Preparing for the AI Age: A Guide for Christian Families
Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but here's what they're missing: the real danger isn't AI taking over—it's our children never learning to think for themselves. Classical education might just be the key to thriving in an AI-dominated world. In this thought-provoking episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins dives deep into artificial intelligence and its implications for families, education, and society. With the Trump administration pushing AI as a solution to national debt and economic challenges, Robert examines both the promises and perils of this technological revolution. From data privacy concerns and the staggering energy demands of AI infrastructure to its potential impact on childhood development and learning, Robert offers a balanced perspective on navigating this new landscape. He shares practical insights on when and how to use AI tools effectively while emphasizing why the struggle of learning remains irreplaceable. This episode is essential listening for parents wondering how AI will affect their children's education and future opportunities, offering both warnings and wisdom for the road ahead. Key Topics Covered:        The Trump administration's AI strategy and national security implications        Data privacy, intellectual property, and energy infrastructure challenges        AI in education: personalized learning vs. relationship-based teaching        Why experts benefit from AI while novices suffer        Practical guidelines for using AI tools safely and effectively        The irreplaceable value of struggle and the learning journey        How classical education prepares students for an AI-integrated world  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort: Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
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Remembering Charlie Kirk: A Christian Response to Political Violence
Charlie Kirk was the kind of person who remembered your name even after meeting you just once at a crowded event. Robert joins Dr. Owen Anderson, professor at Arizona State University and faculty advisor for the Turning Point USA chapter, for a heartfelt discussion following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dr. Anderson shares personal memories of Charlie as "America's Socrates" - a genuine, friendly debater who engaged with students across the political spectrum on college campuses. The conversation explores the radicalization happening at universities, the concerning normalization of ideologies like DEI and transgenderism, and how parents can better prepare their children for the intellectual challenges they'll face in higher education. Dr. Anderson discusses his own legal battles with mandatory DEI training at ASU and provides insight into the hostile environment facing conservative voices on campus. The episode concludes with reflections on Charlie's legacy as a Christian martyr and how his example should inspire more believers to engage courageously in cultural debates.  Resources: Dr. Anderson’s Substack: https://drowenanderson.substack.com/
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Marriage Under Fire: Preparing Christians for the Next Cultural Battle
When Kim Davis spent six days behind bars for refusing to sign same-sex marriage certificates, most people thought the story was over. They were wrong. Nine years later, Davis faces $360,000 in personal damages—and her case is now headed to the Supreme Court with the potential to overturn same-sex marriage entirely. Constitutional attorney Matthew Staver, who will argue before the justices, reveals how a small-town Kentucky clerk's conscience has become the vehicle for what could be the most significant religious liberty victory since the founding. But here's the twist: Even Chief Justice John Roberts saw this coming. In an unprecedented move, he read his Obergefell dissent from the bench—something he's never done before or since—warning that "five lawyers" were imposing their will without constitutional basis. Now, with a transformed Supreme Court and religious freedom wins piling up, Staver explains why 2026 could be the year everything changes. From the legal strategy that's already defeated "terrible decisions" to why Christians can't repeat the post-Roe mistakes, this episode reveals the inside story of the case that has constitutional conservatives hopeful.  Resources: https://lc.org/mat-staver https://lc.org/Kim  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!  Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026 Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
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The Game-Changing Supreme Court Cases Every Christian Should Know
What if you discovered you have more religious freedom right now than at any point in your lifetime—but nobody told you? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert sits down with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, to discuss the remarkable string of religious freedom victories at the Supreme Court that most Americans don't even know happened. Shackelford, a constitutional scholar who has argued and won multiple cases before the Supreme Court, breaks down four major religious liberty wins achieved in just 13 months, including the landmark Coach Kennedy case that overturned 50 years of anti-religious precedent. Key topics covered: How the Supreme Court restored religious freedom protections in the workplace and schools What these victories mean for Christians, business owners, and educators Practical guidance on exercising religious rights at work and in public spaces The truth about what pastors can and cannot say from the pulpit regarding politics Why millions of Christian voters staying home could change election outcomes Resources available at FirstLiberty.org for understanding your religious freedom rights Shackelford emphasizes that Americans now have more religious freedom than they've had in their lifetime, but many don't realize the extent of their restored rights. This episode provides essential insights for anyone wanting to understand and exercise their constitutional religious liberties. Resources: https://firstliberty.org/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Leanring Cohort: Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
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Woke and Weaponized: Why Government Schools Are Destroying Faith, Family, and Freedom
Before government schools, America had 95% literacy. Now it's 35%. What if everything you've been told about "fixing" education is actually designed to make it worse? Robert teams up with award-winning journalist and CEO of Liberty Sentinel, Alex Newman, to announce their explosive new book "Woke and Weaponized" - a deep dive into how Karl Marx's ideas infiltrated American education and what parents can do about it. From Robert Owen's occult origins to the post-WWI turning point that handed our children to the state, this episode reveals the shocking history behind today's educational crisis and offers hope for families seeking true educational freedom.  Resources: https://libertysentinel.org/  This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: CC Plus Concurrent Enrollment: The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a flexible opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited Christian university while honoring homeschool families and program parameters contained in the Challenge Guide. Your student can remain in community while earning college credit for the work they are already doing which means community and mentoring stay in place while practicing the skills of learning through college! Register now or learn more by going to classicalconversationsplus.com/concurrent-enrollment-program.
Refining Rhetoric with CEO Robert Bortins. A podcast where faith, business, politics, and classical education meet. Join us as we use the Classical tools of rhetoric to seek truth in every arena of life.
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