https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/21/23/74033896-1ce2-49d7-962d-f17233ceb341_avital.m4a

What did the NatCon conference in Jerusalem reveal about the future of nationalism, liberalism, and the relationship between Israel and the West?In this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Dr. Avital Levi, director of educational programs at the Herzl Institute in Jerusalem, about her presentation at the National Conservatism Conference and the controversies surrounding the event.Dr. Levi explains why liberal individualism struggles to sustain social cohesion, why nations need shared histories and traditions, and how the biblical account of nationhood offers an alternative to both radical individualism and political universalism. The conversation explores the relationship between family, nation, religion, and political order, as well as the influence of liberal ideas on Israeli society.Jon and Dr. Levi also discuss the debate surrounding Israel&#39;s relationship with the United States, the controversy over public figures such as Tucker Carlson, accusations of antisemitism, and the importance of evaluating international alliances in light of both moral principles and national interests.Finally, they consider the future of Christian influence in the West and why the recovery of a shared Christian inheritance matters for the political and cultural health of Western nations.**Topics include:**- The NatCon conference in Jerusalem- Liberalism and the social contract- National identity, family, and shared traditions- Biblical nationhood and the Tower of Babel- Israel, nationalism, and immigration- Tucker Carlson and the debate over antisemitism- The U.S.-Israel relationship and national interests- Christianity and the future of Western civilizationSubscribe to *Conversations That Matter* for thoughtful discussions about Christianity, politics, theology, and Western civilization.00:00 Introduction: Avital Levi and the NatCon Conference04:30 Liberalism and the Problem of Individualism09:00 Loyalty, Tragedy, and National Solidarity14:00 Family, Marriage, and the Foundations of Society19:00 Abraham, Babel, and Biblical Nationhood28:00 Nationalism, Religion, and Self-Governing Nations37:00 Christianity&#39;s Influence on Western Culture44:00 Political Involvement and the NatCon Movement49:00 Tucker Carlson, Antisemitism, and the NatCon Controversy54:00 The U.S.-Israel Relationship: Interests and Alliances64:00 Christian Ethics and Difficult Foreign Policy Questions78:00 Restoring Christianity and Supporting Israel Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NatCon Sparks Debate: Avital Levi on Nationalism, Liberalism, and Israel

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/16/21/e22761ee-9f6e-46c6-ac9a-eafdc49c21cd_nate_fischer.m4a

What happens when Christians bring their understanding of human nature, theology, and the good life into the worlds of business, technology, and politics?In this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, I sit down with Nate Fischer, co-founder of New Founding and a founding backer of American Reformer, to discuss how Christians can move beyond building niche alternatives and start shaping the future of America.Nate explains how independent thinking helped shape his career as an investor, why Christian theology has practical implications for business decisions, and how New Founding identifies opportunities at the intersection of cultural change, politics, and entrepreneurship.We also discuss the limits of conventional Christian approaches to business, the future of artificial intelligence, the decline of social trust, building communities rooted in the American way of life, and why people increasingly need to evaluate public figures by whether they have genuine skin in the game.Finally, we consider how Christians should approach controversial ideas, institutional stewardship, and the responsibility to build rather than simply criticize.Topics include:- Why independent thinking matters in business and politics- New Founding and its vision for America- Christian anthropology and artificial intelligence- Why Christian businesses need more than a Christian label- The decline of social trust and the search for community- Skin in the game, credibility, and the future of public discourse- How Christians can build institutions that shape the futureLearn more:New Founding: https://newfounding.com  American Reformer: https://americanreformer.orgFollow Nate Fischer on X: @NateAFisherTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Introduction to Nate Fischer01:20 Independent Thinking and the Path to Investing05:00 From Business to Politics08:00 Why Christian Theology Matters for Business16:00 New Founding and American Reformer23:06 Venture Capital, Startups, and Building Communities42:10 Skin in the Game in the Age of AI and Social Media44:00 Performative Outrage and Genuine Risk1:03:09 Israel, Political Labels, and Productive Debate1:15:08 Stewarding Imperfect Institutions and the Christian View of AI Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How Christians Can Build Businesses That Shape America | Nate Fischer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/17/16/50328e8f-637e-49d0-80b2-7ba66f1bb7e1_ctm_in_process.m4a

