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Why did religion decline in America—and was it really driven by hostility toward faith? In this episode, Loren talks with sociologist Christian Smith about his book Why Religion Went Obsolete and the cultural, technological, and institutional changes that reshaped American religion over the last several decades. Smith, well known for coining the term “moralistic therapeutic deism,” argues that religion did not simply decline or get pushed out by secularism—it became culturally obsolete. The conversation explores Smith's argument that the early 1990s marked a major cultural turning point, driven by technological shifts, generational change, and evolving social expectations. Rather than abandoning spirituality altogether, many Americans sought meaning, identity, and transcendence elsewhere—in politics, digital communities, sports, and forms of what Smith calls “re-enchantment culture.” They also discuss the continuing influence of moralistic therapeutic deism, the role of scandal and self-inflicted wounds within religious institutions, and why Christianity's challenges may be more internal and cultural than simply ideological or political. Together they explore: The lasting influence of moralistic therapeutic deism Why 1991 marked a cultural tipping point “Re-enchantment” and the rise of alternative spiritualities Religious scandal and Christianity's self-inflicted wounds Why authenticity matters for younger generations Politics, polarization, and religion's public witness What churches can learn from cultural change and loneliness Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology Emeritus and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. Smith received his MA and PhD from Harvard University in 1990 and his BA from Gordon College in 1983. He was a Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for 12 years before his move to Notre Dame. Mentioned Resources:
Some conversations want to be in a coffee shop, not a studio — and this is one of them. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty and I share a particular endangered species of Baptist heritage, the small, ecumenical, justice-formed wing whose patron saints include her father, Glenn Hinson, the Baptist church historian who taught half my div-school professors how to take the contemplative tradition seriously. So before we got anywhere near the politics of freedom, the problem of wealth, or the murderus super chickens of late-stage neoliberalism, we sat in her father's legacy for a while. The conversation took a different shape because of it. What follows is a slow take — on the perversion of freedom in white Christian America, the way our politics has lost any room for loss or failure, and what theological education has to do now if it is going to do anything at all. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty is the J. Roy Davis Family Chair of Theology and History at Union Presbyterian Seminary's Charlotte campus, where she teaches theology and ethics. Ordained in the PC(USA), she previously taught for nearly two decades at Bellarmine University, and earned her PhD from what is now UPSem. The books that anchor this conversation: Authentic Christian Freedom: Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty (the newest, on freedom's misuse in white Christian America); The Problem of Wealth: A Christian Response to a Culture of Affluence (Orbis, 2017 — winner of the Catholic Press Association's first-place prize in Catholic Social Teaching); and Dutiful Love: Empowering Individuals and Families Affected by Serious Mental Illness. Theology Beer Camp 2026 — The God-Podcalypse — hits Kansas City October 8–10, exactly one month before the election. Thirty scholars (Ilia Delio, Cornel West, Diana Butler Bass, Gary Dorrien, and a stack more), thirty God-pods, four post-apocalyptic stages, and the community everyone keeps telling us is the real reason they come back. Come find your people at Theology Beer Camp Join our upcoming online class – THE FUTURE OF RELIGION Tripp and Ilia Delio are teaming up for a brand-new four-week online class, The Future of Religion — for everyone who's read the books, asked the questions, and realized the faith they inherited doesn't quite fit anymore. Together they'll trace religion's evolutionary arc and map what's emerging on the other side. Includes 4 video lectures, 4 live Q&As (replays available), and a community of fellow travelers. Donation-based, pay what you're able (including $0). Live sessions start this month — register at www.thefutureofreligion.com This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a long break, Dale returns to share a major life and ministry update. He explains the expansion of his public voice into cultural and political issues and introduces his new show focused on the recovery of a Christian America.
