Red Letter Christians Podcast

Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane talks with Steve Chalke about the legacy of Tony Campolo, as well as Steve's newest project to rethink criminal justice as restorative justice in a new youth facility in the UK.   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane talks with Pastor Robb Ryerse about his new project "The Gospel According to Donald Trump" which shows the contrast between the Gospel of Jesus and the policies and rhetoric of President Trump. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

BONUS EPISODE: Shane talks with Rev. Erich Kussman whose church has created a sanctuary space for vulnerable families and has been organizing to protect immigrant neighbors from deportation.  He was also present when the Mayor of Newark was arrested by federal agents.  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

June 17 is the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting in Emanuel AME church which killed 9 people.  June is also Gun Violence Awareness Month.  Shane talks with Rev. Sharon Risher whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed in Emanuel AME and who has become one of the most prominent leaders in the movement to end gun violence, and the death penalty, in the US.     Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

  Shane talks with law professor and death penalty expert Corinna Lain about her new book Secrets of the Killing State which exposes the untold story of lethal injection in America.  It also helps us understand why states are now using the electric chair and firing squad for executions.  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special song by Paul Demer, titled "Do Not Pray to Politicians (Psalm 146)" -  In this episode, Shane Claiborne hosts Rich Morales, a seasoned attorney and faith-based organizer, to discuss the critical issue of immigration in the United States. They delve into the moral imperatives of welcoming immigrants, policies under the current administration, and the power of grassroots and legal organizing. Rich shares his personal journey and professional work, highlighting the role of faith communities in advocating for the most vulnerable. The conversation also covers practical steps for local action, resources for support, and the spiritual and moral dimensions of immigration reform. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane talks with his friend Greg Boyd, author of The Myth of the Christian Nation. They talk about Jesus, and empires, and what it means to be people who would rather die than kill.   Get the book: https://reknew.org/book/myth-of-a-christian-nation-how-the-quest-for-political-power/  Music: Psalters "Dumpster Divers" Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Special episode w/Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove   Read more here: https://redletterchristians.org/2025/04/29/we-must-arrest-the-attention-of-the-nation/

Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special song by Common Hymnal - "Truth Waivers Not" In this episode, Shane Claiborne talks with Reverend William H. Lamar IV about the state of the American empire and the deep principalities and powers at play. They delve into the targeted racial terror against Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church by the Proud Boys and the subsequent legal battle that resulted in the church owning the Proud Boys trademark. Reverend Lamar shares the historical context of racial violence, the role of ancestors and courage in combating systemic injustice, and the ongoing struggle against modern-day fascism and authoritarianism. They also discuss the importance of maintaining joy and fighting for a better world. Tune in for an insightful conversation on faith, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Learn more: https://faithandleadership.com/authors/william-h-lamar-iv  Music: https:/https://commonhymnal.com/ Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a special song "Good Good trouble" by Joel David Weir. In this episode, Shane Claiborne hosts Tim Whitaker, founder of The New Evangelicals, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of faith, activism, and Christian nationalism. They delve into the challenges facing modern Christianity, the importance of not just promising heaven but addressing present-day 'hells,' and the need for vibrant faith that fuels social justice. The conversation covers Tim's experiences attending Turning Point USA's America Fest, the evolving landscape of The New Evangelicals, and practical steps for believers to engage in meaningful activism. Additionally, they share insights on building digital and physical communities that reflect the teachings of Jesus. Learn more: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/  Music: https://joeldavidweir.com/  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Closing Song: "All Fire" by Carolyn Arends - In this episode, Shane Claiborne engages in an enlightening conversation with accomplished singer-songwriter Carolyn Arends. They discuss her musical journey, the resonant impact of her songs, and her deep-rooted faith. The episode also delves into Carolyn's involvement with Renovaré, an organization focused on spiritual renewal, and her personal connections with influential musician Rich Mullins. Through stories and reflections, they explore the intersection of music, faith, and social justice, offering insights into maintaining integrity and transparency in Christian ministry. Find out more about Carolyn Arends here: https://www.carolynarends.com/  Learn more about Renovare - https://renovare.org/ Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane speaks with Khristi Lauren Adams, author of Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood.   Learn more about Khristi: https://khristilaurenadams.com/ Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

