Faith and Politics

South Dakota’s Pivotal Moment on Abortion

Michael Pauley — Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:00 -0500

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.

Obscenity and the First Amendment

Michael Pauley — Tue, 09 May 2023 12:00:00 -0500

During the 2023 legislative session, South Dakota lawmakers introduced five different bills that sought to regulate the spread of obscenity, especially by limiting the access of minors to harmful materials. Despite a growing public awareness of the harms caused by obscene material and programs, not one of the anti-obscenity bills made it through the legislature. Michael Pauley is joined by Norman Woods of the South Dakota Family Heritage Alliance to discuss the debate surrounding obscenity laws, the role of the courts and their interpretation of the First Amendment, and the surprising involvement of South Dakota’s public-school establishment in opposing anti-obscenity legislation.

The abortion pill on trial

Michael Pauley — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:30:00 -0500

In the year 2000 the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug mifepristone (also known

as RU-486 or Mifeprex) as part of a regimen for chemically induced abortions.

But on April 7, 2023—late on Good Friday—a federal judge in Texas issued a

preliminary injunction that suspended the FDA’s approval of mifepristone,

pending a trial on the merits of the case. The preliminary injunction was

partially reversed on appeal, but the judge’s opinion in Alliance for

Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA casts a spotlight on the damage that

mifepristone has caused to women and their preborn children. Host Michael

Pauley is joined by Adam Schwend of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America to

discuss the implications of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine case,

regarded by many legal experts as the most important abortion-related

litigation since the Dobbs decision.

Marijuana, addiction, and South Dakota’s future

Michael Pauley — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In 2022 voters rejected a measure to legalize recreational marijuana in South

Dakota. Yet in the 2023 session of the state legislature, a dozen bills were

introduced related to marijuana, and in 2024 yet another ballot measure on

marijuana is likely to come before voters. Why is this issue still so unsettled? To

answer this question, host Michael Pauley is joined by Jim Kinyon, the Chairman

of Protecting South Dakota Kids, and the Executive Director of Catholic Social

Services in Rapid City. Jim and Mike discuss the ambitions of the marijuana

industry in South Dakota, some troubling aspects of the state’s “medical

marijuana” program, and why Catholics should care deeply about the effects that

marijuana has on our society.

Sex, gender, and surgery: a Catholic doctor’s perspective

Michael Pauley — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Host Michael Pauley is joined by Dr. Alfonso Oliva, a physician specializing in plastic and

reconstructive surgery, and a member of the Executive Board of the Catholic Medical

Association. Dr. Oliva and Michael discuss the various controversies surrounding the use of

drugs and surgeries as “treatment” for persons experiencing gender dysphoria. What are the

purported benefits of such procedures, and what are the known complications? Dr. Oliva shares

his thoughts concerning the rapid rise in cases of reported gender dysphoria among adolescent

females, and the growing trend of administering drugs and performing so-called “gender

reassignment” surgeries upon minors in the United States.

The abortion threat in South Dakota

Michael Pauley — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Michael Pauley is joined by Jon Hansen for a discussion of a proposed amendment that would create a right to abortion in the South Dakota state constitution. Hansen is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Dakota House of Representatives and also serves as Vice President of South Dakota Right to Life. Hansen and Pauley discuss the implications of the proposed constitutional amendment, which would be placed on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election, if sponsors are able to gather the legally required number of signatures. Supporters of the amendment describe it as an initiative to put Roe v. Wade into the state constitution, but Hansen explains the amendment would impose a legal regime of unrestricted abortion-on-demand that is far more radical than the policy under Roe.

Marijuana: Panacea or Poison?

Michael Pauley — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Chris Motz and Michael Pauley welcome Dr. Bonnie Omdahl for a conversation about marijuana, Initiated Measure 27, and public health. Dr. Omdahl explores what medical science says about the effects of marijuana on brain development, mental health, and physical health. Chris and Mike share thoughts on the huge gap between the scientific reality of marijuana and public perceptions of the drug. A Gallup survey reports that 71 percent of Americans consider chewing tobacco to be “very harmful” to one’s health, but only 27 percent said the same about marijuana. Dr. Omdahl offers her prescription for what can be done to make cultural perceptions of marijuana better conform to reality.

Marijuana and Crime

Michael Pauley — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Co-host Michael Pauley is joined by Pat West, Sheriff-elect of Meade County, for a discussion of marijuana and its association with criminal behavior. Michael and Pat examine a number of questions relevant to Initiated Measure 27, a proposal in the November 8, 2022 election to legalize the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana in South Dakota. Will legalizing marijuana reduce crime, or make it worse? Is marijuana a “gateway drug” that leads to the use of illicit drugs that are even more toxic, such as heroin or cocaine? What are “marijuana edibles,” and what dangers do they pose? What are the challenges that law enforcement face when dealing with drivers who are under the influence of marijuana? Michael and Pat explore how marijuana use by a minority of the population has adverse effects on the whole of society.

The Pitfalls of Legalizing Marijuana

Michael Pauley — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Michael Pauley and Chris Motz welcome guest Emily Leedom, Executive Director of the Lourdes Center in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, for a discussion of Initiated Measure 27, a ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota. The bishops of South Dakota have taken a stand against marijuana legalization, because of the harms it brings to individuals, families, and the broader society. Emily outlines the known impacts of marijuana and the various ways it undermines human flourishing. Chris and Michael also discuss with Emily the current trends in public opinion on marijuana, and explore the frequently-cited argument that marijuana use is no different than consuming alcohol.

Catholics and the Two Cities

Chris Motz — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Michael Pauley welcomes Fr. Henry Stephan, O.P., of Notre Dame University to the program for a far-reaching conversation on how Catholics should engage with politics (the City of Man) without losing sight of the eternal home we are called to (the City of God). Michael and Fr. Henry discuss the thinking of Augustine and Aquinas on politics, examine three temptations that Catholics should avoid as they engage in political life, and review the current debate in Catholic intellectual circles on the subject of “integralism” and whether Catholic beliefs can be harmonized with the economic and political tenets of classical liberalism.

Protecting the Vulnerable: Children with Down Syndrome

Chris Motz — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Chris Motz and Michael Pauley welcome to the show Lauren Costabile, founder and executive director of Hearts of Joy International, an organization that helps babies with Down Syndrome gain access to needed care, especially open-heart surgery. The ongoing debate about abortion after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision frequently revolves around so-called “hard cases,” including pregnancies in which a pre-born child has been diagnosed as having a disability. It is estimated that between 60 and 90 percent of pre-born children diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted, compared to 18 percent of pre-born children overall. Chris and Michael discuss with Lauren the competing visions in our culture regarding the value of human life. Catholic social teaching reminds us that our worth as human beings is anchored in the fact that we are created by God. But this worldview is challenged by a utilitarian ethos that measures the worth of a human being based on abilities and achievements. Lauren Costabile offers a powerful testimony about the inherent dignity and value of every child.

