Radical Civility

04/08/2023

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

04/08/2023

How are church-sponsored schools doing on sexual assault? Jacob Mayberry joins me to look at the data, ask what the limitations of the data are, and what lessons we can learn.

Disclaimer: This episode deals with difficult topics. While we feel it is an important conversation to have, it may not be suitable for some ears.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/6oCO-YkwMdM
Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episode/e27nm8b

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

12/05/2023

09/04/2023

General conference is one of my favorite things in life, and this time was particularly important to me. Messages about Jesus, faith, Easter, and holy week, but this time a further message about how the disciple of Christ has an obligation to be a peacemaker. I loved it. Not just civility, something deeper: the call to peacemaking. I suspect we'll talk more about it in coming episodes, so for now, a highlights reel.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/D52DiBcdvkU
Anchor: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/TcSnlmYrQyb

General conference is one of my favorite things in life, and this time was particularly important to me. Messages about Jesus, faith, Easter, and holy week, ...

30/03/2023

I sit down with Carl Cranney and Christopher Cunningham to talk about white christian nationalism, which is making the rounds in the news. We discuss what the Latter-day Saint response should be to the phenomenon, and how we're really doing on things. We also talk about two recent articles, one by Christopher in Public Square Magazine, and another by Dr. Taylor Petrey in The Salt Lake Tribune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z4IwAOb3kg
Or listen on Anchor:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radicalcivility/episodes/Latter-day-Saints-and-White-Christian-Nationalism-e21d8l4

I sit down with Carl Cranney and Christopher Cunningham to talk about white christian nationalism, which is making the rounds in the news. We discuss what th...

26/02/2023

"I sit down with Carl Cranney and Liz Busby from Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree in this (ambitious!) crossover episode to discuss an episode of Netflix's dystopian technology show Black Mirror. We had a blast talking through the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation." The discussion focuses on social media, and how it encourages bad behavior. We also talk about how we can resist the pull of cruelty and the "epistemology of hell" that drives the attention economy."

Youtube: https://youtu.be/GKKckGsXPAw
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1vgbs0
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

"I sit down with Carl Cranney and Liz Busby from Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree in this (ambitious!) crossover episode to discuss an episode of Netflix's dy...

13/09/2022

Tired of our current tax structure? I visit with my friend Joseph Addington about Georgism. We nerd out over what it is, what problems it could solve, and possible areas of application.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rBG3cUPluIA
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1npoc2
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

Tired of our current tax structure? I visit with my friend Joseph Addington about Georgism. We nerd out over what it is, what problems it could solve, and po...

07/09/2022

I discuss President Biden's recent student loan forgiveness policy with a good friend, Dallin Crump. We uncover the ins and outs of the policy, the implications it has, and other potential solutions to the deeper issue.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/UbQP4j2xw7U
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1ng05e
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I discuss President Biden's recent student loan forgiveness policy with a good friend, Dallin Crump. We uncover the ins and outs of the policy, the implicati...

30/08/2022

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse.

I sit down with my friend, CD Cunningham to discuss his recent article regarding the associated press article about a case of abuse. We talk about the options for policies and the pros and cons of each option.

It seems too often people rush, with their heart in the right place, to conclusions. When it comes to something so tragic, perhaps taking some time to think allows greater clarity. I learned some things in this episode, and I hope you do, too.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/E9AG6sMDMbg
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1n4suq
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse.I sit down with my friend, CD Cunningham to discuss his recent article regarding the associated press ar...

22/03/2022

YES YES YOU'RE VERY FUNNY OKAY.

I love my fans. Lol.

(Yes. That's THE Ad Fontes Media team. See link here: https://www.facebook.com/adfontesmedia/posts/333467768801647?comment_id=333743572107400&__cft__[0]=AZWCB99XiS42ReygwzQjEw6yhT7poR9D6uCDsMv4k5ByDBoQ9EqvGbCmpaCdRq4tcyQAfetczqhCEDCaHhOFNRzCb6-4b9CFTvIhoBtBjWJ1UUnf00ER4APblk6Cl_g38nhiVkoiMzeTkdRHqFAeL9ZU&__tn__=R]-R)

19/03/2022

I get together with my friends Thomas Stringham and Meagan Kohler to discuss their opinions on the sexual revolution and what role men play in teaching men proper sexual ethics

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZtqOrNqs-jM
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1fsuhp
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I get together with my friends Thomas Stringham and Meagan Kohler to discuss their opinions on the the sexual revolution and what role men play in teaching m...