The Community of Jesus was founded in 1970 by two housewives, Cay Anderson and Judy Sorensen. They told members they were "God's anointed" with a direct line to God. Any authority figure they appointed carried that same divine authority. Members were taught to obey without questioning the leadership's authority. I spoke with former member and award-nominated writer Ewan Whyte. His fifth book, Mothers of Invention: Essays on the Community of Jesus and Grenville Christian College, details life inside this cult and its affiliated boarding school in Canada. Ewan was raised in the group from childhood. He knows this organization from the inside, and what he shares deserves your full attention. The Community of Jesus is one of three surviving original covenant communities founded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The other two are the Word of God, founded in 1967 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and People of Praise 1972, - founded around the same time and known today as the community Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is closely associated with. Of the three, the Community of Jesus has been, as Ewan argues, is historically, the most politically influential in shaping American evangelical culture of today. Here is something that stops most people cold: the most important best-selling book of Christian nationalism, The Light and the Glory, was secretly written inside this cult. As Ewan documents in his book, this revisionist version of American history, which argues that God intended the founding the United States to be a Christian nation, was produced by Community of Jesus members David Manuel and Peter Marshall Jr. Their work became a cornerstone text for the Christian nationalist movement and has shaped the beliefs of millions of Americans. Come listen to this enlightening interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dinesh D'Souza- THE LEFT'S TERROR NETWORK, Victor Davis Hanson- Deconstructing the Deadly Manifesto The Democratic Left and jihadists are becoming indistinguishable in their terror schemes, and they share the same target: Christian America. Also joining me: Larry Sanger, Wikipedia co-founder, on how the platform has been taken over by these same forces. Watch the entire video at- https://youtu.be/1KKaeobot1k?si=V0kU7A8HfZJfu3Jd THE LEFT'S TERROR NETWORK Dinesh D'Souza 808K subscribers 4/27/26 12,495 views (1:58) The Left's Domestic Terror Network (3:30) Cole Allen: Fanatic, Not Lunatic (7:14) The Ideology Behind Political Assassinations (10:51) The SPLC Indictment Explained (13:10) How the SPLC Secretly Funded White Supremacy (15:04) The SPLC's Real Target: MAGA (17:44) Wikipedia as a Left-Wing Smear Machine (19:35) Will the Left's Revolution Consume Itself? Victor Davis Hanson: The Leftist Talking Points Within Cole Tomas Allen's Deadly Manifesto The unhinged manifesto of the recent would-be White House Correspondents' Dinner assassin is nothing more than a regurgitated checklist of the radical Left's favorite lies and dangerous conspiracy theories. From thoroughly debunked Russia collusion hoaxes to entirely fabricated accusations regarding the border, the shooter's twisted justifications prove exactly how poisonous mainstream media rhetoric has become. This violent escalation is the terrifying, direct result of Marxist influencers championing "social murder" and turning actual criminals into woke folk heroes. Unless the Left finally abandons its relentless campaign of Trump Derangement Syndrome and stops glorifying political violence, this lethal echo chamber will only continue to radicalize the unstable, argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words:” “Obviously, Cole Thomas Allen is unhinged. He's crazy. He may be bright by graduating from Caltech, but he didn't seem to be very bright in his manifesto. But what he wrote as an exegesis of why he was doing it is an encapsulation of ideology that's promulgated by today's Left.” Watch this video at https://youtu.be/kasA1yhboVQ?si=tKXuoNiu2y-Pe_wk The Daily Signal 1.1M subscribers Apr 28, 2026 Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words
Send us Fan MailToday I interview Todd Allen, Founder of the Common Ground Project and administrator at Messiah University (PA). Todd and I talk about his work in civil rights education and history. We also discuss my forthcoming book, The Christian Past That Wasn't. Todd is an enthusiastic endorser of the book and makes a good case for why it is needed as the administration is manipulating history of the founding era. Music provided by Netop. Written, produced, and hosted by Warren ThrockmortonFor more information about The Christian Past That Wasn't, go to www.christianpast.com. To contact Todd about the Common Ground Project, go to the christianpast.com and use the contact function to send me an email. I will make sure he gets it.