Dobbs Case: A Closer Look

Chris Motz — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Michael Pauley and Chris Motz take a deeper look at the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, this time focusing on three concurring opinions written by justices who voted to uphold the pro-life law in Mississippi that was challenged. While all three justices agreed that Mississippi’s statute limiting abortions after 15 weeks gestation should be deemed constitutional, there were stark differences in the reasoning that each justice used to reach the same conclusion. First, Michael and Chris look at the intriguing concurrence penned by Justice Clarence Thomas, who offers a vigorous critique of the Supreme Court’s history of using “substantive due process” analysis to expand the court’s power. Next they examine the concurrence of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, focusing on his argument that the Constitution “does not take sides on the issue of abortion.” Finally, they consider the concurrence of Chief Justice John Roberts, who argues that the court should have upheld the constitutionality of the Mississippi law, but without overturning the prior precedents of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey.

Catholics and "Pride Month"

Chris Motz — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Michael Pauley and Chris Motz tackle the political and cultural phenomenon known as "Pride Month." Governmental bodies and America's largest corporations loudly celebrate this event every June, but what exactly is the message that's being promoted? Michael and Chris explore the sexual ideology that underlies Pride Month, and contrast it with the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality and how this dimension of our personhood can be lived in a way that contributes to human flourishing. They also discuss resources that are available to help Christians better understand issues related to same-sex attraction and transgender ideology.

Supreme Court Decision on Dobbs Case

Chris Motz — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode Michael Pauley, Executive Director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference, and Chris Motz, Chief of Staff for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, provide an initial overview of the momentous decision released June 24, 2022 by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. They discuss the court's decision to overturn its previous cases, Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), that asserted the existence of a federal constitutional right to abortion, and unpack what this means for the state of South Dakota.

Introducing the new SDCC Executive Director

Chris Motz — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0500

The bishops of SD are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pauley as the executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference. Mr. Pauley previously worked as a consultant specializing in government affairs and public communication. His clients have included several non-profit organizations that advocate for public policies to defend vulnerable human life, safeguard religious liberty, and protect marriage and family life. Mr. Pauley has served as a policy aide for government officials at both the federal and state level. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in foreign service. On this episode of Faith & Politics, Chris passes the baton by introducing Michael and asking Michael about his background.

Labor and Leisure in a Fragmented World

Chris Motz — Thu, 19 May 2022 10:50:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris hosts Dr. Michael Naughton professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas and author of Getting Work Right: Labor and Leisure in a Fragmented World. They discuss 'leisure'....and no, they're not talking about polyester wide-lapeled suits from the 70's. Drawing from the definition articulated by the 20th century German Thomist Josef Pieper, leisure is "an attitude of the mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a capacity to perceive the reality of the world" as it truly is. Mischaracterized as "wasting time," it is fundamentally about being, not doing, in a way that our hearts and minds become more open to the good. At the core of leisure is Sunday, the Lord's Day. In order to get Monday right, Dr. Naughton argues, we must first get Sunday right. The conversation draws on Pieper's famous 1947 book, Leisure, the Basis of Culture.

SCOTUS Dobbs Leak

Chris Motz — Thu, 19 May 2022 10:45:00 -0500

Chris welcomes back Katie Glenn, Government Affairs Counsel and Americans United for Life, to discuss the recent unprecedented leak of a draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. First reported by news outlet Politico, lead author Justice Samuel Alito and four of his colleagues appear poised to completely and unequivocally overturn Roe v. Wade, which would return abortion to the states as a political issue. Katie and Chris unpack what was in the draft opinion, what it means for the pro-life movement, the sheer significance of leak from the Supreme Court, and the path ahead for pro-life citizens.

Virtue, Law, and Community

Chris Motz — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Chris welcomes back Dr. Chris Burgwald. First, they discuss Pope Francis's recent invitation to the bishops of the world to join him in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They then discuss a book they're reading together, After Virtue, by philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre. They specifically dive into the themes of Chapter 12, titled "Aritsotle's Account of the Virtues," using a reading guide authored by Christopher Lutz. They discuss the connections between virtue, law, and community; the virtue of prudence; and Aristotle's view of "friendship" as a foundational virtue for a polis or civil community, prior even to the virtue of justice!

Hey, What's the Problem?!

Chris Motz — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

The Problem of Evil. Chris is joined again by Dr. John Schaff, Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Public History and Civic Engagement at Northern State University. They discuss the problem of evil, what evil "is" (or rather, "is not"), historical errors in understanding it, natural evil and moral evil, and why God might permit it.

Show notes: As mentioned by Dr. Schaff, here's Peter Kreeft's Critique of the Philosophy Behind Star Wars

Evangelicals & Catholics Together

Chris Motz — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris welcomes back Norman Woods, executive director of the Family Heritage Alliance. Chris announces his departure from the helm of the Catholic Conference and gives Norman a book as a parting gift, Evangelicals & Catholics Together: Toward a Common Mission, a 1995 book co-edited by Evangelical leader Chuck Colson and Catholic priest Fr. Richard John Neuhaus. Norman shares a quick take on "Catholics" and Chris does the same on "Protestants," then they turn to their "top 3" bills to review for the session. They discuss mobile sports betting, surrogacy, parents rights, marijuana, education choice, and bathroom privacy.

Catholic Microschools

Chris Motz — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Kevin Baxter, former superintendent of Catholic schools for the largest U.S. archdiocese, Chief Innovation Officer for the National Catholic Education Association, and current director of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame. They discuss Dr. Baxter's recent book, Greatness in Smallness: A Vision for Catholic Microschools, published by the NCEA. As Dr. Baxter describes it, a "microschool" isn't defined so much by total enrollment, but is rather an attitudinal posture that isn't afraid to depart from historical paradigms. For example, he describes how multi-age instruction (multiple ages of kids in one classroom) couldn't be further from a "desperate" measure, but rather is a model with many, many benefits for children, and which is being used in some premier, high-tuition schools. Looking to the future, he sees leadership and innovation as the two pillars on which Catholic schools can newly thrive (again, not defined in enrollment data) in the years ahead.

Chris & Chris talk politics

Chris Motz — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Airing for this week's installment of F&P is a segment from Catholic Views, the weekly broadcast of the diocese of Sioux Falls. Guest host Dr. Chris Burgwald interviews SD Catholic Conference director Chris Motz on bills that he's tracking in the state capitol. Chris (Motz) rounds out the half-hour with late-breaking updates on several bills. Find all Catholic Conference legislative positions at https://sdcatholicconference.org/category/2022-session/ or follow updates on Twitter @SDCatholicCon.

Marijuana Policy

Chris Motz — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). Luke shares SAM's position on marijuana policy, unpacks who is driving the push to legalize marijuana across the nation and in South Dakota, and describes what science has told us about legalization efforts. He also reveals some of the failed promises of legalization advocates, namely that blackmarkets would disappear (they've expanded) and that it would be a boon to state revenues (far from it). Lastly, reflects on how Christians might approach the topic of marijuana policy.

