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 AIOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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' 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's campaign and his criticism of Christian nationalism- Adam Hamilton'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 leftFor more:Jon'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 #ReligiousLeft00:00 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 LeftOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 musicJon'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/jonharris1989/00:00 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 QuestionsOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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'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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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'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'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's First Foray Into Imperialism?52:58 – The San Patricio Battalion, Borders, and the Modern SouthwestOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuWSPoH3ncEOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happened to the Episcopal Church and America'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'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 #ChristianCulture00:00 Why I Was Drawn to Anglicanism02:19 Conversion, C.S. Lewis, and the Gospel07:02 Evangelical Christianity at Yale08:56 The Episcopal Church'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 GenerationJon'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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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'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'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&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aftJon'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&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aftOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 PhariseeJon'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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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'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's Rights, Nature, and the Foundation of SocietyJon'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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy