The Narrative

Center for Christian Virtue
  • 4.8 (68)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

The Narrative breaks away from the script to reveal the driving forces behind the most important and divisive issues facing our culture today. Visit CCV.org to learn more.

  1. 5d ago

    The Vanishing Black Family

    Delano Squires discusses his book 'The Vanishing Black Family' and explores the historical, cultural, and political factors contributing to the decline of the traditional black family structure. He emphasizes the importance of family revival and offers practical community and policy solutions. Keywords #Black Family, #Family Revival, #Welfare, #Feminism, #Marriage, #Policy, #Community Solutions, #Cultural Change Key Topics Historical impact of slavery on black families Role of welfare and feminism in family decline Cultural inertia and institutional resistance Policy solutions for family revival Community-based strategies for strengthening families Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Overview 01:50 Delano Squires' Background and Mission 04:10 Reception of the Book and Its Goals 05:51 The State of the Black Family Today 07:52 Historical Legacy of Slavery on Family Structure 09:46 Impact of Welfare and Feminism in the 1960s 12:13 The Rise of Non-Marital Birth Rates 13:59 Policy Barriers and Institutional Resistance 16:08 The Role of Black Leadership and Cultural Inertia 18:10 Practical Community and Family Strategies 20:04 Policy Recommendations and Future Steps 22:10 The Importance of Family in Cultural Identity 24:02 Addressing Systemic and Cultural Barriers 26:03 The Role of Churches and Community Organizations 27:57 The Power of Family Reunions and Legacy 29:59 Call to Action for Policy and Community Leaders 31:57 Practical Steps for Families and Communities 33:59 The Role of Education and Research in Family Revival 35:57 Closing Remarks and How to Support the Book Resources The Vanishing Black Family by Delano Squires - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Vanishing+Black+Family+Delano+Squires Delano Squires on X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires Heritage Foundation - https://www.heritage.org Guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires Website - https://www.heritage.org

  2. Jul 17

    Without the Bible, America Has No Pulse

    Americans have stopped looking to the Bible for answers. We assume we already know the story. Dr. Adam Rasmussen joins The Narrative to reveal the data on biblical worldview and remind us that real understanding only starts when we trust and engage with the source. More About Dr. Adam Rasmussen As a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University, Dr. Adam Rasmussen draws upon his 25 years of experience in Christian education to inspire students to thrive under the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of their lives. With a passion for helping students connect their faith with reason and culture, he guides them to make meaningful and relevant connections that go beyond mere academic study. Dr. Rasmussen is a magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern College, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, as well as a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on leadership and administration from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. His research interests include biblical literacy, educational ministries, and Christian apologetics. Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Without the Bible, America Has No Pulse

  3. Jul 10

    Another Girls' Locker Room Nightmare

    In this week's episode of The Narrative, David and Mike sit down with the Henry family to discuss a terrifying loophole in Ohio state law governing public locker rooms that exposed their daughter to predatory behavior. Their shocking testimony makes it clear why we're fighting for change in Ohio before it happens again.  Watch or listen today wherever you get your podcasts! TAKE ACTION You can do your part by taking 60 seconds to contact your legislator and urge them to pass HB249, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Another Girls' Locker Room Nightmare

  4. Jul 3

    The Battle for Human Dignity in the Age of AI with Devan Patel

    In this week's episode of The Narrative, David and Mike discuss: The Save Ohio Sports Act, the bill that will target predatory mobile wagering by restricting sports betting exclusively to Ohio's four physical casinos.The landmark 6-3 Supreme Court decision that upholds Ohio's Save Women Sports Act that was passed to protect biological reality and sex-specific athletic categories.After the news, the guys sit down with tech expert Devan Patel and dig into the Vatican’s landmark AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which transcends denominational lines because it is meant for anyone who cares about protecting human dignity, the value of hard work, and safeguarding the future of humanity from anti-human technology. While AI holds unprecedented power and potential as a revolutionary tool, its profound dangers require deep wisdom to navigate. To safely harness this technology, governments must enforce robust national security protocols and a strict legal "duty of care," while parents shield their children by practicing healthy digital habits in the home.  Listen or queue up your commute podcast now! More About Devan Patel Devan Patel is a lawyer and political strategist in Washington, DC. He serves as the visiting fellow for tech ethics and democracy at the Joseph Rainey Center. Previously, he served as counsel and managing director of public policy at Allegiance Strategies as well as the senior advisor of public policy and ethics at American Security Fund, where he emerged as a leading voice at the intersection of AI, national security, and Catholic ethics. He is an adjunct professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, a fellow at Notre Dame's de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, and an inaugural member of the Federalist Society's AI & Law Working Group. Devan has authored and negotiated state and federal legislation, built and deployed unlikely advocacy coalitions, and has spoken at or convened international AI ethics summits on four continents, including a summit he convened at the Vatican in dialogue with the Holy See's advisors on AI.