God, Country, and Grace

Chris Motz — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Chris gives a legislative update to open this episode, and then welcomes Fr. Joe Forcelle, a priest of the diocese of Sioux Falls. Fr. Forcelle recently directed a one-day retreat titled, "God and Country: Prayer in the Midst of Conflict and Grace," which they discuss. He offers reflections on love of country through the lens of the 19th century short story, A Man Without a Country, by Edward Hale. Awareness and right-ordering of one's passions, prayer, and the virtue of patriotism (pious love of one's country and countrymen) are all important to holiness for those navigating turmoil in the civic sphere.

Week 3 Legislative Update

Chris Motz — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Your road-weary host gets a chance to relax in the studio with Dr. Chris Burgwald, for a conversation on the moral implications of a number of bills currently in the legislative process. They discuss prayer in schools, tax-credit scholarships, intoxication and marijuana, the death penalty, the power of humor, and more.

The Science of Chemical Abortions

Chris Motz — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

This week, Chris is joined by Dr. Glenn Ridder a family practice doctor, medical director at the Alpha Center, state director of the Catholic Medical Association, and a permanent deacon for the diocese of Sioux Falls. Dr. Ridder explains how chemical abortions function in depriving a child of it's needed environment in the uterus, resulting in death, followed by a second drug that causes intense labor that expels the deceased baby from the womb. He also explains the science behind abortion "discontinuance" laws and medical protocols, and shares the heart warming story of a young boy who was recently saved with these methods. Lastly, they unpack the FDA's recent loosening of safety protocols surrounding abortion drugs, and South Dakota's legal efforts to place these protections for women in state law.

2022 Legislative Preview

Chris Motz — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

This episode, Chris is joined by Norman Woods, director of Family Heritage Alliance for a preview of the 2022 legislative session. They talk about sexual identity and compassion, pro-life, education, surrogacy, and marijuana. Plus, the SD Catholic Conference is now on Twitter (in addition to Instagram and Facebook). Follow us at @SDCatholicConf

Family policy is what our nation needs

Chris Motz — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Scott Yenor, professor of political science at Boise State University, where he teaches political philosophy. He is the author of The Recovery of Family Life: Exposing the Limits of Modern Ideologies, published in 2020. Chris and Scott discuss modern ideological trends that cut against the formation of family life, as Scott argues that a renewed public consensus supporting marriage is urgently needed today.

Vaccines and Bioethics

Chris Motz — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode Chris is joined by Cameo Anders, a South Dakota lawyer and bioethicist, and Dr. John DiCamillo, a staff ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. They take up the topic of vaccines, which have remained prominent in national and state political conversations. They discuss the moral analysis used when a vaccine has a connection to an abortion linked-cell line, some considerations that are applicable to the question of moral duty, and the question of mandates. They seek to integrate principles of conscience, charity, and the common good, which are at times pitted against one another or given inadequate attention in civic discourse.

Catholic Teaching & Parent Choice in Education Policy

Chris Motz — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined this episode by Shawn Peterson, president of Catholic Education Partners, an organization founded by US bishops in 2017 in order to provide a Catholic voice in education choice policy discussions. Chris and Shawn walk through Catholic teaching on this topic, including Vatican Council II, which exhorted civil authorities to empower parents to be truly free in directing their child's education by making available financial resources. They unpack the Catechism no. 2229, Gravissimum Educationes no. 6, and the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church no. 241. They also discuss Education Savings Accounts, including the new program recently passed in West Virginia. They also discuss the reality that, in rural areas, a government school can be the cultural and economic center of gravity for the community; this in turn causes fear of "winners and losers" in education choice policy discussions. However, rather than creating winners and losers, Shawn says parent choice programs are truly win-win for both government and non-government schools -- and most importantly, are a 'win' for parents and kids. See a summary of the research here.

Strong Towns - Cultivating a Human Habitat

Chris Motz — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0500

As Catholics, we know the importance of intentionality in church design. Beauty matters, layout matters, elements of proportionality and ratio matter. Taking this as a metaphor for city planning, the design of our homes, neighborhoods, and cities matter too. Engineer and city planner Chuck Marohn joins the show to talk about his book Strong Towns: a Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity. Chuck evokes Catholic themes on subsidiarity, consumerism, and relational community as he describes some of the Strong Towns principles that he argues should undergird the development of healthy towns and cities. Learn more at StrongTowns.org

Children's Rights & Surrogacy

Chris Motz — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Katy Faust, Founder and Director of Them Before Us, an organization formed to advance and defend the primacy of children's rights above adult desires. Chris and Katy unpack the issue of surrogacy, a process by which a child is deliberately subjected to mother-loss. Katy shares that only 7% of children created in vitro will survive -- the rest die, are destroyed, or are indefinitely frozen. Unlike adoption, in which mother-loss sadly occurs as a result of a broken situation, surrogacy deliberately manufactures mother-loss as a feature of the contract. Industry advocates want you to believe "the kids will be fine," but Katy knows the kids aren't "fine." By their own testimony, later in life the kids express feelings of genealogical bewilderment, commodification, and guilt surrounding the financial and eugenic aspects of their creation.

"Woke" Pseudo-Religion and Christianity

Chris Motz — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff returns to the show to unpack a new address given by Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the USCCB, titled, "Reflections on the Church and America's New Religions," in which he proposes that Marxist secular ideologies must primarily be understood in spiritual terms in their quest to displace Christianity and authentic cultural forms. Jon and Chris walk through the underlying ideas at stake and the Christian answer. Archbishop Gomez's full address can be found here. They also briefly discuss a recent lecture given by Alasdair MacIntyre on human dignity and justice. Jon also mentions a Bishop Barron video on René Girard, here.

The Solemnity of Christ the King and Religious Liberty

Chris Motz — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by past guest Dr. Aaron Weldon, program director for the USCCB Committee on Religious Liberty. Aaron explains why this great feast is linked to our religious freedoms. Instituted in 1925, the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicea, by Pope Piux XI, the feast of Christ the King is a spiritual response to an atheistic totalitarianism that ignored the transcendent, eternal nature of men and women. The USCCB has asked us to give renewed focus to this great solemnity in light of threats to religion in our own day.

Who was Fr. DeSmet?

Chris Motz — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Fr. John Paul Trask joins the show to share about the life of Fr. Pierre Jean DeSmet, a Belgian Jesuit who dedicated his life to mission among the native peoples of the west. Fr. DeSmet's nineteenth century missionary journeys took him from Belgium to St. Louis, up the Missouri, and as far as the Pacific. Spending much time in present-day South Dakota, Fr. DeSmet earned a reputation for bold fearlessness, and became known as a gifted peacemaker. Selfless, clever, and holy, Fr. DeSmet's example stands as worthy of emulation for Catholics today.

