A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy and Difficult Conversations

MPF 8: Kittle and Education as a Public Good

Dr. Dan Kittle on Education as a Public Good https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/opinion/columns/kittle-education-as-a-public-good

MPF 7: In the Moment with Lori Walsh

I had the privilege to be interviewed on the SDPB show "In the Moment" with Lori Walsh. In a free wheeling conversation, we discussed the new prison controversy, the Braver Angels style debate which we're leading, and the new Saint John's Bible on our campus (topic of a previous episode with John Ross).

MPF 6 John Ross - The Saint John’s Bible and the Art of Revelation”

This podcast explores the astounding creation of human genius and perseverance in the Saint John's Bible - the first hand-inscribed, beautifully illustrated/illuminated Benedictine manuscript of the Bible in over 500 years. Some of the title ideas provided by AI are below: “Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible in a Modern Age” A blend of tradition and innovation in sacred art. “Scripture in Gold and Ink: The Story Behind the Saint John’s Bible” Exploring the sacred craft of the first hand-inscribed Benedictine Bible in 500 years. “Faith, Art, and Ink: The Legacy of the Saint John’s Bible” Where ancient Benedictine tradition meets 21st-century imagery. “Visions of the Word: A Conversation on the Saint John’s Bible” Dr. John Ross on scripture as visual theology. “From Parchment to DNA: The Saint John’s Bible and the Art of Revelation” Exploring how timeless text meets modern imagery. “The Living Word: Art, Tragedy, and Transcendence in the Saint John’s Bible” Including reflections on September 11 and the visual storytelling of sacred scripture. “Inks of Glory: Crafting the Saint John’s Bible” A modern sacred masterpiece 500 years in the making. “Beauty Born of Benedictine Tradition: The Saint John’s Bible” Dr. John Ross on faith, calligraphy, and cultural imagination.

MPF 5 Jonah: Ghosting God (a conversation w/Brandon Vetter)

Jonah’s journey reminds us that depolarization begins with confronting our own prejudices and learning to embrace God’s inclusive vision. We humans have a natural tendency to curve ourselves in our ourselves. Our sinful nature seems to provide us with a permission structure to not only disagree but to dislike (even despise) those with whom we disagree. Disagreement becomes disagreeableness which devolves into contempt. It is painfully difficult to meaningfully converse with someone who is alien to our opinions and perspectives. It is this ‘us vs. them” dichotomy that we find in Jonah as we find and must eliminate within ourselves.In the end, Jonah’s silence in response to God’s question is profound. He does not answer because the answer is obvious: God’s love calls us beyond our ethnic grievances and into a larger story of mercy and grace for all people. The book of Jonah calls its readers to share in this expansive vision, to love even those whom we have every reason to hate, because God’s love is not bound by human prejudices.Ultimately, the Book of Jonah challenges its readers to reconsider their own biases and limitations. Jonah’s journey is not merely about a prophet’s reluctance to obey; it is a mirror for Israel—and for all of us—to examine how we treat those we consider enemies. God’s Braver message is clear: love and compassion are not confined to one nation or one group of people. Jonah’s anger with God’s mercy reveals how difficult it can be for humans to embrace this divine vision of love. Yet, God’s final reminder to Jonah concerns those who are ignorant - they especially stand in need of divine forgiveness and compassion. His care and compassion extend to all, even those we might fiercely dislike.

MPF4 David Brubaker - When the Center Does Not Hold

An interview with David R. Brubaker about his new book, "When the Center does not Hold" (Fortress). Over the past forty years, congregations, businesses, other organizations, and communities across the United States have become increasingly divided along political and ideological lines. In When the Center Does Not Hold, David R. Brubaker, with contributions by colleagues Everett Brubaker, Carolyn Yoder, and Teresa J. Haase, offers relevant, practical mentorship on navigating polarized environments. Through easily accessible stories, they provide tools and processes that will equip leaders to both manage themselves and effectively lead others in highly polarized and anxious systems. Coaching includes guidance on key characteristics of effective leadership in times of polarization: refusing contempt, honoring dignity, broadening binaries, seeking first to understand, inviting disagreement, and staying connected. With years of combined experience in the fields of conflict transformation and organizational and leadership studies, Brubaker and his colleagues offer hope. Here, readers learn from leaders and communities that continue to renew the covenants that bind them, courageously address deeper needs that drive conflict, and hold on to a moral center while navigating the storms of polarization.