Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show – Daily Wire Backstage: One More for 2024
Episode Information:
- Title: Daily Wire Backstage: One More for 2024
- Host/Author: The Daily Wire
- Release Date: December 3, 2024
Panel Introduction
The episode features a discussion among prominent Daily Wire figures: Jeremy Boreing, Ben Shapiro, Andrew Klavan, Matt Walsh, and Michael Knowles. They delve into various cultural, religious, and political topics shaping contemporary society.
1. Jordan Peterson’s “The Gospels” Series
Jeremy Boreing introduces Jordan Peterson's new series, The Gospels, highlighting its significance in exploring the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Peterson’s approach integrates diverse intellectual perspectives, aiming to uncover the enduring relevance of these texts.
- Jeremy Boreing (01:37): “We released an incredibly important and I think special piece of content at Daily Wire this week from our friend Jordan Peterson called the Gospels.”
Notable Quotes:
- Jordan Peterson (03:09): “The Gospels are not mere tales of the past. They're living accounts, narratives that continue to challenge, inspire, and guide us.”
2. Resurgence of Biblical Interest Amid Declining Church Attendance
The panel discusses the paradox of increasing Bible sales juxtaposed with declining church attendance. They suggest that while institutional religion wanes, personal and intellectual engagement with biblical texts is on the rise, facilitated by thinkers like Peterson.
- Jeremy Boreing (01:37): “Bible sales are like at a 40 year high... People are very interested in the text of the Bible.”
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Shapiro (05:27): “If the Bible, the Gospels are journalism... This is why C.S. Lewis calls Christianity, the Gospels, the true myth.”
3. Cultural Christianity vs. Devout Religious Practice
Matt Walsh and Andrew Klavan explore the concept of cultural Christianity—a societal acknowledgment of Christian values detached from personal faith. They argue that while cultural Christianity serves as a bridge, authentic faith requires deeper engagement beyond mere formality.
- Matt Walsh (11:11): “To hell with the whole thing. We're just going to blow up this thing entirely... We're going to reenter... We're going to reinfuse it with meaning.”
Notable Quotes:
- Andrew Klavan (06:46): “People need to hear that people are coming to a text and getting wisdom out of it instead of imposing their worldview on it.”
4. Preserving Tradition in Modern Worship
Jeremy Boreing shares personal experiences attending traditional Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, noting how more liberal denominations maintain ancient rituals and aesthetics. The panel contrasts this with conservative denominations, which often eschew such traditions in favor of a more stripped-down worship experience.
- Jeremy Boreing (33:59): “The more liberal denominations are more likely to be keeping the old traditions alive.”
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Knowles (26:19): “Another reason why maybe the Bible is becoming popular again is there's the wisdom...something permanent and deep and beautiful.”
5. Dennis Prager’s Accident and His Role in “The Gospels” Series
The discussion touches on Dennis Prager’s recent accident and his integral role in The Gospels series. Jeremy Boreing emphasizes Prager’s unique ability to connect intellectual discourse with genuine human experience.
- Jeremy Boreing (64:32): “Dennis is one of the major voices in this Gospels series... his role was to bring the human element.”
Notable Quotes:
- Dennis Prager (64:32): “The death of Christianity frightens me. It is my nightmare... We have entered a post Christian... world of the absurd.”
6. Spiritual Awakening and Societal Transformation
The panel reflects on the potential for a spiritual awakening in modern society, likening it to historical movements that sought to reclaim faith and meaning. They express optimism that intellectual and personal engagement with religious texts can catalyze this transformation.
- Andrew Klavan (73:14): “Yes, we are. We know this because I have been predicting it for about 15 years.”
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Shapiro (75:31): “Ultimately, there is a strange thing in that... it is one cohesive whole.”
7. Political Commentary: Presidential Pardons and Institutional Corruption
A significant portion of the discussion centers on President Biden’s recent blanket pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The panel critiques the ethical implications, the potential for abuse of pardon power, and the broader impact on political norms and institutional integrity.
- Ben Shapiro (81:03): “When you see the problems that have come up... it gives you a bridge back.”
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Walsh (85:50): “He knew his son was trafficking with prostitutes and smoking meth... What you don't do with a kid who's in serious drug trouble? Give him free access to large quantities of untraceable cash.”
8. Future of Political Institutions and Senate Confirmation
The conversation shifts to the mechanics of Senate confirmations and the implications of recent presidential actions. The panel debates the necessity of reforms, such as enshrining the filibuster in the Constitution, to prevent further erosion of institutional checks and balances.
- Matt Walsh (91:25): “They have, like, an actual nonpartisan job... It needs to be confirmed by the Senate.”
Notable Quotes:
- Jeremy Boreing (99:57): “If you were a cop and you interviewed four people and they all told you the exact same thing about what they saw, you would know that they had conspired and lied.”
Conclusion
The episode of The Michael Knowles Show offers a deep dive into the intersection of faith, culture, and politics. Through lively discussions and insightful commentary, the panel underscores the enduring significance of religious texts, the challenges of maintaining authentic faith in a secular age, and the pressing need for integrity within political institutions.
Final Remarks: Jeremy Boreing wraps up by promoting the Cyber Monday sale for Daily Wire Plus memberships and encouraging listeners to engage with the Gospels series.
Notable Exclusions: The summary omits promotional segments, advertisements, and non-content introductions/outros to focus solely on substantive discussions and insights.