Conversations That Matter

What happens when a Christian university begins to abandon the convictions it was founded to uphold?In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris speaks with Point Loma Nazarene University alumni Lidiya Harvey and Isabella Simmons about the growing controversy surrounding the university and what they describe as a broader ideological shift away from its Christian foundations.Lidiya and Isabella share their experiences at Point Loma, including concerns about progressive ideology in the classroom, university programming, faculty influence, and the treatment of students who object to these developments. They discuss the controversy surrounding the school's response to students who wanted to honor Charlie Kirk following his assassination, troubling statements attributed to university personnel, and the difficulty of getting alumni, donors, and institutional leaders to take these concerns seriously.They also discuss why they decided to speak publicly, the importance of standing up for Christian convictions, and the responsibility of students and alumni to hold Christian institutions accountable.Follow the guests and see their material:Lidiya Harvey on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lidiyaharvey/Isabella Simmons / For Further Discussion:https://www.instagram.com/forfurtherdiscussion/Chapters00:00 Introduction01:12 Lidiya Harvey's Experience as a Point Loma Alumna02:18 The Charlie Kirk Vigil Controversy05:00 What Is Happening at Point Loma?06:00 The University's Nazarene and Wesleyan Heritage08:00 Progressive Ideology and Faculty Influence10:00 Controversial Programming and the University's Christian Identity13:00 Is This an Isolated Problem or an Institutional One?15:00 Students, Faculty, and Evidence of Ideological Drift17:00 Recordings, Curriculum, and Classroom Concerns20:00 What the University's Own Materials Reveal21:00 Alumni, Donors, and Institutional Accountability24:00 The Charlie Kirk Memorial and Campus Double Standards27:00 Why Isabella Decided to Speak Out29:00 Christian Convictions and Lessons from the Soviet Union34:00 Where Are the Men? Taking Responsibility for Christian Institutions37:00 The History of Student Protests and Resistance40:00 Christian Testimony and the Purpose of Christian Education43:00 Encouraging Students to Speak UpJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you are a young American man, this message is for you.You are not going to inherit the same world your father inherited. The economic conditions are different, cultural institutions are increasingly hostile to men, and many young men feel discouraged, overlooked, and uncertain about their futures.But God has not made a mistake in creating you. He has given men responsibilities, equipped you with particular strengths, and called you to exercise dominion, build families, cultivate communities, and pursue lives of virtue.In this message, I discuss what Scripture teaches about masculinity, the responsibilities God has given men, and why young men should resist the temptation to become bitter, cynical, or discouraged.Drawing from Genesis, 1 Timothy 4, Proverbs, and Deuteronomy 20, I offer an encouragement to young men: build your character, pursue purity, develop courage, trust God's providence, and become the kind of men your children and grandchildren will be proud to remember.You may not be able to control the circumstances you inherit, but you can control what you do with them.Chapters:00:00 A Message to Young American Men00:34 Young Men Who Changed History01:01 God Has Equipped You01:41 Why Modern Institutions Blame Men02:27 God's Design and Responsibility for Men03:29 The Economic Challenges Facing Young Men05:33 Think Long Term: What Will You Leave Behind?06:14 Timothy and the Responsibility of Young Men07:16 Character, Conduct, Love, Faith, and Purity09:11 How to Earn Respect and Set an Example09:55 The Next Generation of Christian Leaders10:54 Courage and Deuteronomy 2012:17 The Problem with Cynicism and Political Destruction13:04 Channeling Masculinity Toward Good Ends14:02 Build Rather Than Give Up14:50 Overcoming Discouragement and Bitterness16:31 Surround Yourself with Constructive People17:23 Life Is Worth Living, Even in Difficult Times19:10 Your Generation's Challenges Can Be Overcome19:48 Choose to Build20:31 Final EncouragementSubscribe for more conversations on Christianity, culture, politics, and the future of the church.Jon HarrisConversations That MatterOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re back live for more post-midterm analysis on Conversations That Matter. Jon Harris pushes back on the popular theory that Republicans would have won if they had catered to young white men and the podcast class. He walks through the exit poll and demographic data, examines why Brandon Gill won in the same Texas county where James Talarico won, and argues that the real issue is a lost moral high ground and the decline of Christianity behind it.He also reads 1 Kings 22 (Ahab, Jehoshaphat, 400 yes-man prophets and the lone truth-teller Micaiah) to ask whose voice Christians should listen to when everyone on the bandwagon says the same thing.In this episode:Why Brandon