Democratic candidates with pastoral backgrounds are running competitive campaigns in traditionally Republican states, using Christian language to promote progressive political positions. What does this development mean for American Christians, and how should we understand the rise of the religious left?In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines four candidates running for federal office in Texas, Kansas, and Iowa: James Talarico, Adam Hamilton, Sarah Trone Garriott, and Lindsay James.Although these candidates often present themselves as moderate, bipartisan, and guided by Christian values, their positions on abortion, transgender issues, climate change, and social justice raise important questions about the relationship between progressive politics and historic Christian teaching.Jon explores their public statements, theological backgrounds, and political strategies, including their criticism of Christian nationalism and their appeals to the gospel, compassion, and the common good.The broader concern is not simply electoral politics. It is the way political movements can use familiar Christian language to persuade believers that particular policies follow from the gospel. Christians need biblical discernment to distinguish genuine Christian teaching from political programs presented in religious terms.The episode concludes by considering what Republicans can learn from these candidates&#39; communication strategies and why character, moral credibility, and a clear defense of Christian principles matter in public life. In this episode:- The rise of Democratic candidates with pastoral backgrounds- James Talarico&#39;s campaign and his criticism of Christian nationalism- Adam Hamilton&#39;s progressive theology and political positions- Sarah Trone Garriott and Lindsay James in Iowa- The relationship between social justice, the social gospel, and Christian teaching- Why a moderate tone can make progressive policies more appealing- How Christians can develop discernment and evaluate political claims- What conservative candidates can learn from the religious left For more:Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/#Christianity #Politics #ReligiousLeft 00:00 The New Face of the Religious Left05:06 Why Christians Should Pay Attention12:18 The Rise of Democratic Pastors17:03 James Talarico and Christian Nationalism32:00 Adam Hamilton and Progressive Christianity40:46 Sarah Trone Garriott and the Religious Left46:40 Lindsay James and the Social Gospel52:57 How Progressive Pastors Appeal to Voters54:46 What Republicans Should Learn from the Religious Left Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The New Face of the Religious Left: Democratic Pastors Running in Red States

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/17/1/88c16565-24d4-40b1-920d-14ac8cff9ca5_my_project.m4a

In this News Roundup, Jon Harris covers the latest developments in American politics, the Christian church, and the broader cultural landscape. From the controversy surrounding YouTube’s copyright complaint against *All Are Not Welcome* to the biblical case for capital punishment, this episode examines the ideas and institutions shaping America’s future.Jon discusses the United Nations’ pandemic preparedness resolution and the U.S. decision to oppose it, a recent school shooting and the role of armed citizens in stopping violence, and a new report examining suicide rates following restrictions on transgender medical procedures for minors.In evangelical news, Southern Baptist Convention President Willie Rice calls on pastors to engage in the political process ahead of the midterm elections. Jon also examines the latest legal developments involving McLean Bible Church and considers whether growing public expressions of Christian faith in the music industry point to a broader cultural shift. Topics covered:- YouTube’s copyright complaint against All Are Not Welcome- The biblical case for capital punishment and public accountability- The Pope’s opposition to the death penalty and American sovereignty- The United Nations’ pandemic preparedness resolution- A school shooting and the role of armed citizens- New findings on restrictions on transgender medical interventions for minors- Willie Rice, the SBC, and Christian political engagement- The latest McLean Bible Church legal developments- Billy Corgan, Kid Rock, and the growing visibility of Christian faith in music Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Introduction and News Roundup (Low Bandwidth)04:57 YouTube Targets All Are Not Welcome09:01 The Death Penalty, the Bible, and Public Justice17:42 The Pope, Capital Punishment, and American Sovereignty20:05 The UN Pandemic Resolution and Medical Freedom22:43 School Shooting: The Good Guy with a Gun24:20 Report on Transgender Treatment Bans and Suicide Rates25:36 Willie Rice Calls Southern Baptists to Political Engagement27:49 McLean Bible Church: Latest Legal Developments30:21 Billy Corgan, Kid Rock, and Christianity in Music36:12 Midterm Elections and Audience Questions Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

News Roundup: Trans Suicide Claim, Death Penalty, Rock Christian Revival?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/24/21/c61d836c-aefa-4620-bdef-c95dbad5d1fe_ctm_1.m4a

