Podcast Summary: "Acting on Our Beliefs"
Podcast: The World and Everything In It
Host: Lindsay Mast
Guest: Dr. Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Introduction to Fidelity Month
In the June 28, 2025 episode of The World and Everything In It, host Lindsay Mast engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Robert P. George about the inception and significance of Fidelity Month. Designed to encourage Americans to recommit to shared values such as faith, family, community, and country, Fidelity Month serves as a response to declining belief in these fundamental principles.
Origin of Fidelity Month
Dr. George shares the genesis of Fidelity Month, detailing how the concept emerged during a morning routine in early spring 2023. While having breakfast, he was reviewing survey data reported by the Wall Street Journal that highlighted a worrying decline in Americans' belief in God, the importance of marriage, and patriotism. In contrast, the data showed an increased emphasis on the importance of money.
Robert P. George (00:40): “...what bound Americans together despite our many differences... were shared beliefs, shared commitment, shared values.”
Alarmed by these trends, Dr. George established Fidelity Month to "rededicate ourselves to those fundamental values that once bound us together and were our sources of strength and unity" (00:40).
Challenges to National Unity
The conversation delves into the diverse fabric of American society, highlighting that unity cannot be based on race, ethnicity, or religion given the nation's incredible diversity. Instead, unity must stem from shared beliefs in the constitutional republic, the importance of God, marriage, family, and patriotism.
Robert P. George (03:48): “We are not a nation whose unity and strength is to be found in blood and soil or thrown an altar... it’s got to be other things, like the belief in our constitutional republic...”
He emphasizes that these shared values transcend specific creeds and backgrounds, serving as the true glue that binds the nation.
Meaning and Importance of Fidelity
Dr. George explains the choice of the term "fidelity" over simply labeling it as "Values Month." Fidelity entails active commitment and action based on these values.
Robert P. George (07:39): “Fidelity is the active part of the equation. We can say family is important. We can say God is important. We can say country is important. Now what do we actively do? That's where fidelity comes in.”
He elaborates that fidelity involves being faithful to one's faith, continuously improving personal commitments in marriage and family, and actively participating as citizens to uphold the nation's constitutional principles.
Fidelity to Family and Country
The discussion highlights fidelity within the family as more than just avoiding infidelity; it encompasses serving one another and prioritizing the family's well-being.
Robert P. George (07:39): “A true marriage is where the spouses, understanding that they have a vocation to marriage, serve each other, put each other's interests and needs ahead of their own...”
When addressing fidelity to country, Dr. George underscores the importance of active citizenship—engaging in voting, political campaigns, and community service to uphold and improve the nation.
Robert P. George (10:12): “Fidelity there means genuine active citizenship... Some of us should be more active in political campaigns, volunteering our time, contributing our money...”
Non-Reactive Nature of Fidelity Month
Addressing concerns about Fidelity Month being a reaction to Pride Month, Dr. George clarifies that it is not intended as a counter-movement but as a positive reaffirmation of enduring values.
Robert P. George (12:35): “Fidelity Month is not reactive... It's a positive movement.”
He acknowledges differing values but emphasizes that Fidelity Month aims to "rededicate ourselves to the fundamental values that once were our common sources of unity and strength."
Measuring Success of the Movement
In response to skepticism about the movement's impact, Dr. George outlines various indicators of its success, including social media engagement, adoption by religious leaders for sermons, and community events promoting fidelity.
Robert P. George (13:59): “I see what they're posting on Facebook and Twitter and Insta... pastors choosing a Sunday in June to talk about fidelity.”
He also highlights the global context of religious freedom, noting that while the U.S. enjoys substantial religious liberties, continued active participation is essential to maintain and protect these freedoms.
Prayer and Fasting Day: Inclusivity and Unity
A significant component of Fidelity Month is a dedicated day of prayer and fasting, designed to be inclusive across major monotheistic religions. Dr. George discusses the collaborative effort to create a universal prayer that respects diverse faith traditions.
Robert P. George (17:21): “We brought together representatives, leaders of those three great traditions to compose a prayer that all could in good conscience pray.”
This initiative aims to foster genuine inclusion, allowing individuals from various faith backgrounds to participate meaningfully.
Personal Reflections: Dr. George's Prayers
Dr. George shares his personal prayers, focusing on the nation's adherence to its founding principles, the protection and advancement of equality, and the importance of leadership supported by prayer.
Robert P. George (18:21): “I'm praying for our nation, and I'm praying for our leaders and I'm praying for our people...”
He underscores the importance of collective and individual efforts to strive toward liberty and justice, acknowledging past and ongoing challenges such as slavery and the protection of unborn lives.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Lindsay Mast reiterating Dr. George's credentials and the purpose of Fidelity Month. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the movement through various means, including social media and community involvement.
Lindsay Mast (21:14): “Professor George, thank you so much for joining us.”
Dr. George affirms his commitment to the movement, highlighting the collaborative and grassroots nature of Fidelity Month.
Key Takeaways
- Fidelity Month was established to address the declining belief in foundational American values such as faith, family, and patriotism.
- Fidelity implies active commitment and action, not just passive acknowledgment of values.
- Unity in America is maintained through shared beliefs rather than homogeneous backgrounds.
- Inclusivity is central to Fidelity Month, allowing participation from diverse faith traditions.
- Active citizenship and personal commitment are essential for the movement's success and the nation's continual improvement.
- Prayer and reflection play a vital role in reinforcing the commitment to these values.
Notable Quotes
- Robert P. George (00:40): “The general public... belief in the importance of God and religion in their lives had significantly diminished...”
- Robert P. George (07:39): “Fidelity is the active part of the equation...”
- Robert P. George (12:35): “Fidelity Month is a positive movement.”
- Robert P. George (17:21): “We brought together representatives... to compose a prayer that all could in good conscience pray.”
- Robert P. George (18:21): “I'm praying for our nation, and I'm praying for our leaders and I'm praying for our people...”
Additional Information
For those interested in supporting or learning more about Fidelity Month, visit fidelitymonth.com. Engage with the community through social media, participate in local events, or incorporate the designated prayers into personal or group worship.
End of Summary