Gill and Ron DeSantis may point to a way forwardWhat the NBC exit poll and CIRCLE data say about young people, men and white votersWhether pro-Trump voters really just stayed homeHow Democrats used Christian language to win in red statesWhat Christians can learn from other groups’ political organizingWhy we’re closer to an “early church” phase than a “Constantine” phasePractical steps for pastors and everyday believersChapters00:00 Live intro: more post-midterm talk00:55 Brandon Gill’s win in Denton County01:22 Scripture: personal sin and national consequences03:01 1 Kings 22: Ahab, Jehoshaphat and 400 prophets06:38 Micaiah, the prophet who tells the truth10:03 Why truth beats conventional political wisdom12:15 Facts on the ground vs. Christian principles14:01 Substack: “Is the Right Misleading Young White Men?”17:45 NBC exit poll numbers22:37 Did pro-Trump voters just stay home?24:33 Young white men, CIRCLE data and the Bo French test case27:41 Denton County: Gill and Talarico both win30:34 Trump as “king” and the outsider problem32:00 DeSantis, Gill and distance from the administration35:51 Three takeaways for the Christian right38:04 How Republicans lost the moral high ground40:00 Tariffs, Epstein and the trust gap42:00 How Democrats used Christian language to win44:19 The White House X account and messaging missteps45:35 Muslim voters, CAIR and a “seat at the table”48:26 Rebuilding Christian communities49:56 Early church vs. Constantine phase52:08 Practical steps for church leaders and everyday Christians56:39 Live chat Q&A: the ballroom, Vance and 202859:17 Speaking event: Men’s Steakout, Nov 7–8, Watseka, ILJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Substack referenced: https://jonharris.substack.com/publish/post/223348405The 2026 midterm elections have delivered a major warning to Republicans and conservatives. What happened, why did it happen, and what does it mean for the future of American politics?In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines the Democratic victories, the changing political coalition on the left, the rise of explicitly religious Democratic politics, and the growing disconnect between Republican leadership and ordinary voters.We also discuss immigration, socialism, the economy, foreign policy, Trump's political strategy, and the influence of prominent conservative commentators. What should Christians make of these developments? And how should conservatives respond?The answer is not simply to become angrier or find another political personality to follow. Christians need to recover their principles, strengthen their local communities, understand their intellectual and religious heritage, and prepare the next generation for public life.Topics covered:- What the 2026 midterms reveal about American politics- The emergence of the Christian Left- Why Republicans are losing ground with key voting groups- Immigration, socialism, and the changing Democratic coalition- Trump's political strategy and approval ratings- The future of Christian involvement in public life- Why conservatives need stronger local communities and deeper rootsJon discusses the MidtermsJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Introduction: The Morning After the Midterms05:00 The Rise of the Christian Left14:00 Trump's Political Messaging and Conservative Credibility20:00 Foreign Policy, Iran, and Israel30:00 The Republican Coalition and the American Working Class40:00 Trump's Approval Ratings and Conservative Media50:00 Immigration, Socialism, and Voter Sentiment01:05:00 The Economy and Trump's Political Strategy01:15:00 Why Democrats Are Building a Stronger Coalition01:25:00 Christians, Public Life, and Political Engagement01:40:00 What Conservatives Should Do After the Midterms01:45:00 Trump's Record: Achievements and Failures01:50:00 Conservatism, Christian Heritage, and the Way ForwardOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The American cowboy was once the quintessential American hero. Courageous, independent, honorable, and willing to confront evil, he embodied virtues that generations of Americans admired. But somewhere along the way, the cowboy changed.Listen to "Old Cowboys Never Die"Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4qmHx7wuTGYbaXaDGCFNqR?si=4846e8b1e88e459aApple: https://music.apple.com/us/song/old-cowboys-never-die/6786188528CD: jonharristunes.comIn this documentary, Jon Harris traces the history of the Western, America's most distinctive film genre, from the earliest silent films to the golden age of John Wayne and John Ford, the rise of Clint Eastwood's antihero, and the Western's enduring influence on American culture.Why did the cowboy become such an important symbol of American identity? What happened to the traditional Western hero? And what does the evolution of the genre reveal about the changing moral character of America?Along the way, we examine the closing of the American frontier, Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis, Hollywood's changing portrayal of masculinity, and the relationship between Western films and the values that shaped American civilization.Featuring discussions of *Stagecoach*, *The Searchers*, *High Noon*, *Shane*, *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*, *Lonesome Dove*, and many other Western classics.The Western is more than entertainment. It is a window into the American character, our understanding of heroism, and the virtues we once celebrated.