The Democratic Left and jihadists are becoming indistinguishable in their terror schemes, and they share the same target: Christian America. Also joining me: Larry Sanger, Wikipedia co-founder, on how the platform has been taken over by these same forces. Leave the old “buy and hold” crypto strategy behind at https://DineshCrypto.com ! Purchase crypto with military grade encryption and American customer service. Hundreds of crypto holders have saved MILLIONS thanks to BlockTrustIRA’s Animus AI. Visit https://DineshCrypto.com and receive up to $2,500 in FREE bonus crypto! America has nearly 39 trillion dollars in debt! Are you protected from this pending disaster? Go to http://DineshGold.com and get up to 10% in bonus gold or silver. For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (706) 262-4774 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/dinesh I’m on substack! Check out what I have to say here: https://dineshdsouza.substack.com/Dinesh D'Souza is an author and filmmaker. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he was a senior domestic policy analyst in the Reagan administration. He also served as a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is the author of many bestselling books, including "Illiberal Education," "What's So Great About Christianity," "America: Imagine a World Without Her," "The Roots of Obama's Rage," "Death of a Nation," and "United States of Socialism." His documentary films "2016: Obama's America," "America," "Hillary's America," "Death of a Nation," and "Trump Card" are among the highest-grossing political documentaries of all time. He and his wife Debbie are also executive producers of the acclaimed feature film "Infidel." — Want to connect with Dinesh D'Souza online for more hard-hitting analysis of current events in America? Here’s how: Get Dinesh unfiltered, uncensored and unchained on Locals: https://dinesh.locals.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsouzadinesh Twitter: https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza Rumble: https://rumble.com/dineshdsouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshjdsouzaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailOn April 28, the first episode of the podcast series The Christian Past That Wasn't is scheduled for posting. This is a continuation of the podcast formerly known as Telling Jefferson Lies. TJL gets a new name in recognition of the publication of my new bookThe Christian Past That Wasn't: Debunking the Christian Nationalist Myths That Hijack History. On May 19, Broadleaf Books will release this book and I plan to post a segment of the series that day as well. This brief segment is a trailer for the 2026 series. I am glad to have Todd Allen, Jeremie Beller, and Jemar Tisby with me on the trailer today. Music today is by Netop (formerly known as Earl's Taco Shack). A lot renaming going on round here. Netop is a Narrangansett word for friend or neighbor. Keep up with new developments at www.christianpast.com and warrenthrockmorton.substack.com.
Recently, a controversial theologian offered a vision for a Christian America. Justin Giboney of the And Campaign, author of "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around," talks about how Jesus, who gathered a very diverse group of disciples, cast a vision for The Kingdom...a vision that brought all his disciples together. Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano joins us to look at some of the Christian atheletes who are making a difference as they live out there faith, including Jameis Winston, a backup quarterback now with the NY Giants. He lives out his faith in such a way that others know they are loved and important. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
Can Christianity be restored to the center of American life? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird engage two competing narratives shaping the current conversation around religion in America—decline and revival. Interacting with recent articles from American Reformer and The New York Times, they examine whether the so-called “waning” of Christianity tells the full story, or whether deeper currents suggest something else entirely. Is America moving beyond Christianity… or is a return still possible? More importantly—what would it actually mean for Christianity to be “central” again? Cultural influence? Political establishment? Or something deeper? This conversation pushes beyond simplistic binaries and asks what a historically Protestant, theologically grounded vision for public life might look like in the present moment. https://americanreformer.org/2026/03/...
Can Christianity be restored to the center of American life? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird engage two competing narratives shaping the current conversation around religion in America—decline and revival. Interacting with recent articles from American Reformer and The New York Times, they examine whether the so-called “waning” of Christianity tells the full story, or whether deeper currents suggest something else entirely.Is America moving beyond Christianity… or is a return still possible? More importantly—what would it actually mean for Christianity to be “central” again? Cultural influence? Political establishment? Or something deeper? This conversation pushes beyond simplistic binaries and asks what a historically Protestant, theologically grounded vision for public life might look like in the present moment. https://americanreformer.org/2026/03/...Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
Can Christianity be restored to the center of American life? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird engage two competing narratives shaping the current conversation around religion in America—decline and revival. Interacting with recent articles from American Reformer and The New York Times, they examine whether the so-called “waning” of Christianity tells the full story, or whether deeper currents suggest something else entirely. Is America moving beyond Christianity… or is a return still possible? More importantly—what would it actually mean for Christianity to be “central” again? Cultural influence? Political establishment? Or something deeper? This conversation pushes beyond simplistic binaries and asks what a historically Protestant, theologically grounded vision for public life might look like in the present moment. https://americanreformer.org/2026/03/...
The return of "What About?" Wednesdays! Text us your questions for apologist and pastor Robby Lashua!In April of 1953, during a sermon in which he confronted the base distinctions between Communism and Christianity, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "We must admit that we as Christians have often lagged behind at this point. Slavery could not have existed in America for more than two hundred and fifty years if the Church had not sanctioned it. Segregation and discrimination could not exist in America today without the sanction of the Church. I am ashamed and appalled at the fact that eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in Christian America. How tardy we have been! The Church has to often been an institution serving to crystalize the patterns of the status quo."Is the criticism fair?Or, as he goes on to say, are there underlying appeals within Communism that, although subtle, are having a profound impact on culture and the Church?To wrestle with those questions, today we are joined by Joy Watson whose school, in the International Academy of St. Petersburg, resides within the residue of a form of Russian communism that fell in 1991 but whose presence is still felt.Are we, as Americans who have just elected a socialist mayor in our nation's largest city, in danger of falling prey? "Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created by Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona.For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit: https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone: (623)225-5573.