South Dakota Pro-Life Litigation

Chris Motz — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, we get a front row seat to an interview by Dale Bartscher with Harold Cassidy, the attorney representing Alpha Center as intervenor in the state of South Dakota's lawsuit with abortion giant Planned Parenthood. The facts of this case are incredible! Most South Dakotans don't know the role our state and our laws are playing in the all-important pro-life legal fight. Harold builds a compelling argument for why just laws -- especially for the unborn and pregnant mothers -- are the responsibility of all.

The South Dakota Right to Life Update

Chris Motz — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Dale Bartscher, executive director of SD Right to Life. Dale recaps SDRTL's recent 50th Anniversary Convention in Sioux Falls, shares about the process for reviewing legislation in the lead up to the winter legislative session, and updates us on the growth of local RTL chapters throughout the state.

Pro-Abortion Policies at Health and Human Services

Chris Motz — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Rachel Morrison, a lawyer from the Ethics and Public Policy Center and member of its HHS Accountability Project. Rachel unpacks recent moves by the federal HHS department to give Title X dollars to Planned Parenthood, disregard a separate-payment for abortion requirements for health insurers, abandon pro-life health care providers' conscience rights, and sideline HHS's Conscience and Religious Freedom Division's dedicated career employees.

Respect Life Month: Alpha Center

Chris Motz — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Leslee Unruh, founder of Alpha Center, a pregnancy help center based in Sioux Falls. Leslee shares Alpha's mission to "clear the confusion with a message of hope." Founded in 1984, Alpha offers warm, loving counseling to women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. Alpha introduces its clients to mentor relationships and gives life-skills training for years beyond a child's birth, as it challenges women and men to live lives of virtue and integrity, all in the context of healing and mercy. They are equipped to serve South Dakota's communities beyond Sioux Falls, too, with a new state-of-the-art mobile ultrasound Sprinter van. Visit AlphaCenterFriends.org for more information about Alpha's great mission.

The Formative Power of Music

Chris Motz — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by music-lover, Fr. Tony Klein. They discuss the South Dakota state anthem, singing the Mass, how to discern beauty in music, music's role in shaping the heart and mind, sacred music, the common music of a people (think Hobbit songs), what's on Fr. Tony's playlist these days, and music in family life.

F&P Mini

Chris Motz — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Chris Motz gives a news round-up (SD education policy, federal "Women's Health Protection Act," and call to prayer on the Dobbs case) and shares "Doing the Truth," an excerpt on the virtue of prudence from the Josef Pieper book being read by the SDCC study group.

A Spiritual Biography of Marx

Chris Motz — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Paul Kengor, Senior Director and Chief Academic Fellow for The Institute for Faith & Freedom and Professor of Political Science at Grove City College. They discuss his recent book, "The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration", published by Catholic bookseller TAN Books.

Individualism & Unity

Chris Motz — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by thinker and writer Jack Gist (ft. on Ep. 25, Disputatio and the 1619 Project) to discuss a new essay from Jack, "Individualism, relativism, and the most extreme form of idolatry." Jack unpacks the thought of Nietzsche and Duns Scotus, and helps us understand the "both/and" of the amazing beauty of being an individual, uniquely unrepeatable as a creation of God, while at the same time being made for participation in a "higher unity", that is, the whole of mankind made for communion with God. Contemporary movements tend to skew one way or the other, either suppressing the individual to emphasize a group, or obscuring the whole for the sake of the individual. Jack highlights the deeply Christian sensibility of the founders in seeking to safeguard an individualism rightly understood, in right relation to the whole.

Just War Theory

Chris Motz — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined once again by Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Dr. Schaff unpacks the traditional teaching on the conditions for a just war, first articulated by St. Augustine. He walks through jus ad bellum (justice before making war) and jus in bello (justice while making war), and offers examples to illustrate each of the factors to be considered.

The Political Path Forward: Get Married and Have Kids

Chris Motz — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Jessica Kramer joins the show to discuss a recent article she authored on politics and family formation. After briefly sharing her conversion story, she shares her observations from a recent policy conference she reported on, and describes several pro-family policies concerning pornography, contraception, a one-income family wage, and more. In her view, too, the Church can be robustly engaged in encouraging family formation: speed-dating in the parish hall, intentional formation in the isolating effects of smartphones and internet addiction, etc. Then she flips the script on Chris, and gets him to share some of his own family's inspiration for a renewal of family life in society.

Vaccine Mandates and Religious Exemptions

Chris Motz — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Cameo Anders a graduate of the Ave Maria School of Law, has a Masters in Theology and a certificate in Bioethics, joins us this week to take on this hot topic of religious exemptions surrounding the growing concern of COVID vaccine requirements with employers. To read the statement from our bishop's in South Dakota, visit our website.

https://sdcatholicconference.org/covid-19-vaccination-requirements/

Unpacking Fulton, and a Half Page of Trouble in the Infrastructure Bill

Chris Motz — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined on this episode by David Trimble, Vice President for Public Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Freedom Education at the Religious Freedom Institute. David breaks down the 9-0 Supreme Court decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia, and then shares some religious freedom concerns with the infrastructure bill presently in the Senate.

Catholic Adoption in South Dakota

Chris Motz — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

This episode, Chris is joined by Kelli Whartman, the executive director of Trinity Pregnancy and Adoption, a Catholic agency serving the whole state. Kelli shares her own witness to faith and passion for serving the adoption "triad" -- adoptive parents, birth parents, and kids! Kelli mentions these links:

https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/our-programs/adoption-friendly-workplace/

www.trinityadoption.org

www.facebook.com/trinityadoption

www.Instagram.com/trinityadoption

Individualism, the Decline of Institutions, and Friendship

Chris Motz — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

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

Taxpayer Funded Abortions? What??!

Chris Motz — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Kat Talalas, the associate director for communications at the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. For those who haven't been closely following the debate over the Hyde Amendment, and its enormously significant consequences even at the state level, Kat brings us all up to speed with what it is, why it's important, and the consequences of remaining silent. Visit www.NoTaxpayerAbortion.com to sign the petition and contact SD's senators and congressman with heartfelt thanks and encouragement. ***BONUS*** At the start of the show, Kat shares an amazing personal testimony of Christ's love!

2020 SD Abortion Report

Chris Motz — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Dale Bartscher, executive director of South Dakota Right to Life, to discuss the state Department of Health's annual abortion report, published on July 1. They also recap the 2020 pro-life bills that went into effect on July 1, talk about potential future legislation, and preview SDRTL's fall convention, which commemorates 50 years of advocacy for mothers and unborn children.

Sacrificial Love: Adoption & Foster Parenting

Chris Motz — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Jeff Wald, a Minnesota-based lawyer and writer (but who is quick to tell us he's a North Dakotan). Jeff shares about his and his wife Jackie's journey with adoption and foster parenting, the result of a call they discerned together to give of themselves to the poor and marginalized. At the heart of this adventure, for Jeff, is a discovery that the most extraordinary graces result from the ordinary-ness of everyday (messy) life with six kids 10-and-under.