In this special episode, podcast manager Vanessa Gomez steps in front of the microphone to interview Father Bill W., a significant influence on her recovery journey. Father Bill W. delves into his journey, the impactful practice of Two-Way Prayer, and the origins of the Oxford Group which heavily influenced Alcoholics Anonymous and later became a peacemaking community. This episode aims to shed light on how these spiritual and practical tools can benefit anyone struggling with addiction or seeking a deeper connection with their higher power. For more information on Two Way Prayer, visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/  To follow along on Vanessa's sober and spiritual journey, visit: www.youtube.com/@vanessawhatever_   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne    

Outro song is "Be Love" by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ Shane speaks with Amethyst Rodriguez about transforming philanthropy.  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne  

Recorded on February 25th (what would have been Tony's 90th birthday), this special podcast episode is dedicated to the remarkable journey and enduring influence of Tony Campolo. From anecdotes to spiritual insights, join us in commemorating a life well-lived. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

President Trump's address to the nation came on the eve of Ash Wednesday and Lent.  In light of that, Shane reflects on the State of the Union in America and the state of the church.  He invites us to think of this season as a time of repentance, reflection, and emptying ourselves to be filled with God. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Join us for a heartfelt conversation as Shane Claiborne and Julio Hernandez tackle immigration, radical hospitality, and the power of community action. Discover how faith and love can shape our response to pressing global issues. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Struggling to understand the dynamics of faith, politics, and identity in today's world? Join Shane Claiborne with special guest Doug Pagitt, from Vote Common Good, as they delve deep into the complexities of the recent U.S. election, faith-driven political activism, and the need for open dialogue.  For more information on Doug, visit: https://dougpagitt.com/  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane Claiborne introduces his guest, Philip Farah, from the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace. They discuss issues related to the death penalty, gun violence, and the importance of building a better world. Farah shares his personal story of being a Palestinian Christian born in Jerusalem. They also explore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the role of Christianity in advocating for peace and justice, and how Western Christian communities can better support Palestinian Christians. The conversation highlights the need for deeper theological reflection and active engagement in social justice. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Special guests Rev. Ashley Guthas and Kirk Lyman-Barner join from Georgia, where they are part of a historic church and community, the home church of President Jimmy Carter, birthplace of Koinonia Farm and Habitat for Humanity.  We discuss the complexities of pastoring a church in politically divided times.  Outro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne  

A fresh conversation on grace, and disagreeing well with each other... with pastor and author Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Visit https://revolutionchurch.com/ for more information Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Stay tuned until the end of the episode for special song by John Francis O'Mara called "Kill The Dreamer" www.johnfrancisomara.com _ Shane reflects on the historic collision of Trump's inauguration and Martin Luther King Day.  The inauguration of Donald Trump's happens to Jan. 20, which is also the national holiday celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

As we kick off 2024, Shane reflects on some of the significant moments of 2024 and some things he's looking forward to in 2025.   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

On the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol (Jan. 6, 2021), Shane reflects on the danger of Christian nationalism and the heresy of "America First."  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Special guest, circus-performer, comedian, and nature lover... and Shane's wife -- the legendary Katie Jo Brotherton.  Recorded on the floor of the laundry room while the baby is sleeping.  Interwoven with humor and deep reflections, the couple also shares about their Advent devotional inspired by Palestinian Christians and their hope in a world filled with struggle. Whether you're here for the lighthearted tangents or the profound moments of faith and hope, this episode is a delightful journey you won't want to miss. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Join Shane Claiborne for this special Christmas edition of the podcast, where we dive deep into the true meaning of the season. Amid the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and gift-giving, Shane challenges us to step back and reflect on the radical love and solidarity of Jesus—born as a homeless baby into a world of violence and suffering. Check out: AdventConspiracy.org  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

From December 23, 2023: "This Advent, while global Christians prepare to commemorate the arrival of the Prince of Peace, our Palestinian kin in Gaza suffer unthinkable violence. Their cries for deliverance, echoing those of two millennia ago, seem to be falling unheard in the United States. To see their pain and hear their cries, US Christians must move beyond information to transformation...from webinar to worship. Listen in on the live-streamed worship gathering guided by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and his team at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem on 23 December 2023. Central to this liturgy of lament is the prophetic message that if Jesus was born today, he would be born "under the rubble." [Co-organized by Global Immersion, Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, Bethlehem Bible College, Churches for Middle East Peace and Evangelicals for Justice; supported and sponsored by kindred organizations]"