Christian Cultural Conference 2024, hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Casper, WY. Conference organized by Luther Classical College. Audio from Youtube: https://youtu.be/FUHvnhjuSOM?si=8A4QS-7J8aeRD9Er
In this audio essay from my SubStack ,Process This, I take Stephen Miller's claim that the "real world" is governed by strength and force and use it as a window into something much bigger than one political figure—a diagnosis of the soul of America. Drawing on the thesis Tom Holland developed in Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, Reinhold Niebuhr's The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness, and the Black prophetic tradition of King and West, traced by Gary Dorrien in his 3 volume history of the Black Social Gospel movement, I argue that what we're witnessing isn't actually Christian nationalism triumphing—it's post-Christian nationalism wearing Christian clothes. The cross is still everywhere, but the crucified one has been removed, and what's left is just Rome again: empire, domination, and the ancient lie that might makes right. But here's where it gets really interesting—Niebuhr doesn't let progressives off the hook either, naming them as "children of light" who kept the Christian ethics of justice and victim-focus but severed them from grace, forgiveness, and the theological roots that make them sustainable. It's a prophetic call that refuses easy partisanship, traces the American rhetoric of force back through white supremacy to its Roman origins, and ultimately invites us back to the "sublime madness" of King's Beloved Community—where power is redefined not as domination but as the capacity to achieve a shared, constructive purpose. You can subscribe to the Audio Essay podcast feed here. Join us at Theology Beer Camp, October 8-10, in Kansas City! ONLINE LENT CLASS: Jesus in Galilee w/ John Dominic Crossan What can we actually know about Jesus of Nazareth? And, what difference does it make? This Lenten class begins where all of Dr. John Dominic Crossan's has work begins: with history. What was actually happening in Galilee in the 20s CE? What did Herod Antipas' transformation of the "Sea of Galilee" into the commercial "Sea of Tiberias" mean for peasant fishing communities? Why did Jesus emerge from John's baptism movement proclaiming God's Rule through parables—and what made that medium so perfectly suited to that message? Only by understanding what Jesus' parables meant then can we wrestle with what they might demand of us now. The class is donation-based, including 0, so join, get info, and join up here. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fran's company is requiring employees to attend a training on company policies about LGBTQ employees to make certain they are not discriminated against. Fran and her friend Louise, fellow believers, have differing views as to whether they should refuse to attend this training and take a strong stand for their beliefs, or whether that would be regarded as unkind and un-Christlike. I'm not suggesting I have the answer to these many issues we face in our post-Christian America, but here are some thoughts to consider. First remember what Jesus said from Mark 8:38. If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels (Mark 8:38). Jesus did not promise popularity for us when we become his disciples. In fact, he promised the opposite. He called his generation—his culture—an adulterous and sinful one, so what we face is not unique. It's always been true that the world is not a friend to Jesus. The Bible's teaching on contested issues today, such as abortion, sexuality, or any of our beliefs, is admittedly not always popular. It wasn't popular in New Testament times either, and the early church repeatedly had to decide if they would “follow Jesus, no turning back” or not. So, if being popular is our goal, we will be swept up into a politically correct world and are likely to compromise in order to be accepted and liked. Jesus showed no inclination to be politically correct in his day, did he? He was at odds against the religious leaders of his people and said so in direct and very confrontational words. They did not like him, that's for sure. On the other hand, he showed such incredible grace and love to the worst in their society and was never reluctant to associate with them, eat with them, talk to them, heal them. Someone has said we must not allow our counter-cultural posture to become anti-cultural. That's the challenge we face. As Christians, we are to be compelled by the love of Christ to extend kindness and friendship to those who disagree with us. Jesus prayed for us that we would be in this world but not of this world. And as Fran and Louise face this hypothetical decision about the new policies of their company, they need to find that balance and know how Jesus is leading them in this moment.
