On this episode, Chris is joined by Fr. Justin Brophy, O.P., professor of political science at Providence College, Rhode Island. In a short diagnosis of our present moment as Americans, Fr. Brophy points to (among other points not discussed) a tension between Lockean individualism and a Puritan ethic, and a decline in our traditional institutions and trust in authority. A Christian response includes Fr. Brophy argues, is a focus on friendship (among other things), in which we deeply and truly care about the good of the other. In a post-Christendom age the extension of friendship entails risk, as it necessarily requires we be vulnerable and exposed to rejection. Such failure, though, ought not dissuade us from the endeavor — as Christians, we can receive great joy from the constant nearness of Jesus, who never fails! Follow Fr. Brophy’s work at www.cjbrophy.com
Faith & Politics
F&P Episode 115: South Dakota’s Pivotal Moment on Abortion
South Dakota’s 2023 legislative session marked the first time that state lawmakers had gathered since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its June 24, 2022 decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and restored to the states the ability to set their own public policy on abortion. Host Michael Pauley is joined by Dale Bartscher, the Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life, for a discussion on how state lawmakers responded to the Dobbs decision, and how South Dakota’s pro-life community is responding to a citizen-initiated amendment that proposes to create an unlimited right to abortion in the state constitution.