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In this episode, our president, Rev. Michael Langer, shares a message he delivered in 2022 that focuses on the importance of whole-life discipleship for Christ-centered engagement with the public square. The message delves into social media algorithms' intentional and damaging role in civil discourse and how Peter's message pointed towards a way of life we should consider today - living differently amid power differentials. This message will lay a foundation for the next series of devotionals in the Presence Weekly newsletter.

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The video version of this podcast is on our YouTube channel:

Works cited:

1. Cold Civil War, Jim Belcher (2022)

2. Divided We Fall, David Brooks (2022)

3. 46% of Americans expect a civil war in five years. * https://news.nd.edu/news/on-the-brink-of-a-new-civil-war-new-national-survey-highlights-fragility-of-american-democracy-stark-partisan-divides/

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"B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved.

Faithful Presence exists to provide whole-life discipleship in the whole of life for the whole of the public square. Join us as we seek renewal in politics and the public square by becoming a Supporting Partner.

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William Monroe (Ph.D), Vice President of Analytic AI, discusses AI's multifaceted opportunities and dangers, including what it can and cannot do. This includes describing some of Analytical AI's work with various government agencies that encourage the good,l repair the broken, and oppose evil. Along the way, they talk about the importance of understanding the image of God, AI as a therapy tool, MadMax, red-lining, free markets, and the public square's role in policy development.

Work Cited

- Mad Max - AI as Therapist - Journal Article ------------------------------------------------------ "B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

"Full-Time 2.0: Work and the Meaning of Life" with David Bahnsen

David Bahnsen joins the podcast to discuss his most recent book and everything from the fallacy of the work-life balance movement to why people are policy, properly defining Christian nationalism and post-millennialism, and the connection between growing up a pastor-theologian's kid and managing large sums of other people's money—all through the lens of the gospel!

NEW SERIES: The Church in the Public Square
In the first episode of Season 4, Michael talks with Pastor David Bailey of Arrabon about the role that the church could and should play in forming disciples that not only welcome diversity but also seek reconciliation. They also discuss their love of bow ties, and offer some insights on how pastors can navigate the current political climate.
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RESOURCES
For more on David Bailey and Arrabon: arrabon.com

Works cited:
Shirley Mullen, Claiming the Courageous Middle (2024)
Tim Alberta, The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory (2023)
Megan Basham, Shepherds for Sale (2024)
An excellent and balanced piece by Dr. Sean Lucas: The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church

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CREDITS
Natalie Burchfiel, Chief of Staff
Clayton Dryden, Content Production

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

Michael and Dr. Mullen discuss connecting the social implications of the gospel to the salvific, the messiness of pastors trying to navigate social media's impact on ideological development, the impact of the "Big Sort" on mission, and whether people "have" opinions or "are" their opinions, the false humility of individualized truth claims, "changing the world," the importance of curiosity, interrogating our own beliefs first, and other great nuggets.

Work Cited
"The Big Sort," Bill Bishop
"Pensées," Blaise Pascal
The Federalist Papers

Thanks to David for another great podcast edit!

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education, working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations.

Works Cited
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003)

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance of switchbacks, and how many books Dr. Newman has actually written.

For NPR's interview with Christopher Hitchens referenced by Dr. Newman, go to: https://www.npr.org/2010/06/05/127495653/christopher-hitchens-unusual-and-radical-life.

Dr. Randy Newman's SEVEN books can be located here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KI1W0S

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation. Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of mental health to ideological discernment, the development of partisan polarization, power plays and changing the world, and how the five lenses paradigm can equip us for participating well in Christ's mission of making all things new.

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.