Why is Northern Ireland still comparatively Christian while the Republic of Ireland has seen such a dramatic collapse in Christian practice and cultural influence? I talk with Pastor @j_bambrick about conversion, discipleship, Christian institutions, free speech, Enoch Burke, and what Christians in America can learn from Ireland. 00:00 — Why Talk About Christianity Outside America?01:28 — Meet Pastor Jamie Bambrick03:04 — Why Northern Ireland Remains More Christian06:30 — How Ireland Lost Its Christian Culture09:02 — Institutions Are Not Enough Without Conversion11:17 — The Troubles and Northern Ireland’s Christian Identity14:00 — Christian Nationalism and the Need for Discipleship17:34 — Enoch Burke and the Fight Over Free Speech24:01 — Northern Ireland Faces the Same Cultural Pressures52:56 — Are Young Men Returning to Church? Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Why Is Northern Ireland Still Christian? Lessons From Ireland for America

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/8/19/b6e435c0-a716-4e63-98dc-d6502fa4de60_ctm_1.m4a

What did the Mexican-American War have to do with the Civil War, Manifest Destiny, Texas, California, and the modern American Southwest?Jon Harris sits down with Thomas Wayne Riley of the American Southwest Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the Mexican-American War and the history that shaped the American Southwest.The discussion begins with the enormous territorial consequences of the war and the idea of Manifest Destiny, before examining the border dispute that sparked the conflict and the American campaign into Mexico. They discuss the Mexican frontier, Texas independence, California, Mormon settlement, the growth of American communities in the Southwest, and the many future Civil War generals who gained military experience during the Mexican-American War.The conversation also explores the war&#39;s connection to American expansion and imperialism, the San Patricio Battalion, the changing population of the Southwest, and the much older history of the region.This is a conversation about the history between the American Revolution and the Civil War that is often overlooked, and why understanding that history helps explain the United States and the Southwest today. 00:00 – Introduction: The Mexican-American War and Modern America06:00 – The Forgotten America Between the Revolution and Civil War07:14 – Manifest Destiny and America&#39;s Expansion West13:26 – How the Mexican-American War Began20:35 – Life on the Mexican Frontier24:21 – Population, Settlement, and the Growth of the Southwest28:00 – Texas, California, and Mormon Settlement35:00 – The Mexican War: Training Ground for Civil War Generals42:02 – America&#39;s First Foray Into Imperialism?52:58 – The San Patricio Battalion, Borders, and the Modern Southwest Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Forgotten War That Created the American Southwest

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/8/15/479ba7b0-d3ff-4866-a1db-4c20a8c7d806_episcopal.m4a

Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuWSPoH3ncE Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Why I Care About the Episcopal Church

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/16/15/d98b4270-78f9-4387-8dac-d26dba3f76db_jake_dell.m4a

What happened to the Episcopal Church and America&#39;s Protestant establishment?In this conversation, we trace the transformation of the Episcopal Church and other mainline Protestant institutions, from their historic place in American religious life to the rise of theological liberalism, institutional gatekeeping, managerialism, and progressive politics.Our guest shares his own journey into Anglicanism and the Episcopal ministry, including his years at Yale, his growing concerns about the direction of the denomination, and his attempts to remain faithful while working within an increasingly hostile institutional environment.We discuss the controversy surrounding sexuality and marriage in the Episcopal Church, the impact of Gene Robinson&#39;s consecration, the role of seminaries and denominational leadership, and the ways institutional pressures can discourage clergy from speaking openly.The conversation also examines Operation Reconquista and the broader question of whether conservative Christians can recover institutions that have been captured by a different theological and cultural vision. We discuss what it means to leave an established denomination, the personal and financial costs of taking unpopular stands, and what young Christians considering ministry should do when the institutions around them have changed.Finally, we discuss the role of the pulpit in public life and why pastors must be willing to speak boldly about the issues confronting their congregations and communities.#EpiscopalChurch #Anglicanism #Christianity #ChurchHistory #MainlineProtestantism #ChristianCulture 00:00 Why I Was Drawn to Anglicanism02:19 Conversion, C.S. Lewis, and the Gospel07:02 Evangelical Christianity at Yale08:56 The Episcopal Church&#39;s Crisis in the 1990s13:18 Unitarianism, Darwinism, and the Loss of Christian Belief22:45 From Yale to the Ministry30:20 The Conservative Blacklist35:20 Gene Robinson and the Breaking of the Episcopal Church40:58 How Managerialism Changed the Church49:20 2020, DEI, and the Decision to Speak Out54:34 Operation Reconquista and Leaving the Episcopal Church01:16:08 Advice for the Next Generation Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How the Episcopal Church Lost Its Way - Rev. Jacob Dell

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/1/4/b25a2f9f-221d-43b5-8451-afcfa1dce3d8_istian_persecution___the_true_culture_of_death.mp3