Dave Gibbons shares about his recently released book, “The Shape of my Eyes,” on why he wrote his story, on why all of our histories matter, and why they deserve to be told. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

"It's easier to get a gun in America than it is to get rid of a gun.   Even gun buybacks and incentivized gun surrender events can be problematic, because law enforcement agencies have a record of putting the guns right back on the market. Just as it is unthinkable for police to sell back heroin from a drug bust, we have to insist that law enforcement agencies stop selling weapons.  It is a violation of their pledge to serve and protect. We've all heard of the black market, but it has become clear that there is an entire underground “blue market” of cops selling guns.  In a bombshell report, a recent study revealed that more than 52,000 guns used in crimes over a sixteen-year period can be tracked back to police.  At least 145 law enforcement agencies have sold firearms, which have later been used in thousands of shootings all over the country." - Shane Claiborne, Buying Guns on the Blue Market READ MORE: https://redletterchristians.org/2024/07/19/buying-guns-on-the-blue-market/ Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Join us as we dive into the critical response led by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz and local activist Sally Mann in Newham, a diverse London borough facing challenges from recent riots and threats of white supremacist activity. Mayor Fiaz, a powerful advocate for equality and inclusivity, along with Sally Mann, a prominent community leader, work tirelessly to promote unity and security in Newham. This episode uncovers their strategic initiatives and collaborative approaches to maintain peace, empower marginalized voices, and resist hate-driven agendas. Explore the powerful resilience of Newham's leaders as they implement anti-racism measures and amplify community-led responses to uphold justice and safety. Learn more about Mayor Fiaz's work on the [official Newham website](https://www.newham.gov.uk/), and follow local initiatives through resources like [Newham London's Community Safety](https://www.newham.gov.uk/community-safety) and updates on [Newham's anti-racism efforts](https://www.newham.gov.uk/community-parks-leisure/anti-racism/).   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

https://redletterchristians.org/2024/11/20/tony-campolo-sociologist-and-famed-red-letter-christian-has-died/ We are deeply saddened to share that co-founder of Red Letter Christians, Tony Campolo, has passed away on November 19, 2024. Tony was a highly impactful spiritual figure and Shane reflects on his connection to Tony and the work they've done. God bless.     Tony's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Letter-Christians-Citizens-Politics/dp/0830745297   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

We are excited to have October's featured guest Eliza Griswold talking about her latest book, "Circle of Hope: A Reckoning of Love, Power and Justice in an American Church" with Shane Claiborne and Katie Jo Brotherton. About the Book: "Circle of Hope" is an intimate portrait of a church, its radical mission, and its riveting crisis. “The revolution I wanted to be part of was in the church.” Americans have been leaving their churches. Some drift away. Some stay home. And some have been searching for—and finding—more authentic ways to find and follow Jesus. This is the story of one such “radical outpost of Jesus followers” dedicated to service, the Sermon on the Mount, and working toward justice for all in this life, not just salvation for some in the next. Part of a little-known yet influential movement at the edge of American evangelicalism, Philadelphia's Circle of Hope grew for forty years, planted four congregations, and then found itself in crisis. The story that follows is an American allegory full of questions with urgent relevance for so many of us, not just the faithful: How do we commit to one another and our better selves in a fracturing world? Where does power live? Can it be shared? How do we make “the least of these” welcome? Building on years of deep reporting, the Pulitzer Prize winner Eliza Griswold has crafted an intimate, immersive, tenderhearted portrait of a community, as well as a riveting chronicle of its transformation, bearing witness to the ways a deeply committed membership and their team of devoted pastors are striving toward change that might help their church survive. Through generational rifts, an increasingly politicized religious landscape, a pandemic that prevented gathering to worship, and a rise in foundation-shaking activism, Circle of Hope tells a propulsive, layered story of what we do to stay true to our beliefs. It is a soaring, searing examination of what it means for us to love, to grow, and to disagree. About the Author: Eliza Griswold is the author of six books of poetry and nonfiction, all published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Her book Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America was awarded the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. She writes for The New Yorker, is the Ferris Professor and Director of the Program in Journalism at Princeton University, and lives in New Jersey with her husband and son. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

