Socrates in the City

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – America: Past, Present, and Future Aug 30, 2024

Host Eric Metaxas welcomes lawyer, activist, and Independent Presidential candidate Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the Socrates in the City stage with a standing ovation for a conversation on America. In keeping with the forum’s history, Mr. Metaxas asks Mr. Kennedy the big questions, questions on “life, God, and other small topics”. Conversation topics are wide-ranging and include everything from government corruption to drug addiction to RFK Jr.’s faith in God to the murder of his uncle and father, and include references to cultural figures such as Upton Sinclair, Carl Jung, Albert Camus, and… Anthony Fauci. The duo even discuss a recent dinner with RFK Jr., Hilary Clinton, and Mike Pompeo in attendance, the last of whom said something noteworthy to the guest. This captivating exchange took place before a live audience in New York City in June 2024.

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Roger Kimball: The Intellectual Life Jun 02, 2024

The esteemed editor of The New Criterion — a monthly review of the arts and intellectual life – and president of Encounter Books, Roger Kimball, and Socrates host Eric Metaxas, sit down for a delightful conversation on the intellectual life, touching on subjects from the inversion of virtue to political correctness to the effects of the sexual revolution on culture to Artificial Intelligence.

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Michael Wilkerson: Why America Matters Jun 02, 2024

Wallstreet businessman turned author Michael Wilkerson sits down with host Eric Metaxas to answer the question of if and why America matters. After his business in Africa was paused during the 2020 Covid shutdowns, Wilkerson’s eyes were opened to the partisan, cultural, and ideological divides in America, and he wondered if the nation could still be good, or even great. Taking an in-depth look at history — from the settlers to Abraham Lincoln and beyond — Wilkerson argues that a new century requires a new vision of American greatness.

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John West: Human Zoos: America’s Forgotten History of Scientific Racism May 28, 2024

The day after his Socrates in the City event on C.S. Lewis and Scientism, The Discovery Institute’s Dr. John West sits down with Host Eric Metaxas to discuss his documentary Human Zoos: America’s Forgotten History of Scientific Racism.

Human Zoos tells the shocking story of how thousands of indigenous peoples were put on public display in America in the early decades of the twentieth century. To watch the full documentary, head to https://humanzoos.org/.

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Casey Luskin: The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith May 28, 2024

Scientist and attorney Casey Luskin sits down with Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas to explore these big questions: Is science objective? How did humans come into existence? How do you reconcile faith and science? Luskin is the editor of The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith and co-author of Science and Human Origins and Associate Director of the Center for Science and Culture.

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Louis Markos: Myth Made Fact: Reading Greek and Roman Mythology through Christian Eyes May 22, 2024

English Professor at Houston Baptist University, Louis Markos, returns for a second conversation with Socrates in the City’s Eric Metaxas. For this entertaining Studio conversation, the duo illustrate how ancient myths point to Christ, discussing C.S. Lewis, Pandora’s Box, Genesis, and much else along the way.

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John Zmirak: No Second Amendment, No First May 22, 2024

The Stream’s John Zmirak and host Eric Metaxas sit down to discuss Zmirak’s new book: No Second Amendment, No First. No Second Amendment, No First is nothing less an urgent call for moral clarity, and a full-throated reminder of what is at stake in the war for our nation’s soul.

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Louis Markos: From Plato to Christ: How Platonic Thought Shaped the Christian Faith May 22, 2024

Louis Markos, English Professor at Houston Baptist University, joins host Eric Metaxas for a fascinating conversation on how the work of Plato — Socrates’s student and Aristotle’s teacher — has shaped the Christian faith. In this lively discussion, the two look at Plato’s best-known texts and talk about how it affected figures like Augustine, Dante, and C. S. Lewis.

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Andrew Klavan: The Truth and Beauty Part Two May 17, 2024

Writer and cultural commentator Andrew Klavan returns for an in-depth conversation with host Eric Metaxas on his nonfiction book, The Truth and Beauty. The two discuss the Romantic’s response to the collapse of European thought and belief and what that means for us today.

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Hadley Arkes: Mere Natural Law May 17, 2024

Is there a “law” hidden beneath the written law? Hadley Arkes, professor of law for nearly fifty years, and host Eric Metaxas sit down to discuss how the framers of the Constitution regarded the “self-evident” truths of the Natural Law as foundational.

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Margarita Mooney Clayton: The Wounds of Beauty May 16, 2024

What does truth have to do with beauty, and what does beauty have to do with goodness? Princeton Theological Seminary’s Margarita Mooney Clayton and host Eric Metaxas sit down to discuss the meaning of beauty as defined by figures such as St. Augustine, Plato, and C.S. Lewis, and its great significance for a materialistic generation.