This week on the Conversations That Matter podcast, Jon Harris covers a wide-ranging news roundup touching on the Southern Baptist Convention, Christian persecution, the Catholic Church, the Christian Nationalism debate, Steve Lawson, and what Jon calls the “true culture of death.”Jon begins with a personal update following a house fire in his wife’s family, along with reflections on the recent Restoring Virtue Conference and upcoming speaking engagements.From there, he discusses Eric Erickson’s criticism of figures on the Right and the importance of clearly defining neo-Nazi ideology rather than making broad accusations. He also examines recent controversy surrounding Candace Owens, a new Vatican document on interreligious dialogue, and claims surrounding the discovery of Noah’s Ark in Turkey.The episode then turns to the Christian Nationalism debate, including J.D. Greer’s arguments concerning church and state, religious liberty, and the role of Christianity in public life. Jon also discusses Southern Baptist figures Jason Little and Walter Strickland, including Strickland’s comments concerning Nat Turner and liberation theology.Jon then addresses the changing Christian legal movement, Steve Lawson’s recent book concerning his adultery and disqualification from ministry, and questions from listeners.The final portion of the podcast examines assisted suicide, declining marriage and family formation, adult toy consumption, gender distrust, juvenileization, higher education, student loans, Title IX, and policies under the Trump administration. Jon concludes by discussing comments from Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu concerning persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the broader decline of Christianity in the region.Listen through to the end for Jon’s thoughts on why Christians should focus less on theoretical political battles and more on the practical challenges directly in front of them. 00:00 Personal Update: House Fire and Restoring Virtue10:40 The News Roundup Begins11:45 Eric Erickson and the Debate Over Neo-Nazism22:40 Candace Owens and Online Political Commentary29:00 The Vatican, Vatican II, and Interreligious Dialogue38:05 The Search for Noah&#39;s Ark42:45 J.D. Greer and Christian Nationalism61:45 Jason Little and the Southern Baptist Convention63:00 Walter Strickland, Liberation Theology, and Nat Turner77:00 The Christian Legal Movement and John W. Whitehead84:00 Steve Lawson&#39;s Confession and Return to Public Ministry89:30 Listener Questions94:00 Assisted Suicide and the Culture of Death95:00 Juvenileization, Marriage, and Gender Distrust106:00 Trump, Student Loans, and Higher Education109:40 Title IX and Gender Transition Treatments114:30 Christian Persecution, Trump, and Netanyahu123:50 Final ThoughtsGive Send Go: https://www.givesendgo.com/help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft?utm_source=sharelink&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aftJon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Give Send Go: https://www.givesendgo.com/help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft?utm_source=sharelink&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

News Roundup: SBC, Lawson, Christian Persecution & the True Culture of Death

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/19/1efee0ef-3802-44c7-94eb-dc1277555aed_ctm_1.m4a

What actually makes someone a strong Christian? A viral post claimed that the strongest Christians watch Disney movies, avoid politics, wear bikinis, drink alcohol, shop at Target, and celebrate Halloween. The argument was that Christians who impose restrictions on these things are essentially modern Pharisees. There is an important truth here: Christians should not invent laws and impose them on other believers as though those rules came from God. But there is also a problem with defining Christian freedom by a list of cultural behaviors. In this episode, I examine the distinction between Christian liberty, legalism, conscience, modesty, discernment, and genuine godliness. Scripture does not present godliness primarily as a collection of cultural boxes that we check. It begins with the character of the heart and manifests itself in how we live. The question is not simply, “Can a Christian do this?” The deeper question is: What actually marks a godly Christian? The episode also considers the “weaker brother,” the misuse of Christian liberty, alcohol, Halloween, modesty, political involvement, consumer choices, pornography, and the danger of creating our own standards of righteousness. Christianity is marked by inward virtue that manifests itself outwardly. 00:00 — The Tweet About “Strong Christians”01:22 — Are These Really Issues of Christian Liberty?02:58 — The Weak Brother and Christian Conscience05:16 — When the “Weak Brother” Becomes a Human Shield06:25 — Alcohol, Communion, and Christian Freedom08:34 — What Actually Makes Someone Godly?10:42 — The Biblical Marks of a Godly Man11:57 — Modesty, Virtue, and Godly Women13:08 — The Problem With a Pornographic Culture15:34 — What Strong Christians Are Actually Known For17:24 — Halloween, Alcohol, and Circumstantial Wisdom19:04 — How to Avoid Becoming a Pharisee Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Let's Define Godliness by the Right Things