Rev. Amy Cantrell is a passionate advocate based in BeLoved Asheville, an intentional community focused on providing care and support for those facing homelessness, poverty, and systemic racism. At BeLoved, a diverse, intersectional community, members from all walks of life work together to create sustainable solutions to social injustices through shared love and mutual support. For more about BeLoved's mission and impact, visit [BeLoved Asheville's official website](https://www.belovedasheville.com/). Ponkho Bermejo, a dedicated indigenous and Latinx community organizer, serves as a Co-Director at BeLoved Asheville and is renowned for his innovative approaches to advocacy. He leads efforts to foster cultural pride and connection to heritage by empowering community members, especially youth, to embrace and celebrate their roots. His passion for photography, art, and music fuels his work in promoting racial equity and social justice. Recognized by the Asheville Area Arts Council and CoThinkk, Ponkho's commitment to equity has earned him awards, including the title of Peacemaker of the Year in Western North Carolina. For more on Ponkho's initiatives and contributions, you can explore resources like the [Asheville Area Arts Council](https://ashevillearts.com/) and [CoThinkk](https://www.cothinkk.org/). Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Shane Claiborne speaks about placing our hope not in a person, politician or political party but to place our hope in Christ alone. Our hope lies not in the donkey of the Democrats or the elephant of the GOP - it lays firmly instead on the lamb, on Jesus. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Learn more about David Gushee: https://www.davidpgushee.com/  Get his book: https://www.davidpgushee.com/book/the-moral-teachings-of-jesus/  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

More information on RLC Revivals: https://redletterchristians.org/red-letter-revivals-2024/ Buy The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess From RLC's Book Club on August 27, 2024 - We are excited to have our dear friend Kaitlyn Schiess as the featured book club author for the month of August where we will be spotlighting her book, "The Ballot and the Bible." The book asks: How do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own? In "The Ballot and the Bible" Kaitlyn Schiess explores these questions and more. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused. Schiess combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help readers faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues--and to their lives. Rather than prescribing what readers should think about specific hot-button issues, Schiess outlines core biblical themes around power, allegiance, national identity, and more. Readers will be encouraged to pursue a biblical basis for their political engagement with compassion and confidence. Kaitlyn Schiess of course needs no introduction. She is an author, speaker, and perpetual theology student. She is the author of The Ballot and the Bible (Brazos, 2023) and The Liturgy of Politics (IVP, 2020), and her writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, and Sojourner. She is a co-host and Senior Editor of the Holy Post podcast, and the host of Curiously, Kaitlyn. She has a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently a doctoral student in theology at Duke Divinity School. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/   

Want to help? DONATE HERE Need help? Call: (336) 977-4980 or Email hope4ashecounty@gmail.com Sign up | NEED HELP or VOLUNTEER

Watch Tony's Presentation at CATC2024 Tony Deik is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. For the last thirteen years, he has lived and ministered in different contexts, including in the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, Palestine, and Bolivia. Tony is a member of the Networking Team and Board of Directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College, Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and a member of the organizing committee of Christ at the Checkpoint. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen, researching biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice. Formerly, Tony directed the online education program at Bethlehem Bible College, served with Operation Mobilization onboard MV Logos Hope, and worked for the Centro de Capacitación Misionera in La Paz, Bolivia. In a previous career in computer science, he worked on large-scale research projects in semantic web and e-government interoperability for Birzeit University and the Palestinian government. In addition to his publications in computer science, he contributed to several edited volumes in theology and biblical studies, including Reading Ecclesiastes from Asia and Pasifika (SBL Press, 2020), The Religious Other (Carlisle: Langham, 2020), and Between Religion and Politics (Dar Manhal al Hayat, 2022 [Arabic]). [https://christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/speakers-2/] Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/     

