Politics Is Downstream of Culture and Other Summer Tidbits

In this summer “in-between” seasons show, Chris invites Shayna into a deeper consideration of “culture,” and the observation attributed to Andrew Breitbart that “politics is downstream of culture.” 

We also tease some upcoming fall shows: a collaboration with the Harvard Interfaith Forum, and an interview with journalist and minister Jeff MacDonald, who covered the Boston Marathon bomber trial for USA Today. 

What In God’s Name approaches current events and culture not from a partisan political angle, not from a money and economics angle, not from a technological and scientific angle, but from a theological and philosophical angle.

Be in touch. Our email: whatingods@ribeye-media.com.

Learn more. Our website: www.whatingods.com

Here are timecodes to help you navigate through today’s show:

00:44     Chris reveals plans for season 2: a collaboration with the Harvard Interfaith Forum, and an interview with Jeff MacDonald.

02:17     Chris and Shayna reaffirm their love of religious plurality.

04:55     “Politics is downstream of culture.” Andrew Breitbart is attributed with this observation. Do you think it’s true? Chris and Shayna trace the implications of this observation. We didn’t get to where we are overnight, and we won’t move to another place overnight, either.

05:32     What do we mean by the word “culture?” 

08:28     Can philosophy and theology help us think more creatively about where we are as a society, such that the current political categories get re-arranged? Obviously, we think the answer is “yes,” or we wouldn’t be making this show. 

12:00     If politicians are followers, where is leadership in society coming from? Discuss.

16:20     Shayna shares her understanding of what philosophical thinking is about, and how it can be helpful in this time.