What is the Purpose of Government?

Chris Motz — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Host Chris Motz is joined this week by Dr. Chad Pecknold, professor of theology at Catholic University of America (and prolific tweeter -- @ccpecknold). Chris tosses a listener question to the good professor: What, according to the Church, is the purpose of government? What's it's aim, its end, its goal? Also, what are the limits of its action? Or, asking an obvious question that comes from from Matthew 22 and Mark 12 ("Render unto Caeasar..."), what belongs to "Caesar" and what belongs to God? (Spoiler for the latter: everything, including the former.) Chris and Professor Pecknold dig into some contemporary issues, e.g., gender ideology, as they unpack how "the state" can fulfill its essential nature and purpose.

A few links to resources that come up in the conversation:

Christianity and Politics, authored by Prof. Pecknold

Caritas in Veritate, a social encyclical touching heavily on economics and government, written by Pope Benedict XVI

Religious Freedom Jurisprudence and Fulton v. Philadelphia

Chris Motz — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Christopher Dodson, J.D., executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Christopher unpacks the development of Free Exercise clause cases in the 20th century, culminating in the Smith v. Employment Division decision in 1990. Chris then gives a high-level overview of the recent Fulton v. Philadelphia case, which avoids using the Smith standard, but gives us good reason to believe Smith is on shaky ground.

St. Thomas More Society

Chris Motz — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Nick Michels, a Catholic attorney in South Dakota, who is starting a St. Thomas More Society -- an organization for Catholic lawyers and politicians. With the feast day of St. Thomas More approaching on June 22, Nick shares how the New Evangelization has inspired the vision for the group, and how it aims to aid Catholic lay faithful in their mission to witness to the truth of God's love in the midst of their professional lives. Taking the great English Catholic lawyer and saint as its patron, Nick and his colleagues hope a St. Thomas More Society might be a source of formation, fraternity, hope, and courage for his fellow Catholic lawyers in South Dakota.

Distributism

Chris Motz — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris and regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff unpack an economic and social idea known as distributism. Rooted in the social teaching of Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XI, and others, distributism contains critiques of both unfettered capitalism and socialism, and exhorts society to seek widespread ("distributed") ownership of capital by small business owners, farmers, and so forth. According to distributism, there are great dangers to freedom and human dignity when capital and power is greatly concentrated in either the state, or in the hands of a very small number of commercial corporations. For more on distributism and its foundations in the magisterium, see this article by Dr. Jared Staudt, the Director of Formation for the Offices of Evangelization and Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Denver and teaches for the Augustine Institute.

Stop Taxpayer-funded Abortions

Chris Motz — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Chris Motz is joined by Greg Schleppenbach, the associate director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB to discuss current threats to the Hyde Amendment, which for 45 years has kept any taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions. Folks can go to NoTaxpayerAbortion.com to sign a petition in defense of Hyde. Chris and Greg also discuss what the Equality Act means for pro-life movement (bad news), Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization at the Supreme Court (good news), and a national perspective on state action during 2021 state legislative cycle (more good news).

Catholic Health Insurance and Catholic Identity

Chris Motz — Tue, 25 May 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Doug Wilson, CEO of Catholic Benefits Association, an membership-based organization that facilitates health insurance for Catholic entities. Doug describes the birth of CBA in the wake of several of the Affordable Care Act's (Obamacare) coercive provisions -- such as forcing Catholic nuns to buy contraception -- and walks through the legal battles and victories CBA has had since its founding. Most recently, they won an injunction from the Federal Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on a provision of the ACA that would ostensibly force coverage for surgeries, pharmaceuticals, etc., related to gender ideology that Catholic organizations will not in good conscience provide. Additionally, in the federal HHS Department's recent "Section 1557" Notification (a statement of intent concerning civil rights provisions interpretations), we are seeing ways the Bostock v. Clayton County decision of last summer (See Episode 17 -- this is a must-know case!) is, as expected, being used as an instrument to impose an unscientific, metaphysically incorrect, and harmful view of the human person onto health care providers. This federal pressure highlights the need for robust state-level conscience protections.

The Harms of Surrogacy

Chris Motz — Tue, 18 May 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Grace Melton, author of a recent article titled How Surrogacy Harms Women and Children, published at the National Interest. After Chris recaps the recent history of surrogacy in South Dakota politics, Grace makes the case for why the political and cultural discourse on surrogacy is sadly one-sided and introduces key factors that need to be in the conversation, such as the medical risks to women and children and the gravely troubling legal shift that occurs when society permits the commodification of human beings. Grace also discusses the primal wound experienced by some children of surrogacy, explains why surrogacy is distinctly different from adoption, and discusses trafficking often associated with surrogacy. The conversation ran out of time, but Grace's article offers several closing thoughts to remember when we're discussing this topic: (1) As painful as infertility can be, the desires of adults may never supersede the rights of children; (2) listening to the women and children who have suffered deeply because of surrogacy is critically important; and (3) increasing regulation does not resolve the fundamental ethical issues surrounding the commodification of women and children. South Dakotans, it's important to share your views with your legislators and know where they stand on this topic.

An Organic Farmer shares about Laudato Si’

Chris Motz — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dan Denis, a Catholic father and farmer from the Saskatchewan prairie. Inspired by the social teaching of the Church, including Laudato Si’, several years ago Dan felt a call to go “back to the land,” as he puts it, and began farming the land on which he was raised. Dan shares his family’s story of love for God and the created order, and how this love inspired them to adopt certain stewardship practices that might be described as ‘organic’ in their grain, beef, and poultry operation. (Bonus: Dan recommended a book called The Church and Farming, by Fr. DenisFahey, C.S.Sp., from Loreto Publications. We didn’t get to a discussion of this book in this episode, but perhaps in a future conversation. Also, Dan and his wife Sara share their story together in this video, Faith on the Farm.)

Political Philosophy

Chris Motz — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode Chris is joined by Prof. Joe Rutten, director of the Benedictine Leadership Institute at Mount Marty University. Chris and Joe discuss faith and reason, talking about hard topics with our fellow citizens, the necessity of citizens and politicians to have formation in reason, and good philosophy as the foundation to well-ordered political life.

Gender Ideology and the Law

Chris Motz — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined on this episode by Mary Rice Hasson, the Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Mary also directs the Catholic Women’s Forum, a network of Catholic professional women and scholars seeking to amplify the voice of Catholic women in support of human dignity, authentic freedom, and Catholic social teaching. Chris and Mary take up the topic of gender ideology from the viewpoint of the law and lawmaking. Mary describes her recent testimony in opposition to the so-named “Equality Act,” and also shares what areas might be of concern to Catholic lawmakers and others of goodwill at the state level. Visit the Person & Identity Project, a work of the Catholic Women’s Forum, for more.