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/18/17/0d94d319-25a6-44b6-abad-3acce26f8bda_ctm_1.m4a

The Democratic Party appears to be changing its tune on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Politicians including Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and James Talarico have recently used the language of fairness and safety when discussing women’s sports. That represents a significant change from the rhetoric surrounding transgender rights and school sports during the Obama and Biden years. But is this a genuine change in conviction, or is it a political retreat? In this episode, I look at the history of the Democratic position on transgender issues, the growing public resistance to males competing in women’s sports, and the political calculations surrounding the issue. I also examine the difference between voters motivated by deeply held convictions and voters who simply do not want political policies to produce consequences in their own families and communities. The larger question is whether the Democratic retreat represents a change in principle or simply a strategic pause until the political environment changes. Finally, I discuss why arguments about fairness and public opinion are not enough. If our understanding of men and women is ultimately grounded in God&#39;s created order, then political arguments cannot simply rest on whatever happens to be popular at a particular moment. 00:00 Democrats and the Trans Sports Reversal02:18 Is This a Genuine Change of Heart?04:26 The Gender Debate and the Nature Argument07:20 Remembering the Biden and Obama Years09:24 Why Democrats Are Changing Their Message10:30 The Polling Problem for Transgender Sports12:30 Convictional Voters vs. Convenience Voters15:42 What Democrats Have Learned From the Backlash18:05 Why “Fairness” Is Their New Argument23:48 God&#39;s Rights, Nature, and the Foundation of Society Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Democrats Backing Down From "Trans Sports?" Don't Buy it!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/22/17/bc02fb74-8a6d-4292-9b86-1ec7fa12ef1b_sbc.m4a

Jon Harris sits down with William Wolfe of the Center for Baptist Leadership to discuss what has happened since Willie Rice became president of the SBC and what comes next.The conversation covers the Truth and Unity Amendment, the effort to prevent women from serving as pastors in the SBC, appointments to committees and trustee boards, financial transparency, restoring trust in the Cooperative Program, the International Mission Board&#39;s vaccine requirements, and the continuing influence of progressive and DEI ideas within SBC entities.Wolfe also explains why he believes the biggest danger may no longer be an obvious return to the previous &#34;woke&#34; era, but a period of what he calls &#34;managed decline&#34; in which institutions become less willing to take clear and courageous positions.The discussion also examines Willie Rice&#39;s leadership, the upcoming fight over the Truth and Unity Amendment, and what conservatives and ordinary Southern Baptists should understand about the institutional battle ahead. 00:00 Intro01:00 The Fight After Willie Rice&#39;s Election02:50 Filling SBC Committees and Trustee Boards03:34 The Truth and Unity Amendment04:36 What Willie Rice Has Accomplished06:11 The Future Direction of the SBC07:40 Is Willie Rice His Own Man?09:54 The Push to Ratify the Truth and Unity Amendment10:52 Can Conservative Momentum Continue?12:23 Restoring Trust in the SBC13:30 The IMB and Vaccine Mandates15:00 Are Progressive Forces Still Active in the SBC?18:00 Opposition to the Truth and Unity Amendment19:30 From Wokeness to &#34;Managed Decline&#34;20:45 What Courageous Conservative Leadership Looks Like Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Battle for the SBC Is Not Over | William Wolfe on What Comes Next

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/4/14/e7a42e87-19b7-4c1c-8fa7-d9a474cbf7ac_canada.m4a

Dr. D. Millard Haskell joins Conversations That Matter to explain what happened to Christianity&#39;s influence in Canada and why Americans should pay attention. Haskell, a sociologist and author of Christ or Collapse: The Case Against Godless Government, argues that the evidence points toward the social benefits of traditional Christianity. His research led him from liberal Christianity toward a conviction that Christian norms produce greater stability and flourishing. The conversation then turns to Canada as a cautionary tale for the United States. We discuss multiculturalism, the decline of Christian influence, government and media, the controversy surrounding the Ezra Institute, Alberta&#39;s political future, and Canada&#39;s increasingly difficult environment for Christians who publicly defend traditional Christian beliefs. Haskell also discusses Bill C-9, freedom of expression, political apathy, institutional capture, the loss of Christian influence in academia and government, and the growing reluctance of Canadian pastors to address controversial cultural issues. Finally, we look at the different historical foundations of Canada and the United States and why Haskell believes America&#39;s Christian heritage must be actively preserved rather than simply assumed to continue. 00:00 — Introduction: Canada as a Warning to America01:13 — Why Haskell Wrote Christ or Claps04:19 — The Empirical Case for Christianity06:25 — Canada as America&#39;s Cautionary Tale09:00 — Multiculturalism, Alberta, and the Canadian Divide11:00 — The Ezra Institute and the &#34;Christian Nationalist&#34; Controversy24:40 — Bill C-9 and the Future of Christian Speech28:00 — How Canada Lost Its Institutions32:00 — Political Fatigue, Immigration, and the Next Generation38:55 — Why America Held Onto Christianity Longer Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Canada Is a Warning to America