19/02/2022

I get together with some friends to discuss Brad Wilcox's recent comments--and the strong response they received. We talk about intent and circumstances, but also the reason the comments were hard for so many.

Note: we tried to get this right. I guarantee we didn't manage perfectly. A group of thoughtful people talking it out helped me though. There were some really good moments and insights, and if nothing else, I think we modeled what it looks like to grapple with something hard in as faithful a way as possible. That sounds me as worth doing.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/eHXlQ_oRYnA
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1ekihb
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I get together with some friends to discuss Brad Wilcox's recent comments--and the strong response they received. We talk about intent and circumstances, but...

08/02/2022

I sit down with Dan Ellsworth and a couple other friends (Meagan Kohler and Jeff Bennion) to discuss his article on "Exploring Conservative and Liberal Religion".

Youtube: https://youtu.be/YVIxln7whyw
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1e3ae2
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I sit down with Dan Ellsworth and a couple other friends (Meagan Kohler and Jeff Bennion) to discuss his article on "Exploring Conservative and Liberal Relig...

27/01/2022

Why is the trust declining in today's society and how does forgiveness factor into the solution? In this quick episode, Ben shares his thoughts and insights into these two important questions.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/gMdscwS9OfE
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1dh12v
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

Why is the trust declining in today's society and how does forgiveness factor into the solution? In this quick episode, Ben shares his thoughts and insights...

22/11/2021

I sit with several of my Public Square friends to discuss their recent articles discussing some of the accuracies, and inaccuracies, of common assumptions about Utah.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/HZZtTGErKeo

Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1aln1t

Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

20/11/2021

In our latest episode, we talk about the politicization of history and the controversy that surrounds Christopher Columbus. What are your thoughts on Christopher Columbus?

Listen on Youtube: https://youtu.be/7U6LFFBla04

Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e199ue8

09/11/2021

I sit down with a couple of friends, another professor and a high school history teacher, to discuss the politicization of history and its application in education. We also consider Christopher Columbus with historical empathy.

Listen on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/7U6LFFBla04

Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e199ue8

Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I sit down with a couple friends, another professor and a high school history teacher, to discuss the politicization of history and how it applies in educati...

05/11/2021

Have you listened to our last episode?

Listen on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPJK17Tw5Vk
Or listen on anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e199ue8

04/11/2021

Twitter be like...

02/11/2021

Arthur Brooks is an economist who for 10 years ran the American Enterprise Institute, one of the most influential conservative think tanks in the world. He has come to believe there is only one weapon that can defeat our extreme political polarization: love. Is Brooks a fool for thinking this — an...

02/11/2021

Well this is fascinating.

"Risk competent."

"This is fantastic progress in understanding childhood as the right time for children to learn to recognize and mitigate risk."

25/10/2021

I sit down with several friends to discuss Texas's recent abortion law. We break down the common stances, how to maintain a civil dialogue about difficult topics, and the details of the new legislation.

Listen on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPJK17Tw5Vk
Or listen on anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e199ue8

Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I sit down with several friends to discuss Texas's recent abortion law. We break down the common stances, how to maintain a civil dialogue about difficult t...

21/10/2021

Part of the problem is that outrage sells.

How have you seen this issue this week?

19/10/2021

I sit down with a couple great friends to dive into our favorite talks, lessons, and miracles from General Conference! It was a great time of personal reflection, and the presence of the Spirit taught all of us.

What were your favorite talks?

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/vJmaJJSEzqg
Or listen on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e18vom4

Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I sit down with a couple great friends to dive into our favorite talks, lessons, and miracles from General Conference! It was a great time of personal refle...

15/10/2021

Have you listened to last week's episode?

Excited to hear what you think of Covenantal Pluralism and give our thoughts on why it is so central to the goal of healing our nations divides.

08/10/2021

I'm excited about this interview, friends. I sit down with Marian Edmonds-Allen to discuss her recent article about "covenantal pluralism" which she believes (as I now do too) can heal many of the divides in our country, including and especially the LGBTQ+ and faith divide. We talk about her history and background, how religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights can bolster each other rather than threaten each other, and about what covenental pluralism is.

Not only did I learn from her, I also now count her a fast friend. I think you'll enjoy the interview.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MTPtofOez4

Or listen on anchor: https://anchor.fm/radicalcivility/episodes/Covenantal-Pluralism-e18gua3
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Radical-Civility-102031914734570
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radical_civility/
Twitter:
Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/radicalcivility

I'm excited about this interview, friends. I sit down with Marian Edmonds-Allen to discuss her recent article about "covenantal pluralism" which she believes...

05/10/2021

29/09/2021

Too often we think what we want is what is best. What are your thoughts?

27/09/2021

In honor of a new academic year:
Why I find the word 'PROBLEMATIC' problematic:

What do academics mean when we say (as we so often do) that some person or statement of affairs is PROBLEMATIC?
We're not saying that it's a problem.
Rather we're saying (or suggesting) that it rests UNEASILY with--or even violates--our prior commitments.
In political theory and philosophy, we often use 'problematic' as shorthand for saying that something is morally or politically objectionable, for some (as yet) unarticulated reason.
I have used it this way myself (see https://t.co/27r3p0BhwB?amp=1), as do many colleagues I admire.
But what are we *doing* when we designate something (or someone) as PROBLEMATIC, as opposed to 'morally or politically objectionable'?
Why don't we just *spell out* our reasons for objection in the first place?
We could say, for instance that it is (or they are):
- UNJUST or UNFAIR;
- RACIST, SEXIST, or otherwise bigoted;
- or maybe UNREASONABLE, WRONG-HEADED, or just plain WRONG.
I suspect that we don't do this because the word 'problematic' operates so effectively as an INNUENDO--
Or better, an *insinnuendo*
Rhetorically, it divides the audience between those who know ALREADY what *our* commitments are (often because they share them)...
And so are presumptively *IN THE KNOW* about what the speaker finds objectionable.
To this audience, 'problematic' indicates where the problem is, but they do not need to be told WHAT it is.
For those who don't *belong* to this community of judgment for whatever reason and so don't immediately grasp the objection...well:
The word 'problematic' conveys that *they themselves* are a PROBLEM!
It suggests that they had better get on-side, and quick -- whether they understand the objection or not.
In short: 'problematic' operates as an EXCLUSIONARY RHETORICAL STRATEGY.
Because exclusionary rhetorical strategies like this are *disastrous* for learning.
Here, you may say:
'So? We are excluding the RIGHT PEOPLE.'
I say: 'How can you be *sure*?
Oh ye of little faith--in your students, and in yourself as a teacher!'
They encourage a subtle sort of BULLYING in place of mutual justification or understanding.
They EXCLUDE, rather than EXPLAIN.
So: I object to the proliferation of 'problematic' in my discipline not *only* because it encourages SLOPPY THINKING and POOR COMMUNICATION among students and scholars alike...it does!
I object because it divides our audiences into in-groups and out-groups based on *unexpressed-yet-presumed* moral or political commitments.
By failing to express these as TEACHERS and SCHOLARS, we insulate ourselves from critique. We make ourselves *unchallengeable*
Moreover we suggest that those who don't share our particular judgments and commitments at the outset are *not worth* arguing with, let alone persuading!
In other words: We FAIL ourselves, our readers, and our students.
Such conversations may well teach students how to be (or how to SOUND) *righteous*.
But I don't think they encourage much learning or reflection on how to be *right*.
So the next time someone (including yours truly) dubs something PROBLEMATIC, your next question should always be:
How so?

Credited to:

The classical liberal doctrine of free expression asserts the priority of speech as an extension of the freedom of thought. Yet its critics argue that freedom of expression, itself, demands the ...

24/09/2021

Too often social media is a place to throw the most well-crafted, divisive thoughts. It gets reactions and shares- how can we counteract this issue?