ICYMI: David French — Faith, Politics, and the Ethics of Disagreement

One of the most clarifying conversations we’ve had about conscience, character, and navigating our divisions with integrity.

In this ICYMI release, Corey revisits his conversation with David French — New York Times columnist, attorney, veteran, and one of the most thoughtful voices on religious liberty, civic virtue, polarization, and how principled disagreement can strengthen rather than destroy a pluralistic society.

David unpacks how he thinks about political persuasion, why courage and humility are twin civic virtues, what it means to disagree in good faith, how social media distorts our moral instincts, and why democracy requires both conviction and restraint.

If you’re new to TP&R thanks to Podbean, Overcast, or a friend’s recommendation, this episode is an ideal introduction: rigorous, nuanced, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in a deep belief in the dignity of difference.

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⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics

[00:00] Corey welcomes new listeners & frames the ICYMI series [00:02] David’s path from law and military service to commentary [00:08] Why pluralism requires courage, humility, and restraint [00:14] The ethics of disagreement & how to argue in good faith [00:21] Tribal identity, social media, and moral panic [00:28] Religious liberty, conscience, and the case for principled pluralism [00:36] Persuasion vs. performative politics [00:41] Hope, community, and why democracy is worth the struggle

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Pluralism is a moral discipline. It requires seeing opponents as neighbors, not enemies.

• Arguments should be invitations, not indictments. Good-faith disagreement is a civic good.

• Identity often overwhelms evidence. Social media amplifies fear, outrage, and tribal reflexes.

• Religious liberty protects everyone. David explains why conscience rights are essential in a diverse democracy.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You cannot have a functioning democracy unless people are free to disagree in good faith.”

• “Pluralism is hard — but the alternative is worse.”

• “If your goal is persuasion, performative outrage is self-defeating.”

• “Humility is not weakness; it’s a civic virtue.”

🛠️ Resources Mentioned

• Divided We Fall — David French

• David French’s writing at The New York Times

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May your next conversation be a little braver — and a little more grounded in good faith. 🎙️✨