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Scott Atlas: The Fight to Stop COVID-19 from Destroying America May 15, 2024

Medical doctor, public health policy expert, and senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute Dr. Scott Atlas joins host Eric Metaxas to share details from his time on the White House’s COVID-19 Task Force.

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Anthony Bradley: Heroic Fraternities May 09, 2024

Dr. Anthony Bradley and host Eric Metaxas discuss the unique position of fraternities to provide men with support, friendship, and mentors, and create opportunities for heroism and hope in an age of anxiety and socioeconomic change.

To watch the full interview, head to Socrates+ at socratesinthecityplus.com.

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Heather Mac Donald: When Race Trumps Merit May 09, 2024

Public intellectual and author Heather Mac Donald and host Eric Metaxas discuss ideologies that are infecting Western institutions. The two argue that lowering standards in the name of inclusion leads to mediocrity, and worse, and offer some solutions.

For the full interview, head to Socrates+ at socratesinthecityplus.com.

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James O’Keefe: American Muckraker: Rethinking Journalism for the 21st Century May 07, 2024

Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas sits down with investigative journalist James O’Keefe and founder of O’Keefe Media Group, for a conversation on the cost of truth telling. The two discuss many things including the history of whistleblowing, why O’Keefe has hope for the future of journalism, and his recent work with stories that include a fleeing IRS agent, an FBI raid, and getting banned from all Equinox gyms.

This conversation took place in February 2024 in New York City.

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Dr. John West: C. S. Lewis and Scientism May 07, 2024

Beloved for the Chronicles of Narnia and his books of Christian apologetics, C.S. Lewis was also was a prophetic critic of the growing power of scientism in modern society, the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its proper bounds. In this wide-ranging interview, Eric Metaxas speaks with John West about his book “The Magicians Twin: C.S. Lewis on Science, Scientism, and Society.” They discuss Lewis’ warnings about the dehumanizing impact of scientism on ethics, politics, faith, reason, and science itself. Issues explored include Lewis’s views on bioethics, eugenics, evolution, intelligent design, and what he called “scientocracy.”

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Dennis Prager: Israel’s Place in the World May 01, 2024

It was on October 7, 2023 when Hamas terrorists brutalized Israelis in the deadliest attack since the Holocaust. The whole world watched in horror as millions tried to process what took place and why. Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas and guest — and dear friend — Dennis Prager sat down together to process and discuss Israel’s place in the world and the Middle-East crisis. Despite the topic, this conversation is not without light-hearted moments, and you’ll see why this duo — a Jew and a Greek — have been friends for many years.

This Socrates in the City event took place on December 6th, 2023.

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Steven Collins: Discovering the City of Sodom Apr 29, 2024

The stunning details of the discovery of biblical Sodom, including the moment archeologist Dr. Steven Collins first kneeled at the site to finding Trinitite-like glass to unearthing the gates where Lot sat, is full of dramatic twists and turns.

This interview took place at Socrates in the City in Fort Worth, Texas, October 12th, 2023.

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Charlie Duke: The Apollo 16 Moon Landing Aug 03, 2023

On the eve of his 59th wedding anniversary, the tenth man to walk on the Moon, astronaut Charlie Duke is interviewed by Eric Metaxas for a special Socrates in the City event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 Moon landing. The two discuss General Duke’s career leading up to his momentous trip to the Moon, details and dangers that nearly derailed the historic event, and then Metaxas asks — to the 36 year-old Charlie Duke who has just returned from the Moon in 1972 — “you’ve just returned from the Moon, now what are you going to do?” General Charlie Duke ends the evening by asking Eric, “may I have a closing statement?” and gives a word for the ages. In reflecting on the conversation, Eric Metaxas, founder and host of Socrates in the City, says, “it was difficult not to be moved at a few junctures in the conversation, and Charlie himself got choked up a few times. We also had a few laughs, which is not unimportant. It was a genuinely magical evening.”

This event took place at the Union League Club in New York City in May 2022. Learn more about Socrates in the City at socratesinthecity.com.

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James Tour: How Did Life Come into Being? Aug 03, 2023

A conversation between Dr. James Tour and Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas on the topic “How Did Life Come into Being?” This event took place at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas in October 2022. Learn more about Socrates in the City at socratesinthecity.com.

Dr. Tour is presently the T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. He is widely regarded as among the leading nano-scientists in the world.

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David Berlinski: Human Nature Aug 03, 2023

A conversation between David Berlinski and Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas regarding Dr. Berlinski’s recent book “Human Nature.” This event took place at the Union League Club in New York City in November 2022. Learn more about Socrates in the City at socratesinthecity.com.