Dr. Peter Enns (PhD, Harvard University)  is a frequent contributor to journals and encyclopedias, and is the author of several books, including, The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It (HarperOne), The Bible and the Believer: How to Read the Bible Critically and Religiously (with Marc Brettler and Daniel Harrington, Oxford University Press), Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and The Problem of the Old Testament (Baker), and The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn't Say about Human Origins (Baker).   Purchase Pete's books here: Amazon Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Follow Pastor Michael McBride - https://linktr.ee/Impastormike_ "Pastor Mike majored in Addiction Studies and Counseling at Bethany College before completing seminary at Duke University where he earned a Master of Divinity. God led him back to the Bay Area where he planted The Way Christian Center in 2005. He immersed himself in the local community: directing Black Campus Ministries at Cal and heading student support services at B-Tech continuation high school in Berkeley. In March 2012, he became the Director the LIVE FREE Campaign with the Faith In Action national network, a campaign led by hundreds of faith congregations throughout the United States committed to addressing gun violence and mass incarceration of young people of color. He has supported the implementation of Gun violence reduction strategies in over a dozen cities which have achieved 30-40% reductions in gun related shootings and homicides. Regarded as a national faith leader, active in the Ferguson uprisings and many subsequent uprisings, he helps bridge, train and support millennials and religious institutions working on racial justice and black liberation." [https://www.thewayberkeley.com/connect/our-leadership/] Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Pre-Order The Spirit of Justice here: https://www.zondervan.com/p/spirit-of-justice/  https://substack.com/@jemartisby "I wrote this book because people need to be reminded that they are not alone in their struggle against racism. A great cloud of witnesses from our past courageously confronted racism in their time, often under even harsher circumstances than we face now, and their lives offer a historical testimony to racial justice." - Jemar Tisby   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

In this special bonus episode, Pastor Carl Ruby responds to the hatred and racism in Springfield, OH spurred by political current events. "Carl is very involved in the community as a spokesperson on a variety of issues of social justice, and is particulary passionate about welcoming immigrants to our community. Prior to becoming pastor [at Central Christian], Carl was part of the Evangelical Immigration Table, a group advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that respected the human dignity of immigrants." (https://www.ccspringfield.org/team/carl-ruby) Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Originally streamed live on Aug 15, 2024 - Join a group of conscientious objectors including former fighters from Palestine and Israel, plus active duty U.S. G.I.s as they urge U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen, to tell Congress to stop funding Israel's genocide in Gaza, calling for nothing short of an immediate ceasefire. Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFJiP-WTJPc  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

" 'An invaluable guide. . . I wish I had been able to read this book twenty years ago!' Ruth Valerio All around us there are signs of a broken world, situations that are just not right. Where do we begin? Sometimes we simply don't know what to do. Or maybe you are busy 'doing' and it's tough, even bringing you close to burn out. Whether you are new to activism or already on the road, this book will (re)kindle your hope and illuminate the way ahead. Featuring contributions from Shane Claiborne, Lisa Sharon Harper, Krish Kandiah, Sam Wells and many more, The Hopeful Activist is full of fresh wisdom and practical advice to help you play your part in bringing God's justice and restoration to the world around you." [AMAZON] PURCHASE: https://www.amazon.com/Hopeful-Activist-Discovering-vital-change/dp/0281088241 Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Today-Best-Day-My-Life/dp/B0DBJNP92T  Rev. Kevin Burns (KB) Growing up in a large family meant there was always something to do and always someone to play with. But sometimes I wanted to be left alone. During those times, I went to my bedroom and lay on the bed and thought about life. I thought about decisions people make, why people do what they do, and why bad things happen to good people. You know, things that a lot of people think about.   Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs (KR) It all started with an article in my local newspaper. The article stated that over the next thirteen months Tennessee would carry out ten executions It had been more than a decade since an execution. Now, in a relatively short time, Tennessee would murder 13 percent of the total population of men and women on death row. Not long after I read the article, I heard the Spirit say, "Go to death row." At the time I did not know where death row was in Tennessee. Knowing I heard God speak, I did some research, made some phone calls, and by the end of that summer, made my first visit to Unit Two at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, the home of Tennessee's death row. That was over ten years ago. While ten executions over thirteen months never happened, during the past five years, there have been seven executions. I've said goodbye to seven friends, all of which were image bearers of the Divine. Check out the blog here: https://floodsofjustice.wordpress.com/about/ Floods of Justice Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/floods-of-justice/id1498987546 Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Purchase here: https://kaitlynschiess.com/theballotandthebible "How do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own? In The Ballot and the Bible, Kaitlyn Schiess explores these questions and more. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused. Schiess combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help readers faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues--and to their lives. Rather than prescribing what readers should think about specific hot-button issues, Schiess outlines core biblical themes around power, allegiance, national identity, and more. Readers will be encouraged to pursue a biblical basis for their political engagement with compassion and confidence." [https://www.amazon.com/Ballot-Bible-Scripture-American-Politics/dp/1587435969]  Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