    The Battle for Human Dignity in the Age of AI with Devan Patel

  5. Jun 26

    Putting Families First to Shape Strong Policy with Brad Littlejohn

    This week on The Narrative, Aaron and Mike discuss the MLB's backpedaling after threats over Pride gear compliance, a journalist's tantrum over the Success Sequence (a proven framework for poverty avoidance) because "Oprah didn't take that path," and the left's desperate fight over common-sense voter ID requirements. After the news, Brad Littlejohn explains why conservatives must stop letting blind free-market absolutism dictate American life. True prosperity doesn't come from letting corporate elites maximize capital at the expense of our neighborhoods, but from intentional, pro-family policies that proactively help communities thrive. From championing child tax credits to pushing Ohio's App Store Accountability Act, Brad argues that the common good requires the government to put its thumb on the scale. True freedom means placing healthy constraints on the market so parents can successfully protect their kids and rebuild strong, stable homes. Listen or queue up your commute podcast now! More About Brad Littlejohn Brad Littlejohn (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is director of programs and education at American Compass. He founded and served for 10 years as president of The Davenant Institute. He has published and lectured extensively in the fields of Reformation history, Christian ethics, and political theology. You can find more of his writing at Substack. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and four children.

    Putting Families First to Shape Strong Policy with Brad Littlejohn

  6. Jun 19

    Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in the Medicaid System with Representative Mike Dovilla

    This week on The Narrative, Aaron, David, and Mike get into the details of both the Cleveland Clinic’s settlement over fraudulent billing for gender procedures, which established a $2 million detransitioner fund, and the Major League Baseball players who resisted forced corporate speech during Pride Month by rejecting pride caps or writing scripture on their gear. After the news, Representative Mike Dovilla joins the hosts to discuss Ohio's widespread Medicaid and insurance fraud, calling it a symptom of an unaccountable administrative state. He argues that medical systems exploit loopholes to bypass state laws. Listen to The Narrative today! More About Representative Mike Dovilla Mike Dovilla represents the 17th District in the Ohio House of Representatives. From 2011 to 2016, he served most of the same southwestern Cuyahoga County communities in one of Ohio’s most competitive legislative districts. A principled yet pragmatic legislator, Mike returned to the Legislature in 2025 with the well-earned reputation of a thoughtful policymaker trusted by constituents and colleagues alike. In the 136th General Assembly, Representative Dovilla serves as Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee and a member of the Energy, Veterans and Military Development, and Workforce and Higher Education Committees. During his previous service in the House, his peers elected him Majority Whip and he chaired two standing committees. As a freshman in 2011, he was appointed Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. Representative Dovilla is the author of 15 state laws designed to spur economic development, strengthen education, protect senior citizens, support veterans, and improve government accountability. Mike is deeply committed to our community, state, and nation, volunteering in numerous civic, veterans, and educational organizations. He is a scripture reader at his church and devoted mentor to college students, serving in advisory roles for more than 25 years. A lifelong baseball fan and voracious reader, Mike also enjoys cooking for family and friends, traveling to historical sites around the country, and spending time outdoors with his yellow Labrador retriever, Perry, named in honor of the “Hero of Lake Erie.”

    Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in the Medicaid System with Representative Mike Dovilla

  7. Jun 12

    5 Years of Restoring the Narrative

    In this episode, David takes us behind the scenes at the Statehouse to the moment when the "Success Sequence" bill was resurrected at the eleventh hour during his desperate time of prayer. Then, Aaron breaks down a massive win for election security: a constitutional amendment heading to the November ballot to officially close the mail-in loophole and permanently lock down voter ID laws. After the news, the hosts take time to celebrate that The Narrative is officially five years old! Take a look back at the half-decade of truth, learn the hosts’ all-time favorite guests (from Bob Woodson and Dr. Ben Carson to Chloe Cole), and get some hilarious secrets from when the mics were off, including the infamous day that newly hired Mike accidentally drank the very last of Congressman Jim Jordan's personal apple cider. Listen to The Narrative today! Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at MinneryFellowship.org.

    5 Years of Restoring the Narrative

  8. Jun 5

    How Ordinary Dads Can Be Extraordinary Heroes with Mark Merrill

    Is the recent corporate retreat from "Pride Month" just a shallow cultural wave that will crash back once the tides change? Without biblical grounding, it seems unlikely this slight move away from worshipping lust and debauchery will be sustained. And while Ohio's school choice expansion has public schools crying foul, The Narrative hosts think the worst-performing, hyper-funded schools should face real accountability. In today's episode, Aaron and Mike share the hard truth about what lies ahead for Christians in the coming years if we don't stay anchored in Christ alone. After the news, Family First founder Mark Merrill joins the chat to reveal how All Pro Dad is combating the culture’s fatherhood crisis. Mark breaks down the vital, daily toolkit men need to become the heroes their kids deserve, and shares the exclusive details on their completely sold-out, interactive experience at the Ohio Stadium later this month.

    How Ordinary Dads Can Be Extraordinary Heroes with Mark Merrill
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4.8
out of 5
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About

The Narrative breaks away from the script to reveal the driving forces behind the most important and divisive issues facing our culture today. Visit CCV.org to learn more.

Information

  • Creator
    Center for Christian Virtue
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Center for Christian Virtue
  • Show Website
    The Narrative