PODCAST · religion
New Persuasive Words
by Scott Jones & Bill Borror
New Persuasive Words is a sharp and insightful podcast that dissects the intersections of culture, politics, and theology with intellectual rigor and a conversational ease. Hosted by Scott Jones and Bill Borror, the show offers a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues, blending humor, historical perspective, and philosophical depth. With a keen eye for nuance and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, New Persuasive Words invites listeners into a space where ideas are tested, assumptions are questioned, and meaningful dialogue thrives.
Episodes
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Episode 404: The Past We Lost, the Future We Promise
What if the deepest divide between conservatives and liberals isn’t simply about policy, but about time? Conservatives often locate America’s promise in an inherited past—its founding principles, traditions, institutions, and moral order. Liberals are more likely to locate that promise in an...
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Episode 403: Did Christopher Nolan Christianize The Odyssey?
Scott and Bill head back to ancient Greece—by way of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. They explore what Nolan does with Homer’s strange, violent, morally complicated epic and take up a provocative debate sparked by Ben Shapiro and Ezra Klein: Has Nolan “Christianized” The Odyssey? What happens…
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Episode 402: The Scandal of Particularity Revisited
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott Jones and Bill Borror wrestle with one of theology's oldest and most unsettling questions: the scandal of particularity. Prompted by a provocative argument from Israeli philosopher Yoram Hazony, they ask whether the Enlightenment's quest for…
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Episode 401: Whose Christian America?
What happens when theology stops shaping private belief and begins organizing public power? Scott and Bill examine the growing influence of Doug Wilson, the religious currents reshaping American conservatism, and the uneasy relationship between faith, politics, and democracy. Moving between…
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Episode 400: The Courage to Hope
In a cultural and political moment defined by outrage, division, and uncertainty, hope can feel naïve—or even impossible. But what if hope isn't wishful thinking? What if it's an act of courage? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore why hope matters now more than ever. Together, they wrestle…
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Episode 399: Just War or Just Trump?
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill wade into the moral fog of war, asking an old question that never quite stays settled: when, if ever, is war justified? Using the framework of Just War Theory, they unpack the escalating conflict between Donald Trump and Iran, and the public...
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Episode 398: WWGD: What Would Genghis Do?
What happens when Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan get dragged into the same geopolitical argument? You get one wild quote from Benjamin Netanyahu—and one even wilder episode of New Persuasive Words. This week, Scott and Bill react to Netanyahu’s eyebrow-raising claim that history suggests goodness...
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Episode 397: Is this a Religious War?
Is the war with Iran actually a religious war? That’s the explosive question posed by Tucker Carlson in a viral clip that has ricocheted across the internet. In the video, Carlson suggests that beneath the geopolitical rhetoric—nuclear weapons, regional stability, national security—there may be...
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Episode 396: Was the Enlightenment a Mistake?
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott dig into “Rod Dreher Thinks the Enlightenment Was a Mistake,” a provocative Atlantic feature that explores how one of today’s most influential conservative thinkers is challenging the very foundations of modernity. They unpack Read the full...
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Episode 395: The Second Death of Charlie Kirk
In this week’s episode, Bill and Scott unpack The Atlantic’s provocative analysis of how Charlie Kirk’s assassination has reshaped the conservative movement and exposed deep ideological fractures within the Trump-aligned right. Drawing from Yair Rosenberg’s Atlantic article, “The Second Death of...
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Episode 394: Mansplaining God to the Pope
In this week’s episode, Bill and Scott are joined by their Onbudsman Emily Acrigg to unpack one of the oddest culture-war moments yet: House Speaker Mike Johnson mansplaining religion to the Pope. We dive into a recent article from The Daily Beast detailing how Johnson responded to Pope Leo XIV’s...
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Episode 393: The Myth of Post-Religious America
This week, Bill and Scott take on Ross Douthat’s conversation with Ryan Burge and ask whether the story we’ve been telling about America’s religious collapse is actually wrong—or at least wildly incomplete. If the “nones” are leveling off, what replaces the old secularization narrative? Is...
