Podcast Summary: The Matt Walsh Show – "Daily Wire Backstage: One More for 2024"

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host/Author: Matt Walsh, The Daily Wire
Description: Fed up with the talking heads? Matt gives you a no-holds-barred take on today’s cultural, religious, and political issues. Monday through Friday.

I. Introduction to the Gospels Series

Matt Walsh kicked off the episode by highlighting a significant new content release on Daily Wire: the "Gospels" series by renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson. This series delves into the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—exploring their profound impact on Western civilization.

[01:37] Matt Walsh: "We’ve released an incredibly important and I think special piece of content at Daily Wire this week from our friend Jordan Peterson, called the Gospels."

II. Renewed Interest in the Bible

Despite declining church attendance, Matt Walsh pointed out that Bible sales are at a 40-year high, indicating a growing public interest in the Scriptures. This surge is not fueled by traditional religious institutions but by intellectual thinkers like Jordan Peterson.

[02:13] Jeremy Boring: "Bible sales are like at a 40-year high... people are very interested in the text of the Bible and yet church attendance is in decline."

III. Cultural Christianity vs. Active Religious Practice

The discussion navigated the distinction between cultural Christianity—a form of religious practice disconnected from active faith—and genuine religious engagement. Andrew Klavan emphasized that cultural Christianity serves as a bridge back to true faith, allowing individuals to reconnect with religious texts without the constraints of traditional doctrine.

[06:46] Andrew Klavan: "People need to hear just the fact that people are coming to a text and getting wisdom out of it instead of imposing their worldview on it is revolutionary."

IV. Preservation of Tradition and Ritual

The hosts debated how liberal denominations often preserve religious traditions, such as Highland dancing and liturgical practices, more than conservative ones. Michael Knowles and Ben Shapiro discussed how these traditions, while maintained by more progressive churches, often lose their spiritual meaning, becoming mere cultural artifacts.

[09:43] Michael Knowles: "The church in America seems to be following about a century behind the church in Europe into a sort of post-Christian state where the church is failing."

V. Personal Experiences with Religious Traditions

Jeremy Boring shared his experiences attending Presbyterian and Episcopal churches in Nashville, marveling at their commitment to maintaining historical traditions despite their progressive theological stances. This commitment contrasts with more conservative churches, which often abandon such rituals in favor of modern, less meaningful practices.

[33:59] Jeremy Boring: "Isn’t it interesting that the more liberal denominations are more likely to keep the old traditions alive... And, in some ways, isn’t that a rebuke of something?"

VI. Spirituality and Modern Society

The conversation delved into the spiritual malaise of contemporary society, characterized by transient content and a lack of permanence. Michael Knowles highlighted the Bible's enduring nature as a source of stability and meaning, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of modern digital content.

[26:19] Michael Knowles: "The Bible is becoming popular again... there's something permanent and deep and beautiful, something that feels, I think, people are just longing and hungry for."

VII. Political Segment: President Biden’s Pardon of Hunter Biden

A significant portion of the episode focused on President Joe Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The hosts debated the constitutional implications of blanket pardons, the potential for abuse of presidential power, and the precedent this sets for future administrations.

[80:22] Michael Knowles: "I'd stop short for that. I'd stop short of some of our amiracist methods. But I certainly hope that somebody makes that documentary because this is a major crisis epidemic like nobody talks about. And it's crazy."

Ben Shapiro criticized the blanket nature of the pardon, arguing it undermines the checks and balances intended by the Constitution.

[85:53] Ben Shapiro: "This is actually hilarious in so many ways. It's hilarious."

VIII. Personal Reflections on Dennis Prager’s Accident

The hosts took a poignant moment to discuss the accident of Dennis Prager, a key contributor to the Gospels series. They expressed gratitude for his contributions and optimism for his recovery, reinforcing the show's emphasis on faith and community support.

[64:32] Dennis Prager: "The death of Christianity frightens me. It is my nightmare."

[66:42] Jeremy Boring: "We have great hope. And he has shown a lot of progress in the weeks since his accident."

IX. Closing Discussions: Spiritual Awakening and Future Outlook

In the closing segments, the hosts speculated on the potential for a broader spiritual awakening in society. Andrew Klavan expressed optimism, predicting that intellectual and spiritual movements will catalyze a resurgence of faith-driven values. They also touched upon the persistent need for individuals to engage personally with their spirituality.

[73:15] Andrew Klavan: "Yes, we are. We know this because I have been predicting it for about 15 years."

[75:31] Michael Knowles: "If we want there to be a spiritual awakening, we have to be spiritual and religious and have our children have children and raise them up in the faith."

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Peterson on the Gospels Series:

  [03:09] Jordan Peterson: "The stories in the Gospels are not mere tales of the past. They're living accounts... they can change how we see the world and how we conduct ourselves within it."

• Dennis Prager on Christianity’s Role:

  [66:42] Dennis Prager: "There is a quote attributed to G.K. Chesterton... When people stop believing in God, they believe in anything."

• Matt Walsh on Tradition:

  [16:19] Matt Walsh: "If you have a culture now where people aren't going to church, they don't even believe that truth exists, you need to give them a bridge."

Conclusion

The episode of "Daily Wire Backstage: One More for 2024" effectively navigated complex topics ranging from the revitalization of biblical studies to pressing political controversies. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, the hosts underscored the enduring relevance of religious texts and traditions in modern society while critiquing contemporary political actions that undermine foundational values.

For listeners seeking a deep dive into the intersection of faith, culture, and politics, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration, enriched with expert perspectives and thought-provoking dialogue.