Race & Racism

Chris Motz — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined again by Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Chris and Dr. Schaff discuss race and racism, a topic on the minds of many Americans during the last year. They discuss the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with the death of African-American man George Floyd, and unpack a recent pastoral letter from Bishop Donald DeGrood on Loving Others as God Made Them, which exhorts us to view others in light of the True, Good, and Beautiful, and gives a Christian framework for understanding the sin of racism, with an aim of true and lasting reconciliation.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Chris Motz — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0500

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Bishop Donald DeGrood joins us in studio to talk about some of the woundedness that the church has and still experiences.

Green Thomism

Chris Motz — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Christopher Thompson, professor of theology at St. Paul Seminary, to talk about his book, The Joyful Mystery: Field Notes Toward a Green Thomism. Dr. Thompson touches on papal encyclical Laudato Si‘, Church teaching on integral ecology, an ethics of lower creation, what the teaching might mean for agriculture, and why some Catholics see organic gardening as sensible and praiseworthy as natural family planning.

Gender Dysphoria & the Theology of the Body

Chris Motz — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Andrew Sodergren, a Catholic clinical psychologist with experience with gender dysphoria. Dr. Sodergren unpacks the Theology of the Body, gender dysphoria, gender ideology, and offers some thoughts on the path ahead for Christians in the present culture. The topic is timely for discussion as the SD legislature has passed HB 1217, a bill to safeguard female sports.

Freedom and the Equality Act

Chris Motz — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0500

This episode contains content on loan from the podcast Leedom to Life. The host of that show, Emily Leedom, interviews Faith & Politics host Chris Motz on the meaning of freedom and the substance of the Equality Act, a particularly concerning piece of legislation currently under consideration by the Congress.

Pro-Life Legislative Recap

Chris Motz — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0500

As the 2021 South Dakota legislative session winds down, Chris Motz is joined by SD Right to Life Executive Director Dale Bartscher. Chris and Dale run through the list of pro-life legislation considered by the legislature this year, including Governor Noem’s significant Down Syndrome diagnosis abortion ban bill, which is expected to be signed later this month.

Americans United for Life and Rights of Medical Conscience

Chris Motz — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Americans United for Life Government Relations Counsel, Katie Glenn. Katie recently testified in support of South Dakota House Bill 1247, known as the Medical Conscience Protection Act. Chris and Katie discuss new threats to the pro-life cause at the federal level, and the importance of state-based conscience protection rights at the state level, such as HB 1247.

Religious Freedom

Chris Motz — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined once more by political science professor, Dr. Jon Schaff. On this episode, they tackle the legal background of religious freedom in the United States, and the ways in which religious freedom is under attack today. They trace the legal standards articulated by courts, discuss a hugely-popular act of Congress in the early ’90’s, and bring the discussion up to today, with an explanation of Senate Bill 124, currently pending before the South Dakota legislature. The topic is of great relevance due to the harsh treatment of churches by some states during the last year.

Audio Player

2021 Session update

Chris Motz — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode SD Catholic Conference director is joined by Norman Woods, executive director of Family Heritage Alliance. Chris and Norman give a full run down of all the SD Catholic Conference-supported bills under consideration by the state legislature.

Parents as Primary Educators

Chris Motz — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris gives an update on several pending bills, and then is joined by Julie Chrisitan to talk about the Church’s teachings on education , how these teachings can apply to homeschooling policy, and a South Dakota organization — Families for Alternative Instruction Rights SD — (FAIR-SD) that’s leading a new conversation about legislation to aimed to support parents as the primary educators of their children. For past conversations on Catholic education, listen to the June 29, 2020 episode of Faith & Politics featuring Mr. Matt Althoff, Director of Catholic Schools for the diocese of Sioux Falls.

Legislative Session Bill Update

Chris Motz — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Deacon Denny Davis to discuss support for Senate Bill 98, a bill to ban capital punishment in most cases in South Dakota. Chris is then joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald to discuss the teaching of the Church on the dignity of life, and our opposition to capital punishment.

Primordial Justice Owed by Man to God

Chris Motz — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris Motz is joined by Brandon McGinley, co-author with Dr. Scott Hahn of a new book titled It is Right and Just: Why the Future of Civilization Depends on True Religion. Timely and instructive, their book argues that argues that social justice depends on the primordial justice owed by man to God in the form of the virtue of religion. Without true religion, the foundations of society and civilization itself are insecure, and will crumble.

Jan. 6 at the Capitol, and the road ahead

Chris Motz — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined again by Prof. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. They discuss the scenes of chaos and violence in the nation’s capitol last week, then turn to the incoming presidential administration, with a special focus on life and religious liberty.

Them Before Us

Chris Motz — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Katy Faust, Founder and Director of Them Before Us, an organization seeking to put children’s rights before adult desires. Them Before Us has flipped the script on adult-centric attitudes toward marriage, parenthood, and reproductive technologies by framing these issues around a child’s right to be raised by both their mother and father. Set against a backdrop of sound research, the compelling stories throughout each chapter confirm that a child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being depends on being loved by the two people responsible for their existence. It’s a paradigm shift that will impact the personal and the political, and reframe every marriage and family conversation across the globe.

Religious Freedom and Rights of Conscience in Health Care

Chris Motz — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Louis Brown, Executive Director of Christ Medicus, an organization focused on sharing Jesus Christ’s healing love in health care, building authentically Catholic health care, defending life and religious freedom, and protecting the poor and vulnerable. Louis and Chris discuss Christian identity in a time of challenge and conflict; the vital need to defend the right of medical conscience and religious freedom for doctors, nurses, patients, and consumers; and the importance of faith-based medical care particularly for the materially impoverished and vulnerable. As Louis describes, the right of conscience is a fundamental civil right.

St. Benedict & St. Francis de Sales

Chris Motz — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Chris and Prof. Schaff reflect on some of the problems technology can pose to the family and the faith, how it can contribute to the vice of acedia, and how spiritual disciplines from both St. Benedict and St. Francis de Sales can help us order our lives well and conquer, with God’s grace, the temptations that technology brings.

COVID Vaccines and Catholic Ethics

Chris Motz — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

COVID Vaccines and Catholic ethics. On this episode, Chris is joined by National Catholic Bioethics Center-trained ethicist Cameo Anders. They discuss the development and rollout of COVID vaccines, and an ethical component to be aware of. Summary: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not developed with aborted fetal tissue cells, though their efficacy may have been validated with a lab test with such a connection, giving them a remote connection to the evil of abortion. This connection to a tainted test is even more remote than if the vaccine itself had been developed using an abortion-connected cell line. For a person to receive such a vaccine can been described as “remote mediate material cooperation” with the evil of abortion. It is morally permissible to receive such a vaccine if there is a “proportional reason,” such as serious risk to one’s health, and when no alternative exists.

