How Political Division Impacts Christian Unity / Miroslav Volf #AskMiroslav

How Political Division Impacts Christian Unity / Miroslav Volf #AskMiroslav

Author: Matthew Croasmun, Ryan McAnnally-Linz, Drew Collins, Miroslav Volf, Evan Rosa, Macie Bridge September 26, 2020 Duration: 32:25

Miroslav Volf and Evan Rosa take listener questions about how to live faithfully in this political moment, focusing especially on questions of how political division impacts Christian and civil unity.

Featuring:

  • Miroslav’s social media bio gloss of the Prayer of St. Francis: "Before I tweet, I pray: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” 
  • Dr. Bethany Keeley-Jonker: "I'm struggling to balance unity in the body with my firm conviction that the Trump presidency is hostile to my most deeply held Christian values.”
  • Ramiro Medrano: "How can we foster unity in the body of Christ in the midst of division? How does one challenge the “brethren” to consider a different perspective? How can we correct bad theology and doctrine, when both sides use (or should I say abuse) Scripture to justify their position? I’m aware that much of this is based upon poor discipleship and interpretation. However, the polarization is further encouraged from the pulpit."
    • Disagreement
    • Mutual vilification
    • Unwillingness to listen
    • Neither in spirit of public discourse nor of Christ
  • The role of pastors in moral and political persuasion
  • Cordell Patrick Schulten: Can the Stoic and Christian takes on adiaphora (“Indifferents” or “Non-essentials”) help reduce the amount of political friction?
  • Anonymous: "Other than by avoidance, how do we sustain friendships in the midst of political/partisan differences?"
    • Rebelling against the temptation to reduce human beings to their political opinions

What does it mean to live well, not just for ourselves but for the world around us? For the Life of the World / Yale Center for Faith & Culture explores this profound question through conversations that blend deep theological insight with sharp cultural analysis. Hosted by scholars and thinkers like Matthew Croasmun, Ryan McAnnally-Linz, Drew Collins, Miroslav Volf, Evan Rosa, and Macie Bridge, each episode delves into the complexities of faith, philosophy, and everyday practice. You’ll hear discussions that move from abstract ideas to tangible guidance, examining how ancient wisdom intersects with modern challenges in society, education, and personal spirituality. This isn’t about easy answers, but about the harder, more rewarding work of discerning what constitutes a flourishing life-for individuals and communities alike. The podcast serves as an audio extension of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture’s mission, offering thoughtful content for anyone curious about how belief shapes and is shaped by culture. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration of what it means to seek a life truly worthy of our shared humanity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 247

For the Life of the World / Yale Center for Faith & Culture
Podcast Episodes
Flourishing Alone / Miroslav Volf (SOLO Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:27
Theologian Miroslav Volf reflects on solitude, loneliness, and how being alone can reveal our humanity, selfhood, and relationship with God.This episode is part 1 of a 5-part series, SOLO, which explores the theological,…
Christian Faith and Public Service / Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
From bipartisan cooperation to prayerful gratitude, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins Drew Collins to reflect on joy, wisdom, and love of enemy in a divided nation—offering a vision of public service grounded in the way o…
Irrevocable Covenant: Against Supersessionism / R. Kendall Soulen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:50
“The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Theologian R. Kendall Soulen joins Drew Collins to discuss supersessionism, the name of God (tetragrammaton), the irrevocable covenant between God and the Jews, and the…