David Berlinski received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University and was later a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics and molecular biology at Columbia University. He has authored works on systems analysis, differential topology, theoretical biology, analytic philosophy, and the philosophy of mathematics, and three novels. He has taught philosophy, mathematics and English at Stanford, Rutgers, the City University of New York and the Université de Paris. David is the author of many books including the bestselling book The Devil’s Delusion: Atheism and Its Scientific Pretensions. Dr. Berlinski lives in Paris, France.

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Eugenia Constantinou: The Crucifixion of the King of Glory Aug 03, 2023

A conversation between Eugenia Constantinou and Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas regarding Ms. Constantinou’s recent book: “The Crucifixion of the King of Glory.” This event took place at the Union League Club in New York City on February 28th, 2023. Learn more about Socrates in the City at socratesinthecity.com.

Dr. Eugenia Constantinou is an acclaimed author and scholar who has earned six degrees in various disciplines, including a Masters in Theology from Harvard Divinity School, where she specialized in New Testament, a doctorate in law from Pepperdine University, a doctorate from the Universite Laval in Quebec, a Master of Theology from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Massachusetts, where she specialized in Orthodox Theology and Patristics, and a Master of Arts from the University of San Diego. Her book The Crucifixion of the King of Glory is a breathtaking multi-disciplinary masterpiece. Her previous book is titled Thinking Orthodox. Eugenia has for two decades taught Biblical Studies and Early Christianity at the University of San Diego, where she lives with her husband Father Kostas, a Greek Orthodox priest.

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Os Guinness: The Magna Carta of Humanity Aug 03, 2023

Os Guinness and Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas discuss Mr. Guinness’ recent books: “The Magna Carta of Humanity” and “Zero Dark America.” This event took place at the Union League Club in New York City on December 6th, 2022. Learn more about Socrates in the City at socratesinthecity.com.

Os Guinness, author and speaker, is the great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. He was born in China in World War II where his parents were medical missionaries. A witness to the climax of the Chinese revolution in 1949, he was expelled with many other foreigners in 1951 and returned to Europe where he was educated in England. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil. in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. In the late 1960s, Guinness was a leader at the L’Abri community in Switzerland and, after Oxford, a freelance reporter for the BBC.

Guinness has written or edited more than thirty books and is a frequent speaker and seminar leader at political and business conferences in both the United States and Europe. He has also lectured at many universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, Harvard and Stanford, and has spoken at the White House, Capitol Hill and other public policy arenas around Washington D.C. area.

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Michael Medved: God’s Hand on America Jun 27, 2023

From the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, to the California Gold Rush, to the Guano Islands Act of 1856, Socrates in the City guest Michael Medved and host Eric Metaxas discuss the idea that America’s existence and expansion has been divinely devised. Medved begins the conversation with a story about the miraculous life of his grandmother after finding a tumor at age fifty…and the conversation only gets more interesting from there! The two discuss Medved’s THE AMERICAN MIRACLE and GOD’S HAND ON AMERICA, two extraordinary books that display the highest level of scholarship while simultaneously being tremendously, gloriously readable. This event took place at Seattle’s Arctic Club in April 2023.

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Yeonmi Park: While Time Remains Jun 01, 2023

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park joins Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas to discuss her latest book WHILE TIME REMAINS. In this uniquely sobering SITC interview, Ms. Park details her early years: foraging for plants and eating bugs to stay alive in “Socialist Paradise,” her family’s involvement in the black market, escaping to China and being sold into slavery, and seeking freedom in South Korea by way of the Gobi Desert. The conversation then moves to Yeonmi’s time studying at Columbia University in New York City. With insight from her time spent in a dictatorship filled with indoctrination, censorship, and mob rule, Park speaks to the current American landscape. The interview took place on March 30th, 2023 — 16 years to the day of her escape from North Korea in 2007 — at the Union League Club in New York City.

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Andrew Klavan: The Truth and Beauty May 16, 2023

A conversation between esteemed author Andrew Klavan and Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas regarding Mr. Klavan’s recent book, The Truth and Beauty: How the Lives and Works of England’s Greatest Poets Point the Way to a Deeper Understanding of the Words of Jesus.

This event took place at the Union League Club in New York City in September 2022.