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/11/14/7463eb63-ed50-42ca-be25-6f8e9dc3da22_politics.m4a

The 2026 midterms are approaching, and there is growing pressure on conservatives to sit out elections, reject Republican candidates, or pursue some kind of political accelerationism because Republicans have not accomplished everything conservatives hoped they would.In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I make the case for why Christian conservatives should generally vote Republican in the midterms, while also explaining why voting is not a substitute for the much more important work of Christian discipleship and social renewal.The key distinction is between practical politics and pragmatism. Pragmatism means changing your moral standards to achieve a desired political outcome. Practical judgment means recognizing the political circumstances you actually inhabit and using the tools available to you without changing your moral convictions. As I argue in the episode, morality does not change, but political circumstances and available options do.I also discuss the temptation to abandon the Republican Party because it is imperfect, the dangers of accelerationism, what the experience of Europe can teach us, my own decision not to vote for Donald Trump in 2016, and why that calculation would be different in a competitive state.Finally, I look at what the Trump administration and the MAGA movement have actually accomplished on issues including immigration, DEI, abortion, and foreign policy, and argue that conservatives should consider whether to build on those gains rather than simply destroy the political apparatus because it has not delivered everything they wanted.The question is not whether Republicans are perfect. The question is what political options actually exist, what can be accomplished through them, and how Christians should exercise stewardship in the circumstances God has given us. 00:00 The Midterm Question01:05 Voting Is Not Social Renewal03:00 What Political Options Do We Actually Have?05:45 Practical Politics vs. Pragmatism09:00 The Problem With Accelerationism10:25 Why Build on MAGA?16:00 Stewardship and Imperfect Political Options25:45 What Has MAGA Actually Accomplished? Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Why Christians Should Vote Republican in the Midterms

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/18/b101e013-0a1b-4be1-ae1b-688ff0d658de_ctm_1.m4a

In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I examine the Presbyterian Church in America, Covenant College, and the broader question of whether Christian institutions are actually moving away from the ideas associated with the social justice movement or simply giving them new names. I begin with several pieces of evangelical news, including the latest Southern Baptist compensation data for pastors and staff, the PCA&#39;s decision concerning Burke Parsons, and a complaint involving the Missouri Presbytery and the ordination of a same-sex-attracted man. The main discussion concerns Covenant College&#39;s revised curriculum. Covenant has defended its approach as Christian, while critics such as Joe Rigney have questioned whether courses emphasizing diversity, cultural perspectives, identity, and critical theory represent genuine reform or continued ideological drift. I look at the curriculum, faculty, and the ideas being presented to students, while also acknowledging that Covenant has good professors and that not every course or professor should be painted with the same brush. The central question is more basic: What direction is the institution going? I also explain why Christians should be able to learn from other cultures without adopting the assumption that Western civilization requires a special set of alternative perspectives in order to recognize its own moral deficiencies. The Christian has Scripture, the church, and a long Christian intellectual tradition through which to evaluate his own civilization. 00:00 Why Christian Institutions Matter04:08 The SBC’s Changing Pastor Compensation10:16 Burke Parsons and the PCA Judicial Process12:49 Same-Sex Attraction and Missouri Presbytery14:15 Are Christian Universities Reversing Mission Drift?17:49 Covenant College Changes Its Core Curriculum20:16 Did Covenant College Put Woke Away?24:30 Why Direction Matters More Than Individual Professors29:44 The Evidence of Social Justice Thinking42:15 Personnel Is Policy50:12 How Social Justice Can Threaten the Gospel54:58 Western Civilization, Diversity, and Critical Theory Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Did Covenant College Put Woke Away?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/14/17/8c12776e-3226-47d9-af9f-ea66db908b46_ctm_1.m4a

