Posts in Faith
Courageous Conversations: Jeff Sharlet on American Failures and American Possibility

Meet Dr. Jeff Sharlet, Professor in the Art of Writing at Dartmouth College and author of the recently released The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War. In it, he journeys into the corners of our national psyche in an attempt to understand how, over the last decade, reaction has morphed into delusion, social division into distrust, distrust into paranoia, and hatred into fantasies—sometimes realities—of violence.

In this conversation, George and Jeff discuss the religious dimensions of American politics, and the role of grief and uncertainty in the midst of plague and rising fascism. Sharlet offers insight into both the human condition and into our country today, bringing to light a decade of American failures as well as a vision for American possibility,

Jeff Sharlet is the New York Times bestselling author or editor of eight books. His latest is The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War (2023), a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist for Nonfiction, one of The New York Times 100 Books of the Year, and a New Republic book of the year.

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Courageous Conversations: Chris Walsh and William McKenzie on Pluralism

George is joined by Chris Walsh and William McKenzie, both of the George W. Bush Institute where they engage in the advancement of freedom and democracy in the world.

In this second episode of the Courageous Conversations series, they discuss what they call "the pluralism challenge," the role of pluralism in strengthening our democracy, the importance of a vibrant religious pluralism, and what American democracy means—even when it falls short of its own ideals.


Chris Walsh serves as Director, Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, Mr. Walsh manages communications, evaluation, and public policy research projects that advance freedom and democracy in the world.

William McKenzie is senior editorial advisor at the George W. Bush Institute, where he is working on editorial projects on democracy and freedom and education reform.

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Imam Omar Suleiman: Understanding redemption and renewal during Ramadan

This episode is the final installment of a three-part series on redemption and renewal. Imam Omar Suleiman describes redemption as a change in the cravings of the soul, and underscores the importance of generosity and charity for Muslims—especially at this time. He also speaks to the experience of Muslims living as a minority in the United States while fasting during Ramadan.

Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

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Dr. Curtis W. Freeman: Understanding redemption and renewal during Holy Week

This episode is the second installment of a three-part series on redemption and renewal. Dr. Curtis Freeman discusses the significance of how Christians keep time and why the events of Holy Week are integral to the Christian faith.

Dr. Curtis W. Freeman is a research professor of theology and Baptist studies and director of the Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. His research and teaching explores areas of Free Church theology.

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Rabbi Elana Zelony: Understanding redemption and renewal at Passover

This episode begins a three-part series on redemption and renewal. Rabbi Elana Zelony unpacks the historical significance of Passover and its role in forming the Jewish consciousness, how it has become part of the rhythm of Jewish life. More broadly, she explains how the spiritual practice of rituals is a reminder and celebration of her faith’s core values.

Rabbi Zelony has been the senior Rabbi for Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson, Texas since 2014. Her rabbinate emphasizes pluralism, inclusion, interfaith work, spirituality, and involvement with the community. She is the first female rabbi in the Conservative Movement to lead a synagogue in the state of Texas.

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Byron Sanders on the racial inequities in Dallas

President and CEO of Big Thought, Byron Sanders, speaks on the racial inequity in Dallas and the ways in which we can help create a better Dallas for the next generation.

Conversations like this are so important in fostering an awareness among white people of what life is like in Dallas for people of color. Byron shares a recent personal experience of having the police called on him for legally canvassing with his young daughter.

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