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Stephen Meyer: The Return of the God Hypothesis Jul 08, 2022

Eric Metaxas interviews Stephen C. Meyer on the scientific evidence for the existence of God as outlined in Dr. Meyer’s book THE RETURN OF THE GOD HYPOTHESIS. Their conversation explores evidence from cosmology, showing that the material universe had a beginning; evidence from physics, showing that the universe was been “finely tuned” to allow for the possibility of life, and evidence from biology, showing that since the universe came into being, large amounts of genetic information present in DNA must have arisen to make life possible. Metaxas asks about the response to the 2021 book and Meyer details a dramatic shift in the intellectual world. He says that after the rise and fall of the popular arguments put forward by the “New Atheists” in the early 2000’s, groundbreaking scientific discoveries led to a return to belief. Meyer cites the rise of figures like psychologist Jordan Peterson and British historian Tom Holland who lament the loss of morality and look beyond the cynicism of the New Atheists by returning to conversations on truth and meaning. The interview took place at the Westminster Conference on Science and Faith, sponsored by the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, in April 2022.

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Baroness Caroline Cox: The Threat to the West's Cultural and Political Heritage Sep 11, 2020

From the Socrates in the City archives: Baroness Caroline Cox sits in the British House of Lords as a crossbencher and is a frequent contributor to Lords debates on Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, and Burma. At this 2011 event in Manhattan, Baroness Cox discusses threats to the West’s cultural and political heritage in the U.K. and abroad.

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Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel: Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America Mar 27, 2020

Eric Metaxas hosts an interview with two guests: columnist Cal Thomas and political pundit Bob Beckel are political adversaries—AND good friends. Be prepared for surprisingly poignant moments amidst lively banter in a conversation centered around Thomas’s book, WHAT WORKS: COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS FOR A STRONGER AMERICA.

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Peter Thiel: Zero to One Feb 28, 2020

Eric Metaxas interviews entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel on his bestselling book ZERO TO ONE. Using Apollo 11 and Woodstock as reference points, Thiel and Metaxas explore the idea that we live in an age of technological stagnation, and cover a range of topics — globalization, Greta Thunberg, academia, the worst of the cardinal sins, communion, and more. The interview took place in New York City, in January 2020.

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Eric Metaxas: Miracles Feb 21, 2020

Socrates in the City’s own Eric Metaxas turns over his hosting duties to legendary TV talkshow host Dick Cavett, for an extra special Socrates event on the subject of MIRACLES: WHAT THEY ARE, WHY THEY HAPPEN, AND HOW THEY CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

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Colin Nicholl: The Great Christ Comet Dec 20, 2019

At Socrates in the City Oxford, Eric Metaxas interviews Colin Nicholl, a Cambridge Ph.D. and New Testament scholar who spent four years studying with astronomers to explore the fascinating premise that the Star of Bethlehem was actually a comet, as told in his book, THE GREAT CHRIST COMET. Filmed at St. Aldate’s Church in Oxford, England.

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Dick Cavett: Brief Encounters Dec 05, 2019

Host Eric Metaxas introduces special guest Dick Cavett — adding a musical tribute on a set that nods to the decades-long Dick Cavett Show — and converses with the TV talkshow legend about experiences that went into his book, BRIEF ENCOUNTERS. This Socrates in the City event took place on New York City’s Upper West Side in December 2014.

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John Lennox: Seven Days that Divide the World Nov 15, 2019

Eric Metaxas and Socrates in the City present an evening with John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, at the Union Club in New York City in January 2013. Dr. Lennox explores a method for reading and interpreting the first chapters of Genesis without discounting either science or Scripture. Afterward Metaxas is heard asking, “Why didn’t I ever have any math teachers like this?”

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Thomas Howard: Chance or the Dance – Part 2 Nov 08, 2019

Eric Metaxas continues his conversation in Boston with scholar Thomas Howard about C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Howard’s journey to Catholicism, and more! Eric considers Howard’s book CHANCE OR THE DANCE? one of the greatest books of the 20th century.

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Thomas Howard: Chance or the Dance – Part 1 Oct 31, 2019

Eric Metaxas goes to Boston to talk with scholar Thomas Howard about the questions explored in his book, CHANCE OR THE DANCE? Eric considers this one of the greatest books of the 20th century.

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Stephen Meyer: The Return of the God Hypothesis Oct 24, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Stephen C. Meyer about the ultimate mystery of the universe as drawn from recent scientific discoveries in physics, cosmology, and biology, at the Dallas Conference on Science and Faith in January 2019.

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Peter Hitchens: The Rage Against God and How Atheism Led Me to Faith Oct 04, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews the perspicacious Peter Hitchens, brother of the late Christopher Hitchens, about his book THE RAGE AGAINST GOD.

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Canon J. John: Conversations About Faith Sep 26, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Canon J. John, a British apologist, author, and speaker.

