after the fall into sin.  In the Hebrew scriptures we read that God judges Adam: “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.” Recent years have seen a reinvigorated discussion, and even a broad movement, focused on the intersection of faith and work in the modern world.  What does our worship have to do with our work? And what might our work have to do with our worship?  Today, Acton senior research fellow Jordan Ballor talks with the coauthors of a new book focused on these questions. Matthew Kaemingk is assistant professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary and Cory Willson is Jake and Betsy Tuls Associate Professor of Missiology and Missional Ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary, and together they are the authors of Work and Worship: Reconnecting Our Labor and Liturgy. Matthew Kaemingk - Fuller Theological Seminary Cory Willson - Calvin Theological Seminary Work and Worship - Matthew Kaemingk & Cory Willson Get Your Hands Dirty: Essays on Christian Social Thought (and Action) - Jordan Ballor Work: The Meaning of Your Life - Lester DeKoster Faithful in All God's House - Gerard Berghoef Matthew Kaemingk and Cory B. Willson on Work and Worship - Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Wisdom and Work: Perspectives on Human Labor from Ecclesiastes - J. Daryl Charles Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past several years, American institutions have faced challenges that have placed an enormous amount of stress and strain on them. Some of those challenges have been emergent phenomenon, while other challenges have been intentionally inflicted by political actors.  In addition to the institutions themselves faltering for their own internal reasons, and in some senses being fed by that faltering, the American people have lost confidence in the legitimacy of government, business, media, and more.  The downstream effects of this institutional crisis and loss of confidence have been higher than usual embraces of conspiracy theories and other forms of unreality. The January 6th riot at the United States Capitol was a striking and vivid example of the consequences of these problems. In this episode, Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute and the editor of National Affairs, explains these institutional crises, the failures of political leadership in this populist age, the growing embrace of forms of unreality, and what can be done about it. Yuval Levin - American Enterprise Institute National Affairs Failures of Leadership in a Populist Age - Yuval Levin (National Review) Trump's rebellion against reality - Yuval Levin (The Dispatch) The four cultural crises revealed by the D.C. riots - Rev. Ben Johnson (Acton Institute) Yuval Levin on why trust in institutions is declining - Acton Line Yuval Levin on the search for solidarity in the age of Trump - Acton Lecture Series Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re bringing you another conversation from our recent Poverty Cure Summit. The Poverty Cure Summit provided an opportunity for participants to listen to scholars, human service providers, and practitioners address the most critical issues we face today which can either exacerbate or alleviate poverty. These speakers discussed the legal, economic, social, and technological issues pertaining to both domestic and global poverty. Rooted in foundational principles of anthropology, politics, natural law, and economics, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and identify practical means to reduce it and promote human flourishing. In this conversation, moderator Scot Bertram talks with Anne Rathbone Bradley, the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and the academic director at The Fund for American Studies, and Iain Murray, vice president for strategy and senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and author of the recent book, “The Socialist Temptation.” They discuss the reasons why socialism is not an effective method for reducing poverty and helping the poor regain their dignity.  Highlighting the inconsistencies in thought that prevent it from ever working in practice, the panel addresses why socialism seems to be an attractive option to some young Americans and how economic freedom can point the way toward a more prosperous country for all. Anne Rathbone Bradley - The Fund for American Studies Iain Murray - Competitive Enterprise Institute Scot Bertram - Hillsdale College The Socialist Temptation - Iain Murray Anne Rathbone Bradley on eliminating poverty through economic freedom - Acton Line Anne Rathbone Bradley on why Christians must support economic freedom - Acton Lecture Series The socialist temptation with Iain Murray - Acton Line Poverty Cure Summit Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a rebroadcast that originally aired in March of 2019, but holds incredible relevance to conversations we’re still having today. This conversation with Tim Carney, editor at the Washington Examiner and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, explores the subject matter of his 2019 book, “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse."  To the extent that the "American Dream" is fading away in parts of the country, the problem isn't pure economics. Nor is it a case of stubborn old white men falling behind because they refuse embrace progress. Carney argues that the root cause of our problems – crumbling families, despair, and political dysfunction – is the erosion of community and local, civil institutions, most especially church. The result of a secularizing country is a plague of alienation for the working class, as people struggle to build families and improve their lives without the support structure they need. Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse - Tim Carney Video: Tim Carney On The Threat To Liberty From Big Business More churches, more flourishing: The secret to success in middle America - Joseph Sunde Lyman Stone on the decline of religiosity in the United States - Acton Line Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a challenging year. A global pandemic, violent unrest in the streets of major American cities, and a divisive presidential election have all challenged us in different ways, testing the strength of civil society and institutions at both the local and national level Throughout the year, Acton’s president and co-founder, Rev. Robert Sirico, has offered commentary on these events as they unfolded. Now, at the end of the year, Rev. Sirico reflects on the year as it comes to a close, to see how we handled the unique trials we encountered in our public life in 2020, and how the principles articulated by the Acton Institute guided us through these trying times and will continue to provide a mechanism for gaining understanding and perspective on our world in 2021. Rev. Robert Sirico's COVID-19 commentaries Rev. Robert Sirico on the Grand Rapids riots Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social capital – the capacity of people to cooperate towards common aims – is an indispensable element of a free and prosperous society yet many studies demonstrate that it has been steadily eroded in recent decades. Social pathologies such as the breakdown of the family, addiction, and deaths of despair are strongly correlated with weakening social ties and norms. The decline in social capital has had devastating real world consequences. In this episode, Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Maryann and Barry Keating, authors of the new book Rebuilding Social Capital, about the idea of social capital, its erosion, how economics and Catholic Social Teaching help to clarify the concept, and what their new research suggests is the path forward to rebuilding social capital. Rebuilding Social Capital at Acton Book Shop - Maryann & Barry Keating Excerpt from Rebuilding Social Capital - Maryann & Barry Keating Centesimus annus   Gaudium et Spes   Mater et Magistra ‘Values of Americans: A Study of Ethics and Character, Harris Interactive Report Produces by Boy Scouts of America Youth and Family Research Center’ ‘4-H Experiences Contributing to Leadership and Personal Development of 4-H Alumni’ ‘From Mutual Aid to Welfare State: How Fraternal Societies Fought Poverty and Taught Character’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re bringing you another conversation from our recent Poverty Cure Summit. The Poverty Cure Summit provided an opportunity for participants to listen to scholars, human service providers, and practitioners address the most critical issues we face today which can either exacerbate or alleviate poverty. These speakers discussed the legal, economic, social, and technological issues pertaining to both domestic and global poverty. Rooted in foundational principles of anthropology, politics, natural law, and economics, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and identify practical means to reduce it and promote human flourishing. In this conversation, moderator Al Kresta talks with Baroness Philippa Stroud, CEO of the Legatum Institute, and Anne Rathbone Bradley, the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and the academic director at The Fund for American Studies, about poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.  For decades, the number of individuals living in extreme poverty across the globe has fallen. Yet last month, the World Bank reported that COVID-19 could add approximately 100 million people to the ranks of those in extreme poverty by the end of 2020. The panelists examine how the pandemic has impacted poverty reduction efforts and how the marketplace has responded to the pandemic. Baroness Philippa Stroud - Legatum Institute Anne Bradley - The Fund for American Studies Poverty Cure Summit - Access now on-demand for only $19 How to rebuild the economy after COVID-19 - Richard Turnbull A free-market agenda for rebuilding from the coronavirus - Henrik Rasmussen Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 2nd, 2020, the economist Walter E. Williams passed away at the age of 84. Williams worked his way out of grinding poverty in the Philadelphia housing projects to chair George Mason University’s economics department. Over his career he authored 10 books and more than 150 other publications, and become one of the most recognized commentators on our American public life of the last four decades. Williams spread his message of racial equality, the dignity of work, and the morality of capitalism through his syndicated newspaper column, PBS documentaries, and frequent radio and TV appearances. In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Williams from 2014 for the Acton Institute’s podcast, then called Radio Free Acton.  Host Paul Edwards discusses with Williams the significance of Frederic Bastiat’s classic publication The Law, and the insights into modern America that come from reading that classic defense of limited government, authentic justice and human freedom. At that time, Williams had just penned a new introduction to The Law, which he said “created order in my thinking about liberty and just human conduct.” Walter Williams, RIP - Rev. Ben Johnson Ten quotes from economist Walter E. Williams - Sarah Stanley On liberty's moral superiority (Walter Williams interview in Religion & Liberty) Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Common Grace is both a theological doctrine within the reformed tradition and the title of a truly monumental book discussing the doctrine by the theologian and statesmen Abraham Kuyper. It is grace from God that is common to all of mankind distinct from both the special grace by which God redeems, sanctifies, and glorifies his people as well as the gift of creation itself. Kuyper puts it this way, “Common grace issues from God, and from God come all the means that we humans must apply to oppose sin and its consequences in curse and misery.” But it is God himself who leads us to find the means and instructs us how to use them. And it is precisely the latter that is forgotten. The human inventor of the electric light and electric motor is extolled, but God, who led Edison to discover it, is passed over. Today, Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Jordan Ballor, senior research fellow and director of publishing at the Acton Institute and General Editor of the twelve volume Abraham Kuyper: Collected Works in Public Theology, about Kuyper’s exploration of the doctrine in his monumental work Common Grace.  The third and final volume of this work, jointly published by Lexham Press and the Acton Institute, has recently been published in English translation. Jordan J. Ballor, PhD at Acton Institute Common Grace: God's Gifts for a Fallen World, Volume 3 The Abraham Kuyper Collection Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week’s episode, we’re bringing you a conversation that was a part of Acton’s recent Poverty Cure Summit. The Poverty Cure Summit provided an opportunity for participants to listen to scholars, human service providers, and practitioners address the most critical issues we face today which can either exacerbate or alleviate poverty. These speakers discussed the legal, economic, social, and technological issues pertaining to both domestic and global poverty. Rooted in foundational principles of anthropology, politics, natural law, and economics, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and identify practical means to reduce it and promote human flourishing. In this conversation, Acton’s Michael Matheson Miller spoke with Ismael Hernandez (executive director of The Freedom & Virtue Institute) and Peter Greer (president & CEO of HOPE International) to examine the challenge of poverty in the US and internationally, and the most effective ways to think about poverty in light of the transcendent dignity of the human person.  Poverty Cure Summit Ismael Hernandez - The Freedom & Virtue Institute Peter Greer - HOPE International Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1958, in the wake of the Soviet Union launching Sputnik 1 – the world’s first artificial satellite – into space, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act into law. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, was born. And the space race was underway. In the following decades, the world would see the first man in space, the first spacewalk, and astronauts landing on the surface of the moon. Across eight different programs, the United States would fly 239 space missions, with 135 of those representing the space shuttle program. On August 31, 2011, the United States’ shuttle program was officially ended, and the United States government was out of the business of space exploration and travel. Today, private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin are leading the way into the final frontier. Elon Musk has announced his plan is to have 1 million people living in a colony on Mars by the year 2050.  As a new space race to settle on Mars and, perhaps, beyond takes flight, significant ethical questions remain unclear and unanswered.  Today, we talk with Joel Sercel, an entrepreneur and space technologist, who argues that we need to start building international consensus on questions surrounding bioethics, property rights, laws governing space travel and space settlements, and stewardship of God’s creation outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. Subscribe to Acton Institute Events podcast TransAstra Corp Would Kuyper go to Mars? - Dylan Pahman The frontier spirit of ‘The Martian’ - Dylan Pahman The stewardship of space - Jordan Ballor The new space capitalists - Jordan Ballor The cultural mandate and the final frontier - Dylan Pahman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death in May of 2020, people took to social media to advocate for causes stemming from that horrible incident. Ranging from simply expressing “Black Lives Matter” to posting a black square on Instagram on a designated day and everything in between, an expectation that everyone must make a statement seemed to emerge. It was an expectation that was extended beyond individuals, as major corporations and sports teams were also expected to make a statement of solidarity. Those that didn’t, or who didn’t act quickly enough, were pilloried online. The age of woke capitalism is upon us. This woke capitalism can take other forms besides expressions of solidarity with social causes, such as Nike recalling Betsy Ross flag-themed shoes after activists raged that the flag represents slavery or the increasing frequency of anti-racism training sessions as work requirements. But, as Acton’s director of research Sam Gregg argues, woke capitalism is inherently in conflict with the nature and the ends of business. What is causing the rise of woke capitalism? What’s the impact that it is having on the world of business and on society as a whole? And what can be done about it? Sam Gregg joins us to discuss.  Dr. Sam Gregg at the Acton Institute How Woke Capitalism Corrupts Business - Sam Gregg When the Market Meets Morality - William McGurn 6 quotes: Milton Friedman on woke capitalism, racism, and equality - Rev. Ben Johnson ‘Woke’ NBA kowtows to Chinese communists - Dan Hugger The social responsibility of Chick-fil-A is to make delicious sandwiches - Dylan Pahman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States is consumed with questions regarding race, the legacy of slavery, and the nature of social justice. Where are people of faith to turn? For most of the last two thousand years Christians have believed that God deals with nations as nations and enters into closer relations with societies that claim him as Lord. This belief in the national covenant, only recently out of fashion, is where Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. turned when faced with such questions in their own time. In this episode Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Gerald McDermott, the editor of the new book Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation, about the idea of national covenant in scripture, history, and contemporary American society and how a revitalization of this idea could help lead to racial reconciliation. Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation - Gerald McDermott Excerpt from Race and Covenant - Gerald McDermott Misunderstanding Race and the Bible - Gerald McDermott Race and Redemption - Gerald McDermott Wanted: Pastors with Courage - Gerald McDermott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October 14, 2020, the New York Post published an expose on former Vice President and current Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, headlined, “Smoking-gun email reveals how Hunter Biden introduced Ukrainian businessman to VP dad.” Shortly after the article’s publication, the ability to share the link to the story was limited and, in some cases, prohibited by Facebook and Twitter, with those social media companies alleging that the content was unreliable, unverified, or was prohibited for containing hacked information.  This incident has provoked the latest round of calls for reform or repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. The U.S. Senate has subpoenaed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to appear before a hearing to examine the New York Post incident.  Senator Ken Buck, R-Colo., said “condemnation is not enough. It’s time to reform Section 230.” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called Section 230 “a gift” and “a subsidy from the taxpayers to big tech.” And Sen. Josh Hawley, R.-Mo., has introduced legislation that would allow Americans to file lawsuits against “big tech” companies who breach good faith user agreements by censoring political speech or suppressing content. What is Section 230? What does it actually say? What role did it play in creating the modern internet? And what would happen if it were changed or repealed? In this episode Scott Lincicome, an international trade attorney and a Senior Fellow in Economic Studies at the Cato Institute, discusses the issues surrounding Section 230. Scott Lincicome - Cato Institute Capitolism newsletter at The Dispatch - Scott Lincicome (paywall) 47 U.S. Code § 230 Fine, Let's Talk About Section 230 - Scott Lincicome (paywall) Defending the Indispensable - Matthew Feeny Is social media the source of our social problems? - Dan Hugger Social media censorship: Regulation or innovation? - Ed Morrow Religion & Liberty Vol. 30 No. 1 on social media - Acton Institute Should social media companies be treated like publishers and broadcasters? - Hunter Baker Using social media for good with Daniel Darling - Acton Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his article in the June 2020 issue of the Journal of Institutional Economics, Dr. P.J. Hill, who served as the George F. Bennett Professor of Economics at Wheaton College until his retirement in 2011, begins by saying, “in any discussion of the beginning of modern economic growth, the concept of the rule of law plays a crucial role," and that, "the lack of such an order is the fundamental cause of the failure of nations." But where did the foundations of the rule of law come from?   Hill argues that the current theories about the origin of the rule of law, while useful, are also incomplete. According to Hill, the Jewish and Christian concept of all human beings being created in God’s image is an important, but often overlooked, contributor to the rule of law in Western civilization. Today, Acton’s Dan Churchwell is joined by Dr. P.J. Hill to discuss his research article, “The religious origins of the rule of law,” the way beliefs affect institutions in general, and how the beliefs of the Christian and Jewish faith traditions in particular were crucial to the establishment of the rule of law.  