I started the Digital Public Square podcast (formerly WeeklyTech) back in April 2020 with the hopes of furthering the conversation in the Church on the pressing issues of theology, ethics, and philosophy in our digital age. Over the past year and a half, I have had the honor of discussing these issues with a host of influential leaders and thinkers. It has been so encouraging to hear from many of you how these conversations have challenged or pushed you in your own contexts and how the Lord has used some of these conversations to spark an interest to dive deeper into some of these areas. One listener even told me that while he looks forward each week to the conversations, his book budget doesn’t as he keeps adding books to his list to be read.
As we close out this year, I wanted to thank each of you for listening as well as the countless guests that have joined me. It has been a real joy and honor to serve in this way. I am looking forward to another season of the Digital Public Square podcast in January. We have some great guests lined up and I can’t wait to get back in the studio to host them. If you are traveling this holiday season or just want to catch up on some past episodes, here are some of the top conversations from 2021. As always, make sure to leave a review on your favorite podcasting app and share some of your favorite episodes online with friends, family, and colleagues.
A conversation with David French on social media, free speech, and cultural division
In this episode, I am joined by my friend David French who serves as senior editor at The Dispatch and a columnist for Time, and we talk about his new book Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation and the role of social media in the divisions we face.
A conversation with Dr. Ray Ortlund on combating the scourge of pornography
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ray Ortlund, longtime pastor and the author of The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility. Today, we talk about a gospel vision for combating pornography in community.
A conversation with Dr. David VanDrunen on political theology and ethics
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. David VanDrunen, Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California, and we talk about his latest book, Politics After Christendom.
A conversation with Samuel James on truth and technology
In this episode, I am joined by Samuel James, an editor and writer who focuses on issues of theology, technology, and society. Today, we talk about an article he wrote about pursuing truth in our digital age and the effects of social media on society.
A conversation with Dr. Ayman Ibrahim on the Quran and Islamic worldview
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ayman Ibrahim, professor of Islamic studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of A Concise Guide to the Quran. We talk about the Quran and the Islamic worldview.
A conversation with Dr. Carter Snead on public bioethics and the nature of humanity
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. O. Carter Snead, Professor of Law and the director of the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame. Today, we talk about his latest book, What It Means to be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics.
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The Rundown
It’s too late for Meta to win over Washington – Ben Brody | Protocol
On Wednesday, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri addressed a Senate hearing on the safety of young users on the app, in an appearance that lawmakers demanded in the wake of revelations by whistleblower Frances Haugen about Meta’s effects on kids and teens.
What Happened to Amazon’s Bookstore? – David Streitfeld | NY Times
A 2011 thriller was supposed to cost $15. One merchant listed it at $987, with a 17th-century publication date. That’s what happens in a marketplace where third-party sellers run wild.
Social platforms say it’s hard to tell which users are kids – Margaret Harding McGill | Axios
In order to create child-friendly experiences, online platforms need to identify which users are actually children.
Are you AI Literate? – AI2
Check out this fun tool to see how much you know about artificial intelligence and its capabilities/current limitations.
Another City – Charles Mathewes | The Hedgehog Review
A range of political and social theorists think Augustine is crucial for understanding the deeper intellectual currents of modernity, whether as a source of its antiliberalism or an early patron of deeply principled liberalism.