In this news roundup, I look at the controversy surrounding H-1B visas, the viral University of Texas football footage, and the argument over immigration, assimilation, race, culture, and the future of American identity. I also revisit the Lindsay Clancy jury and what the case reveals about the way people increasingly interpret moral questions through racial categories.Then we get to Tucker Carlson and Abdul El-Sayed. What does it mean when prominent figures on the Right begin backing or defending political positions that would seem completely at odds with the Republican coalition? Is the Right actually beginning to converge with the Left on some of the most important questions facing the country?I also discuss Christian persecution in China, the question of Islam and Western civilization, surrogacy and the changing meaning of family, and some genuinely encouraging stories about American courage and education.The goal is not simply to react to the news. It is to step back, understand what is happening, and ask what these stories mean for Christians, conservatives, and the future of America.00:00 Intro: The Hammer of Reality03:41 The H-1B Debate Explodes21:03 The Lindsay Clancy Jury27:22 Race, Morality, and Civilizational Identity48:13 Tucker Carlson and Abdul El-Sayed58:33 El-Sayed, 9/11, and the Michigan Senate Race1:02:33 A Test for Right-Wing Media1:06:11 Christian Persecution in China1:08:04 Islam and the West1:11:05 Surrogacy, Family, and the Future1:14:10 American Courage and the Good News Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

News Roundup: The Politics of Race, Immigration, and Civilizational Identity

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/9/13/8fc5773d-565f-4038-9b35-84d451abbceb_ctm_1.m4a

Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, what has happened to the country that came together in the aftermath of the attacks? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris reflects on his memories of 9/11 as a twelve-year-old living north of New York City, the fear and patriotism that followed, and the way the attacks transformed American politics and culture. He discusses the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the growth of the surveillance state, declining trust in government and other institutions, immigration and changing demographics, the rise of political cynicism, and the way Americans came to view their own history and institutions differently. But the episode is ultimately about more than 9/11. Harris argues that recovering a healthy American identity requires more than nostalgia. It requires personal responsibility, strong families, local and national identity, functioning institutions, and a genuine Christian faith. The country came together after 9/11, but cultural unity based only on emotion could not last. The deeper question is whether Americans can recover the convictions and institutions necessary to hold a nation together. Chapters:0:00 Remembering 9/111:03 The morning America was attacked3:47 Realizing we were under attack5:27 The patriotism after 9/118:52 The post-9/11 political narrative10:56 Iraq, Afghanistan, and the loss of trust12:51 The surveillance state and changing America18:42 The rise of political cynicism23:25 How do we get out of this?27:09 Christianity, identity, and America28:48 Remembering the unity after 9/1129:57 What we should teach our children Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

25 Years After 9/11: What Happened to America?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/1/0/2fbe4a46-8de4-458c-9c59-c6738864f0f1_population.m4a

Are white people really dying out? Is the West facing demographic collapse? And why are birth rates falling throughout the developed world? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris is joined by statistician William M. Briggs to examine the numbers behind population decline, fertility rates, demographic change, and the future of Western civilization. William Briggs discusses his experience in academia, supporting Donald Trump in 2016, and eventually being canceled by Cornell. The conversation then turns to one of the most important questions facing the modern world: Why are people having fewer children? The discussion covers feminism and equality, housing and economic pressures, immigration, aging populations, technology, religion, pornography, online life, Israel&#39;s comparatively high fertility rate, Christianity, and the ways bad science can distort public understanding of environmental and medical threats. Are falling birth rates primarily the result of environmental factors, or are people simply making different decisions about marriage and children? And will humanity eventually return to higher fertility rates? Join the conversation. Follow William M. Briggs and read his work at WMBriggs.com. Support Conversations That Matter and stay connected with Jon Harris at JonHarrisMedia.com. 00:00 Introduction and Meet William M. Briggs01:10 Supporting Trump and Being Canceled by Cornell05:30 Can Conservatives Still Survive Academia?09:00 Are White People and Europeans Dying Out?11:30 Why Are Birth Rates Falling?14:00 The ICU Theory: Population, Housing, and Economics17:30 Understanding Fertility Rates and Demographic Data24:30 Feminism, Sexual Behavior, and Population Decline29:00 Will Fertility Rates Eventually Recover?33:00 Technology, Online Life, and the Future of Human Relationships36:00 Israel, Religion, and Higher Birth Rates41:00 Environmental Causes and Bad Science49:00 Christianity, Reality, and the Future of Civilization52:00 Government Policy, Safety Culture, and Having Children55:00 Final Thoughts Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Is the West Dying Out? The Demographic Crisis Explained