Dr. P.J. Hill at Wheaton College The religious origins of the rule of law - P.J. Hill P.J. Hill on the social power of markets - Joseph Sunde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October 3rd, 2020, Pope Francis released the third encyclical letter of his pontificate: Fratelli Tutti. Literally translated as “Brothers all,” Fratelli Tutti is a call from Pope Francis for more human fraternity and solidarity. In it, Francis addresses a number of topics, including racism, immigration, capital punishment, war, politics and economics. In addressing economic issues, Francis warns against “financial speculation,” cautions that “not everything can be resolved by market freedom,” and denounces the “dogma of neoliberal faith.” It is with these economic issues that, in his article reviewing Fratelli Tutti for Catholic World Report, Acton’s Dr. Samuel Gregg sees “economic caricatures roam[ing] throughout Francis’s documents.” In this episode, Acton Institute president and co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico and Acton’s director of research Dr. Samuel Gregg discuss Fratelli Tutti in general, and in particular the economic concerns raised therein. Fratelli Tutti - Pope Francis Fratelli Tutti is a familiar mixture of dubious claims, strawmen, genuine insights - Samuel Gregg Rev. Robert Sirico responds to Laudato Si [video] - Rev. Robert Sirico Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy - Rev. Robert Sirico Reason, Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilization - Samuel Gregg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his article in the September 21st edition of National Review, “Toward a conservative environmentalism,” Nate Hochman says, “conservatism and conservation aren’t usually thought of as congruent; in fact, for the better part of a half century, many Americans have seen the two as antithetical.” Indeed, environmentalism generally, aspects of it like concern over global warming or climate change, and the various proposed methods of addressing those problems, like the Green New Deal, have been associated with or come from the political left. But, according to Hochman, environmentalism need not be a partisan issue or a cause owned by only one ideology.  What does a conservative environmentalism look like? How can environmental concerns be better addressed through solutions guided by market-based principles instead of government-led efforts?  And how would a conservative environmentalism that “places the dignity of the human person at the center of its moral understanding” better serve us all? Nate Hochman joins us to discuss.  Nate Hochman at Young Voices Toward a Conservative Environmentalism - Nate Hochman Conscientious environmental stewardship - Rev. Robert Sirico 15 Biblical foundations of environmental stewardship - Joe Carter Free market environmentalism: Conserving and collaborating with nature - Joseph Sunde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The untimely death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in February of 2016 amplified questions about the Supreme Court in the 2016 election to new highs. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s high wire act in denying a hearing and vote on President Barack Obama’s nominee to fill that seat, Judge Merrick Garland, ultimately paid off for him: President Donald Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch, who was then confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate. A year later, the political world was rocked again by the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy and President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the bench. Following one of the most contentions confirmation hearings in modern American political history, Kavanaugh was also confirmed. Now, the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has created another election year vacancy on the nation’s highest court. President Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat. The political temperature has again risen. In his new book, “Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court,” Cato’s Ilya Shapiro examines the history of the judicial confirmation hearings, how politics has invaded the Supreme Court itself, and how appointments to the Court have become one of the most explosive features of our system of government. In this episode, Ilya Shapiro discusses his new book, how our politics of the judiciary got this way, how that politics affecting us as a nation, and what, if anything, can be done about it. Ilya Shapiro at the Cato Institute Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America's Highest Court - Ilya Shapiro Term Limits Won’t Fix the Court - Ilya Shapiro Roberts Rules - Ilya Shapiro Everything you need to know about Amy Coney Barrett - Rev. Ben Johnson ‘A different kind of lawyer’: Amy Coney Barrett on Christian vocation - Joseph Sunde High Court, high stakes: Replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Trey Dimsdale Religious liberty at the Supreme Court - Acton Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With fusionism – the strategic alliance of conservative foreign policy hawks, social conservatives and economic libertarians knitted together in the last half of the 20th century in opposition to international communism ­­– crumbling after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the modern conservative movement has been remaking itself in effort to address the problems of the current day. One of these seemingly ascendant factions are the so-called common good conservatives. In an article in the October 2020 edition of Reason magazine, managing editor Stephanie Slade examines the what she calls the “great liberalism schism” that has emerged out of the collapse of fusionism. And for the common good conservatives shedding classical liberal norms, she identifies a new moniker: will-to-power conservativism, borrowing a concept from German philosopher Friederich Nietzsche.  In this episode, Stephanie Slade discusses will-to-power conservatism, who exactly has a claim on the concept of the common good, and what the great liberalism schism means for our politics and society. Stephanie Slade at Reason magazine Will-to-Power Conservatism and the Great Liberalism Schism - Stephanie Slade The biggest problems of national conservatism - Acton Line The Post-Liberal Right: The Good, the Bad, and the Perplexing - Sam Gregg Patrick Deneen and the Problem with Liberalism - Sam Gregg Rev. Robert Sirico responds to Marco Rubio's 'common good capitalism' - Acton Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles Malik, the Lebanese diplomat and one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was intimately involved in the crises of his own day, from the challenge of international communism to the internal challenges and problems of the West itself. For Malik all of our challenges take the form of crises which, at their deepest levels, reflect Christ’s judgement. His profoundly theological vision of global crisis, one in which crises are ongoing in the lives of individual believers as well as the world at large, springs from his own lifelong Orthodox faith. In a world consumed by crises from the global COVID-19 pandemic to ongoing civil unrest in the United States Malik’s insights are timelier than ever for believers trying to navigate through a turbulent world. In this episode, Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Dylan Pahman, research fellow and managing editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality at the Acton Institute, about Malik’s life and his book "Christ and Crisis" in which he presents his Christ-centered interpretative framework for grappling with a rapidly changing world. Christ and Crisis - Charles Malik Charles Malik - Hero of Liberty, Religion & Liberty The burden of the Christian - Charles Malik ‘Christ and Crisis’ today - Dylan Pahman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his new book, The Socialist Temptation, author Iain Murray examines the resurgence of socialist ideology in America and across the world. Seemingly discredited just thirty years ago by the failures of the Soviet Union and Communist block Eastern Europe, socialism has seen a revival of support and popularity in the West. Murray sets out to explain why the socialist temptation endures even after it’s own massive failures, the inconsistencies in socialist thought that prevent it from ever working in practice, and how to show young people who didn’t learn the lessons of history the sorry truth about socialism. Iain Murray at the Competitive Enterprise Institute The Socialist Temptation - Iain Murray Socialism as religion with Kevin Williamson - Acton Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On February 4th, 2004, a sophomore at Harvard University by the name of Mark Zuckerberg launched TheFacebook. At the time, the social networking website was limited to only students at Harvard. And while other social networking platforms like MySpace and Friendster predated the launch of Facebook, it was that February day in Cambridge, Massachusetts that the age of social media was truly born. Today, Facebook boasts 2.5 billion active users, is available in 111 languages, and is the 4th most trafficked website in the world. And from there, other platforms followed: Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, Pintrest and, most recently, TikTok. While these platforms were launched with a promise of connecting the entire world together in conversation, today they also have a reputation for fostering hate, animosity, vitriol, conspiracy mongering, outrage mobs and a litany of other negative societal impacts. Does social media have to be this way? Or can we be better? In this episode, Daniel Darling, Senior Vice President for Communications at National Religious Broadcasters and author of the new book A Way With Words, discusses the promise of social media, where it went wrong, what our social media habits say about us, and how we can use our online conversations for good. Daniel Darling's website The Way Home Podcast with Daniel Darling A Way with Words: Using Our Online Conversations for Good - Daniel Darling A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream - Yuval Levin Is social media the source of our social problems? - Dan Hugger How to drain the poison of outrage out of social media - Dan Hugger Religion & Liberty Winter 2019: Social Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has brought with it enormous costs. These include, first and foremost, an enormous cost in the terms of human life, with more than 178,000 deaths from the coronavirus in the United States alone, and at least 814,000 deaths worldwide, as of late August 2020. But also, with the pandemic have come significant economic costs, fiscal costs, and personal costs to our happiness and quality of life. Why is living under quarantine so hard for people? In large part it’s because, prior to the pandemic, many people have enjoyed living under a system of mostly-free markets. But when we’re robbed of our ability to work in a lockdown, we’re also robbed of part of what comprises our innate human dignity, as this pandemic takes a toll not only in the loss of human life but in the loss of community. What can we learn from the economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic? How can economics and public choice theory help us better understand the actions of political leaders during this time? And how can entrepreneurship allowed for under free market systems innovate solutions to these problems? In this episode, Acton’s managing director of programs Stephen Barrows speaks with Dr. David Hebert, chair of the economics department and associate professor of economics at Aquinas College, about the economics of the quarantines and lock-downs in the Covid-19. Dr. David Hebert at Aquinas College Why quarantine is no fun, part 1 (video) - Dr. David Hebert Why quarantine is no fun, part 2 (video) - Dr. David Hebert Pen and Paper Economics Creativity will kill COVID-19 - Anne Rathbone Bradley Rev. Robert Sirico on the church's response to COVID-19 - Acton Line A free-market agenda for rebuilding from the coronavirus - Henrik Rasmussen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From accusations of embracing socialism leveled at the Obama administration by the Tea Party movement to the rise of self-proclaimed democratic socialist Bernie Sanders as the second highest vote-getter in the 2016 and 2020 Democratic Party primaries, socialism has been an emerging movement and topic of conversation in the American body politic. While polling data suggests that socialism is generally still viewed far less favorably than capitalism or free markets overall, the younger Millennial and Gen Z generations are more embracing of socialism than generations before. Similarly, those younger generations are more likely than their forbearers to be among the Nones: those who proclaim no religious affiliation and no religious or spiritual beliefs. Is socialism filling in for the human religious impulse, allowing people to feel a part of something larger than themselves without embracing the concepts of God and church? On this episode, Kevin Williamson, roving correspondent for National Review and author of the 2010 book, “The Politically Incorrect Guide to Socialism,” discusses the emergence of socialism in American politics and the spiritual role it seems to play now, and has historically played, for its proponents. Kevin Williamson at National Review The Politically Incorrect Guide to Socialism - Kevin Williamson The Celestial Afterlife of Karl Marx - Kevin Williamson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s crass Marxist materialism - Dan Hugger The key to understanding Bernie Sanders - Rev. Ben Johnson Bruce Ashford: Marxism is a false religion (video) - Rev. Ben Johnson There is no 'Catholic case for communism' - Rev. Ben Johnson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conservative movement in America has always been evolving. From the old right of the progressive era to the conservative intellectual movement identified with William F. Buckley Jr. and National Review to the Reagan revolution to today, the political right in America has changed with the challenges it has faced and with the context of the times in which it has existed. The current iteration of the conservative movement is today more nationalist, more populist and more skeptical, if not opposed, to classical liberalism, liberal institutions and free markets than ever before – at times even expressing doubt or skepticism about the American founding itself. How did the conservative movement get here?  On the episode, Matthew Continetti, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the history of the American conservative movement, its evolution into being dominated by nationalism and populism, and where it may be headed in the future. Matthew Continetti at the American Enterprise Institute Making Sense of the New American Right - Matthew Continetti The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 - George Nash A healthy conservative nationalism? Not without classical liberalism - Joseph Sunde The biggest problems of national conservatism - Acton Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since debuting in the New York Times Magazine on August 14, 2019, the 1619 Project has ignited a debate about American history, the founding of the country and the legacy emanating from the nation’s history with chattel slavery. The project’s creator and editor, Nikole Hannah-Jones, has described the project as seeking to place “the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Components of a related school curriculum have been adopted in major cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Buffalo, New York. For her work on the project, Hannah-Jones was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. But the project has also come in for heavy criticism from historians and economists of all political and philosophical persuasions for inaccuracies in "matters of verifiable fact” in history and economics. In response to these critics, Hannah-Jones just recently declared the project not a work history, but instead a work of journalism. One of the project’s most frequent critics is Phil Magness, Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research. On this episode, Phil Magness discusses the objectives of the 1619 project, the economic history of slavery, the project’s historical errors and why many Americans seem to have such a difficult time accepting the complicated totality of our own history. Phillip W. Magness at the American Institute for Economic Research The 1619 Project - The New York Times Magazine The 1619 Project: A Critique - Phil Magness Public Schools Are Teaching The 1619 Project in Class, Despite Concerns From Historians - Reason Karl Marx: Intellectual father of the 1619 Project? - Rev. Ben Johnson The 1619 Projection: 3 lies Pulitzer should not reward - Rev. Ben Johnson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Baxter, the English Puritan churchman and theologian, was perhaps one of most prolific English language author in the seventeenth century. His writings were wide ranging from doctrinal theology to devotional classics. And his practical theology was a model of German sociologist Max Weber’s understanding of the protestant work ethic. Baxter’s worldly aestheticism was focused on service to others across sectarian divides. His book, How to Do Good to Many: The Public Good is the Christian’s Life, offers practical guidance to lay people grounded in Christian faith. This classic, updated for modern readers by Jordan Ballor, remains a thought provoking and inspirational meditation on Paul’s admonition to, “…do good to all people…” (Gal. 6:10) Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Jordan Ballor, senior research fellow and director of publishing at the Acton Institute, about Baxter’s life and work, and the new updated edition of How to Do Good to Many. How to Do Good to Many: The Public Good Is the Christian’s Life How to do Good to Many (1682) Selections from How to Do Good to Many (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Maslow, material needs, and the gospel The Redemption and Restoration of Man in the Thought of Richard Baxter The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism How Groundhog Day changed my life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since 2006, economist Russ Roberts – the John and Jean De Nault Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution – has hosted the podcast EconTalk, a weekly deep conversation with economists and thinkers from other disciplines on ideas related both directly and indirectly to economics and the economic way of thinking. Economics is a powerful analytic tool which can empower us to choose more wisely as both individuals and groups. Such tools, however, should not be confused as either ends in themselves or the measure of human values. Religion is, like economics, embedded in the fabric of life itself. Its neglect, and the neglect of other humanistic values in the face of unprecedented prosperity, poses new challenges to animate our lives of affluence with purpose. Acton’s Dan Hugger talks with Russ Roberts about the intersection of faith and economics, and how Roberts’ own Jewish faith has influenced his life and work. On Ronald Coase: Human Sacrifice and the Digital Business Model Paul Heyne's 'Limitations of the Economic Way of Thinking Russ Roberts' videos EconTalk podcast Gambling with Other People’s Money: How Perverse Incentives Caused the Financial Crisis David Foster Wallace 2005 Commencement Address at Kenyon College (transcript) David Foster Wallace 2005 Commencement Address at Kenyon College (audio) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest term of the Supreme Court, which wrapped up on July 8th, saw the Court decide several cases with major implications for religious liberty. While the outcomes of Espinoza v. Montana, Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru and Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania have been largely viewed as victories for advocates of expanding religious liberty in America, the court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch and holding that an employer who fires an individual for being gay or transgender violates Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, has been viewed as potentially having adverse consequences for the cause of religious liberty. What are we to make of these latest developments in the Supreme Court’s religious liberty jurisprudence? David French – Senior Editor at The Dispatch and a former constitutional litigator with Alliance Defending Freedom and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education – joins us to discuss the current status of religious liberty, both in the courts and in the culture writ large. Espinoza v. Montana: A victory for school choice – but for how long? - Rev. Ben Johnson Little Sisters, big victories - Rev. Ben Johnson The Case for Religious Liberty Is More Compelling than the Case for Christian Power - David French Whatever Happened to Baby Blaine? - David French & Sarah Isgur Little Sisters 2: Vacated and Remanded - David French & Sarah Isgur The Supreme Court Tries to Settle the Religious Liberty Culture War - David French Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re rebroadcasting a conversation about religious