**Whatever Happened to the American Cowboy? | The History of the Western**Subscribe to Conversations That Matter for more discussions of Christianity, American history, culture, and politics.#WesternMovies #AmericanHistory #JohnWayne #ClintEastwood #AmericanCulture0:00 Introduction: Whatever Happened to the American Cowboy?1:40 The Birth of the Western4:30 The Closing of the American Frontier7:30 The Cowboy as the American Ideal11:00 John Wayne and the Golden Age of Westerns15:30 Clint Eastwood and the Rise of the Antihero20:00 The Decline of the Traditional Western24:00 The Western's Enduring Influence27:30 Why the American Cowboy Still MattersOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when we put adult desires ahead of children's rights?In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I speak with Katie Faust, founder of Them Before Us and author of several books on children, family, and pro-child politics. We discuss why children have a fundamental interest in being raised by their mother and father, how the debate over same-sex marriage affects children, and why Christians need to put the interests of children at the center of their cultural and political arguments.We also discuss surrogacy, the consequences of separating children from their biological parents, the legal and political strategy behind the movement to restore the natural family, and the opportunities Christians have to change the culture.How can Christians make a more persuasive case for traditional marriage and family? Katie argues that we must identify the true victims of cultural changes, tell the stories of affected children, and explain why children's interests should come before adult preferences.Learn more and get involved:https://thembeforeus.com/Subscribe to Conversations That Matter for more conversations about Christianity, culture, politics, and the future of the family.00:00 Introduction: Katie Faust and the Rights of Children03:00 Why Child Protection Is Changing the Culture06:00 Raising Conservative Children in a Progressive Culture10:00 Why Children Need Their Biological Parents15:00 Identifying the Victims in the Culture War18:00 The Case for Overturning Obergefell23:00 Surrogacy, Adult Desires, and the Cost to Children27:00 The Legal Strategy for Restoring the Natural Family32:00 Building a Pro-Child Political Movement38:00 The Church's Role in Defending ChildrenJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why are more Christian families choosing to homeschool their children? And what should parents know before making the decision?On this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Brad Stafford, father of eight and founder of Anyone Can Homeschool, about the growing interest in homeschooling, the shortcomings of conventional education, and the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children's education.Brad explains how the COVID era prompted many families to reconsider their educational choices and why first-time homeschoolers often struggle to navigate the overwhelming number of curricula, programs, and opinions available online. He also discusses the benefits of homeschooling for family relationships, the concerns surrounding college, and the importance of cultivating independent thinking rather than simply reproducing the structure of public school at home.The conversation also examines the role of the local church in supporting homeschooling families without losing sight of its primary responsibilities, the dangers of homeschooling influencers and unrealistic social media portrayals, and how experienced homeschoolers can help younger families develop confidence and practical wisdom.Brad shares how Anyone Can Homeschool seeks to provide parents with practical guidance, mentoring, and a clearer starting point for educating their children.Topics covered:- Why homeschooling grew after COVID- Christian parents and the responsibility to educate their children- How to choose homeschooling curricula without becoming overwhelmed- The role of churches and pastors in supporting homeschool families- Homeschooling, family relationships, and generational continuity- College, career preparation, and alternative educational paths- How to avoid replicating public school at home- The problems with homeschooling influencers and social media comparison- Practical guidance for families beginning their homeschooling journeyLearn more about Brad Stafford's work:Anyone Can Homeschool: https://anyonecanhomeschool.com/Learn more about Jon Harris's work:Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast:https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharrisFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Introduction: Why Homeschooling Is Growing01:12 Why COVID Changed Parents' Minds About School06:22 Choosing Curricula Without Getting Overwhelmed09:38 Should Churches Support Homeschooling?15:42 The Benefits of Homeschooling for Families20:16 College, Careers, and