Also see:

– Charlotte Lozier Institute chart on vaccine abortion connections:

https://s27589.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/12.04.20-warp-speed-vaccines.pdf

– USCCB document on Conscience and Vaccines (2015):

https://www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/how- we-teach/catholic-education/ upload/Vaccines-Conscience- Exemption-updated-April-2015. pdf

– SDCC page with additional resources:

http://www.sdcatholicconference.org/ covid-19-vaccinations-sd/

The study of Political Science, English, and liberal arts - AND working for a Senator right after college

Chris Motz — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Chris is joined by Aberdeen native Dylan Kessler, who shares about his studies at Hillsdale College, working for a South Dakota Senator after graduating, and more.

First Educators: Empowering parents to direct the education of their children

Chris Motz — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Shawn Peterson, South Dakota native and executive director of Catholic Education Partners, a bishops-founded organization that works to share the Catholic teaching in favor of parental choice and empowerment in education, and to promote education policy consistent with this principle. This principle is more important than ever in 2020, a year that has seen tremendous creativity in education policy and practice as parents have explored new ways to get involved and direct the education of their children.

Election day Mashup with Ignition

Chris Motz — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris Motz joins Dr. Chris Burgwald for an episode of Ignition to talk about the results from this years election.

Election day recap with Dr. Jon Schaff

Chris Motz — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris and Jon discuss some of the take-aways from November 4, 2020.

Prioritizing Life

Chris Motz — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Building off the USCCB’s emphasis on abortion as a “preeminent priority” among political issues, on this episode Chris is joined by Life Runner Founder Dr. Pat Castle to talk pro-Life politics.

Civil Union Discussion & Family Heritage Alliance

Chris Motz — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chris Burgwald joins for a discussion of the Holy Father’s reported remarks, followed by a conversation with Norman Woods, executive director of the Family Heritage Alliance.

Mini Show

Chris Motz — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chris Burgwald joins host Chris Motz for a short discussion to help us respond well and find peace in light of the Holy Father’s reported comments on same-sex civil unions.

Catholic Approach to Voting

Chris Motz — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Chris is joined by Prof. Jon Schaff to discuss the Catholic approach to voting, the Catholic candidate, a refresher on St. Augustine, and the pursuit of a well-formed conscience.

SD’s 2019 Abortion Report

Chris Motz — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Debbie Pease, President of SD Right to Life. They discuss the statistics in the just-released 2019 Abortion Report from the SD Department of Health, which reveals a positive trend in chemical abortions, the impact of pro-life nuts and bolts legislating — including SD’s robust informed consent laws, and the importance of education towards furthering the aim of “not just making abortion unlawful, but making it unthinkable.” Debbie also shares about SDRTL’s Pro-Life Essay contest for juniorhigh and high schoolers — Deadline November 1!

Just say ‘No’ to recreational marijuana — Vote ‘No’ on Amendment A

Chris Motz — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Christy Alten-Osmera, program director of the adolescent unit at Keystone Treatment Center, and Matt Walz, a policy specialist at Keystone. They discuss South Dakota’s upcoming ballot measures dealing with marijuana, Amendment A and I.M. 26, and discuss the harm marijuana causes to people they witness every day in their work. Modern marijuana, Christy and Matt explain, damages kids, the poor, and the human drive to work and create. Matt breaks down some of the myths of “legalization,” why some already available FDA-approved medications may answer the request by some people for medicalization, and describes why Constitutional Amendment A is poorly drafted and bad policy.

The Good Life

Chris Motz — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald to talk about living well — What is “the Good Life”? And why should I want it? What’s it have to do with the American Dream and “the pursuit of happiness”?

Bioethics and COVID-19 Vaccine Development

Chris Motz — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Greg Schleppenbach, associate director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB, to discuss Catholic teaching on the ethical production and use of vaccines developed using aborted fetal cell lines. While several ethically-concerning COVID vaccines are being developed, there are also numerous ethically-sound projects, including several receiving significant financial backing from the federal government.

As referenced in the interview, see this April 17, 2020 letter co-signed by several bishop-chairs of USCCB committees to the Food & Drug Administration; this 2005 Vatican document Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Foetuses; and the Charlotte Lozier Institute’s chart tracking and ethically assessing COVID-19 vaccine development.

Disputatio and the 1619 Project

Chris Motz — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Chris is joined by Prof. Jack Gist, a humanities professor and contributor to Catholic World Report, Crisis, The Imaginative Conservative, New Oxford Review, Academic Questions, and St. Austin Review. They discuss what St. Thomas Aquinas called “disputatio” — a dispute in the healthiest sense of the word, in that through the rational argumentation it entails, persons come to know the truth. At least they should, if, as Josef Pieper observed, they are more interested in clarifying their opponents arguments than they are in creating a “sensation.” Professor Gist describes why the abandonment of disputatio through so-called academic curriculum such as the 1619 Project has led to forming citizens in falsehoods about the American experiment. This erasure of cultural memory, Professor Gist explains, can be understood in light of what Pope Benedict described as the “dictatorship of relativism.” Chris points out similar ideological projects can be observed in public universities in the region; for example, in widespread instruction of college students in critical gender theory.

Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk: a witness for our time

Chris Motz — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Damian Costello, a theological expert in the life of Nicholas Black Elk and vice-postulator of his cause of canonization. For Nicholas Black Elk, vibrant missionary discipleship and love of the rosary, Latin chant, and Sacred Scripture grew organically within his own personal lifelong spiritual quest for truth and love. Nicholas Black Elk lived his life in a continuous integration as a Lakota man and fully alive in the Catholic faith. As a man who suffered greatly in the wounds of his age, yet transformed by the love of God, Nicholas Black Elk offers a model of hope, peace, and reconciliation, and may be an intercessor for the brokenness in the world today.

Faith, politics, and business!

Chris Motz — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Joe Rutten, faculty member in the humanities department at Mount Marty University and Executive Director of the Catholic Men’s Business Fraternity. Drawing on the Vatican document, “The Vocation of a the Business Leader,” Joe and Chris explore the dignity of work as the “original vocation.” Joe then describes four key principles of Catholic social teaching — human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity — and articulates how these provide an orientation towards freedom and creativity, a healthy market economy, and, ultimately, human flourishing. Chris and Joe also take another look at the virtue of prudence, what St. Thomas Aquinas called “the mother of the virtues,” a virtue indispensable to both business and political leaders.

June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo

Chris Motz — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Teresa Collett, a law professor and director of the Prolife Center at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Professor Collett unpacks the pro-life Louisiana statute at stake in the June Medical decision, which was designed to ensure all women receive high-quality emergency medical care by requiring abortionists to obtain hospital admitting privileges. While Justice Roberts didn’t undo Roe v. Wade to the disappointment of many, there is a silver lining to the case that has led to positive developments in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Show notes: At the end of the interview, Prof. Collett mentions the prudence needed in politics, and the need to take small steps to advance the pro-life cause, especially when it’s not immediately feasible to introduce completely pro-life laws everywhere. For more on this principle in the context of pro-life lawmaking, see St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae, nos. 73-75.

Back to School!