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Christian Wiman: Meditation of a Modern Believer Sep 13, 2019

Christian Wiman discusses his book, MY BRIGHT ABYSS: MEDITATION OF A MODERN BELIEVER, with Eric Metaxas at the Socrates in the City Gala in June 2013, at the Union League Club in New York City.

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Mark Helprin: His Life and Work Sep 06, 2019

“Inimitable” is a word to be used sparingly, but it is THE word for Mark Helprin. Don’t be fooled by the staid topic — instead, prepare to be amazed by Mr. Helprin’s conversation with host Eric Metaxas, who considers him the greatest living fiction writer!

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John Lennox: Has Science Buried God? Aug 30, 2019

Host Eric Metaxas and Oxford professor John Lennox explore the question, “Has science buried God?” — discussing the fine-tuned universe, evolution, logic, history, and more! “It’s like we’re an old Vaudeville team” says Metaxas, who eggs the legendary Lennox into retelling his equally legendary roast chicken anecdote. The interview was hosted by the Colson Center and took place in Washington D.C., in May 2019.

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Os Guinness: A Free People's Suicide Aug 08, 2019

The prescience of author and social critic Os Guinness is again on display in this lecture about “Sustainable Freedom and the American Future” from September 2012.

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Joseph Loconte: A Quest for Faith in a Valley of Doubt Aug 21, 2019

Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas interviews Joseph Loconte, historian and professor, on his book THE SEARCHERS: A QUEST FOR FAITH IN THE VALLEY OF DOUBT in May 2012.

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Walter Hooper: The Life and Writing of C.S. Lewis - Part 3 Jul 25, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Walter Hooper, friend and secretary of C.S. Lewis, about Lewis’s life and writings–uncovering fascinating stories about the beloved Oxford don.

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Ard Louis: Science and Faith Aug 01, 2019

Eric Metaxas talks with Ard Louis, professor of theoretical physics at Oxford University about “science and faith and life,” pushing past the oft-asked questions on these topics.

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Walter Hooper: The Life and Writing of C.S. Lewis - Part 2 Jul 18, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Walter Hooper, friend and secretary of C.S. Lewis, about Lewis’s life and writings–uncovering fascinating stories about the beloved Oxford don.

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Walter Hooper: The Life and Writing of C.S. Lewis - Part 1 Jul 11, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Walter Hooper, friend and secretary of C.S. Lewis, about Lewis’s life and writings–uncovering fascinating stories about the beloved Oxford don.

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John Lennox: The Question of Science and God - Part 2 Jun 20, 2019

Has Science buried God? Eric Metaxas tracks down Oxford’s John Lennox in France for answers, and the brilliant professor delivers!

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John Lennox: The Question of Science and God - Part 1 Jun 20, 2019

Has Science buried God? Eric Metaxas tracks down Oxford’s John Lennox in France for answers, and the brilliant professor delivers!

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Eric Metaxas: If You Can Keep It May 22, 2019

At a special Socrates in the City event that just happened to be on Flag Day, host Eric Metaxas explores America uniqueness as a nation not bounded by ethnic identity, and other mind-boggling concepts from the Founding Fathers as told in his book IF YOU CAN KEEP IT.

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Hugh Hewitt: The Happiest Life May 09, 2019

Radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt has conducted more than 10,000 interviews, and as a rule he opts not to interview comedians because “three hours later you don’t know what happened, the paper’s all gone, people are laughing, and nothing’s been done.” Here the radio host ends up on the other side of an interview with the very funny Eric Metaxas as they discuss Hugh’s book, THE HAPPIEST LIFE.

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David Berlinski: The Devil’s Delusion May 03, 2019

As a self-described secular Jew, author, and academic, David Berlinski, in an attempt to unveil scientific rhetoric and pretensions, declares to the theory of evolution: thou art weighted in the balances and found wanting. In this lecture given in June 2012 at the Union League Club in New York City, Berlinski directs these unanswered questions to the scientific community: Is morality a compulsive force? Can science prove that God does not exist? How might an organ like the brain develop beyond the needs of the possessor?

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Michael Behe: Darwin Devolves May 02, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews biochemist Michael Behe on “The New Science about DNA that Challenges Evolution” as told in Behe’s book, DARWIN DEVOLVES. Filmed at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in February 2019.

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Rod Dreher: The Little Way of Ruthie Leming Apr 25, 2019

In this poignant and at times heart-rending conversation, Eric Metaxas talks with writer and editor Rod Dreher about his book, THE LITTLE WAY OF RUTH LEMING: A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life. This interview was recorded in New York City in April 2013.

