What are Christians to do when political or religious differences are harming—or even ending—their relationships? Why are so many modern people so deeply lonely? And what might it look like to live in peaceful community with people we see as enemies? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Peter Wehner, senior fellow at The Trinity Forum and a writer for the The Atlantic and The New York Times, joins Moore to discuss friendship, loss, and conflict in today’s world. Wehner and Moore share reflections on their friend Michael Gerson, adviser and speechwriter to George W. Bush and then a Washington Post columnist and author, who recently passed away from cancer at the age of 58. Their insights into Gerson’s suffering, dignity, and civic work include godly ways of thinking about loneliness, friendship, and living in light of the gospel. Wehner and Moore also discuss the dangers of cynicism, the role of social media in political debate, and how gratitude and reconciliation can enhance our lives and relationships. Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Peter Wehner, “My friend, Mike Gerson” and “The Evangelical Church is Breaking Apart”
- Yuval Levin, “Remembering My Friend Mike Gerson”
- David Brooks, The Second Mountain
- Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind
- Amanda Ripley, High Conflict
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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton
