Radical shifts in the United States are sending shockwaves abroad.

Host Curtis Chang welcomes back “founding friend” David French to examine how Trump’s foreign policy is reshaping America’s global standing. From strained alliances with Canada to shifting U.S. support for Ukraine, and the dismantling of USAID, David and Curtis explore whether the nation has abandoned its long-standing commitment to liberal democracy. Drawing from scripture, historical Christianity, and even the Declaration of Independence, they discuss the deeper implications of the current moment for America's national character and global trust.

Don’t miss the second half of this episode, where David French answers listener questions!

Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org

Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

Resources or references mentioned in this episode:

• The Truth About Fentanyl at the Canada-US Border
• Tariffs on Canada
• Colossians 1:15-17 (New Living Translation)
• The Declaration of Independence
• Michael Gerson's role in PEPFAR
• George W. Bush’s 2023 Op-Ed about the need for PEPFAR
• George W. Bush’s White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives
• The Evangelical vote in 2024
• Listen to David’s NYT conversation with Jessica Riedl about DOGE and the deficit
• Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s Abundance
• Jake Meador’s Mere Orthodoxy article The Doom of Choice
• Jake Meador’s Mere Orthodoxy article Tolkien's Holy Fools
• Explore The After Party with Russell Moore, David French, & Curtis Chang

More From David French:

• David French’s New York Times pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

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Everyone wants love and community in a fractured world. What happens when they are lost?

Host Curtis Chang and Pete Wehner, a columnist for The Atlantic and former White House staffer, explore the deep sense of political, cultural, and spiritual exile felt by many Americans. Reflecting on Pete’s journey from shaping policy during 9/11 to breaking from the Republican Party over Donald Trump, they discuss the challenges of shifting identities while staying true to one’s convictions. Drawing from the Psalms, cognitive psychology, and Christian history, they offer a vision for engaging culture and finding new purpose amid political disillusionment and feelings of living in exile, even in the place you call home.

This episode revisits a past conversation to examine cognitive dissonance and the pursuit of truth in times of uncertainty.

Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org

Get a 25% discount when you buy The Art of Disagreeing by Gavin Ortland at thegoodbook.com with code: GOODFAITH

Resources From This Episode:

• Psalm 126 (New Living Translation)
• Winston Churchill’s Painting as a Pastime
• A Short History Of The Dardanelles Campaign
• The GOP and the Birther Trap (article) by Pete Wehner
• Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
• Jonathan Rauch’s The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth
• Jeremiah 29 (New Living Translation)
• Makoto Fujimura’s Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for Our Common Life
• Mark Labberton’s talk: The Deep Work of a New Creation
• Mark Labberton’s talk: Beauty in Exile
• Rodney Stark (books)
• Russell Moore clip: “Jesus is a hood ornament”
• 2 Corinthians 5 New Living Translation

More From Pete Wehner:

• Read Peter Wehner’s latest article: MAGA Has Found a New Model
• Peter Wehner’s The Atlantic opinion pieces
• Peter Wehner at The Trinity Forum

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Good Faith inspires a campus pastor to create a more meaningful worship experience that drills down hope and gratitude by asking three simple questions.

Good Faith's series of Campfire Stories, invites listeners to share how the podcast has inspired them to engage deeply with their families and communities. These personal narratives illuminate how individuals like you are grappling with complex issues and fostering meaning right where they live. Join us for Mike's Campfire Story.

Send your Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org