New Persuasive Words

"The revival in religion will be a rhetorical problem - new persuasive words for defaced or degraded ones." - Thornton Wilder

About the show

New Persuasive Words is a sharp and insightful podcast that dissects the intersections of culture, politics, and theology with intellectual rigor and a conversational ease. Hosted by Scott Jones and Bill Borror, the show offers a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues, blending humor, historical perspective, and philosophical depth. With a keen eye for nuance and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, New Persuasive Words invites listeners into a space where ideas are tested, assumptions are questioned, and meaningful dialogue thrives.

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Episodes

  • Episode 226: Calvin and Predestination

    July 6th, 2018  |  27 mins 38 secs

    In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we talk about Calvin and predestination.

  • Episode 225: The Little Luther

    June 27th, 2018  |  26 mins 52 secs

    In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we talk about Luther and the Reformation reception of Augustine, in conversation with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, popularly know as "The Little Flower of Jesus."

  • Episode 224: The Laodicean Augustine

    June 23rd, 2018  |  31 mins 9 secs

    In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, Bill argues for a "Laodicean" Augustinian understanding of human nature.

  • Episode 223: Creation and Fall

    June 21st, 2018  |  34 mins 16 secs

    In this episode we begin a new series of indeterminate length. We're attempting to talk through Creation, Fall and Redemption and everything in between and how this shapes how we discuss our understanding of salvation and the human condition.

  • Episode 222: Creation In Anticipation

    June 20th, 2018  |  22 mins 40 secs

    In this episode, inspired by Richard Rohr and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, we talk about what it means for creation to look forward to its fulfillment.

  • Episode 221: Faith Without Understanding

    May 31st, 2018  |  26 mins 5 secs

    In this episode we consider what happens when faith is unreflective and ceases to seek continued understanding.

  • Episode 220: The Forgotten Trinity

    May 28th, 2018  |  35 mins 40 secs

    In this episode, inspired by a provocative and self-admittedly unorthodox sermon Trinity Sunday sermon posted on The Episcopal Cafe website, we reflect on the enduring significance of the doctrine of the Trinity.

  • Episode 219: Original Sin

    May 22nd, 2018  |  33 mins 2 secs

    In this episode, inspired by a piece in the New York Times by a contemporary philosopher, we reflect on the contemporary relevance of an often maligned ancient Christian doctrine.

  • Episode 218: Greater Things

    May 17th, 2018  |  1 hr 1 min

    In this Bullgeschichte episode we are joined by Doug Pagitt. Doug is the founder and director of the non-profit Greater Things Foundation, which is the umbrella organization that much of his work operates within. We talk about faith, life, evangelicalism and politics. And of course, a little Donald Trump.

  • Episode 217: Jerusalem

    May 15th, 2018  |  27 mins 43 secs

    In this episode we talk about Jerusalem and the tragedy in Gaza. We consider how things got here and if there's hope on the horizon. We also consider a past conversation "The Grace of Doing Nothing."

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    Episode 216: Rabbi

    May 9th, 2018  |  32 mins 21 secs

    This is the fourth episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. In this episode we consider Jesus as rabbi.

  • Episode 215: King

    May 6th, 2018  |  31 mins 52 secs

    This is the third episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. Our first episode considered Jesus as prophet. The second considered Jesus as priest. In this episode we consider Jesus as king.

  • Episode 214: Law, Grace, Life and Love

    April 30th, 2018  |  1 hr 3 mins

    In this Bullgeschichte episode we talk with our friend and colleague Dr. Matt Milliner about a host of things that matter to us all. This was one of our favorite episodes.

  • Episode 213: Priest

    April 26th, 2018  |  32 mins 9 secs

    This is the first of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. Our first episode considered Jesus as prophet. In this episode we consider Jesus as priest.

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    Episode 212: Prophet

    April 21st, 2018  |  34 mins 22 secs

    This is the first of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ.

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    Episode 211: Kierkegaard and Comey

    April 21st, 2018  |  29 mins 33 secs

    In this episode we consider what Kierkegaard's philosophy can tell us about James Comey and Donald Trump.