On this episode of The Narrative, Alistair Begg, senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland and a daily contributor on the Truth for Life Ministries radio program, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Executive Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network Chris Lightfoot to chat about faith, freedom, the Gospel, and the November election.

If you've never heard Alistair speak before, you'll want to listen not only for his Scottish accent, but also for his profound wisdom and encouragement on how Christians should be approaching the life issue this fall.

Don't forget to check out CCV.org/Vote for free nonpartisan election resources.

We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions:
Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077
Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org



To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

On this episode of The Narrative, Alistair Begg, senior pastor at <a href="https://www.parksidechurch.com/">Parkside Church</a> near Cleveland and a daily contributor on the Truth for Life Ministries radio program, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Executive Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network Chris Lightfoot to chat about faith, freedom, the Gospel, and the November election.
If you've never heard Alistair speak before, you'll want to listen not only for his Scottish accent, but also for his profound wisdom and encouragement on how Christians should be approaching the life issue this fall.
Don't forget to check out <a href="https://www.ccv.org/vote">CCV.org/Vote</a> for free nonpartisan election resources.
We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions:
<ul>
<li>Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077</li>
<li>Email us: <a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org</a></li>
</ul>
 
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit <a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>

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.

The Narrative breaks away from the script to reveal the driving forces behind the most important and divisive issues facing our culture today.
Visit <a href="https://www.ccv.org/">CCV.org</a> to learn more.

The Narrative

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and engaging. Have a guest suggestion, a topic you're curious about, or a question you want answered? Let us know! We host “Ask Us Anything” episodes where we respond to your questions on the show.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives, and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture, and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Visit CCV.org/TheNarrative to learn more.

Produced by Wessler Media.

🔊 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and engaging. Have a guest suggestion, a topic you're curious about, or a question you want answered? Let us know! We host &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episodes where we respond to your questions on the show.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a voicemail or text at <a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email us at <a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
<hr>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of The Narrative to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
<hr>
🔎 About The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media&nbsp;narratives, and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture, and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.
Visit <a href="CCV.org/TheNarrative">CCV.org/TheNarrative</a> to learn more.
Produced by <a href="https://www.wesslermedia.com/">Wessler Media</a>.

A Message of Life with Alistair Begg

Who actually deserves credit for founding America? Your eighth-grade history class probably didn't give you the whole story. 

For the first Narrative episode of 2026, Mike and David sit down with author Cynthia Scott to answer this question with insights from her book, Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America’s 250th Birthday.

Together, they explore:
How early settlers prayed their way to America and governed themselves using biblical principles.
Why pastors were once the primary thought leaders in American communities.
How the First Great Awakening unified the colonies and laid the groundwork for independence.
What national repentance could, and should, look like as we approach America’s semiquincentennial.

Americans are once again talking about repentance, prayer, and God’s role in our history. This renewed conversation suggests that our Divine Founder hasn't given up on our nation yet because, as John Adams wrote, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

More About Cynthia Scott

Cynthia Scott has led prayer initiatives across Pittsburgh and beyond, including citywide gatherings, prayer for national events, and a daily prayer call for the nation. Passionate about honoring God and praying for revival in America, she has written numerous prayer guides. Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America’s 250th Birthday reflects her conviction that God’s providence shaped the United States and calls believers to honor Him as our true Founder and help to shape our future through prayer. Cynthia resides near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

📢 TALK TO US

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ HOW ARE WE DOING?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 ABOUT THE NARRATIVE

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Who actually deserves credit for founding America? Your eighth-grade history class probably didn't give you the whole story.&nbsp;
For the first&nbsp;Narrative episode of 2026, Mike and David sit down with author Cynthia Scott to answer this question with insights from her book, Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America&rsquo;s 250th Birthday.
Together, they explore:
<ul>
<li>How early settlers prayed their way to America and governed themselves using&nbsp;biblical principles.</li>
<li>Why pastors were once the primary thought leaders in American communities.</li>
<li>How the First Great Awakening unified the colonies and laid the groundwork for independence.</li>
<li>What national repentance could, and should, look like as we approach America&rsquo;s semiquincentennial.</li>
</ul>
Americans are once again talking about repentance, prayer, and God&rsquo;s role in our history. This renewed conversation suggests that our Divine Founder hasn't given up on our nation yet because, as John Adams wrote, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
More About Cynthia Scott
Cynthia Scott has led prayer initiatives across Pittsburgh and beyond, including citywide gatherings, prayer for national events, and a daily prayer call for the nation. Passionate about honoring God and praying for revival in America, she has written numerous prayer guides.&nbsp;Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America&rsquo;s 250th Birthday reflects her conviction that God&rsquo;s providence shaped the United States and calls believers to honor Him as our true Founder and help to shape our future through prayer. Cynthia resides near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
📢 TALK TO US
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ HOW ARE WE DOING?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 ABOUT&nbsp;THE NARRATIVE
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

The Sovereignty of God in America’s Founding with Cynthia Scott

As 2025 comes to a close, Aaron, David, and Mike look back on a year that set cultural change in motion and reveal where the ground is shifting.

From the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and the unexpected national hunger for the Gospel that followed, to a major media outlet naming CCV one of Ohio's most influential political forces, this episode explores what these stories really mean.

The guys also unpack the growing backlash to gambling expansion, the integrity crisis in professional sports, historic wins for school choice, and why some cultural losses may be setting the stage for long-term renewal.

It’s part year-in-review, part unfiltered conversation, and part reminder that when faith refuses to stay private, the world takes notice. If you want to understand where the culture is heading in 2026, don't miss this conversation.

Listen to Aaron, David, and Mike on The Narrative.

Want to Go Deeper?

Early-bird ticket sales are available for the 2026 Essential Summit! On Friday, October 23, business owners, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather to be equipped to have a faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 

Use code FIRSTINLINE at checkout on EssentialSummit.org by December 31 to lock in $50 off—our lowest ticket price of the year.

After December, prices go up and won’t return. Register today and secure your spot for the third annual Essential Summit featuring The Narrative hosts, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, Frank Turek, and dozens more. We’ll see you on October 23!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

As 2025 comes to a close, Aaron, David, and Mike look back on a year that set cultural change in motion and reveal where the ground is shifting.
From the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and the unexpected national hunger for the Gospel that followed, to a major media outlet naming CCV one of Ohio's most influential political forces, this episode explores what these stories really mean.
The guys also unpack the growing backlash to gambling expansion, the integrity crisis in professional sports, historic wins for school choice, and why some cultural losses may be setting the stage for long-term renewal.
It&rsquo;s part year-in-review, part unfiltered conversation, and part reminder that when faith refuses to stay private, the world takes notice. If you want to understand where the culture is heading in 2026, don't miss this conversation.
Listen to Aaron, David, and Mike on The Narrative.
Want to Go Deeper?
Early-bird ticket sales are available for the 2026 Essential Summit! On Friday, October 23, business owners, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather to be equipped to have a faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture.&nbsp;
Use code FIRSTINLINE at checkout on <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">EssentialSummit.org</a> by December 31 to lock in $50 off&mdash;our lowest ticket price of the year.
After December, prices go up and won&rsquo;t return. Register today and secure your spot for the third annual Essential Summit featuring The Narrative hosts, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, Frank Turek, and dozens more.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll see you on October 23!
📢 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 About&nbsp;The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

2025 Unfiltered: The Stories Everyone Will Remember

Does "neutral secularism" exist? Why are some beliefs welcomed in the public square, but Christianity is disqualified?

In this final episode of The Narrative before Christmas, Aaron, David, and Mike react to the Cincinnati Enquirer investigative profile that called CCV "relentless" for turning Christian beliefs into public policy. Marketed as an objective report, the article instead exposes a familiar assumption: Christian beliefs are inherently biased and therefore unwelcome in the public square, while non-Christian belief systems are presumed neutral and free to shape law, culture, and power.

After the news, Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana exposes what’s really happening behind the scenes with legalized marijuana. An early Christmas gift to Big Weed, President Trump's executive order hands the marijuana industry a massive $2 billion tax break, turbocharges advertising to kids, and further normalizes a drug that is more potent, more addictive, and more destructive than most Americans realize.

The conversation is a glaring reminder that policies shape behavior. Christians cannot afford to sit this one out while the profit-driven drug industry destroys America.

More About Luke Niforatos

Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives the strategy behind SAM’s federal, state, and educational initiatives. Luke has testified in state capitols across America.

He is a sought-after guest on major media outlets, including ABC, Fox News, NBC, CNBC, CSPAN, Newsmax, and network affiliates, as well as syndicated and local radio shows in markets coast to coast. Luke has been featured in Time Magazine and as a speaker at drug policy events held by The Economist, the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and hundreds of town halls.

Prior to joining SAM, he was the co-founder of a successful healthcare company. Luke attended the University of Denver and has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.

Want to Go Deeper?

Early-bird ticket sales are still available for the 2026 Essential Summit!  Believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather on Friday, October 23, to be equipped for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 

From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off by using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout.

This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer. Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. Register today, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Does "neutral secularism" exist? Why are some beliefs welcomed in the public square, but Christianity is disqualified?
In this final episode of&nbsp;The Narrative before Christmas, Aaron, David, and Mike react to the Cincinnati Enquirer <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/cincinnati-enquirer-how-ccv-turns-beliefs-into-bills">investigative profile</a> that called CCV "relentless" for turning Christian beliefs into public policy. Marketed as an objective report, the article instead exposes a familiar assumption:&nbsp;Christian beliefs are inherently biased and therefore&nbsp;unwelcome in the public square,&nbsp;while non-Christian belief systems are presumed neutral&nbsp;and free to shape law, culture, and power.
After the news, Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana exposes what&rsquo;s really happening behind the scenes with legalized marijuana. An early Christmas gift to Big Weed, President Trump's executive order hands the marijuana industry a massive $2 billion tax break, turbocharges advertising to kids, and further normalizes a drug that is more potent, more addictive, and more destructive than most Americans realize.
The conversation is a glaring reminder that policies shape behavior. Christians cannot afford to sit this one out while the profit-driven drug industry destroys America.
More About Luke Niforatos
Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of&nbsp;<a href="https://learnaboutsam.org/">Smart Approaches to Marijuana</a> (SAM) and is widely recognized as one of the nation&rsquo;s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives the strategy behind SAM&rsquo;s federal, state, and educational initiatives. Luke has testified in state capitols across America.
He is a sought-after guest on major media outlets, including&nbsp;ABC, Fox News, NBC, CNBC, CSPAN, Newsmax, and network affiliates, as well as syndicated and local radio shows in markets coast to coast. Luke has been featured in&nbsp;Time Magazine&nbsp;and as a speaker at drug policy events held by&nbsp;The Economist, the United Nations&rsquo; Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and hundreds of town halls.
Prior to joining SAM, he was the co-founder of a successful healthcare company. Luke attended the University of Denver and has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of Denver &ndash; Sturm College of Law.
Want to Go Deeper?
Early-bird ticket sales are still available for the 2026 Essential Summit! &nbsp;Believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather on Friday, October 23, to be equipped for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture.&nbsp;
From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout</a>.
This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer.&nbsp;Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">Register today</a>, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!
📢 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 About&nbsp;The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

A Message of Life with Alistair Begg

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