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Stephen Meyer: Darwin’s Doubt Apr 11, 2019

Darwin, the scientific method, Danny DeVito, and Cher all manage to find a place in this mind-boggling and entertaining conversation between Stephen Meyer and Eric Metaxas, at the Union League Club in New York City in September 2013.

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Malcolm Gladwell: David and Goliath Apr 11, 2019

Best-selling phenomenon Malcolm Gladwell talks with host Eric Metaxas about his book, DAVID AND GOLIATH, along the way touching on why his mom’s a genius, acromegaly, getting busted at immigration, the “practical” side of “grace”, “stop and frisk”, the ill-effects of attending a prestigious college, his own changed view of the power of faith, and much more. This interview took place in December 2013 at the Union League Club in New York City.

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Eric Metaxas: How Good Confronts Evil Apr 01, 2019

Taken from his book BONHOEFFER: PASTOR, MARTYR, PROPHET, SPY, Eric Metaxas examines lessons from the life and death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

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N.T. Wright: Surprised by Scripture Dec 13, 2019

N.T. Wright, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars, discusses his book SURPRISED BY SCRIPTURE: ENGAGING CONTEMPORARY ISSUES. This lecture took place in New York City in July 2011.

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N.T. Wright: Surprised by Hope Apr 02, 2019

N.T. Wright, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars, discusses his book SURPRISED BY HOPE: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church.

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N.T. Wright: Simply Christian Aug 15, 2019

N.T. Wright, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars, discusses his book SIMPLY CHRISTIAN: WHY CHRISTIANITY MAKES SENSE in New York City in 2006.

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Lauren Winner: What is Sex? The Naked Truth About the Facts of Life May 16, 2019

Lauren Winner confronts cultural lies about sex with nuance and wit in this 2005 lecture given in New York City.

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Merold Westphal: Atheism for Lent Apr 18, 2019

Fordham Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Merold Westphal makes the case for taking a closer look at Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud and their responses to religion as a guide in “living the examined life.” This lecture was given in April 2011 at the Union Club in New York City.

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George Weigel: The Cube and The Cathedral Apr 25, 2019

Contrasting the modernist “cube” of the Great Arch of La Defense in Paris with the “cathedral” — Notre-Dame — George Weigel looks at both civilizations and argues that Europe’s shift to secular philosophy has produced a crisis of civilizational morale and a failing future. Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, is a Catholic theologian, author, and one of America’s leading public intellectuals. This lecture takes place at New York City’s Union Club in October 2009.

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Michael Ward: Planet Narnia Apr 01, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews Oxford Fellow Michael Ward about his discovery of a secret code in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, which Ward explores in his book PLANET NARNIA.

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Alice von Hildebrand: Man and Woman Apr 01, 2019

“You’re not going to have an easy time. Because I’m going to put you on the hot seat.” So declares our first nonagenarian guest, Alice von Hildebrand, to Socrates host Eric Metaxas as they begin this conversation about her life and writings. If you think the years have dulled Dame von Hildebrand’s fire, wit, and passion, be prepared to be happily flabbergasted!

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Paul Vitz: The Importance of Fatherhood Apr 18, 2019

Longtime New York University Professor of Psychology Paul Vitz offers a psychological basis for what has for centuries been considered wisdom by taking a fascinating look at the parent-child relationships of influential thinkers such as Feuerbach, Nietzsche, and Freud. This talk was given in New York City in March 2004.

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Paul Vitz: Has Psychology Discovered Virtue? May 31, 2019

In this 2005 lecture, longtime New York University Professor of Psychology Paul Vitz explores phenomenal changes in the field of psychology as it ventures into new territory.

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Sir Roger Scruton: The New Atheism Mar 18, 2020

The legendary Roger Scruton explores the ideas, perspectives, and implications of the “New Atheism” at this New York City Socrates in the City event hosted by Eric Metaxas in 2008.

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Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks: The Home We Build Together Mar 06, 2020

British Orthodox rabbi, theologian, and author Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks presents the case that multicultural British society requires a new approach to national identity, arguing that responsibility — specifically building and creating together — gives societies a strong sense of identity and belonging. This 2009 lecture and Q&A is moderated by Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas and takes place in New York City.

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Sir John Polkinghorne: Can a Scientist Pray? Apr 03, 2020

British theoretical physicist Sir John Polkinghorne examines how scientific discoveries of the 20th century, particularly quantum theory and chaos theory, disrupted the “clockwork universe” view of the world that prevailed for about 200 years after Newton. Polkinghorne explores how a world that does not behave in a reliable way, that is described not deterministically but rather probabilistically, might comport better with the notion of prayer than the mechanical view of the world that preceded it. This event took place in New York City in 2004.