Daniel Yang is the National Director of Churches of Welcome at World Relief. Previously he served as the director of the Church Multiplication Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, a think tank for evangelism and church planting. He has pastored and helped plant churches in Detroit, Dallas-Fort Worth, Toronto, and Chicago. He earned an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a BS in computer science from the University of Michigan, and is currently a PhD student in intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.   Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/   

June's RLC Book Club with Chuck Mingo and Troy Jackson to learn about their book, "Living Undivided: Loving Courageously for Racial Healing and Justice." About the Book: As the church and as a country, we've often neglected and avoided addressing the impact and ongoing reality of racism. We've been more focused on order than justice, more concerned with social media posturing than solidarity, more committed to judgment than repentance. But God's people are called to more. We need to lead the way to true racial healing, solidarity, and justice. Through enlightening history and eye-opening personal stories, Living Undivided will equip and empower you with the biblical, transformative tools you need to move from just hoping and wishing for racial justice to actionable change that makes a difference in your life and the lives of churches, neighborhoods, and cities. About the Authors - CHUCK MINGO: Chuck is the Founder and CEO of UNDIVIDED, a nonprofit organization built to unite and ignite people for racial justice through programming that takes participants through life-changing moments of racial healing. Through his passion for justice and racial reconciliation, Chuck has transformed a congregational training into a national movement with hub cities emerging throughout the country. Chuck's leadership through UNDIVIDED has inspired and mobilized thousands from diverse backgrounds around the nation. In addition to leading UNDIVIDED, Chuck teaches and consults for churches and organizations around the country on a variety of topics related to race relations and racial justice. For nearly two decades, Chuck has served as a teaching pastor at one of the largest churches in America, Crossroads Church. Prior to being a pastor, Chuck spent nine years in the corporate world at Procter & Gamble. He earned his Bachelors in Business Administration at Duquesne University. Chuck is married with three children and calls Cincinnati, Ohio home. About the Authors - TROY JACKSON: Troy Jackson is a co-founder of UNDIVIDED and the Chief Strategies Officer. Former senior pastor of University Christian Church in Cincinnati, he loves moving people into action to advance racial justice and has spent the last decade doing faith-based community organizing. He has an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in United States History from the University of Kentucky. After raising three children,Troy and his wife Amanda moved to their dream home–a cabin in the woods outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/

The Rev. Dr. Allison J. Tanner is a pastor, educator and organizer working for justice and healing in her community. She is the Stephen McNeil Fellow at AFSC, where she organizes the Apartheid-Free Communities platform. She is also the Pastor of Public Witness at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, California. [https://afsc.org/profile/allison-tanner] "The Apartheid-Free network is a coalition of communities who pledge to work together to end Israeli apartheid. This coalition formed in 2022, following the emerging consensus among the international human rights community that Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people amounts to the Crime of Apartheid. Originally created by faith groups in North America, the network currently includes congregations, faith communities, solidarity organizations, non-profits, campus groups, businesses, and more. Centered in North America, we encourage communities throughout the world to join the network. The Apartheid-Free network asks ourselves and our communities to take a renewed public pledge against all forms of racism, bigotry, and oppression, including against racist discrimination, islamophobia, antisemitism, and xenophobia in our own communities. We seek to educate ourselves and our communities about the devastation of Palestinian lives under military occupation, settler colonialism, and apartheid, and about the connections between settler colonialism, racist oppression, and the cult of security in Palestine/Israel, in North America, and throughout the world. Inspired by the anti-Apartheid movement that toppled the Apartheid regime in South Africa, we are building a new anti-apartheid movement and encourage faith communities and all communities of conscience to step away from any and all support to Israeli apartheid, occupation, and settler colonialism.  This coalition is convened by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and has a steering committee that consists of organizations and individuals that includes:  American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Alliance of Baptists Black Christians for Palestine (BC4P) Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Episcopal Peace Fellowship – Palestine Israel Network (EPF PIN) Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (IPMN) Mennonite Palestine Israel Network (MennoPIN) Quaker Palestine Israel Network (QPIN) United Church of Christ (UCC) United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR) Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/