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Episode 392: Is it Time to use the "F" Word?
Is “fascism” finally the right word for American politics—or is it still a category mistake? In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott take on a provocative Atlantic essay that argues the U.S. has crossed a line. Longtime liberal skeptic Jonathan Rauch now says the evidence is...
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Episode 391: Progressive Faith and the Question of Theology
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill tackle one of the most provocative conversations of the moment: Ezra Klein’s interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico about reclaiming Christianity for the left and what that really means for the faith and for politics. Klein...
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Episode 390: Reforming the Reformers? Dave Fitch, Neo-Baptists, and a Misread Reformation
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott respond to a recent post by Neo-Baptist theologian Dave Fitch, taking up his critique of Protestant power, ecclesiology, and the legacy of the 16th-century Reformers. While appreciating Fitch’s concern for faithfulness, witness, and the...
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Episode 389: Invasion and Enforcement: A Week That Shook America
This week on New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott unpack one of the most tumultuous stretches in recent U.S. political news. First, they dive into the Trump administration’s bold military operation in Venezuela — including airstrikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — an unprecedented...
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Episode 388: Wonder in the Dark: The Mystery of Christmas
On this special Christmas episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott slow things down on the night before Christmas Eve to reflect on the mystery and miracle at the heart of the season. Stepping back from headlines and hot takes, they explore why Christmas continues to matter in a restless,...
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Episode 387: Who Gets To Belong?
What happens when nationalism tries to draw a moral boundary—and discovers it’s already fraying? In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott dig into Ross Douthat’s recent Interesting Times conversation with political theorist Yoram Hazony on the unsettling rise of antisemitism on the...
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Episode 386: Arian Heresy, Aryan Headaches
In this episode, Scott and Bill take a provocative historical detour, exploring whether there’s a meaningful connection between the ancient Arian theological heresy and today’s ascendant Aryan-inflected white nationalism. What happens when a 4th-century doctrinal struggle over the nature of…
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Episode 385: Converting the Barbarians
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill take a deep dive into the long, complicated, and often surprising history of Christian missions to the so-called “barbarians”—those peoples and cultures living at the outer edges of the empire and the church’s imagination. Drawing on…
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Episode 384: The Afternoon of Christianity
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill dive into Chapter 4 of Tomáš Halík’s The Afternoon of Christianity, exploring Halík’s provocative vision for faith in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on Halík’s rich metaphors of spiritual maturation, they unpack what it means for...
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Episode 383: Christian Nationalism and the Future of the Republic, LIVE from Manchester, Vermont!
_New Persuasive Words _goes live! Recorded at the First Congregational Church of Manchester, Vermont, this special episode dives into one of the most pressing conversations of our time: Christian Nationalism and the Future of the Republic. Hosts Scott Jones and Bill Borror are joined by moderator...
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Episode 382: Does The Reformation Still Matter?
In this provocative episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill dig into the Reformation — not as a museum piece of church history, but as a radical, world-upending movement that redefined faith, authority, and freedom. Was it a holy revolt or a spiritual jailbreak gone wrong? They explore…
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Episode 381: The New Axial Age?
In this episode of the show Scott and Bill reflect on how the deepest movements of theological renewal have always begun in places of authentic spirituality rather than positions of power. They trace how the Church’s greatest upheavals often come when authority refuses to listen to the voices...
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Episode 380: Something Is Stirring — And It’s Not Revival
In this episode, Bill and Scott dig into a recent New York Times piece Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous, by David French— a sharp look at how faith, politics, and power are fusing in post-Kirk America. The article argues that what many are calling a spiritual...
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Episode 379: The Freedom of Letting Go: Surrender, Sacrifice, and the Culture of Control
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott unpack Chapter 3 of Richard Rohr’s Breathing Under Water, where Rohr draws a powerful contrast between surrender and sacrifice. They explore why authentic transformation begins not in striving or control, but in letting go—and how that truth...
