Conversations
Can American Politics Survive Pluralism?
A traditional motto of the United States is E pluribus unum: “out of many, one.” In recent decades, though, American unity has been increasingly challenged by the fact that citizens hold radically different worldviews. We disagree about both what policies we should pursue and how to live together in peace.
Public Faith in Polarized Times
In a public square increasingly riven by tribalism, identity politics, and polarization, how can Christians wisely and faithfully engage? On August 13, 2021, in partnership with The Trinity Forum and The Center for Public Justice, we hosted a discussion with renowned...
The Challenge of Christian Nationalism
As the lines between faith, politics, and patriotism have become increasingly blurred in American life, it is increasingly important to understand the origin, ideas, and consequences of Christian nationalism.
Renewing America’s Social Fabric: How to Foster Hope and Reconciliation in Our Communities
On November 17, 2020, the Initiative on Faith & Public Life hosted a virtual discussion about how creative local initiatives can restore hope, foster reconciliation, and rebuild our communities.
For Love of Neighbor: Politics for the Common Good
Set to be released in Summer 2020, this documentary film tells the stories of three Christians searching for a better way to engage in contemporary politics: Sen. Tim Scott (US Senator, South Carolina), Justin Giboney (Founder, AND Campaign), and Sarah Imboden (Town Councilperson, Red Hook, NY).
COVID-19 and the Future of Christian Higher Education
This discussion was part of “COVID-19 and the Future of Higher Education,” a virtual summit hosted by AEI’s Academic Programs department and Initiative on Faith & Public Life on May 27, 2020. This breakout session focused on the particular challenges facing...
Who Are We Becoming? Spiritual and Societal Growth in a Time of Crisis
On April 28, 2020, AEI’s Initiative on Faith & Public Life and The Trinity Forum hosted an online discussion about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ways in which times of crisis and suffering can lead to personal and societal growth.
Poverty In America: Is Progress Possible in our Polarized Times?
On December 11, 2019 at AEI’s headquarters, the Initiative on Faith & Public Life convened an ideologically diverse, multi-disciplinary discussion on poverty in America today.
Re-imagining Faith and Public Life: A Conversation with John Fea and Jonathan Leeman
On October 17, 2018, the Executive Council at John Brown University co-sponsored an event on campus, hosting authors John Fea and Jonathan Leeman. Drawing from their books “Believe Me” and “How the Nations Rage,” they discussed faithful Christian engagement in the...
Ideas
A New Way Forward: Equipping the Church for Faithful Public Engagement
On October 1, 2021, Russell Moore (Christianity Today) addressed Christian college students from around the country at AEI’s Initiative on Faith and Public Life’s annual Fall Summit hosted in Washington, DC. Dr. Moore shared how, in the aftermath of scorched earth...
A New Way Forward: Equipping the Church for Faithful Public Engagement
On October 1, 2021, Russell Moore (Christianity Today) addressed Christian college students from around the country at AEI’s Initiative on Faith and Public Life’s annual Fall Summit hosted in Washington, DC. Dr. Moore shared how, in the aftermath of scorched earth...
Christian Political Principles in the Age of Trump
On February 21, 2018, Values & Capitalism initiative partnered with the Thomistic Institute to cohost an evening conversation on Christian political principles in our current age. R.R. Reno, editor of First Things, delivered preliminary remarks before engaging in...
Re-imagining Faith and Public Life: A Conversation with Rod Dreher and Michael Wear
In a time characterized by political divide and animosity between the left and right, Michael Wear and Rod Dreher—in this Values & Capitalism sponsored conversation at John Brown University— exemplify how a cross-aisle friendship enables cordial debate. Together,...
10th Anniversary Event
On September 20, 2019, AEI’s Values & Capitalism initiative hosted a gathering of alumni, partners, and former staff to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event featured a substantive conversation about Christian engagement in contemporary politics and society...
Is There Anything Wrong with Competition?
We know that competition in business can be bad; the desire for gain can easily turn a man in on himself. Can competition also be stewarded well? Good competition, one motivated by a desire to produce and serve rather than to acquire, promotes human ingenuity and...
Business As a Work of Justice
If business is anything, it ought to start by being personal. Christian business leaders can offer a living witness of Christ’s love by utilizing their social and material capital in love and justice. This conversation is an extended cut of a roundtable conversation...
Business As Culture Creation
American culture is defined by its businesses, and Christian businessmen and woman can speak to the American imagination through counter-cultural entrepreneurship. As Jeremiah 29:7 tells us, “Seek the welfare of the city… for in its welfare you will find your...
Business As a Calling
Do you live vocationally in your day job, even if you aren’t making a career of it? God’s calling on your life is not a maintenance request; the task is not finite, nor is it particular. To answer Him will be to transform your entire life, starting now. This...
A Holistic View of Christian Vocation
In a society where personal identity is conveyed by one’s job title, it is of little wonder that our nation’s young people are so anxious about career choice. But what if your identity is found in Christ? What if living vocationally has nothing to do with finding the...
The Closing of the American City
We are at the dawn of the urban century. More Americans are living in cities than ever before. And yet, while recent years have brought about an urban renaissance in America, we are doing everything we can to turn off the lights. In this Common Good interview, Michael...
Unlikely Partnerships in a Divided Society
Is it possible for organizations with serious policy differences or opposing worldviews to work together to help the vulnerable in our society? In this Common Good interview, Abby Skeans of The Clapham Group discusses the potential for unlikely partnerships in a...