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Sir John Polkinghorne: Belief in God in an Age of Science May 01, 2020

Host Eric Metaxas welcomes British theoretical physicist Sir John Polkinghorne to this 2003 Socrates in the City event in New York City. Sir Polkinghorne presents on themes from his book BELIEF IN GOD IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE, discussing the collegiality between science and theology and detailing what he refers to as some of the most deeply intelligible elements in the physical world.

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Armand Nicholi: Sigmund Freud & C.S. Lewis on Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life Jun 13, 2019

For more than twenty-five years Harvard psychiatrist Armand Nicholi taught a course comparing the philosophical arguments of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. In this 2003 lecture, Nicholi explores how the worldviews of these seminal figures shaped their understanding of the problem of pain and suffering, the nature of love and sex, and the ultimate meaning of life and death. Nicholi’s book by same name was subsequently made into a four-part PBS series and later into a two-man off-Broadway production called FREUD’S LAST SESSION.

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Richard John Neuhaus: Can an Atheist Be a Good Citizen? May 31, 2019

Named one of the “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” by TIME MAGAZINE in 2005, the late Richard John Neuhaus was a prominent cleric, writer, and unofficial advisor to George W. Bush. In this 2005 lecture, he argues that a good citizen does more than abide by laws, but must give a moral account of the constitutional order and recommend its virtues to the next generation.

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Alister McGrath: The Twilight of Atheism Jun 06, 2019

Oxford theologian, intellectual historian, and scientist Alister McGrath challenges the widely held assumption that the world is becoming more secular and makes the case for why atheism cannot provide the moral and intellectual guidance essential for coping with the complexities of modern life.

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Frederica Mathewes-Green: Can We Access God Directly? Jun 06, 2019

Thinker and writer Frederica Mathewes-Green poses the question: can we have direct access to God? Based on her study and personal experience with Eastern Christian Spirituality, Mathewes-Green suggests that we all have a latent capacity that links us to the divine, in relationship and also in identity. This lecture takes place in New York City in 2004.

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Peter Kreeft: Where Do We Go From Here? A Philosopher's Thoughts on Eternity Apr 01, 2019

Professor Peter Kreeft discusses a philosopher’s thoughts on eternity in a lecture given in September 2003.

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Peter Kreeft: Making Sense Out of Suffering Apr 09, 2020

Boston College Professor of Philosophy Peter Kreeft explores the ages-old question of “Why?” from a philosophical perspective, touching on themes from his book, MAKING SENSE OUT OF SUFFERING, in a lecture given in New York City in January 2003.

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Alan Jacobs: What's So Bad About Original Sin? Apr 01, 2019

In a lecture given in September 2009, English literature scholar Alan Jacobs introduces us to the world of original sin, which he describes as not only a profound idea but a necessary one.

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William Hurlbut: The Science and Politics of Stem Cells: Is There a Way Forward? May 29, 2020

Distinguished Fellow of The Center for Bioethics, physician, and Consulting Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford University Medical Center William Hurlbut explores how dramatic advances in molecular biology and human biology have resulted in inquiry that raises questions about the relationship between the material form and the moral meaning of developing life. After unpacking the scientific arguments vs. the ethical, social, and political conflicts, Dr. Hurlbut proposes a way forward in this remarkably still-relevant lecture from a 2009 Socrates in the City event in New York City.

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Thomas Howard: Beyond Narnia May 09, 2019

Eric Metaxas moderates a lively panel discussion with author Thomas Howard, director Norman Stone, actor Antone Rodgers, and author Bel Kaufman following a screening of the film, C.S. LEWIS: BEYOND NARNIA in April 2004 in New York City. Tom Howard recalls his first meeting with C.S. Lewis and the conversation ends with a fierce debate about the inclusion of Father Christmas in the Narnia series.

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Mike Huckabee: The Role of Faith in Politics Apr 01, 2019

Republican politician and former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee discusses the role of faith in politics in a lecture give in June 2009.

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Os Guinness: Can Freedom Last Forever? Apr 01, 2019

Thinker and philosopher Os Guinness explores “the Framers’ Forgotten Question and How We Are Doing Today” in a lecture given in May 2010.

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Os Guinness: The Case for Civility and Why Our Future Depends on It Jun 28, 2019

Author and social critic Os Guinness discusses the plea he offers up in his book by the same title — a plea to end the polarization of American politics and culture, which he says threatens to reverse the very principles our founders set into motion that have long preserved liberty, diversity, and unity in the U.S. This 2008 lecture takes place in New York City.