Chris Motz — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined once more by Jason Adkins, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference. They dive into two graduate courses that Jason teaches at St. Paul Seminary, “Politics and the New Evangelization” and “Catholicism and U.S. Politics.” The conversation ranges from JPII to Alexis de Toqueville, Archbishop John Ireland to Richard John Neuhaus.

-Evangelium Vitae

– Living the Gospel of Life

-Christifideles Laici

-Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

-Laudato Si

-Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life

-Democracy in America

– American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile (book and article summary)

The Mission of the Laity

Chris Motz — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris is joined by Susan Safford, Director of Pastoral Ministries/Office of Faith Formation. They discuss the baptismal call of the laity to be on mission in the world, including in — you guessed it — politics.

The City of God Part 2 with Prof. Jon Schaff

Chris Motz — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of 2 of the discussion on St. Augustine’s City of God, Chris and Jon talk about telos (How do you say it, tee-los or tay-los?) and telescopes, the Internal Revenue Code, Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory, the temporal order (it’s temporary), and the salvation of souls (it’s eternal).

Blaine Amendments

Chris Motz — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Chris Motz is joined by Erica Smith, one of the lead attorneys in Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue, a recent major decision of the Supreme Court. Erica and Chris discuss the anti-Catholic history of Blaine Amendments, and what the case means for education policy and the free exercise of religion.

Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia

Chris Motz — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, Faith & Politics host Chris Motz is joined by Jason Adkins, Esq., the executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference to discuss Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, a major opinion published by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, described as the Roe v. Wade of transgender ideology.

Happy Independence Day!

Chris Motz — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In this special 4th of July episode of Faith & Politics, host Chris Motz and Fr. Brian Christensen talk about fast planes, Marine vs. Air Force jokes, St. John Paul II kissing Polish soil, loving one’s mother, and the virtue of patriotism.

Educating Future Citizens: Catholic education at the service of the common good

Chris Motz — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Chris visits with Matt Althoff, who among the many hats he wears so well, serves as Director of Education for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Matt received an Master’s degree in education through Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program. He shares about his experience teaching in Brownsville, Texas and Milwaukee, explains what is meant by the term “School Choice” policy, explores Catholic teaching on the subject, and touches on the service that a local school choice program, South Dakota Partners in Education, provides to families in the most need.

City of God

Chris Motz — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Ever thought about reading St. Augustine’s classic work, City of God, but intimidated by its size? Me too! Our guest this week is Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. In this episode, Chris and Jon begin a short series in which they overview the political thought of St. Augustine, much of which is in the massive work, City of God. Jon will be back later in July to finish the conversation.

St. Thomas More

Chris Motz — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500

“Blessed Thomas More is more important at this moment than at any moment since his death, even perhaps the great moment of his dying; but he is not quite so important as he will be in about a hundred years’ time.” So wrote famous English essayist and Catholic convert G.K. Chesterton in 1929. On this episode of Faith & Politics, host Chris Motz is joined by Prof. Gerard Wegemer, one of the world’s foremost experts on St. Thomas More, whose feast day the Church celebrates June 22. Prof. Wegemer recently oversaw the publication of “The Essential Works of Thomas More,” a complete compilation of St. Thomas’s writings. We discuss More’s life of public service, family life, and life of prayer — a life which came to an end at the hand’s of King Henry VIII, as St. Thomas refused to agree with the King’s assertion of total power over the Church.

For more on Prof. Wegemer’s recently edited book, see https://essentialmore.org/.

Pope St. John Paul II’s motu proprio proclaiming St. Thomas More “Patron of Statesmen” can be found here: https://www.thomasmorestudies.org/rep_patron.html

Religious Freedom

Chris Motz — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Fr. Michel Mulloy, diocesan administrator for the diocese of Rapid City, joins SD Catholic Conference director Chris Motz to discuss religious freedom.

What does missionary discipleship have to do with our lives as citizens?

Chris Motz — Fri, 29 May 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On this episode, SDCC director Chris Motz is joined by Bishop Donald DeGrood, as they discuss the joy of publicly living as disciples of Jesus, the importance of giving witness to moral truth in the public square, the gift of God's hope as an antidote to cynicism, and more.

If we were made for Heaven, why should we care about politics?

Chris Motz — Tue, 05 May 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In Episode 9, SDCC Executive Director Chris Motz is re-joined by Fr. Tyler Mattson, to discuss why politics on earth matters if our ultimate home is in heaven.

How to have unity in a polarized society

Chris Motz — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

In Episode 8, SDCC Executive Director Chris Motz is joined by Fr. Tyler Mattson, to discuss unity in a divided political environment. Drawing on the thought of Servant of God Chiara Lubich, founder of ecclesial movement Focolare, we explore the implications of the Gospel for disciples of Christ, acting as citizens in the tumult of contemporary politics.

Vulnerable Child Protection Act

Chris Motz — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0500

On Episode 7, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls to discuss HB 1057, known as the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, a bill filed Tuesday that would prohibit medical providers from prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones, or conducting mutilating surgeries on a child who has emotional distress surrounding his or her sex. We discuss the Church’s understanding of the human person as created by God. For additional reading on this topic, check out a helpful resource compiled by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which includes several statements and teaching documents from Pope Francis over the last several years, or this 2019 document published by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education.

The Impeachment Episode

Chris Motz — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University joins the podcast again to discuss the third impeachment in American history, what it means for America, and what it means for us as Catholics and faithful citizens.

Letter to Diognetus

Chris Motz — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Joining us for Episode 5 is Fr. Andy Thuringer to discuss the Letter to Diognetus. In this second-century letter, we read “the Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body.” We have duties to bring Christ into the world, including politics. Text excerpts from the Letter to Diognetus are at

http://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20010522_diogneto_en.html

Religious Liberty

Chris Motz — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Religious Liberty is the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights, and it’s a principle articulated in Church teaching. In this episode, we visit with Dr. Aaron Weldon, who works with the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty. We explore what Religious Liberty is, and why it matters for our pursuit of the common good.

Abraham Lincoln

Chris Motz — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Abraham Lincoln, the virtues of prudence and moderation, and exploring the ways in which Lincoln’s thought on labor and property resonates with the church’s social doctrine, are the topic on this episode with special guest Jon Schaff, Professor of Political Science at Northern State University.

Respect Life Month

Chris Motz — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Emily Leedom, Director of Marriage, Family and Respect Life for the diocese of Sioux Falls, is our guest on this episode. October is Respect Life Month! Emily gets in depth about her most recent read, The Soul of the Apostolate by Jean-Baptiste Chautard, O.C.S.O.

Commercial Surrogacy

Chris Motz — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Ms. Jennifer Lahl is a pediatric nurse, bioethicist, president of the Center for Bioethics & Culture, documentary filmmaker, and international expert on commercial surrogacy. In the inaugural episode, she tells the story of Kelly Martinez, a South Dakota woman and three-time commercial surrogate.