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/8/1/d5aef65e-b987-4b0e-ae27-b282c55bb9fb_online_right_liabilities____vance_a_socialist_.mp3

In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris tackles a wide-ranging news roundup touching on Christian persecution, the future of the American right, immigration, Islam, JD Vance, and the growing tensions within conservative politics. Jon begins with the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List and the persecution of Christians around the world, with particular attention to Nigeria and the question of how Christians in America should think about helping persecuted believers while also maintaining responsible immigration and government policy. He then turns to the American right and the growing divide between competing factions, including the tensions surrounding JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, Israel, nationalism, and the future direction of the Republican Party. Jon also examines criticism of JD Vance&#39;s proposal to expand federal childcare assistance to married families with a stay-at-home parent. Is the proposal socialism? Jon argues that the more fundamental question is what conservatives should do when government programs already exist. The episode also explores the online right, evangelical institutions, woke ideology, social justice, American identity, and the importance of recovering a more grounded understanding of virtue, family, and national responsibility. Topics include:• Christian persecution and the 2026 World Watch List• Nigeria and persecuted Christians• Immigration and refugee policy• Islam and Western civilization• JD Vance and the future of the Republican Party• Tucker Carlson and the online right• Israel, nationalism, and competing factions on the right• JD Vance&#39;s stay-at-home parent childcare proposal• Socialism and the role of government• Woke ideology and evangelical institutions• American identity and recovering virtue virtueconference.com Jon&#39;s Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 — News Roundup: What We Are Talking About Today02:46 — Restoring Virtue: Why Some Conferences Should Stay Offline06:22 — Christian Persecution Around the World09:18 — Nigeria and the Reality of Christian Persecution12:02 — Should America Help Persecuted Christians?16:01 — ETP Coffee and Supporting Persecuted Christians17:10 — Islam, Immigration, and Western Civilization23:46 — 25 Years After 9/11: How America Thinks About Islam24:00 — Woke Virginia and the Fight Over American Monuments28:40 — The Online Right and the Loss of American Identity01:16:32 — Is JD Vance a Socialist?01:17:05 — Stay-at-Home Moms and the $12 Billion Childcare Fund01:21:49 — The Political Future of the Right Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

News Roundup: Christian Persecution, Online Right Liabilities, & Vance a Socialist?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/3/22/c2c93fc5-4cb9-4be0-8bcb-b0a0a6ee3cb0_ctm_1.m4a

What is happening to American women? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris sits down with Bethany Miller to discuss the Lindsay Clancy case, toxic empathy, social media, the radicalization of Gen Z, and the growing divide between young men and women. The conversation begins with the surprising public response to the Lindsay Clancy trial and asks a larger question: Why are so many people responding to serious moral questions through identification, victimhood, and emotional narratives rather than evidence and accountability? Bethany explains how TikTok, Instagram, entertainment, and online communities can reinforce these narratives by rewarding emotional identification and simplifying complicated questions. The discussion then broadens to the way our culture has learned to humanize villains, tear down heroes, and increasingly interpret reality through ideological and online communities. But the conversation does not stop with women. Jon and Bethany also discuss the radicalization of some young men, the manosphere, political resentment, dating expectations, and the difficulty Gen Z faces in forming healthy relationships. Both sides of the political spectrum can fall into the same trap: taking legitimate frustrations and allowing them to become an excuse for bitterness, isolation, or extremism. The episode ultimately turns toward a more constructive question: How can young men and women actually build healthy marriages and families? That means having difficult conversations while dating, looking for character and resilience rather than simply checking boxes, staying grounded in reality, and refusing to let the internet define the opposite sex for us. The conversation also considers the importance of fathers, family formation, and God&#39;s providence. This is a conversation about women, men, social media, dating, family, politics, and the cultural forces shaping the next generation. #GenZ #Dating #Christianity #Culture #ToxicEmpathy 00:00 — What Happened to Gen Z Women?01:30 — From Theology to Politics and Media04:00 — The Lindsay Clancy Case06:00 — How TikTok Created a Narrative13:00 — Toxic Empathy and Victimhood17:00 — Why We Humanize Villains20:30 — The Radicalization of Young Men and Women28:30 — The Gen Z Dating Crisis46:30 — Providence, Marriage, and Finding Reality52:00 — Fathers, Family, and Raising Resilient Children Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Lindsay Clancy Case and the Crisis of Empathy

Christian, Traditional, Masculine Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/worldviewconversation/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/worldviewconversation/support</a>