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Os Guinness: Globalization and Its Human Challenges May 16, 2019

Globalization, as defined by author and social critic Os Guinness in this 2006 talk, is the process whereby the speed, scope, and simultaneity of our communications allows us to conduct our human affairs anywhere in the world regardless of place, time, or government. Guinness explores some dysfunctions of globalization where life becomes a task, not a gift, and we limit self-reflection and depth in relationships.

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Os Guinness: One True God: The Scandal or the Glory of the West? Nov 22, 2019

Author and social critic Os Guinness examines the idea that he argues gave rise to the most distinctive features of the West, in this 2004 New York City lecture and Q&A moderated by Socrates in the City host Eric Metaxas.

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Michael Guillen: Can a Smart Person Believe in God? Apr 01, 2019

The three-time Emmy-Award winning theoretical physicist Michael Guillen explores the question: can a smart person believe in God? This lecture was given in April 2005.

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Dana Gioia: Can Poetry Matter? May 14, 2020

Former California Poet laureate and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Dana Gioia diffuses the widely-held notion that poetry is a sophisticated, intellectual art for the elite. Mr. Gioia offers a personal and accessible look at how art does something for us that nothing else will do, and how poetry is a human universal, “a way of remembering those things it would impoverish us to forget,” in this lecture from 2008 in New York City.

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Jean Bethke Elshtain: Who Gets The Final Say: God, Government or Me? Apr 17, 2020

The eminent political philosopher Jean Bethke Elshtain examines the origins and meanings of “sovereignty” as it relates to all the ways we attempt to explain our world: God, state, and self. This 2010 lecture, hosted by Eric Metaxas, ends with a lively Q&A and was originally part of Dr. Elshtain’s 2006 Gifford Lectures.

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Jean Bethke Elshtain: Who Are We? C.S. Lewis and the Question of Man Sep 19, 2019

The eminent political philosopher Jean Bethke Elshtain discusses C.S. Lewis’s 1944 essay “The Abolition of Man” and explores the idea of a rock-bottom claim on human dignity. Her brilliant talk ends with a brilliant Q&A session. Hosted by Eric Metaxas, this lecture was given in New York City in 2005.

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Baroness Cox: The 'West,' Islam, and Islamism May 22, 2019

Baroness Cox sits in the British House of Lords as a crossbencher and is a frequent contributor to Lords debates on Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, and Burma. In this 2005 lecture in New York City, she asks: is ideological Islam compatible with liberal democracy? She challenges the audience to build bridges, not walls, and seek reconciliation through realism.

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Chuck Colson: Doing The Right Thing: A Six-Part Exploration of Ethics Oct 10, 2019

After serving in prison, Chuck Colson—known as President Nixon’s “hatchet man”—became an evangelical author and criminal justice reform advocate. At this vintage 2010 Socrates in the City event in New York City, Mr. Colson discusses his six-part video series called DOING THE RIGHT THING, exploring what he perceives as America’s crisis of ethics in every sphere of public life including the government, education, and market place.

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Chuck Colson: The Good Life Apr 01, 2019

President Nixon’s “hatchet man,” who after serving in prison became an evangelical author and prison reform advocate, Chuck Colson explores the benefits of seeking purpose, meaning, and truth in life. This lecture was given in May 2006.

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Dick Cavett: What is the Price of Fame? Jun 13, 2019

Eric Metaxas interviews the legendary Dick Cavett on “What is the Price of Fame?” at Socrates in the City.

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Not for Sale and Amazing Grace Jul 10, 2020

Eric Metaxas takes the role of panelist, joining professor and journalist David Batstone in talking about the issue of slavery with guest-host Scot Sherman. Metaxas discusses his hero William Wilberforce, whose story he tells in the bestseller AMAZING GRACE: WILLIAM WILBERFORCE AND THE HEROIC CAMPAIGN TO END SLAVERY, and Batstone retells the harrowing true story that led him to write NOT FOR SALE: THE RETURN OF THE GLOBAL SLAVE TRADE–AND HOW WE CAN FIGHT IT, in this 2007 conversation in New York City.

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David Aikman: Does God Have a Foreign Policy? Oct 18, 2019

Bestselling author, journalist, and foreign policy commentator David Aikman looks to history and Scripture as he explores the question, “Does God have a foreign policy?” in this 2002 Socrates in the City lecture in New York City.

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Jonathan Aitken: Ruin, Rehabilitation and Redemption Jun 18, 2020

Famed former British Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Jonathan Aitken examines the concepts of “Ruin, Rehabilitation, and Redemption” in the lives of Richard Nixon and Charles Colson, with an astonishing twist — that of his own experience with ruin, rehabilitation, and redemption — at Socrates in the City in New York City in 2004.

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