Alternative Paths30:04 How Anyone Can Homeschool Helps Parents34:05 Avoiding the Mistakes of Public School at Home36:17 Homeschool Influencers and the Social Media TrapOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris covers the latest developments in Christian institutions, conservative politics, and the broader cultural landscape.Christianity Today faces questions about its leadership and direction. Point Loma Nazarene University draws criticism for inviting a controversial poet, while Vanderbilt Divinity School promotes solidarity circles and a solidarity economy. We also examine the controversy surrounding Samuel Sey's arrest by ICE, the online reaction, and why Christians should resist the temptation to rejoice over another family's hardship.Other topics include allegations about James Lindsay's personal conduct, internal conflict within the Old Glory Club over America and Israel, and the broader rightward political shift across South America. Brazil's election raises questions about the future of conservative politics and the country's evangelical community.Finally, we cover the Pentagon's designation of Confucius Institutes as a national security concern and a Christian rapper's decision to cancel a concert over pornographic imagery at the venue.In this episode:- Christianity Today and the state of evangelical journalism- Point Loma Nazarene University and a controversial poetry invitation- Vanderbilt Divinity School's solidarity circles- Samuel Sey, ICE, immigration law, and Christian charity- James Lindsay and questions of personal character- The Old Glory Club's internal conflict- South America's rightward political shift and Brazil's election- Confucius Institutes and national security- Christian rapper Hulvey cancels a concert over pornographic imagery- New content from TruthscriptSubscribe to Conversations That Matter for thoughtful Christian commentary on politics, culture, and the church.#Christianity #Politics #ChristianCommentary #NewsRoundupJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Introduction and Announcements00:48 Point Loma Nazarene University's Controversial Poet03:43 Vanderbilt Divinity School's Solidarity Circles08:00 Christianity Today in Turmoil18:24 Samuel Sey Arrested by ICE: The Controversy33:57 James Lindsay's Personal Conduct35:04 The Old Glory Club's Internal Conflict37:15 South America's Rightward Shift and Brazil's Election41:22 Confucius Institutes, Hulvey, and TruthscriptOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Substack article: https://jonharris.substack.com/p/standing-shoulder-to-shoulder?r=2j3qvv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueOur Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What did the NatCon conference in Jerusalem reveal about the future of nationalism, liberalism, and the relationship between Israel and the West?In this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Dr. Avital Levi, director of educational programs at the Herzl Institute in Jerusalem, about her presentation at the National Conservatism Conference and the controversies surrounding the event.Dr. Levi explains why liberal individualism struggles to sustain social cohesion, why nations need shared histories and traditions, and how the biblical account of nationhood offers an alternative to both radical individualism and political universalism. The conversation explores the relationship between family, nation, religion, and political order, as well as the influence of liberal ideas on Israeli society.Jon and Dr. Levi also discuss the debate surrounding Israel's relationship with the United States, the controversy over public figures such as Tucker Carlson, accusations of antisemitism, and the importance of evaluating international alliances in light of both moral principles and national interests.Finally, they consider the future of Christian influence in the West and why the recovery of a shared Christian inheritance matters for the political and cultural health of Western nations.**Topics include:**- The NatCon conference in Jerusalem- Liberalism and the social contract- National identity, family, and shared traditions- Biblical nationhood and the Tower of Babel- Israel, nationalism, and immigration- Tucker Carlson and the debate over antisemitism- The U.S.-Israel relationship and national interests- Christianity and the future of Western civilizationSubscribe to *Conversations That Matter* for thoughtful discussions about Christianity, politics, theology, and Western civilization.00:00 Introduction: Avital Levi and the NatCon Conference04:30 Liberalism and the Problem of Individualism09:00 Loyalty, Tragedy, and National Solidarity14:00 Family, Marriage, and the Foundations of Society19:00 Abraham, Babel, and Biblical Nationhood28:00 Nationalism, Religion, and Self-Governing Nations37:00 Christianity's Influence on Western Culture44:00 Political Involvement and the NatCon Movement49:00 Tucker Carlson, Antisemitism, and the NatCon Controversy54:00 The U.S.-Israel Relationship: Interests and Alliances64:00 Christian Ethics and Difficult Foreign Policy Questions78:00 Restoring Christianity and Supporting IsraelJon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy