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2024 - 2026 | 7 Seasons

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Join Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he shines the light of faith and reason on culture, science, politics, the arts, and current issues through lively, in-depth conversations with friends. Not seeing the video you're looking for? Click the toggle button below to browse previous seasons of "In Focus".

“What is truth?” Pilate’s question to Jesus echoes into our modern age. Today, many have rejected objective truth in favor of relativism, allowing their feelings to be their sole guide. The consequences—from deep ideological divides to the disregard of human dignity—have been tragic. How do we build back a culture founded on truth?

Dr. Robert George, political philosopher and legal scholar, talks with Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, about what truth is, what it isn’t, and why truth matters. He shares tips for having relationships with those we disagree with, why good-faith debates are worth having, and how we can be courageous voices of truth in our society and our personal lives.

Dr. Robert P. George

Robert P. George is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University and director of Princeton’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, which was founded under his leadership in 2000. He has chaired the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the President’s Council on Bioethics, and is currently a fellow of the Witherspoon Institute and the American Enterprise Institute. Professor George is the recipient of many honors such as the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal and 23 honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate in Christian ethics from Franciscan University. He’s the author of several books including Seeking Truth and Speaking Truth: Law and Morality in Our Cultural Moment.

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.