liberty with Ryan T. Anderson, the William E. Simon senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, that was first released on the podcast in April of 2015. In the intervening five years since we first aired this episode, much has changed in our conversations on religious liberty – but much is still the same. While the focus is no longer on Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act as it was in 2015, religious liberty is front and center this term at the Supreme Court, which major cases impacting American’s right to free exercise of religion in Bostock v. Clayton County, Espinoza v. Montana, Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru. We’ll be bringing you more converge of these important cases on the podcast in the coming weeks. In this episode, Acton’s Marc Vander Maas talks with Ryan Anderson about what we mean when we talk about religious liberty – if it’s restricted merely to the freedom to worship or if the correct understanding is more expansive than that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since late May, many parts of the United States have grappled with unrest. Anger over George Floyd's death sparked protests, with looting and violent riots breaking out as well. Protesters have also been defacing and tearing down statues across the country, including statues of confederate leaders as well as monuments to George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and even abolitionists. The Capitol Hill autonomous zone (CHAZ), also dubbed the Capitol Hill organized protest (CHOP), was a six block area in Seattle where thousands of protesters declared total liberation from policing or government authority after police abandoned the Seattle East Precinct. Many are calling this a revolutionary moment -- but is it really? If so, what's driving it, and how are Christians called to respond to the upheaval? Acton's Director of Research, Samuel Gregg, weighs in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the age of 13, Jimmy Lai escaped China to experience freedom in Hong Kong and grew to be one of Hong Kong’s highest-profile media moguls. Through his work, Lai founded the anti-Beijing newspaper Apple Daily and became an outspoken critic of the People’s Republic of China, solidifying him as one of Hong Kong’s most important pro-democracy voices. In this exclusive interview, Acton’s President and Co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico speaks with Lai about his entrepreneurial work and his bravery in the face of persecution at the hands of China’s Communist Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Hong Kong was released from British rule and handed over to China in 1997, the United Kingdom and Beijing struck a deal that guaranteed the freedom of Hong Kong's citizens; the territory was to remain free from mainland China's authority for fifty years. This arrangement is often referred to as "one country, two systems." Hong Kong established its own governmental and economic systems and flourished, growing into one of the most prosperous regions in the world and becoming a hub of international finance. Now, however, the People's Republic of China has broken its promise. Beijing plans to impose a new national security law that would end Hong Kong's independence, and protesters demanding democracy are being silenced. Helen Raleigh, senior contributor at The Federalist, joins this episode to shed light on the PRC's crackdown and unrest in Hong Kong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 18th century France, the most-read book after the Bible was a work on political philosophy written by the Roman Catholic archbishop François Fénelon. Unfortunately, Fénelon's writings on economics, politics, and theology have largely been forgotten as only a fraction of his work has been translated into English. Fénelon was an important voice in France; during the enlightenment, he fought for the reform of France's political and economic institutions. His works are a critical resource for those interested in economics, philosophy, and religion. Ryan Patrick Hanley, professor at Boston College and the author of the new book "The Political Philosophy of Fénelon," joins the show to share why he believes Fénelon's work is important for us today. Shownotes: https://blog.acton.org/archives/116402-acton-line-podcast-an-introduction-to-francois-fenelon-the-forgotten-philosopher.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tragic and disturbing footage of George Floyd's unjust death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has been circulating for over a week. Floyd's death on May 25 has sparked protests across the country and even the world, but it's also sparked many violent riots in which people have been brutally killed and communities decimated. How can we helpfully approach policing reform and how should we respond to the current widespread rioting? Anthony Bradley, professor of religion, theology and ethics at The King's College, presents a thoughtful rubric for reforming our institutions and building our communities back up. Show notes: https://blog.acton.org/archives/116343-acton-line-podcast-anthony-bradley-on-george-floyd-police-reform-and-riots.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For over two years, former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang campaigned across the country, building a coalition along the political spectrum. The main promise driving Yang's campaign was his "freedom dividend," a guaranteed income of $1,000 per month for every American citizen. This "dividend" is a form of universal basic income, an idea that's been around for centuries and one that's gaining popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. People who support versions of universal basic income say it would solve many problems, ranging from job loss brought on by developing technology to poverty. Has a universal basic income ever been tried before? What are the arguments for and against it? Rev. Ben Johnson, a managing editor at the Acton Institute, joins the show to answer. Show notes: https://blog.acton.org/archives/116253-acton-line-podcast-is-it-time-for-a-universal-basic-income.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religion plays, and has always played, a crucial role in American life. In the past 75 years, however, religiosity has been in rapid decline. What's causing the decline? In a new study from the American Enterprise Institute, demographer Lyman Stone helps answer. Lyman joins this episode to uncover his findings, including the history of religious life in the United States dating back four hundred years ago and how secular education is likely playing a large role in declining religiosity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bradley J. Birzer, professor of history and the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College, joins this episode of Acton Line to speak about his newest book, "Beyond Tenebrae: Christian Humanism in the Twilight of the West." What is Christian humanism and what role does it play in the Republic of Letters? What does it mean to live as a Christian humanist? Birzer helps lay down some of the foundational ideas in his book and explains the role Christian humanism has played throughout history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the United States continues to wrestle with the fallout of COVID-19, many people are falling back on their faith and the church for peace. Many churches have decided to hold services online, and local governments have also stepped in and put parameters around church attendance to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Some actions taken by local governments have been appropriate, but some others leave us wondering if the government has overstepped. How can we tell the difference between measured responses and overreaches, and what should the role of the church be during these times? What has the church's response to pandemics looked like in the past? Acton's President and co-founder, Rev. Robert Sirico explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States has been in a state of emergency since mid-March as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In order to slow the spread of the virus, states have implemented various measures, including shelter-in-place orders, forcing millions of Americans to stay at home. Millions of individuals have now been furloughed or laid off permanently, and many are struggling to put food on the table. The economy cannot remain closed indefinitely. How do we begin facing the tough questions evoked by this situation and where do we go from here? Stephen Barrows, managing director of programs at Acton, explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homeschooling is growing in popularity. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education has shown that it's grown at a rate of over 60% in the last decade, as many families are deciding that educating their children at home is better than sending them to public or private schools. But Harvard University has a different opinion. In Harvard Magazine's May/June 2020 issue, one Harvard Law School professor calls for a ban on homeschooling, saying it may keep children from "contributing positively to a democratic society." Kerry McDonald, senior education fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, joins the podcast to respond.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On March 31, The Atlantic published an article titled "Beyond Originalism," written by Adrian Vermeule, professor of Constitutional law at Harvard Law School. In this piece, Vermeule argues that "the dominant conservative philosophy for interpreting the constitution has served its purpose and scholars ought to develop a more moral framework." Originalist interpretations of the Constitution simply no longer serve the common good, Vermeule says. What does he mean by this, and is he correct? In this episode, we're featuring two different conversations on the topic, both hosted by Acton's Director of Communications, Eric Kohn. First, Randy Barnett, professor at Georgetown University, clears up the legal theory behind Vermeule's essay. Afterwards, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, helps break down the context surrounding calls for conservative activism on the courts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell Kirk has long been known as perhaps the most important founding father of the American Conservative movement in the second half of the 20th century. In the early 1950s, America was emerging from the Great Depression and the New Deal, and was facing the rise of radical ideologies abroad; the American Right seemed beaten, broken, and adrift. Then in 1953, Russell Kirk released his masterpiece, "The Conservative Mind." More than any other published work of the time, this book became the intellectual touchstone for a reinvigorated movement and began a sea change in Americans’ attitudes toward traditionalism. In this episode pulled from the archive, Bradley J. Birzer, professor of history at Hillsdale College, recounts the story of Kirk’s life and work, with attention paid not only to his writings on politics and economics, but also on literature and culture, both subjects dear to Kirk’s heart and central to his thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, our most contentious controversies are about morality. We disagree about questions of efficiency and democracy, but across political aisles, we also disagree about what's right to do and who we're becoming as a people. How can we have productive debates with people whose worldviews are very different from ours? Adam MacLeod, professor of law at Faulkner University, addresses this question in his new book titled "The Age of Selfies: Reasoning About Rights When the Stakes Are Personal." In this conversation, Adam examines the roots of our disagreements and proposes a way to provide a more secure foundation for civil rights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Acton's President and Co-Founder, Rev. Robert Sirico, offers some thoughts on what the role of the government should be during a crisis. When we're confronted with unique crises, especially like the Coronavirus pandemic the world is facing now, there are justified government interventions. We can't discount, however, the principle of subsidiarity as well as the division of labor and voluntary action. How can we wisely approach these principles in the reality of our current context? Rev. Sirico explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As of March 18, 2020 Coronavirus, or COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China, has infected over 200,000 people worldwide, and has killed more than 8,000 people globally. What responsive measures should have been taken by China that weren't? How did the People's Republic of China put the world in danger by failing the people of Wuhan, and who in China risked their lives and even the lives of their family members to raise the alarm for your sake? Helen Raleigh, a senior contributor at The Federalist, answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s now been three years since Michael Novak passed away. Novak was Roman Catholic theologian, philosopher and author, and was a powerful defender of human liberty. In this episode, Acton's Samuel Gregg shares Novak’s history, starting with his time on the left in the 1960s and 70s and recounting his gradual shift toward conservative thought that culminated in the publication of his 1982 masterwork, "The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism." In this book, Novak grounded a defense for a free market in Judeo-Christianity, influencing how many Protestants and Catholics thought about economics. As Gregg recently wrote, “No religious intellectual can match Novak’s influence in facilitating this transformation through the written word in America and throughout the world.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, a rift has opened within American conservatism, a series of divisions animated in part by the 2016 presidential election and also by a right concern with an increasingly progressive culture. Among these divisions is a growing split between self-professing liberal and illiberal conservatives as some on the right scramble to give explanation for a culture which has become hostile to civil society and traditional institutions, most notably the family. One movement which has grown out of this divide is national conservatism, embodied by the launch of the first National Conservatism Conference last year and in the words of its proponents including Patrick Deneen, Yoram Hazony and Michael Anton. What defines national conservatism and what, ultimately, do national conservatives want? Stephanie Slade, managing editor at Reason magazine, breaks it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've traveled to Washington, D.C. before, it's likely that you've flown through Washington Dulles International Airport, named after President Eisenhower's Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. In fact, over 60,000 people travel through Dulles airport every day, but not many people know much about its namesake. John Foster Dulles served in the early years of the Cold War and pursued a vigorous foreign policy meant to isolate and undermine international and expansionist Communism. Undergirding his foreign policy was a commitment to natural law, a realistic understanding of human nature and a clear vision of freedom. Since his death in 1959, Dulles has been characterized only as a dour, puritanical and simple man. Joining the podcast today to shed more light on the life of Dulles is John D. Wilsey, associate professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this conversation, John brings perspective to Dulles' legacy, uncovering both his public and private life, and showing how simple explanations of Dulles just don't help us accurately understand the man or his times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not news that America's trust in public institutions is falling. Gallup polls reveal that confidence in the church is at an all time low, and similarly, Pew Research has found that Americans' trust in the federal government and in each other is "shrinking." In his new book, titled “A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream,” Yuval Levin argues that the widespread lack of trust we're facing stems largely from weakened institutions – and the path forward rests in strengthening institutions rather than tearing them down. In this episode, he joins the podcast to help explain why our institutions have weakened and what we can do to address it. Yuval is an American political analyst and journalist. He is the founding editor of National Affairs and the director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On February 5, Pope Francis addressed a crowd of economists and finance ministers that had gathered together for a seminar on "New Forms of Solidarity Towards Fraternal Inclusion, Integration and Innovation." During his speech, the pope addressed the economy, sin and finance, and he also called for wealth distribution in order to alleviate poverty. “The world is rich and yet the poor increase around us,” he said. “If extreme poverty exists in the midst of wealth (also extreme) it is because we have allowed the gap to widen to become the largest in history. ”The pope says it's a "fact" the poor have only grown poorer while the rich continue to get richer – but is this really true? Can poverty really be alleviated through wealth redistribution? Acton’s president and co-founder, Rev. Robert Sirico, comes on to the podcast to answer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Central to the mission of the Acton Institute is educating people of faith about the connections that exist between religious life and economic thinking. Abraham Kuyper helped lay the groundwork for this mission by establishing why it's important for Christians to be involved in the public square. Kuyper was a Dutch politician and a Reformed theologian during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During his career, he wrote many books about theology, culture, business and so much more, and his work continues to influence many theologians today. Kuyper helps us understand the role that Christians are called to play in every area of life, even those like politics and education. This week, Michael Wagenman joins the podcast to lay out the main themes of Kuyper's thought and talk about his new book, "Engaging the World with Abraham Kuyper." Michael is a professor of theology at Western University and a professor of Biblical interpretation at Redeemer University College in Hamilton, ON. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that there are over 1,300 endangered species in the United States? Polar bears, northern spotted owls, red wolves, Florida panthers and even monarch butterflies are all on the endangered species list. We’ve been given a mandate to take care of the earth and all living creatures on it. How can we make sure that vulnerable animals are protected from extinction? This week, Jonathan Wood joins Acton Line to show how market-based approaches are the best way to tackle the issue. Jonathan is an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, where he litigates environmental, property rights and constitutional cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sir Roger Scruton passed away at the age of 75 on January 12, the world lost a giant in philosophy. Scruton wrote approximately 50 books on topics ranging from food to music to conservative thought, and in 2016 he was knighted for his contribution to philosophy and education. On this episode, Acton's Samuel Gregg explains the most important veins of Scruton's thought, especially those related to political philosophy and the arts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 10, 2019, shoppers in a Kosher market in Jersey City, N.J., became the targets of anti-Semitic violence. Two men opened fire in the grocery store, killing four people. Just a few weeks later, a man wielding a machete broke into a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, and stabbed five people who were in the midst of celebrating Hanukkah. One victim, 72-year-old Josef Neumann, was the most seriously injured and currently remains in a coma. These two atrocious incidents are just a fraction of a trend anti-Semitic attacks in the United States. In a letter written to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, four New York Jewish officials wrote that, “Simply stated, it is no longer safe to be identifiably Orthodox in the State of New York. We cannot shop, walk down the street, send our children to school, or even worship in peace.’’ Not even a full century after the Holocaust, anti-Semitism is once again rearing its ugly head. What's causing the outbreak and what can be done to counteract this hatred? Rev. Ben Johnson, managing editor at Acton, breaks it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, we pay tribute to Gertrude Himmelfarb who passed away last Monday, December 30th, at the age of 97. Gertrude Himmelfarb was a historian and leading intellectual voice in conservatism. Throughout her career, she wrote many books about Victorian history, morality and contemporary culture. The New York Post named her one of America’s greatest minds, and the National Review called her the "paragon of intellectual accomplishment." What did her work contribute to the conservative movement and how does her view of history inform our current times? Yuval Levin, Resident Scholar and Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at AEI, joins us on this episode to talk about her work and legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During Christmastime in China in 2015, 1,700 churches were torn down or vandalized, a result of the Chinese government growing increasingly hostile to Christianity. In 2018, The Chinese government raided and shut down churches ahead of Christmas and detained pastors and members caught celebrating. From reports of labor camps in the country to growing surveillance through technology, China is increasingly cracking down on freedom. This is all laid out in a new book, titled Deceiving the Sky: Inside Communist China's Drive for Global Supremacy. The author, Bill Gertz, joins us on Acton Line to discuss. He’s a national security columnist for the Washington Times and senior editor of the Washington Free Beacon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 22nd, 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson launched his program for a "Great Society" in a speech at the University of Michigan. "The Great Society rests on abundance and liberty for all," Johnson began. "It demands an end to poverty and racial injustice, to which we are totally committed in our time. But that is just the beginning." 84 bills later, Johnson's war on poverty was in full effect, expanding to sectors in education, medicine, housing, and many more. Did the Great Society program fail or succeed? Amity Shlaes, New York Times bestselling writer and author of the new book Great Society: A New History, gives us a full picture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has proposed to increase taxes for big businesses and high earners to rake in nearly $3 trillion per year. Warren plans to use this tax to fund spending in health care, education, and family benefits, and as a result, according to Warren, the economy would grow. Are economists in agreement with Warren? What would increased taxes on the wealthy do for the economy? Dave Hebert, professor of economics and director of the Center for Markets, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship at Aquinas College, lays it out. On the second segment, Mark Hall, professor at George Fox University, joins the show to discuss his new book, Did America Have a Christian Founding? It's a perennial question: how did the Judeo-Christian worldview under gird America's founding and why is this question worth asking? Hall explains the main arguments in his book and dispels some common myths surrounding America's founders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sen. Marco Rubio's recent proposals for 'common good capitalism' have sparked criticism and praise across the board. Rubio draws heavily from Catholic Social Teaching in his defense of common good capitalism, describing an economy for the common good characterized by dignified work and stability for working class families. On November 5, Rubio addressed students at the Catholic University of America, saying “[c]ommon good capitalism is about a vibrant and growing free market, but it is also about harnessing and channeling that growth for the benefit of our country, our people and our society at large." How does Rubio propose that we harness this growth and should Catholic Social Teaching be used as a guidebook for policy makers? Acton's co-founder and president Rev. Robert Sirico explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation recently released their annual poll for the year 2019, revealing that over one third of the millennial generation view communism favorably, 15% believing that the world would be "better off " if the Soviet Union still existed. History, however, tells a different story. Joining this episode is Valentina Kuryliw, the daughter of survivors of a forgotten genocide orchestrated by the Soviet Union in Ukraine, called the Holodomor. Valentina shares the story of the Holodomor, explains how the Soviet Union covered up the evidence, and uncovers the reality of communism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Panic surrounding climate change and the environment is on the rise and doomsday predictions abound. Most headlines about the environment only tell one story: that the environment is on the decline and that this decline is a result of economic development. In March, The Guardian declared that "ending climate change requires the end of capitalism." But in the midst of calls for the Green New Deal and calls to overhaul our economic system, there's another story unfolding. Holly Fretwell, Director of Outreach and a Research Fellow at the Property and Environment Research Center, joins this episode to explain how the environment is being improved through market based approaches. What does free market environmentalism look like and how are conservation efforts helping the climate? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1965, Milton Friedman was quoted by Time magazine for saying "We are all Keynesians now," referring to how pervasive the thoughts of economist John Maynard Keynes had become in society and economics. Known as the founding father of macroeconomics, Keynes's economic thought changed the way economics is approached, for better or for worse. How did his economic thought become so dominant and where has it left us? Victor Claar, professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University, explains. Afterwards, Acton's Dan Hugger joins the podcast to break down the life and thought of Lord Acton. John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, the namesake of the Acton Institute, is known most for his quote about power, that "power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." How did Acton become the historian and "magistrate of history" that he's known as today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Acton's Samuel Gregg joins the podcast to break down liberation theology, a Marxist movement that began in the 20th century and took root in the Catholic Church in Latin America. October 27 marked the close of the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon, a summit organized to foster conversation on ministry and ecological concerns in the Amazon region. But the synod also revealed how, as Gregg says, "liberation theology never really went away." On the second segment, we take a look at what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. This Saturday, November 9, marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Tom O'Boyle, past correspondent for the Wall Street Journal who covered the events that led up to the fall of the Berlin Wall, comes on to the show to share stories of what he witnessed while he was there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just the first week of the release of Kanye West's new explicitly Christian record "Jesus is King," it's outsold his previous album "Ye," projected to sell 225-275k copies. In addition to comments regarding his conversion to Christianity, he's dominated cultural conversation with increasingly conservative opinions, addressing everything from the importance of communities, to local churches and even in a recent interview, condemning abortion. Andrew T. Walker from ERLC comes on to the show to break down reactions to Kanye's conversion, new artistic direction and cultural influence. On the second segment, Bulgarian economist Stefan Kolev explains the relevance of the 20th century German economist Wilhelm Röpke, and lays out how Röpke's thoughts on community are applicable in our digital age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new super villain drama 'Joker' has shattered box office records and gained much controversial media attention along the way. Set to top $900 million worldwide, the dark film from director Todd Phillips and actor Joaquin Phoenix is already being heralded as the biggest R-rated movie ever. So why has 'Joker' been such a hit? Christian Toto, award winning movie critic and editor at Hollywood in Toto, breaks it down, explaining how the film touches on themes like mental illness, morality and even empathy. After that, Myron Magnet, editor at large at City Journal, joins the show to talk about his newest book, “Clarence Thomas and the Lost Constitution,” which explores the life of Justice Thomas and how the Justice's approach to the Constitution is changing the Supreme Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October 4, Daryl Morey, manager of the Houston Rockets, posted a tweet that included the words “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.” Afterwards, China severed several partnerships they had with the Rockets in retaliation, leading Morey to delete his tweet and apologize for it and also prompting NBA commissioner Adam Silver to issue a statement declaring that the NBA does not regulate the speech of its players. Since then, however, the NBA has made attempts to appease China. So what’s the current state of the NBA’s relationship with China and does the NBA have a moral responsibility to denounce China? Micah Watson, professor of political science at Calvin University, joins Acton staff to discuss. Afterwards, Robert Doar, president and Morgridge scholar at AEI, comes onto the show to speak about effective solutions to poverty in America. He also shares how he came to be deeply interested in battling poverty, recalling the career of his late father John Doar who did heroic work in the U.S. Justice Department fighting racial discrimination and working for voting rights during the 1960s and '70s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2017, a poll from NPR and Ipsos found that one in every three people in the U.S. has been affected by the opioid crisis in one way or another. One third of Americans know someone who has overdosed or know someone who is battling addiction -- and the crisis hasn't slowed down. On this episode, AnneMarie Schieber, award winning television news anchor and reporter based in Grand Rapids, MI, dives into the issue and explores how the private sector is responding to the crisis. What are churches and ministries doing to help people free themselves from addiction? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1995, Pope John Paul II spoke to a crowd in Baltimore, MD, saying, "Democracy cannot be sustained without a shared commitment to certain moral truths about the human person and human community. The basic question before a democratic society is: how ought we to live together?" This question has proved important throughout history and has left some people wondering how neutral our founding ideas were, and whether particular faith traditions, especially Catholicism, are compatible with the American political order. So what defines our American political order? Is it at odds with Catholic Social Teaching? John C. Pinheiro, professor of history and the founding director of Catholic Studies at Aquinas College, joins the show to break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy In America is renowned as one of the best examinations of early American society and politics, and remains one of the most insightful commentaries ever written on the practice of democracy in the United States. In this edition of Acton Line, John Wilsey, Professor of History and Christian Apologetics at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses Tocqueville's masterwork and its continuing relevance for modern America. Wilsey also addresses the work of Tocqueville's traveling companion, Gustave de Beaumont, who wrote another important work that should be seen as a companion to Democracy In America: a novel titled Marie, or Slavery in the United States, which examines the darker side of 1830s America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August, the New York Times launched the '1619 Project,' an initiative that includes school curriculum, videos, and a podcast, which aims to "reframe" the history of America's founding around slavery. The Times claims that since the year 1619, "[n]o aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the years of slavery that followed." So what is the Times trying to accomplish with the '1619 Project'? Ismael Hernandez, founder and director of the Freedom & Virtue Institute, shows how we can thoughtfully approach it. Afterwards, Joshua Muravchik, author of "Heaven on Earth: The Rise, Fall, and Afterlife of Socialism," lays out the history of socialism and explains why socialism has never worked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On June 23, 2016, Britain voted to exit the European Union, but since then, Members of Parliament have repeatedly delayed Brexit. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now fighting to keep Britain's leave from the EU on schedule, establishment MPs are committed to ignoring the democratic voice of the British people. Rev. Richard Turnbull, director of The Center for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics, helps explain the chaos surrounding recent events unfolding in Parliament and what the future likely holds for Brexit. On the second segment, Christopher Scalia, eighth child of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, joins the podcast to talk about a book on his father's faith, titled "On Faith: Lessons from an American Believer." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 16, 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law, a bill backed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support. While RFRA has since then protected the religious liberty of American citizens, it has lost many of its original supporters and is now under attack. So why was RFRA signed into law in the first place? Does the bill truly protect religious pluralism? Daniel Mark, a professor of political science at Villanova University, helps answer these questions. On the second segment, Jared Pincin, a professor of economics at The King's College, sheds light on the concern that a recession is around the corner. Unemployment rates are low, but America's trade war with China and growing national debt are causing many to believe that we're headed toward economic disaster. Is there reason to panic? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Gillette to Pepsi, many companies are starting to market their products by advocating for social justice issues, signaling to consumers that they are "woke." Is woke capitalism a trend that's truly new in the market? Should businesses comment on social issues? Acton's president and co-founder, Rev. Robert Sirico, explains. Afterwards, Daniel J. Mahoney, professor of political science at Assumption College speaks about his newest book, "The Idol of our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cronyism is everywhere, affecting industries, entrepreneurs and customers and distorting the market through political advantage. So what is cronyism and how does it compromise genuine capitalism? Anne Rathbone Bradley, the current academic director at The Fund for American Studies, as well as the vice president of Economic Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics, comes onto the show to explain how cronyism affects the market and how to combat it. Afterwards, Acton's director of research, Samuel Gregg joins the show to talk about his new book, "Reason, Faith, and the Struggle for Western Civilization." Gregg lays out what he believes defines the West, how the disintegration of reason and faith has caused the West to decline and what can be done to reclaim it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a recent interview for Vogue, Prince Harry declared to British anthropologist Jane Goodall that he and Meghan plan on having only two children, due to environmental concerns. Alarmist predictions about the results of overpopulation is nothing new, of course. Even Goodall herself said in 2010, that "[i]t's our population growth that underlies just about every single one of the problems that we’ve inflicted on the planet." So, is earth really overpopulated? And will having less children save the planet? Stephen Barrows, Acton's managing director of programs, joins the podcast to explain the economics behind the issue and how to thoughtfully approach concerns about the environment. After that, Dr. Eric Larson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Michigan State University, takes a look at Medicare for All, explaining current problems in health care as well as just how costly Medicare for All would be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A crisis in the adoption and foster system is currently plaguing the nation. With over 400,000 children in need of homes, a shortage of placements is driving some states to desperate measures, even housing children in hotels and office buildings. States should be working to support and safeguard the work of adoption and foster care providers, however discrimination motivated by anti-religious bias is posing an obstacle to some state contracted and private agencies. Kate Anderson, senior legal counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, joins the podcast to explain how faith-based adoption agencies are being increasingly threatened due to their religious beliefs and why faith-based agencies are crucial in the adoption and foster system. On the second segment, President emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, Larry Reed, speaks with Acton's Samuel Gregg about how many trends of our day echo those of ancient Rome, making the lessons of its fall all the more relevant, even pressing, for us now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On July 18, the Raise the Wage Act passed the U.S House of Representatives, a bill that would double federal minimum wage by 2025. Members of Congress who support the bill believe it will increase pay for 27 million workers and lift over one million people out of poverty, but those opposed to the bill say it would cause millions more to lose their jobs. Dave Hebert, professor of economics at Aquinas College, joins the podcast to dispel some of the biggest misconceptions of raising federal minimum wage and what real effects the bill would have. On the second segment, Glenn Harlan Reynolds, professor of law at the University of Tennessee and author of the new book, "The Social Media Upheaval," joins the show to examine the benefits and drawbacks of social media. Glenn argues that social media and especially Twitter is increasingly "poisoning" journalism and politics. How can we reduce big tech censorship and the toll of social media while also respecting free speech? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Populism is gaining traction, both abroad and in the United States. In 2017, the Swedish libertarian think tank Timbro and the European Policy Information Center released their "Authoritarian Populism Index," showing that populist parties have gained the highest percentage of the vote in nine countries, including Hungary (65.2%), Poland (46.4%) and Greece (45.1%). Zoltán Kész, co-founder of the Free Market Foundation in Budapest said in 2015 that "Populists are especially dangerous enemies, because they are strategizing in the terms of democratic competition. That is the main principle of populism: gaining power once and never, ever letting it go, reshaping democracy and deconstructing the rule of law step-by-step." Populism poses a threat to freedom by rejecting pluralism and classical liberalism. Where are we seeing populism take shape in America today and how is it effecting our public discourse? Ben Domenech, writer and co-founder of The Federalist, joins us in this episode to break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a few short days, thousands of federal inmates will be returning home on "earned good time." That’s a result of The First Step Act, a federal prison reform bill which was signed into law in December. Criminal justice reform advocate Mark Holden joins the show to discuss the new law, why these ex-prisoners should have been freed earlier and what reforms should be made in the future.In 2013, Rose Knick of Scott Township, Pennsylvania, was forced by government agents to allow public access to her property on grounds that there was a suspected gravesite on her land. Knick sued the township and the case worked its way to the Supreme Court. On June 21, justices ruled to restore property right to first class status. Patrick Garry, a professor at the University of South Dakota School of Law and director of the Hagemann Center for Legal & Public Policy Research, explains why the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Knick and put property rights on a firmer foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On June 14, an International Coalition for Religious Freedom in North Korea was launched, consisting of almost 200 activists, including Thae Yong-ho, a North Korean diplomat and defector to South Korea. President and co-founder of Acton Institute, Rev. Robert Sirico joins the podcast to talk about communism in North Korea as well as his hopes for the coalition. On the second segment, Bruce Ashford, professor of theology at Soueastern Baptist Theological Seminary, addresses the relationship between family and state, plus ways he sees the breakdown of the family unit in America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On June 29, violent riots between alt-right groups and antifa broke out in Portland, Oregon, leaving several people with severe injuries. Portland is becoming a hotbed for violent, left-wing groups. Who is antifa and what are they protesting? Rev. Ben Johnson, senior editor at Acton, joins the podcast to explain the events of the protest and antifa's objective. After that, Craig Bruce Smith, professor of history at William Woods University, joins the show to bring attention to an increasing dismissal of America's founders and how some are trying to erase the founders' legacies from history. America's founders were slaveholders and not without faults. How should we approach this history of slavery in the context of America's founding? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, nearly 2 million Hong Kong residents gathered to protest a newly proposed extradition bill. Helen Raleigh, senior writer at the Federalist, joins the show to explain the current extradition agreements held between Hong Kong and China, why so many in Hong Kong are angry about the bill and how the extradition bill, if passed, would threaten Hong Kong's rule of law. After that, Acton's Trey Dimsdale is joined by Anne Rathbone Bradley, affiliate scholar of economics at Acton, and Adam MacLeod, professor of law at Faulkner University. Together, they break down Kisor v. Wilkie, a case currently pending in the Supreme Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Romanian author and public intellectual, Mihail Neamtu, joins the show to talk about what he calls the "ghost" of Marxism. What defines Marxism and what remnants of the ideology are we seeing today? After that, Daniel J. Mahoney, writer and professor of politics at Assumption College, speaks with Acton's Director of Communications, John Couretas, about the legacy of the 20th century Russian writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Solzhenitsyn's writings are said to have contributed greatly in bringing down the Soviet Union and brought wide attention to the atrocities of the Soviet Gulags. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, we talk about HBO's new miniseries, 'Chernobyl' and the events surrounding the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Pripyat, Ukraine in 1986. Kyle Smith, writer at National Review, joins us for this segment and explains how 'Chernobyl' is an indictment of socialism. Afterwards, Aaron Rhodes, human rights activist and co-founder of the Freedom Rights Project weighs in on the Department of State's new Commission on Unalienable Rights and explains why he's hopeful about the new commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, we first cover the Equality Act, a bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Keisha Russell, associate counsel at First Liberty Institute joins the podcast to break down the basics of the bill and explain how the bill would threaten religious liberty. Afterwards, Charlie Weimers, a Swedish politician newly elected to the European Parliament joins the podcast to discuss "Sweden's Dark Soul: The Unravelling of a Utopia," by Kajsa Norman, a book depicting cultural censorship in Sweden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Bradley J. Birzer, History professor and the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College, joins the podcast to talk about the movie Tolkien, explaining what the film got right about the life of British author J.R.R. Tolkien and what the film missed. Afterwards, Bruce Ashford, professor of theology and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, talks about his new book, "The Gospel of our King," and how Biblical narrative relates to our understanding of vocation, culture and even the role of government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Jordan Ballor and Tyler Groenendal break down the last season of Game of Thrones, discussing positive and negative aspects of the show as well as lessons on the role of government and the danger of power. Afterwards, Caroline Roberts speaks with Li Ma, senior fellow at the Henry Institute, about Ma’s book The Chinese Exodus. Ma explains how the current economic system in China drives agricultural workers to the city, setting them on a path for family disintegration, poverty and alienation from community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, National Review senior editor Jonah Goldberg speaks about his latest book, "Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Nationalism, Populism, and Identity Politics Is Destroying American Democracy." Jonah will also be speaking at our upcoming annual conference in Grand Rapids, Acton University, and you can still register to hear him during the plenary dinner on Wednesday, June 19. After that, James Patterson, professor of politics at Ave Maria University, joins us to talk about the legacy of Fulton J. Sheen, a catholic priest in America who was primarily known for his popular books, radio broadcasts and Emmy-award winning television show Life Is Worth Living. Sheen was also a deft and serious thinker on efforts to bring Americans in closer alignment with the Christian tradition, especially that of the Catholic Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the episode of Acton Line, Andrew Klavan, award winning novelist, screenwriter, and regular host at the Daily Wire, joins the show to talk about the new Netflix documentary, "Knock Down the House." The new political documentary follows four far left-leaning women during their run for congress in 2018, eventually leading up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's congressional win. Klavan explains the ideas under girding the movie and why he defines it as propaganda. After that, Acton's co-founder and president, Rev. Robert Sirico, addresses religion on the left and lays out the connections between religion and liberty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Caroline Roberts speaks with Andrew Kloster, the deputy director of the Center for the Study of the Administrative State at George Mason University, about the student debt crisis. Kloster claims that the student debt crisis is the greatest moral hazard of our nation and explains how he sees the crisis panning out in the future. On the second segment, Acton's director of research, Samuel Gregg, sits down with Mustafa Akyol, senior research fellow at the Cato Institute, to address the topics of Islam and Freedom. Reformist trends in Islam reinterpret religious law by referring to the moral teachings at its core resulting in an intellectual battle going on in the Muslim world, where some believers condemn freedom as a Western invention while others praise it as Allah’s blessing. Is Islam compatible with ideas of individual freedom? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we bring John Baden onto the show. A rancher in Bozeman Montana, Baden has co-founded several organizations dedicated to free market environmentalism including the Foundation for Research on Economics and the Environment (FREE), dedicated to harnessing the power of markets and property rights to improve environmental quality. Baden will be addressing the environmental concerns raised in the Green New Deal and show how free markets can tackle them. After that, Acton's Dan Hugger will be speaking with Bradley J. Birzer, a professor of history at Hillsdale College, to talk about the life of Andrew Jackson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, host Caroline Roberts is joined by Acton's director of research, Samuel Gregg, to touch on the historical and religious significance of Notre-Dame in the wake of the fire that consumed much of the cathedral this past Monday. After that, research associate Dan Hugger sits down with Acton's president and co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico to discuss current issues in education, including some of Betsy Devos' policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Caroline Roberts speaks with Sarah Estelle, professor of economics at Hope College, to revisit the life and work of F.A. Hayek on the 75th anniversary of the publishing of "The Road to Serfdom." On the second segment, Caroline then speaks with Tyler O'Neil, senior editor at PJ Media, about the film "Unplanned" and how its release highlights issues such as human rights, censorship, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Trey Dimsdale, director of program outreach at Acton Institute, sits down with Andrew Graham, attorney at First Liberty Institute, a public interest law firm. Trey and Andrew talk about a current case threatening Bladensburg World War I Memorial in Maryland, known as the Peace Cross. The land on which the cross stands was first privately owned by American Legion and the memorial was erected with privately raised funds. Now the land belongs to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission., and the U.S. Court of Appeals has declared the cross unconstitutional. First Liberty is now working on behalf of American Legion and a court ruling is expected in June. In the second segment, executive producer of Acton Line, John Couretas, speaks with author and political economist, James R. Otteson about his new book, "Honorable Business," addressing objections commonly raised against business and commercial society as well as proposing a framework for business in a just society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Acton's director of communications, John Couretas, speaks with Tim Carney, editor at the Washington Examiner and a visiting fellow at AEI. They talk about Tim's new book, "Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse." The "American Dream" is fading away in much of the country, and the problem isn't pure economics, nor is it a case of stubborn old white men falling behind because they refuse embrace progress. Tim argues that the root cause of our problems; crumbling families, despair, and political dysfunction, is the erosion of community and local, civil institutions, most especially church. The result of a secularizing country is a plague of alienation for the working class, as people struggle to build families and improve their lives without the support structure they need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Acton Line podcast we hear about a church-based ministry that engages with the homeless and poor “relationally, responsibly, and compassionately.” James Whitford, executive director of Watered Gardens Gospel Rescue Mission in Joplin, Missouri, joins Acton’s Andrew Vanderput in a thought provoking conversation on private charity and the intensely personal nature of the organization’s outreach. In the second segment, Aquinas College economist David Hebert and Acton’s Tyler Groenendal dig into the public’s deep dissatisfaction with America’s political institutions – and Americans’ deep ignorance of how these same organizations work. A 2017 study showed, for example, that more than a third of those surveyed (37 percent) can’t name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Caroline Roberts speaks with Acton's senior editor, Rev. Ben Johnson, about a new study released by a free market think tank in Denmark, claiming that Denmark isn't actually socialist. Although Denmark is regularly cited as a country whose socialist policies have done good, this isn't the whole story. Denmark isn't technically socialist, and the current welfare state program has done harm despite what you may have heard. After that, Alan R. Crippen, II, Chief of Exhibits, Programs, and Public Engagement for the Faith & Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joins Daniel Hugger on the show. Crippen and Hugger discuss the legacy of William Penn, the Quaker son of an aristocratic Royal Navy Admiral who gave America its first successful experiment of liberty – Pennsylvania. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Acton's co-founder and president, Rev. Robert Sirico, sits down with Acton's associate researcher and librarian, Dan Hugger, to discuss the realities of socialism seen specifically in Nicaragua and Venezuela. After that, a redux segment is re-released, featuring 2018 summer intern and student at Grove City College, Noah Gould, who speaks with Javier Avila about inflation, unrest and hope in Venezuela. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Caroline Roberts is joined by the founder and president of the Center for American Entrepreneurship, John Dearie, to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in America. Dearie explains why start up innovation and small businesses sustain the economy and alerts us to the danger of declining entrepreneurship in America. Afterwards, occasional host and award winning news anchor, Anne Marie Schieber, speaks with several people about their work ethic, proving that sometimes satisfaction in the workplace depends more on mindset than passion for the job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, research associate at the Acton Institute, Jordan Ballor, talks with best-selling author and leading political satirist, P.J. O'Rourke, about his newest book, "None of My Business." O'Rourke will be giving a talk at Acton's upcoming event in Chicago on March 7 and registration is still open. In the second segment, Acton's director of communications, John Couretas, speaks with Ray Nothstine, editor at Civitas Institute, about the film "They Shall Not Grow Old." In director Peter Jackson's most recent movie, original World War I footage undergoes groundbreaking restoration, complete with voice over acting and sound affects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, producer Caroline Roberts speaks with Sarah Estelle, professor of economics at Hope College. Estelle breaks down some common misconceptions about economics and shares what our love for those around us has to do with economics. After that, Acton's Poverty Initiatives Manager, Andrew Vanderput, speaks with Scott Sabin, the executive director at Plant with Purpose. Plant with Purpose is a non-profit organization dedicated to solving both environmental degradation and rural poverty, and Sabin explains how sustainable approaches to tackling deforestation and also tackling poverty go hand in hand.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Acton Line, Rev. Ben Johnson, senior editor at Acton, speaks with Rev. Richard Turnbull from the Center for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics, to talk about the importance of private, voluntary institutions, drawing examples from how things have gone amiss in the UK when the government has stepped in for the church. After that, occasional host Bruce Walker welcomes Emily Jashinsky, culture editor at the Federalist, onto the podcast to discuss how American movies are being increasingly funded by China and as a result, facing significant censorship.​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts speaks with Stephen Nichols, the president of Reformation Bible College, about the life and work of Francis Schaeffer, 20th century protestant evangelist. After that, host Bruce Edward Walker talks about Netflix's new series, "Watership Down," with John Ehrett, writer, attorney, and editor at the Conciliar Post. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Acton’s Tyler Groenendal speaks with Dave Hebert, professor of economics at Aquinas College, about the current government shutdown and what effect is has on individuals and businesses. In another segment, we have a conversation about community revitalization with Ashanti Bryant, director of education at AmplifyGR, a nonprofit working to build flourishing neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, producer Caroline Roberts speaks with Sarah Estelle, associate professor of economics at Hope College. Caroline and Sarah discuss the subject of criminal justice reform in light of the recently passed, bipartisan bill, The First Step Act, covering specific policies in the new bill and effects of the current criminal system. After that, award winning reporter Anne Marie Schieber continues exploring the effects of unemployment. Last week, we showed the importance of being in the right frame of mind when trying to find a job, and this week we show you why it is so hard to get out of the slump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Couretas, Acton's Director of Communications, talks with Daniel J. Mahoney, professor of political science at Assumption College, about the legacy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in light of Solzhenitsyn's memoir recently released in English, "Between Two Millstones Book I: Sketches of Exile," the first of two books in which Solzhenitsyn recounts his exile in the West. Afterwards, reporter Anne Marie Schieber takes us on the first of a three-part series exploring the difficulty of unemployment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this remastered episode of Radio Free Acton, we revisit an interview with David LaRocca: a philosopher, author, and filmmaker who has released a documentary on Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur Brunello Cuccinelli. Cucinelli has built a successful company by creating high-quality apparel, but more interesting than that is the philosophy that undergirds his business and all of his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Senior Editor at Acton, Rev. Ben Johnson, speaks with the Director of the Center for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics, Rev. Richard Turnbull, about the role the Church should take in the market and how that has played out specifically in the UK. After that, Producer Caroline Roberts speaks with Acton’s librarian and research associate, Dan Hugger, about the life and work of the Acton Institute’s namesake, Lord Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, producer Caroline Roberts speaks with A.J. Jacobs, journalist and New York Times bestselling author, about his latest book "Thanks a Thousand," detailing his trip around to world to find and thank each person who worked to produce his morning coffee. After that, senior editor at the Acton Institute, Rev. Ben Johnson, speaks with Estonian politician Mari-Ann Kelam about her witness of Soviet occupied Estonia and her work to champion freedom even after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, producer Caroline Roberts speaks with Michael Ward, a British Scholar and professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University, about the work of the 20th century writer C.S. Lewis, in time for the anniversary of Lewis' birthday on November 29. After that, host Bruce Walker speaks with Bradley Birzer, professor of history at Hillsdale College, about the legacy of Stan Lee and the new, third season of Marvel's Netflix show, Daredevil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special thanksgiving episode of Radio Free Acton, occasional host Anne Marie Schieber speaks with Liz Hilton, a designer, entrepreneur and 3D knit innovator. In 2015, Liz founded KNITit in response to the global need for customized knitting and is now finding purpose in helping others with her creativity. Anne also speaks with some of Liz's customers, unraveling a story of gratitude.​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton Trey Dimsdale, director of Program Outreach at Acton, speaks with Adam MacLeod, professor of law at Faulkner University, on what is a basic human right and how is the concept understood in the modern world? Then, Senior Editor at Acton, Rev. Ben Johnson, talks about Brexit with Rev. Richard Turnbull from the Center for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics. They analyze the aftermath of Brexit and the events that led up to the split between Britain and the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Jordan Ballor, Director of Publishing at Acton, speaks with Hunter Baker, Acton Affiliate Scholar, about the need for Christian statesmanship in our current political climate and the attributes of a statesman. Then Bruce Edward Walker and George Nash, American historian, talk about the 70th anniversary of Richard Weaver’s book ‘Ideas have Consequences.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton: Gleaves Whitney, Director of Grand Valley State University Howenstein Center for Presidential Studies, talks with Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and CEO of US supermarket chain Meijer, about the story of Arthur Vandenburg (1884-1951), a US senator from Michigan who became one of the founders of modern US foreign policy. Then, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with Ben Lockerd, Professor of English at Grand Valley State University, about the horror fiction of Russell Kirk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, award winning news anchor Anne Marie Schieber speaks with James Morgan about his job at Kerkstra Precast, an industrial plant. We get a look into James’ daily work and how he finds meaning and motivation in what he does. Then, Caroline Roberts talks to Phelim McAleer, co-producer of a newly released film "Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer", successful with audiences but since it’s release the film has faced harsh backlash, censorship, and media blackout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dan Hugger, Research Associate at Acton, speaks with Larry Reed, President of the Foundation for Economic Education, about the question that seems to be cropping up everywhere nowadays: Was Jesus a socialist? Then, Bruce Edward Walker talks to James Matthew Wilson about his new volume of poetry and on why poetry is important today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Couretas, Director of Communications at Acton, speaks with Aaron Rhodes, a human rights activist based out of Hamburg, Germany, about Aaron’s new book "The Debasement of Human Rights." Where does the notion of human rights come from and how can we better defend it? Then Caroline Roberts, Producer of Radio Free Acton, talks to Stephen Smith, Professor of Economics at Hope College, about the new North American trade agreement, the USMCA. They discuss the major differences between the USMCA and NAFTA and the benefits of the new agreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Episode of Radio Free Acton, Dan Churchwell, Director of Program Outreach at Acton, speaks with Nathan Hitchcock, education entrepreneur, about the role of character development and virtue play in education, and what the future of education might look like. Then, Bruce Edward Walker talks to John J. Miller, Director of the Dow Journalism Program at Hillsdale College and writer at the National Review, about John’s new anthology Reading Around: Journalism on Authors, Artists, and Ideas. They discuss some of the most interesting books released in the last few centuries and recommend some lesser known authors to add to your reading list.