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Episode 378: The Case Against The Case For Christian Nationalism
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill dive into Kevin DeYoung’s review of Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalism for The Gospel Coalition. They unpack Wolfe’s vision of a distinctly Christian nation—its emphasis on cultural Christianity, civil authority, and national...
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Episode 377: When Persuasion Fails
A new NPR–Marist poll shows rising acceptance of political violence, distrust in institutions, and deep divides over truth itself. In this episode, we confront the cultural, spiritual, and theological stakes of a society where persuasion is breaking down. What happens when violence replaces...
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Episode 376: The Poor Mind's Gnosticism
In this episode, Bill and Scott dive deep into the provocative Wall Street Journal opinion piece “Candace Owens Is a Latter-Day Gnostic.” The article argues that today’s conspiratorial “truth seekers” echo the thinking of ancient Gnostics—believing that hidden, malevolent forces control the…
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Episode 375: New Persuasive Words Live: America After Kirk
In this special live recording from Philadelphia’s Green Line Café, Scott and Bill take the conversation out of the studio and into the heart of the city. Against the backdrop of community and caffeine, they grapple with the shockwaves still reverberating from the assassination of Charlie Kirk....
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Episode 374: Hitler, Fascists, and Nazis: Naming Evil or Feeding It?
In the wake of the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk, we take a hard look at the language of our politics. Is it ever right—or wise—to call our opponents Hitler, fascists, or Nazis? In a culture already boiling with suspicion and outrage, does this kind of rhetoric sharpen moral clarity or simply...
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Episode 373: The Shooting of Charlie Kirk and the Soul of America
In this episode of the podcast Scott and Bill wrestle with the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the deeper fractures in American life. Beyond the headlines and hot takes, they explore what this moment says about the condition of our politics, the rising tide of anger and...
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Episode 372: Do Our Rights Come From God?
In this thought-provoking episode of New Persuasive Words, hosts Bill and Scott explore an op-ed by Bishop Robert Barron—published on September 7, 2025—titled “The dangers behind Sen. Kaine’s rejection of God-given rights as a founding principle.” Bishop Barron raises serious concerns about…
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Episode 371: Why Do So Many People Think Trump Is Good?
In this episode, Scott and Bill discuss various topics ranging from personal anecdotes to serious public health issues, particularly focusing on vaccination mandates and public opinion. They explore the moral implications of leadership in contemporary society, the influence of Enlightenment…
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Episode 370: Is Stoicism Christian?
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott dive into the provocative little book _The Let Them Theory _and ask a big question: can the stoic mindset and the Christian vision really coexist, or are they fundamentally at odds? Along the way, they explore how “letting them” might be a...
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Episode 369: The Gaul of Bitterness
In this conversation, Scott and Bill explore various themes ranging from light-hearted banter about summer drinks and streaming services to deeper discussions on the gall of bitterness as presented in the Bible. They reflect on the nature of sin in Christianity, the politics of resentment, and…
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Episode 368: Making Demythologizing Great Again
In this conversation, Scott Jones and Bill Bohr explore the concept of demythologizing, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's influence on contemporary beliefs and narratives about Jeffrey Epstein. They discuss the implications of demythologizing in religion, the cognitive dissonance...
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Episode 367: The Airing of Grievances
In this episode Scott and Bill explore various themes surrounding grievances in American society, including military spending, Medicaid myths, immigration issues, and the complexities of American identity. They discuss the cultural and creedal aspects of patriotism, the challenges of Christian...
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Episode 366: Why is there so much Bullsh#*???
In this conversation, Scott and Bill explore the decline of American pride, the erosion of the middle class, and the pervasive nature of 'bullshit' in political discourse. They discuss how political identity fluctuates based on party affiliation, the cultural implications of consumerism, and the...
