Better than Self-Esteem? + Today’s Digest

Our daily rundown of the articles from around the web that we feel our readers would enjoy and appreciate. We hope to highlight the best of what’s around.

Public Square Bulletin recommends:

Jesus’ Alternative to Self-Esteem

H. Wallace Goddard—Meridian Magazine

While the gospel has some similarities with the self-esteem movement, Goddard, a parenting expert, looks at the research, and suggests that there may be weaknesses to the self-esteem movement that the gospel can rectify.

Religion and the American Constitutional Experiment

John Witte Jr.—Canopy Forum

An excerpt from the upcoming book of the same name, this fascinating take gives a whirlwind tour of religious freedom, the role the founders and courts have played in developing it, and what we might expect in the next decade.

The Perils of Heterodoxy

Adam M. Wakeling—Areo

Increasingly the information we get is filtered through a smaller and smaller group of individuals, so being independent-minded is important. But this route also comes with dangers that, left unchecked, could prove problematic.

Exercising the Virtues

Allen Porter—Law & Liberty

Physical fitness is an important expression of a virtuous life. The patterns we develop should be consciously chosen and acted on and should be done to shape our minds and bodies in accordance with a higher purpose.

Six Theologians Every Thoughtful Person Should Read

Bruce Riley Ashford—First Things

Excuse the uncharacteristic click-bait headline. This article outlines some of the most influential thinkers in orthodox Christian thought. While none come from the Church of Jesus Christ, each makes thoughtful observations that can not only increase your inter-faith understanding but provide fresh insights into your own faith as well.

On Key

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Podcasts for July from our Podcast Family!

Welcome to July’s lineup of Public Square Media episodes.  The engaging perspectives of Scott and JC of Family Bro Evening, shed light on American politics and church history, meticulously examining the involvement of the LDS church in political affairs, they expound upon scriptural teachings on politics and violence, and bring illuminating conversation to the profound lessons to be gleaned from tragic events in early church history.  Over at Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree, join esteemed hosts Liz and Carl as they embark on an intellectual journey, delving into the realms of pop culture and its profound impact on our understanding of American history and church history. In an analysis of the filmed version of the musical Hamilton they traverse the nuanced representation of American historical figures through the lens of a diverse cast, provoking contemplation on the complex topic of revering flawed heroes. Additionally, their exploration of church history dismantles inaccuracies propagated in the true crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven, advocating for a more sophisticated and balanced approach to historical narratives. Next, prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation with esteemed academic, and Editor in Chief of Public Square Magazine, Danny Frost, who visits The Raising Family Podcast with a critically thoughtful analysis of Paragraph 8 of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, where he navigates intricate questions surrounding the decline of chastity in contemporary society, discusses fostering compassion without normalizing conflicting behaviors, and how we can advocate for political policies that align with our moral convictions. And finally, expanding the discourse, our hosts at Sit Down with Sky and Amanda, engage in a captivating examination of masculinity and fatherhood, contrasting societal definitions with divine perspectives, all while graciously addressing sincere questions. We hope this month’s curated episodes inform your thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire civil discourse. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking content from Public Square Media in the months to come. Family Bro Evening:  Do You Have to Be Conservative to Be LDS? and The Battle of Fort Utah Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree: Filmed version of the musical Hamilton and Recent true crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven Raising Family: The Decline of Chastity, Moral Vocabulary and Aristotle Sit Down with Sky and Amanda: Divine Masculinity