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Associate Director of Program Outreach at Acton, Dan Churchwell, and Missy Wallace, Executive Director of the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work, discuss how Missy became interested in the connection between faith and work, and why it is an important topic in business. Then, Caroline Roberts speaks with Brian A. Smith, Managing Editor of Liberty Fund’s Law and Liberty publication, on Walker Percy’s life and works, as well as his relevance today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, award winning news anchor Anne Marie Schieber visits the studio of Matthew Noykos, a violin maker in Grand Rapids, MI, to learn more about his craft and discuss how he finds purpose and fulfillment in his everyday work. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with Robert Bird, author of two books on Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, about Tarkovsky’s film Andrei Rublev, which was recently re-issued by the Criterion Collection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts, producer and host of Radio Free Acton, speaks with Joseph Connors, Assistant Professor of Economics at Florida Southern College, about the global decline in poverty and how we can continue to reduce it. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Alex Chafuen, Managing Director, International, at Acton, on “Operation Finale” a new film depicting the capture of infamous nazi Adolf Eichmann after he escaped to Argentina following WW2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Couretas, Executive Producer of Radio Free Acton, interviews Mark Mills, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, on his new book “Work in the Age of Robots”, about what our jobs and the future of AI might look like. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Jay Nordlinger, Senior Editor of National Review about Classical music: are people still listening to it nowadays and why is it important? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, host Caroline Roberts speaks with Jonathan Porta, co-founder of e-commerce platform UTZ Market in Guatemala, on his experiences in developing his business and on entrepreneurship in Guatemala, then on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to David Marcus, New York correspondent for The Federalist on the future of the arts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Radio Free Acton features a discussion between Drew McGinnis, Editorial Director and Research Fellow at Acton, and Eric Hutchinson, Associate Professor of Classics at Hillsdale College and translator of a book recently released in Acton’s bookshop: On the Law of Nature. Drew and Eric talk about the book and what Natural Law is. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with Titus Techera, film critic and contributor to multiple publications including National Review and The Federaist, on the new Netflix sci-fi film Anon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, host Caroline Roberts speaks with Dave Hebert, Professor of Economics at Aquinas College for another Econ Quiz segment on the topic of pensions and state debt. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Phil Terzian, a writer for The Weekly Standard, on the blind spots in the legacy of Frida Kahlo as well as our modern understanding of Stalinism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Victoria Antram, summer intern at Acton, speaks with Luke Burgis, a businessman who was named a top 25 under 25 entrepreneur by Business Week, about the myths and misconceptions about entrepreneurship. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to J. Bradley Studemeyer about government funded art in anticipation of the upcoming book Art from the Swamp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Radio Free Acton, Noah Gould, summer intern at Acton, interviews Javier Avila, a Venezuelan dissident who speaks of both the bleak and hopeful future he sees for the resistance against tyrannical government in Venezuela. Then, another Acton summer intern, Jenna Suchyta, talks to Jared Meyer, senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability, about the sharing economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, host Caroline Roberts speaks with Mihail Neamtu, Romanian conservative author, on the Trump-Putin summit, Russia’s economy, and what Trump should have prioritized at his meeting with Putin. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Peter Meilaender, Professor of political science at Houghton College, on literary criticism and how to best read a book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Wilsey, affiliate scholar of theology and history at Acton, speaks with Allen Guelzo, professor of the Civil War Era at Gettysburg college, about reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. This discussion is a preview of Professor Guelzo’s upcoming Acton Lecture Series talk on the subject of Abraham Lincoln’s moral constitution on August 9 at Acton Headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI. Then, on the Upstream segment, Acton’s director of publishing, Jordan Ballor, and Robert Nelson, professor at the School of Public Policy in Maryland, talk about the new film First Reformed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Radio Free Acton starts with another Transatlantic Intelligence segment, hosted by Senior Editor at Acton, Rev. Ben Johnson, who talks with Juan Pina, Secretary General of the Foundation for the Advancement of Liberty in Madrid, Spain on the Foundation’s World Electoral Freedom Index which ranks the nations of the world on the freedom of their electoral processes. They discuss the importance of free elections to a well functioning democracy and what goes into making elections free and fair. Then, on the Upstream segment, Acton’s Director of Publishing, Jordan Ballor, speaks with a pair of Acton’s summer 2018 interns about the new Pixar movie, Incredibles 2.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton Director of Communications John Couretas speaks with Ray Nothstine of the Civitas Institute about the religious - and especially Puritan - roots of the American Revolution; then we hear an excerpt from Susan Harper's lecture on the Hebrew republic and the origins of America's Constitutional Liberty. Harper serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American Bible Society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, we revisit a segment aired 2 years ago. Marc Vander Maas, Audio/Visual Manager at Acton, talks to Jordan Ballor, Senior Research Fellow and Director of Publishing at Acton, about why the Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper remains relevant to this day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, we are pleased to bring you the third edition of RFA Reports. Guest Anne Marie Schieber, an award-winning reporter and former anchor with Wood TV Grand Rapids, speaks with Rafael Cruz, father of former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, on the involvement of Christians in the civic arena and the separation of church and state. Then, RFA host Caroline Roberts talks with Suzanne Scholte, president of the Defense Forum Foundation, on the historic Trump-Kim Summit and the state of human rights in North Korea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Tyler Groenendal, Foundation Relations Coordinator at Acton, speaks with Michael J. Clark, Professor of Economics at Hillsdale College, on the morality and importance free trade. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Jim Person, author of the book Imaginative Conservatism: The Letters of Russell Kirk, about who Russell Kirk is and why he is still important today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this remastered episode of Radio Free Acton, we revisit an interview we had with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. We examine the major contributions of Christianity to western culture, try to figure out if there's a reasonable system of thought that could replace it in our society, and explore a bit of what the secular left has replaced Christianity with. Spoiler alert: it's sex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Andrew Vanderput, PovertyCure strategy and engagement manager at Acton, holds a discussion with Peter Greer, president and CEO of Hope International, on how human flourishing can be brought about in the context of poverty. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to author Jeremy Begbie about his new book, Redeeming Transcendence in the Arts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Host Caroline Roberts speaks with Fr. Ben Johnson, senior editor at Acton, about his article in the latest issue of Religion & Liberty on the problem of child marriage. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker and film critic Titus Techera discuss the impact and legacy of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey 50 years on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dan Churchwell, associate director of program outreach at Acton, speaks with Eugene Kandel, CEO of Start-Up Nation Central, on Israeli innovation. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with Phil Nichols, senior advisor at the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies, on the new Fahrenheit 451 movie from HBO, which releases May 19. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dan Hugger, librarian and research associate at Acton, speaks with Robert Whaples, research fellow at the Independent Institute and professor of economics at Wake Forest University on Pope Francis’ views on capitalism in a preview of Prof. Whaples' upcoming Acton Lecture Series talk. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to author, musician, and poet Robert Hudson, on the connections between the singer Bob Dylan and writer Thomas Merton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, we feature the second installment of RFA Reports. Guest Anne Marie Schieber-Dykstra, an award-winning reporter and former anchor with WOODTV Grand Rapids, talks with experts and patients on ways in which Direct Primary Care centers are providing better medical care for affordable prices. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks about the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: “Avengers: Infinity War” with Micah Watson, professor of political science at Calvin College. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, we premier a new segment: RFA Reports. Guest Anne Marie Schieber, an award-winning reporter and former anchor with Wood TV Grand Rapids, discusses ways in which Christian healthcare centers are providing better care for affordable prices. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks about the new film Chappaquiddick with Henry Payne, editorial cartoonist and opinion writer at The Detroit News.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Radio Free Acton starts off with the second installment of the Business FX segment, featuring a talk on ethics in the workplace between John Couretas, director of communications at Acton, and Phil Sotok, management consultant with DPMC. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker interviews Kathy Murray of the Austin-based Blues band Kathy and the Kilowatts on the history of the Austin blues scene and themes of freedom in Blues music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Acton’s Drew McGinnis and Dan Hugger discuss the book Communism & Christian Faith with Pavel Hanes, professor in the department of theology at Matej Bel University in Slovakia. Communism & Christian Faith was written by Lester DeKoster at the height of the Cold War and is newly reissued in the Acton bookshop. Then we have an Econ Quiz segment on trade deficits: what are they and how are they measured? Finally, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to mystery novelist Sally Wright on her works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Kevin Schmiesing, research fellow at Acton, speaks with Robert Kennedy, professor in the department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, on ‘Justice in Taxation.’ Then, Caroline Roberts talks with Brett VanderKamp, founder and president of New Holland Brewing Company on how entrepreneurs make a freer society. Finally, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker discusses the life and work of Madeleine L'Engle with Sarah Arthur, author of a new biography on L’Engle, and talk about ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ in light of the new film adaptation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dan Churchwell, associate director of program outreach at Acton, speaks with Kevin Scott, a farmer from Valley Springs, SD, on sustainable farming and growing technology as well as the dramatic changes in agriculture that have taken place due to new technologies. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with author Kaethe Schwehn on her new dystopian novel "The Rending and the Nest." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Couretas, Director of Communications at Acton, talks to Phil Sotok, management consultant with DPMC, examining purpose, fulfillment and ethics in the workplace. Then, on the Econ Quiz segment, Caroline Roberts speaks with Aquinas College professor of economics, Dave Hebert on the newly proposed steel and aluminum tariffs. Finally, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker discusses the beat poets with Robert Inchausti, professor of english at California State Polytechnic University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Rev. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at Acton, speaks with Philip Booth, Professor at St. Mary’s University in the UK about what’s missing from the 2015 Papal Encyclical: Laudato Si’. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to British jazz legend Norma Winstone about her contribution to Jazz and her newly released album: ‘Descansado - Songs For Films.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Marc Vander Maas, audio/visual manager at Acton, speaks with Yuval Levin, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, on finding solidarity in the “Age of Trump,” what it means, how it came about, and also touch on the history of political polarization in America. On the Upstream segment, Caroline Roberts has a discussion with Julian Chambliss, professor of history at Rollins College, on Marvel’s new hit movie, “Black Panther.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Rev. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at Acton, speaks with Philip Booth, Professor of Finance, Public Policy and Ethics, St. Mary’s University in the UK, about Catholic Social Teaching in China. Then, we have an Econ Quiz segment on wealth redistribution. Finally, Dan Churchwell, Associate Director of Program Outreach at Acton and Jay Richards, Executive Editor at The Stream, talk about how technology affects work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Paul Bonicelli, director of programs and education at Acton, and Trey Dimsdale, director of program outreach at Acton, speak with Greg Forster, director of the Oikonomia Network and visiting assistant professor of faith and culture at Trinity International University, on the legacy and modern relevance of Whittaker Chambers and his landmark book, Witness. Then, Dave Hebert, professor of economics at Aquinas college joins us on the Econ Quiz segment, talking about income inequality. Finally, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to David Hogsette, professor of literature and writing at Grove City College, on the writings of Ursula K. Le Guin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts talks to Joe Carter, Senior Editor at Acton, about minimum wage and the “Fight for $15.” Then on the Econ Quiz segment, Dave Hebert, Professor of Economics at Aquinas College, speaks with John Couretas, Executive Editor and Director of Communications at Acton, about the stock market boom. After that, Caroline talks to Rev. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at Acton, about Oxfam’s 2018 report on income inequality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Trey Dimsdale, Director of Program Outreach at Acton, speaks with Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, about her upcoming Acton Lecture Series talk on family breakdown and the economy. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to Acton's Patrick Oetting on the new film "Darkest Hour." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Fr. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at the Acton Institute, speaks with Alex Chafuen, President of the Atlas Network and as of January 1, 2018, Acton's new Managing Director: International, on his past and upcoming work with Acton. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker hosts a roundtable discussion with Acton staff on the recently released "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dylan Pahman, Research Fellow and Managing Editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality at Acton, speaks with Sam Gregg, Director of Research at Acton, about the prolific economists Wilhelm Röpke and John Maynard Keynes, who they are, what they did, and why we should care. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks to author and musician Robert Dean Lurie about the 50th anniversary of Rolling Stone magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Sarah Stanley, Managing Editor at the Acton Institute, speaks with Mac Tristan, Chief of Police in Coppell, Texas, on the topic of servant leadership: what is it, how has Mac found it helpful in his line of work, and why it is valuable for leaders in business too. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, professor of English at John Brown University, on the work of prolific American author Flannery O'Connor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Bruce Edward Walker talks with Ray Nothstine, Opinion Editor of the the North State Journal and Editor at the Civitas Institute, on the alternative country music genre. Then, Caroline Roberts interviews Jordan Ballor, Senior Research Fellow and Director of Publishing at the Acton Institute, on the link between Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Abraham Kuyper, and Thanksgiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts talks with Rev. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at the Acton Institute, about the Religion & Liberty Transatlantic publication. They discuss the publication's purpose, goals, as well as the spirit and struggles that Americans and Europeans share. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker, Caroline Roberts, Daniel Menjivar, and Jordan Ballor hold a roundtable discussion on Marvel's latest movie release, Thor: Ragnarok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Dylan Pahman, Managing Editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality at the Acton Institute, speaks with Matt Kibbe, President and Director of Free the People, about political cronyism. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker discusses the movie Thank You for Your Service and the depiction of veterans in media with veteran Miguel Alejos. Interested in diving deeper into the discussion on political cronyism? Join Acton and Matt Kibbe for Acton on Tap on November 19 at New Holland Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Marc Vander Maas talks to Joe Carter, senior editor at the Acton Institute, on wealth creation versus redistribution of wealth. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker discusses recent jazz releases with Daniel Montgomery, former director of marketing and design at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts talks with Fr. Ben Johnson, Senior Editor at the Acton Institute on the pitfalls of sin taxes. Then, on the Econ Quiz segment, Caroline speaks to Anne Rathbone Bradley, Vice President of Economic Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics and visiting professor at Georgetown University, about the impact of Amazon and whether or not it is a monopoly. On the Upstream segment, Caroline and Bruce Edward Walker talk about the life and work of the late science fiction writer Jerry Pournelle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, John Couretas, Director of Communications at the Acton Institute, speaks with Daniel J. Mahoney, Professor of Political Science at Assumption College, on the 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker and Daniel Menjivar talk about Blade Runner 2049. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts talks with Ben DeGrow, Director of Education Policy at The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, about school choice, previewing his panel presentation at Acton's upcoming Education and Freedom event. Then, Caroline Roberts hosts another Econ Quiz with guest Dave Hebert, Professor of Economics at Aquinas college on the topic of the week: tax reform. Finally, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with Jonathan R. Eller, Chancellors Professor of English at the Indiana University School for Liberal Arts and Director of the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies about the life and legacy Ray Bradbury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Paul Bonicelli, Director of Programs and Education at the Acton Institute talks about Acton's upcoming Education & Freedom conference and the future of education in America with Tom Lindsay, Director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Higher Education. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with Sam Buntz, writer at The Federalist, about The Devil and Father Amorth, a new documentary by William Friedkin, director of the classic 1973 movie The Exorcist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Caroline Roberts talks with Paul Kengor, Professor of Political Science at Grove City College about his new book on the extraordinary relationship between President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II. Then, on the Upstream segment, Bruce Edward Walker talks with James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy about the recent horror films It and Mother!. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Radio Free Acton, we are joined by Mollie Hemingway, Senior Editor at the Federalist who speaks with Acton's Sarah Stanley about fake news and the breakdown of trust in media institutions. Following that, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with musician and writer Robert Dean Lurie about the music of Fleet Foxes and R.E.M. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Radio Free Acton we have Joe Carter, senior editor for Acton and Adjunct Professor of Journalism at Patrick Henry College talking with Caroline Roberts about Antifa, the Alt Right, and how Christians should respond to the messages of both groups. Following that, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with Gregory Wolfe about the art of Renee Radell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Radio Free Acton we have Gleaves Whitney, director of Grand Valley State's Hauenstein center for Presidential Studies talking with Bruce Edward Walker on Russel Kirk and the Conservative Mind. Following up on that is another great Upstream segment with Titus Techera on the new Amazon series Comrade Detective, and how the communist satire is pro-free market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's edition of Radio Free Acton we have Bruce Edward Walker talking to Sam Karnick on Prog Rock. After that we have Caroline Roberts interviewing economist Victor Claar on the morality of price gouging. Then to top it off we have another edition of the Acton Mail bag, this time featuring Rev. Robert Sirico in the chair to answer some questions from our interns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Bruce Edward Walker speaks with Ismael Hernandez of the Freedom and Virtue Institute about "Detroit," the new film from Katheryn Bigelow about the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit riots, particularly discussing how this film does or does not reinforce harmful narratives within the black community in the United States. We follow that up with a conversation between assistant producer Caroline Roberts and Jacqueline Isaacs about her contribution to the book "Called to Freedom: Why you can be Christian and Libertarian." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Radio Free Acton we have guest Jacqueline Issacs on the show to preview her Acton on Tap lecture and talk a little about why you can be a libertarian Christian; she is interviewed by senior research fellow Jordan Ballor. After that Bruce Edward Walker is on the show with Upstream, talking to summer intern Anita Chen about War for the Planet of the Apes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Radio Free Acton, the co-founder and President of the Acton Institute - Rev. Robert A. Sirico - stops by to field questions from our summer interns, and Bruce Edward Walker, Dan Hugger, and Charissa Reul discuss "Baby Driver" in our Upstream segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Radio Free Acton, Bruce Edward Walker welcomes Ray Nothstine of the North State Journal to "Upstream" to review Christopher Nolan's latest film, "Dunkirk." Then Walker speaks with Seth Bartee of the Kirk Center on Russell Kirk's wisdom on leisure, work, and how Christians can best impact society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk with Jim McGann (senior lecturer of International Studies at the Lauder Institute, director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program and senior fellow, Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania) about the world of think tanks - what they are, what they do well, and where they can improve their effectiveness. Then RFA Chief Cultural Correspondent Bruce Edward Walker joins the show to lead a discussion on the latest entry into the Marvel cinematic universe, Spiderman: Homecoming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Radio Free Acton we have an interview from Acton University with Chris Armstrong, author of the new book "Medieval Wisdom for Modern Christians: Finding Authentic Faith in a Forgotten Age with C.S. Lewis." We look at the difference between modern and medieval Christians, and what makes a good story. Then it's another edition of Upstream with Forbes cultural correspondent Bruce Edward Walker on the 50th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festival and the Rock and Roll culture of the time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to Thomas Kidd professor of history at Baylor, Associate Director of Baylor's Institute for Studies of Religion and author of the new book Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father. After that, Bruce Walker and Marc talk about the recently released Mavis Staples concert album I'll Take You There: An All-Star Concert Celebration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we talk with Acton Research Fellow and Managing Editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality Dylan Pahman on his new book, "Foundations of a Free and Virtuous Society." Then on Upstream with Bruce Edward Walker, we catch up on current horror films and television, with discussions on Alien: Covenant, Twin Peaks, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we talk with John Lauck - founding president of the Midwestern History Association, the associate editor and book review editor of the Middle West Review, and an adjunct professor of history and political science at the University of South Dakota - about his new book on the American Midwest, "From Warm Center to Ragged Edge". Then Bruce Edward Walker shares his review of the latest work from former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters on our cultural segment, Upstream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg about the surprising results of the snap parliamentary election in the UK that saw the conservatives lose their majority in the House of Commons, and discuss what this means for the Brexit process and British politics in general. We're also excited to introduce a new segment on Radio Free Acton: Upstream with Bruce Edward Walker. We'll be talking about culture in this regular feature - movies, music, literature, and more - and we start with a review of Wonder Woman, the latest film from DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawrence Reed is the President of the Foundation for Economic Education, and he joins us on this edition of Radio Free Acton to talk about his new book, "Real Heroes: Inspiring True Stories of Courage, Character, and Conviction". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined in studio by Dr. John Mark Reynolds, President of the St. Constantine School, to talk about beauty, and whether or not we can truly know if something is beautiful or not. We also talk about the St. Constantine School and how the educational model they use differs from the more common pedagogy seen in American education today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined by Micah Watson, the William Spoelhof Teacher-Scholar Chair at Calvin College, to discuss the views of C.S. Lewis on democracy, specifically as they relate to the area of education. Lewis was not a fan of democracy, and worried about the effect of democratic inclinations within a culture on the quality of education systems. Watson - joined by Acton Institute Senior Research Fellow Jordan Ballor and Director of Programs and Education Paul Bonicelli - explores the thought of Lewis on this vital topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're excited to talk to John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. We examine the major contributions of Christianity to western culture, try to figure out if there's a reasonable system of thought that could replace it in our society, and explore a bit of what the secular left has replaced Christianity with. Spoiler alert: it's sex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Brent Waters, Jerre and Mary Joy Stead professor of Christian social ethics at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and author of Just Capitalism: A Christian Ethic of Economic Globalization. The market economy is often criticized as being unjust and harmful to the poor, but Waters makes the argument that global capitalism is well-suited to provide the material goods that are a necessary prerequisite for human flourishing, thus offering the most realistic and promising way for Christians to exercise the preferential option for the poor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, international trade attorney and Cato Institute Adjunct Scholar Scott Lincicome joins us to give us the real story on the benefits of international trade for the United States, and dispels some myths about the impacts of trade on U.S. industry and consumers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Radio Free Acton, we talk with Anne Rathbone Bradley, Ph.D. She serves as Vice President of Economic Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics, and joins us to talk about the vital role that economic freedom plays in lifting people out of poverty. We also address some of the common clichés that are used to attack the market economy, and even take a short peek into the political economy of Al Qaeda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we welcome back John Wilsey - Assistant Professor of History and Christian Apologetics and Associate Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - and hand over the reins of the podcast to him as he talks with author and social theorist James Poulos about his new book, "The Art of Being Free: How Alexis de Tocqueville Can Save Us from Ourselves". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg about the life and impact of Michael Novak, who passed away on February 17, 2017. Novak, a Roman Catholic theologian, philosopher, and author, was a powerful defender of human liberty and made vital contributions to our understanding of the morality of the market economy. Novak's influence was an important factor in Rev. Robert A. Sirico's effort to found the Acton Institute, and he served as a mentor to many at Acton over the years. Gregg shares Novak's history, starting with his time on the left in the 1960s and 70s, and recounting his gradual shift toward conservative thought that culminated with the publication of his masterwork, 1982's "The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined by Judge Joseph Scoville, former United States magistrate judge for the western district of Michigan, to review the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court. We examine the qualifications and judicial philosophy of Judge Gorsuch, and address the question of whether or not the left is correct to accuse Republicans of "stealing" the seat from President Obama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined by Ilya Shapiro, Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute and the editor of the Cato Supreme Court Journal, to discuss the politics surrounding judicial nominations in modern America, and the judicial legacy that presidents leave behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we have a panel discussion on the prospects for a Christian Democratic political movement in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined by Avik Roy, Opinion Editor at Forbes magazine and the founder and president of a new think tank, The Foundation for Research on Economic Opportunity. He's been an insightful critic of the health care reform process in the US since Congress began debating what would become Obamacare in 2009. Through his new organization, he's published a plan to reform the American health care system in a way that maximizes coverage in the population while significantly reducing the cost of health care for both consumers and the government. It's called "Transcending Obamacare." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with David LaRocca, philosopher, author, and filmmaker, who has released a documentary on Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur Brunello Cuccinelli. Cucinelli has built a successful company by creating high-quality apparel, but more interesting than that is the philosophy that undergirds his business and all of his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, discusses the prospects of the movement for liberty and free markets in the Latino community on this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with cultural historian and author Victoria Coates on the capacity of democracy to inspire great works of art. Coates is the author of David's Sling: The History of Democracy in Ten Works of Art, and spoke on the topic as part of the 2016 Acton Lecture Series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Jordan Ballor - Acton Research Fellow, Director of Publishing, and Executive Editor of the Journal of Markets and Morality - talks with Benjamin Domenech, Publisher of The Federalist, about the current populist moment in American politics, the roots of American populism, and what the possible outcomes of the current populist uprising may be for the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined by John Wilsey, Assistant Professor of History and Christian Apologetics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss Alexis de Tocqueville's masterwork "Democracy In America." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with Karl Zinsmeister, Vice President at Philanthropy Roundtable, about efforts to improve public education outcomes over the years, why charter schools are succeeding where past reform efforts have failed, and the role of private philanthropy in fostering that success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with Jordan Ballor, General Editor of the Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology, a major series of new translations of Abraham Kuyper’s key works. We discuss the genesis of the project, and examine what Kuyper has to say to modern Christians and why his contributions remain relevant a century after their initial publication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acton Institute Research Fellow Kevin Schmiesing joins us on this edition of Radio Free Acton to discuss the latest book release from the Acton Institute, "One and Indivisible: The Relationship Between Religious and Economic Freedom." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week on Radio Free Acton, we sat down with Acton Institute Director of International Outreach Todd Huizinga to preview the then-upcoming Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom. This week, we're back again with Todd to review the stunning results of the referendum, the reactions to it in both the United Kingdom and the European Union, and the prospects for EU reform and British prosperity in the near and long-term future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acton Institute Director of International Outreach Todd Huizinga, author of "The New Totalitarian Temptation: Global Governance and the Crisis of Democracy in Europe", discusses the upcoming British referendum on leaving the European Union on this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton Institute President Rev. Robert A. Sirico sits down with the host of EWTN's The World Over, Raymond Arroyo, for a wide-ranging discussion that touches on the life of Mother Angelica, the power of story, and the pontificate of Pope Francis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Radio Free Acton, Magatte Wade joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur in Africa. Too often, people in the West tend to think of Africa as a place to send aid rather than a place to engage in Trade. Magatte is working to change that attitude while building the local economy in her native Senegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William B. Allen, Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy in the Department of Political Science and Emeritus Dean, James Madison College, at Michigan State University, joins the podcast to talk about what the 2016 presidential race says about the national character of the United States, and about the importance to liberty of freedom of conscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acton Institute Director of International Outreach Todd Huizinga joins us on this week's edition of Radio Free Acton to discuss his new book, The New Totalitarian Temptation: Global Governance and the Crisis of Democracy in Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we pay tribute to the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, and look to the future of religious liberty in the United States with Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Larry Reed - President of the Foundation for Economic Education - discusses the myths that permeate the progressive worldview, and his new book debunking them: "Excuse Me, Professor: Challenging the Myths of Progressivism". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Marina Nemat - author, columnist, human rights advocate, and former political prisoner in her native Iran. How does a person survive imprisonment, torture, and threats of execution, and emerge from the experience with the courage to forgive? And how can her experiences shed light on our response to the problems that plague the world today: Islamic extremism, terrorism, and the refugee crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we join Bradley J. Birzer ("Call me Brad") to discuss his new biography of Russell Kirk, and to examine Kirk's role as the founding father of the conservative movement in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Nordlinger, Senior Editor at National Review Magazine, discusses his latest book - Children of Monsters: An Inquiry Into the Sons and Daughters of Dictators - on this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with American Enterprise Institute President Arthur C. Brooks about his latest book, "The Conservative Heart," and why it's so important for people who love liberty tell good stories about how freedom lifts everyone up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg and Director of International Outreach Todd Huizinga discuss the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe, and the strain that the crisis is putting on the European Union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jared Meyer, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, discusses his new book - Disinherited: How Washington is Betraying America's Young - On this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, we speak with John Horvat, author of Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society, about what's wrong with our society and culture and how to fix it. We also look into the latest on Greece's financial problems and how Europe is trying to save its common currency, with analysis of the situation by Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theologian Wayne Grudem has teamed up with economist Barry Asmus to write a book on poverty entitled The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution. On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we explore the fundamentals of growth and human flourishing, and how Christians should understand economics and aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Marc bravely battles a late-spring cold to bring you an interview with Jonathan Witt, Managing Editor at TheStream.org, and author of The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom that Tolkien Got and The West Forgot. Was Frodo a small-government type? Find out on Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Lela Gilbert - author, journalist, and Adjunct Fellow at the Hudson Institute - about her book "Saturday People, Sunday People: Israel Through The Eyes of a Christian Sojourner", and about the very real threat posed to both Christians and Jews in the Middle East by radical Islam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a group of high school students decide to form a student group to discuss the intersection of religion, liberty, and markets? At Grand Rapids West Catholic High School, they founded The Acton Club. Acton Institute Director of Programs and Educational Impact Mike C. Cook talks with the founders of the club about their experience over the last year in starting the group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we're joined in studio by eminent Catholic scholar George Weigel of the Ethics and Public Policy Center to discuss the pontificate of Pope Francis, his coverage by the global media, and his upcoming trip to the United States. Weigel is joined in stuido by Acton's President and Co-Founder Rev. Robert A. Sirico, and the discussion is moderated by Acton Director of Research Samuel Gregg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timothy P. Carney is the guest on this edition of Radio Free Acton to talk about the threats to liberty posed by not only Big Government, but Big Business as well. We also talk to Michael Van Beek of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan, about the mission and work of Mackinac. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Ohanian, Director of Programs for International Orthodox Christian Charities, speaks with Acton Institute Director of Communications John Couretas about the current state of the Syrian civil war and the ongoing—and growing—refugee crisis caused by the conflict, which is one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Ryan T. Anderson, William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and a Free Society at the Heritage Foundation, about what exactly we mean when we say "religious liberty." Is it simply the freedom to worship, or does it entail something more robust than that? We also discuss Religious Freedom Restoration Act legislation in Indiana and elsewhere, and the media's open animus toward such legislation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Burt and Anita Folsom discuss their latest book, "Uncle Sam Can't Count." We examine whether the government has a good track record in subsidizing industry and innovation, and look at some of the unforseen consequences of subsidies in society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk with Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Provost and Professor of Literature at Patrick Henry College. Dr. Veith discusses the influence of the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther's understanding of vocation on the development of capitalism, and gives his thoughts on how young people - and all of us - should view work and education as we discern our vocations in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton Institute Director of International Outreach Todd Huizinga draws on his wealth of diplomatic and international experience to help us understand the history and context of the ongoing financial difficulties of the nation of Greece. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's podcast, Elise Graveline Hilton talks about her monograph and provides some basic resources for everyone interested in fighting the scourge of human trafficking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Tucker, Author, speaker, founder and Chief Liberty Officer of Liberty.me, joins Radio Free Acton this week to discuss the relationship between capitalism and love. It may sound strange - we're used to hearing capitalism described as the creed of the greedy and heartless - but it's quite true. Listen and find out why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, Paul Edwards speaks with Luba Markewycz of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, Illinois about the Holodomor - the Great Famine of the 1930s inflicted on Ukraine by Josef Stalin's Soviet Government that killed millions of Ukrainians through starvation. They discuss the Holodomor itself, and the process undertaken by Markewycz to create an exhibition of art by young Ukrainians to commemorate the event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Marc Vander Maas talks with F. H. Buckley, Foundation Professor at George Mason University School of Law and author of a number of books, his latest being The Once and Future King: The Rise of Crown Government in America (Encounter Books, April 2014). The story of American Government is the story of the rise of presidential power, which has seen its fullest, and - for those who believe in the principles of the Constitution and oppose one-man rule - most unsettling flowering in the presidency of Barack Obama. How did a country that was founded on small-r republican principles go from overthrowing the rule of the King George to essentially creating its own elected monarchy, which George Mason, one of the founding fathers, considered worse than the real thing? Buckley discusses this process and our current political dilemma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast, we welcome Gerard Lameiro to Radio Free Acton to talk about the subject of his recent Acton lecture and his book, Renewing America and Its Heritage of Freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, Research Fellow Michael Matheson Miller continues his conversation with former US Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney. They discuss the soft power influence of the Vatican on global affairs and some of the ins and outs of international diplomacy from an ambassador's perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Ambassador Francis Rooney speaks with Acton Institute Research Fellow Michael Matheson Miller regarding his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See from 2005 to 2008. He discusses the Vatican's influence in world affairs, the benefit of using "soft power" in diplomacy, and the history of official U.S. relations with the Holy See. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Michael Matheson Miller - Research Fellow at the Acton Institute - continues his interview with Yale's Sterling Professor of English David Bromwich on his new book, "The Intellectual Life of Edmund Burke." This week's podcast is part 2 of the interview; part 1 can be found in the prior edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, we talk about sound money with economist and author Robert P. Murphy. What is money? Why does it have value? What happens when a government detaches the value of money from gold or other commodities? We look at these questions, find out what our dollars are really worth, and look at ways to restore the value of our money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Sarah Stanley speaks with Chelsen Vicari, Evangelical Program Director at the Institute on Religion and Democracy, about her new book Distortion: How the New Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Michael Matheson Miller - Research Fellow at the Acton Institute - interviews Yale's Sterling Professor of English David Bromwich on his new book, "The Intellectual Life of Edmund Burke." This week's podcast is part 1 of the interview; part 2 will be forthcoming in the next edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into the fall of 2014, the world seems in many ways to be a very dark and dangerous place. Between the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria (and the resulting slaughter and displacement of Christians in the middle east) and the relentless advance of secularism in the West, many Christians are wondering how Christianity can advance in our modern world. In this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton Institute Co-Founder and President Rev. Robert A. Sirico talks on this topic with Os Guinness, public intellectual and author most recently of Reniassance: The Power of the Gospel However Dark the Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2017 will mark the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle Church, the event that would eventually lead to what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. In anticipation of this very significant anniversary, churches, seminaries, colleges, and many other organizations have begun the process of examining the events leading up to and flowing out from the reformations of that time, and a great deal of those organizations have joined together to form Refo500, which describes itself as "the international platform for knowledge, expertise, ideas, products and events, specializing in the 500 year legacy of the Reformation." Dr. Herman Selderhuis - Director of Refo500 and professor at the Theological University of Apeldoorn in the Netherlands - was recently our guest here at the Acton Institute, and he took some time to sit down with Paul Edwards and discuss the legacy of the Protestant Reformation and the work of his organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean for Christians to use our gifts to fulfill God’s purposes in cultural flourishing? Makoto Fujimura, internationally renowned artist, intellectual, and founder of the International Arts Movement, is well placed to address this question. Fujimura joins host Paul Edwards on this edition of Radio Free Acton to discuss his art, his story of faith, how a “culture care” mindset can change the way we look at a wide range of issues. Follow Mako on Twitter: @iamfujimura Radio Free Acton archive And last, and certainly not least, be sure to follow @ActonUnicorn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Father Hans Jacobse, founder of the American Orthodox Institute and regular contributor to Orthodoxy Today, discusses his experience as a participant and lecturer at Acton University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the end – the goal – of business anyway? Is it to merely maximize a profit or to do good, or some balance between the two? And what exactly does it mean for a business to “do good”? And if I happen to be a person of deep religious faith, do I have to check my faith at the boardroom door? What influence should my faith have on the exchanges I engage in day to day, and what are the practical implications of ethics on how I conduct myself in business relationships? Andrew Abela is the 2009 recipient of Acton’s Novak Award. He has just co-authored a very important book on the subject of the intersection of ethics and morality with business: A Catechism for Business: Tough Ethical Questions & Insights From Catholic Teaching (The Catholic University of America Press). He speaks with Acton’s Paul Edwards on this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Edwards talks with Wesley J. Smith of the Discovery Institute and author of the Human Exceptionalism blog on National Review Online about the very real threats to the core idea of the dignity of the human person that exist in the intellectual world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We would all agree that digital technology has made life better in many respects. But in what ways do smartphones, email, social media and the Internet in general bring pressures to bear upon us that diminish human dignity and work against us in the free market, our social connectivity, and the interior life? Douglas Rushkoff has been thinking and writing about these very questions for years. He is a media theorist and author of the book, Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now. He has produced documentaries for CNN and PBS and is regular contributor to the New York Times. He spoke with Acton’s Paul Edwards for this edition of Radio Free Acton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Paul Edwards talks with Lawrence Reed, President of the Foundation for Economic Education, about the changing nature and expanding power of the American Presidency, and what threats that may pose to the liberty of American citizens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, Paul Edwards goes behind the scenes at the premiere of For the Life of the World: Letters to the Exiles, the new curriculum produced by the Acton Institute that examines God's mission in the world and our place in it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On March 28 2014 at the Acton Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Acton Institute will be hosting Hidden No More: Exposing Human Trafficking in West Michigan, an event that will examine the pervasive problem of human trafficking, how widespread it is in our state (and beyond), and how the West Michigan community can respond to this crime which too often goes unreported. Human trafficking affects our economy, public safety and is an assault on human dignity, cutting across racial, political and religious divides. Our panelists will draw on the Michigan State Attorney General’s 2013 Report on Human Trafficking to stimulate discussion and generate community-based solutions to human trafficking. On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Acton's Director of Communications John Couretas talks with Elise Hilton, who is organizing the event for Acton. They shed some light on the signs of human trafficking, and discuss ways for all of us to be more aware of this vital issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Radio Free Acton, we take a look at the current state of the crisis in the Ukraine. Paul Edwards takes the mic as host, and talks with Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg about the geopolitical context of the crisis and the different force that are currently acting on the Ukraine, making the crisis more acute; he also talks with Acton Director of Communications John Couretas about the religious and social undercurrents that are also at play in the situation. Paul also speaks with an evangelical Christian living in Kiev (who remains anonymous for his protection) in order to obtain a fuller picture of events as they stand at this moment, and for an inside view of the conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Acton University have to offer to a high school teacher? We talk with Becki Essner (AU'11, '12 & '13) about her experiences at Acton U, the things that have impacted her the most at the conferences, and how she integrates the lessons learned at Acton U into her work at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflecting on the Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI Part 2 by Acton Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Radio Free Acton crew expands this week to include Director of Programs Michael Miller and Acton Research Fellow Anthony Bradley, who join regulars Marc Vander Maas and Ray Nothstine to discuss the fallout from a busy political week. Super Tuesday has come and gone, and the GOP looks likely to have its nominee: Senator John McCain. Mike Huckabee is remaining in the race, but are his economic views hampering him in his effort to unite evangelicals? Barack Obama has inspired many with a campaign that is not afraid to use religious language and references, but how do Obama's beliefs translate into real-world action? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Radio Free Acton, Michael Matheson Miller is joined by Acton's Director of Research Samuel Gregg to reflect on the papacy and legacy of retiring Pope Benedict XVI. This is part one of a two part podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Radio Free Acton, Amity Shlaes - bestselling author of The Forgotten Man - joins the show to talk about her forthcoming biography of Calvin Coolidge. This edition of RFA was originally released on August 6, 2012. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio Free Acton hits the web once again, this time featuring an exchange between Hunter Baker, author of The End of Secularism, and Jonathan Malesic, author of Secret Faith in the Public Square: An Argument for the Concealment of Christian Identity. Their conversation continues an exchange begun in the Controversy section of the latest issue of Acton's Journal of Markets & Morality. Should Christians be overt about their faith when operating in the public square, or should Christian identity remain concealed in order to protect the faith from being drained of any real meaning? Baker and Malesic provide some thought-provoking perspectives on this vital question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been quite the uptick regarding the topic because of fears that America has lost its greatness. "America's Destiny Must Be Freedom," is a commentary I penned in June related to that fear, as well as an overview of America's freedom narrative. I also hosted an Acton on Tap on American Exceptionalism last August. I addressed the history of the theological roots, the different strains of thought related to American Exceptionalism, and the debate today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Michael Phelps continues to lead the discussion between Professors Nathan Jacobs and Calvin Seerveld, who previously debated this topic in the Controversy section of our Journal of Markets & Morality. The first portion of that exchange is available at the link for part 1; the remainder of the Controversy can be read by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September in Grand Rapids means the return of ArtPrize, which bills itself as a "radically open" art competition, juried by the general public, and awarding the largest cash prize for an art competition in the world - $250,000 for first place. As the competition takes place in the hometown of the Acton Institute - in fact, many artists exhibited their work in our building last year, and will do so again this year - it's hard for us to miss it. And frankly, the questions that have been raised about the impact of such a non-professional, wide-open art contest with such a large prize at stake on the art world (for example, does ArtPrize foster real art, or are artists simply pandering to the public to have a shot at the prize) are too intriguing to pass up. This edition of Radio Free Acton tackles the question of how Christians should steward the arts. The participants, Professors Nathan Jacobs and Calvin Seerveld, previously debated this topic in the Controversy section of our Journal of Markets & Morality (Volume 12, Number 2 - you can read the first part of their debate at this link), and we thought it would be interesting to bring them together for a live exchange as well. Special thanks are due to David Michael Phelps, who agreed to sit in as the moderator of the program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Donald Condit and Kevin Schmiesing join us to discuss the ins and outs of the healthcare system as well as viable options for reforming and improving it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Donald Condit and Kevin Schmiesing join us to discuss the ins and outs of the healthcare system as well as viable options for reforming and improving it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glenn Sunshine, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, joins us to talk about his book 'Why You Think The Way You Do', which demonstrates the massive impact that Christianity has had in the development of the modern Western worldview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Radio Free Acton crew takes on the controversy over the highly-publicized statements of Rev. Jeremiah Wright who served as pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ and serves as a spiritual mentor to Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Host Marc Vander Maas is joined by Anthony Bradley and Ray Nothstine, and Acton President Rev. Robert A. Sirico makes his first appearance in the Acton Studio. What is Black Liberation Theology? What are the similarities and differences between Black Liberation Theology and the Liberation theology that rose to prominence in the 80s? What would the early civil rights leaders in the US think about this theology? The RFA crew tackles all these questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of the podcast, we pause to remember the contributions of William F. Buckley to the Acton Institute and to the conservative movement as a whole with Acton President Rev. Robert A. Sirico. The Acton podcast crew is then joined by Professor Joseph Knippenberg from Oglethorp University in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss the Pew Forum's newly released research on the American religious landscape. Why is there so much church shopping going on, and is it good or bad? Finally, we listen in to some bonus audio from Dr. Glenn Sunshine's Acton Lecture Series address, Wealth, Work and the Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Radio Free Acton crew discusses whether or not a "rich and famous" lifestyle can produce true happiness, and concludes that money can't buy happiness. Indeed, a life lived in pursuit of nothing more than material gain will lead to emptiness; true happiness comes through a pursuit of a relationship with God, which gives meaning to the rest of life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first edition of Radio Free Acton hits the web with a look at the influence of religion on the upcoming Michigan primary, which takes place on Tuesday, January 15. Host Marc Vander Maas is joined by Acton colleagues Jordan Ballor, Ray Nothstine, and John Couretas to look at the polls, the campaign ads, and the ideas that are defining current Republican politics and the constituencies that seem to be in a fight for the future of the party. John Couretas also talks with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse about her Acton Lecture Series address, "Freedom, the Family and the Market." Dr. Morse talks about the how the Marxist view of the traditional family still infects modern leftist opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.