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Episode 365: Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran
In this special live episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill record in person at The Green Line Café in Philadelphia, reflecting on the recent bombing of Iran ordered by President Trump. With coffee in hand and other patrons in the room, they unpack the political and ethical dimensions of...
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Episode 364: History as Revelation
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the idea of history as a form of divine revelation—alongside nature and the Bible—drawing inspiration from Tomáš Halík’s provocative new book, The Afternoon of Christianity. As Halík invites us to reimagine faith for a postmodern,...
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Episode 363: Dying to Live: Death and Resurrection as the Key to Life
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore how the pattern of death and resurrection—so central to the Christian story—is also the essential rhythm of a thriving personal and public life. From letting go of ego and outdated identities to embracing new beginnings in our...
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Episode 362: Can The Trinity Save Democracy?
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill and Scott explore the deep theological mystery of the Trinity in light of Trinity Sunday. But this isn’t just a church calendar check-in—we argue that the doctrine of the Trinity offers more than abstract metaphysics. It might just be the key to...
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Episode 361: Come On Spirit, Light My Fire
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill turn their attention to Pentecost—the wild, world-tilting moment when the Spirit descends, tongues ignite, and the Church is born not with decorum, but with fire. We explore what it means to be a Spirit-filled people in an anxious age, how...
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Episode 360: Lifted Up: The Meaning of Christ’s Ascension
On this Ascension Day, Scott and Bill turn their attention to one of the most theologically rich and often overlooked events in the Christian calendar: the Ascension of Christ. What does it mean that Jesus was "lifted up" into heaven? Why does it matter that the risen Christ ascends rather than...
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Episode 359: An Augustinian on the Chair of Peter: Further Reflections on Pope Leo XIV
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill explore the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and what it means for the Catholic Church—and the broader Christian imagination—to have an Augustinian pope. Drawing on their theological backgrounds and love of ecclesial history, they unpack…
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Episode 358: The American Pope
n the latest episode of the New Persuasive Words podcast, hosts Scott Jones and Bill Borror delve into the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. As the first American and first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV's election marks a significant moment…
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Episode 357: Grace In Politics
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, we explore the radical implications of grace for the political sphere through the lens of Paul Zahl’s chapter “Grace in Politics” from his book Grace in Practice. What does it mean to bring a theology of one-way love into the often merciless arena of…
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Episode 356: Paganism, Power, and the Promise of Rehumanization
In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Bill Borror and Scott Jones reflect on the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of our time — an era increasingly shaped by power, ego, and domination. Drawing a sharp contrast between ancient pagan ideals and the Judeo-Christian moral tradition, they examine...
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Episode 355: Proper Confidence Revisited
In this episode, we’re diving into an essay Scott wrote for Mockingbird Ministries. It's called “A Proper Confidence,” and it's reflection on what it really means to have faith in the modern world. Drawing heavily on the work of theologian Lesslie Newbigin, he hallenges the idea that faith needs…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
New Persuasive Words is a sharp and insightful podcast that dissects the intersections of culture, politics, and theology with intellectual rigor and a conversational ease. Hosted by Scott Jones and Bill Borror, the show offers a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues, blending humor, historical perspective, and philosophical depth. With a keen eye for nuance and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, New Persuasive Words invites listeners into a space where ideas are tested, assumptions are questioned, and meaningful dialogue thrives.
HOSTED BY
Scott Jones & Bill Borror
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does New Persuasive Words have?
New Persuasive Words currently has 374 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is New Persuasive Words about?
New Persuasive Words is a sharp and insightful podcast that dissects the intersections of culture, politics, and theology with intellectual rigor and a conversational ease. Hosted by Scott Jones and Bill Borror, the show offers a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues, blending humor,...
How often does New Persuasive Words release new episodes?
New Persuasive Words publishes regularly with 374 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to New Persuasive Words?
You can listen to New Persuasive Words on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts New Persuasive Words?
New Persuasive Words is created and hosted by Scott Jones & Bill Borror.
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