Living for Jesus in an increasingly hostile culture can leave Christians feeling bitter and defensive. But what if we're missing something crucial about how we're called to engage the lost world?In this episode, we walk through Titus 3 and unpack three essential truths for staying tender-hearted toward unbelievers:1️⃣ Remember who you were before Christ (vv. 1-3)2️⃣ Remember what God has done (vv. 4-7)3️⃣ Remember your calling (v. 8)We discuss navigating a post-Christian America, the danger of confusing the mission field with your enemy, and why evangelistic engagement is the antidote to growing callous toward the lost.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family PlanThis episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit: https://www.masters.edu
Give to help Chris make Truce Tim and Beverly LaHaye were a prominent American evangelical Christian couple known for their influential work in ministry, literature, and conservative activism. Tim LaHaye, born in 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, was a pastor, author, and speaker who gained national recognition through his work in Christian fiction and prophecy interpretation. He served as a pastor for over 25 years before turning to full-time writing and speaking, often focusing on end-times theology and family values. Beverly LaHaye, born in 1929, was a vocal advocate for conservative Christian values and women's roles in society, founding the organization Concerned Women for America in 1979. Tim LaHaye is perhaps best known as the co-author of the Left Behind series, a best-selling collection of apocalyptic novels written with Jerry B. Jenkins. The series dramatizes a fictionalized version of the Rapture and subsequent tribulation, based on Tim's interpretation of Biblical prophecy. These books sold over 80 million copies worldwide and sparked renewed interest in eschatology within evangelical circles. In addition to fiction, he wrote numerous nonfiction books addressing topics such as marriage, politics, and spirituality, always with a conservative Christian perspective. Together, Tim and Beverly LaHaye were a formidable force in American evangelicalism, combining their talents in writing, activism, and public speaking to influence both Christian thought and conservative politics. Married for over 60 years until Tim's death in 2016, they left behind a legacy of fervent advocacy for their faith and values. While supporters praised their dedication to scripture and family, critics often challenged their political and theological positions. Regardless, their impact on late 20th and early 21st-century evangelicalism remains significant. Sources: Dreyfuss, R. (2004, Feb). "Reverend Doomsday". Rolling Stone, pp. 46-49. White, G. (2001, Jul 07). "Evangelical power couple authors Tim and Beverly LaHaye, with scores of books between them, rank as four-star generals to many conservative Christians." [home edition]. The Atlanta Journal The Atlanta Constitution God's Own Party by Daniel K Williams PBS article on Comstock Laws "The men from CLEAN". (1966, Sep 05). Newsweek, 68, 23-24. Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein How to Be Happy Though Married by Tim LaHaye Divided We Stand by Marjorie Spruill The Unhappy Gays by Tim LaHaye For a Christian America by Ruth Murray Brown Carlin v. Board of Education Listen, America! by Jerry Falwell With God on Our Side by William C Martin Christianity Today article about Carter's presence at NRB “Tim LaHaye--Waging War Against Humanism” Skelton, Nancy Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Feb 22, 1981 BATTIATA, M. (1987, Oct 03). "Beverly LaHaye leads a powerful force from the right": [CITY edition]. St.Petersburg Times Hacker, K. (1988, Mar 06). "A WOMAN OF ACTION: FUNDAMENTALIST BEVERLY LAHAYE IS BUSY RALLYING HER 'KITCHEN-TABLE LOBBYISTS' TO ALL SORTS OF POLITICAL CAUSES". Philadelphia Inquirer NPR article about Moonies The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald McMahon, M. (1999, Dec). Come, all ye faithful. The Spectator, 283, 18-19 The United States of Paranoia by Jesse Walker Discussion Questions: How have the LaHaye's impacted you? Does it matter that Tim had so many fears? He went on to help found the Council for National Policy, the far-right Christian dark money organization. Why does that feel ironic? How was Tim tied to the battle over segregated academies? How did LaHaye's background with the John Birch Society fit with his other beliefs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn reflect on William Butler Yeats' poem "The Second Coming" and what a waning Christian influence means for Western civilization. They connect Yeats' warning to recent social unrest, cultural polarization, and the erosion of civility seen during the Christmas season. The episode explores the need for a countercultural return to Christian values, practical ways to restore goodwill and community, and a reminder to keep hope alive as the new year begins.
Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Carey Nieuwhof Interview - Podcast Notes Overview Conversation with Carey Nieuwhof about the shift in modern church worship from entertainment-focused to encounter-focused experiences, live streaming strategy, and church growth in the digital age. Key Themes 1. The Shift: Entertainment vs. Encounter The Problem with Modern Church Production Social media created a "copycat phase" where churches could suddenly see what megachurches were doing Churches adopted same equipment, same songs, same production values What was unique became ubiquitous - "we all became copies of each other" Gen Z is "the most marketed to generation in human history" and numb to production Quote: "Gen Z is the most marketed to generation in human history. And we're all kind of numb to the production. I don't think people are looking for hype. They're looking for hope." What People Actually Want Something real and tangible An experience of God, not just information about God Presence, not just presentation Transformation over information The Internet's Limitation Really good at delivering information (especially with AI) Cannot facilitate an encounter "There's something that happens in the room that doesn't happen online" 2. What "Encounter Over Entertainment" Looks Like The Tonal Shift Worship leaders being more sensitive to what's happening in the room, not just rehearsed transitions Preachers leaving space, not just hitting time marks Paying attention to what God might be doing (people crying, leaning in, visible reactions) Creating space to breathe Silence and Space "When I started in ministry, my goal was to get rid of as much silence in church as I could" Now: "Where else are you going to get silence? You don't get it unless you're in church" Don't have to fill every moment with words Can be silent or "noodle" on instruments while creating space Quote: "People's lives are so noisy and so crowded. I mean, we don't even sleep without white noise machines or anything like that. So where else are you going to get silence?" Evoke vs. Manipulate Can't plan a revival - it happens or it doesn't Job is to "set the table" and make space for the Holy Spirit Example: Great movies evoke genuine tears by accessing real emotions Cheap manipulation feels different Quote: "It's not our job as Christians to manipulate. It's our job possibly to evoke, to say, 'I'm going to set the table. I can't control the Holy Spirit.'" 3. The Liturgy Issue Modern Church is "Liturgically Malnourished" Liturgy = order of service (not an outdated term) Modern church handles joy and praise well Missing: contemplation, confession, lamentation, reflection Lost practices: prayers of confession, prayers of the people Carey's Confession Presbyterian background included prayers of approach and confession As church became attractional, prayer became "just an opportunity to clear the set for the sermon" Regrets thin prayers: "God, it's so good to be here today. We thank you so much. Amen." Quote: "It's like confess your sins to one another and you will be healed. We don't do that anymore. What if we did that?" Not Either/Or, But Both/And Keep good lighting, sound, production, and musicians who can play Add breathing room, texture, color, tone, mood Use liturgical calendar and historic practices adapted to modern context Don't approach Sunday as "slots to fill" Creative Freedom 52 Sundays = 52 blank canvases Already do this well at Easter and Christmas Can be more creative without confusing people Example: Good Friday Service Ended in darkness with no announcement Faded to black and stayed there People sat in uncomfortable silence, then slowly left "I wanted them to feel that discomfort... if you can even get a small sampling of that" Easter Sunday picked up in darkness, then sunrise/resurrection 4. Live Streaming Strategy Who Should Live Stream? Not every church needs to live stream everything Need good musicians to sound great online (around 400-500 attendance to have talent base) Need separate mix for online vs. in-house Poor production = "school play" - only interesting to those directly involved Quote: "A lot of churches, and these are well-meaning, beautiful Christian people. If you don't have the talent in production or in worship, you sound like a school play." Alternatives Stream just the message On-demand after, mixed in post-production Audio only if video isn't good Consider what strangers stumbling on feed would think The Discovery Argument Pre-COVID minority of churches streamed Now "everybody you want to reach is online" "All of non-Christian America, all the nuns, all the duns, all the atheists, all the agnostics, they're on the internet" Can't remember last time truly unchurched person hadn't watched online for weeks/months before visiting The New Foyer Online is now the foyer, not the physical lobby People investigate online before visiting By the time they show up, they're ready to go "further, faster" "They've already done their investigating. They've already asked ChatGPT all the questions" 5. Practical Service Design Handling Growth Pressure Multiple services create pressure to program everything tightly Solution: Trim 5 minutes from sermon Do 60-minute service with breathing room between Create more lobby/connection space Leverage outdoor space (if climate allows) Worship Set Strategy Don't need extended mix of everything Maybe two songs and a tag instead of three full songs "Sit in the tag for a while" Find the high-impact moments (example: bridge of "How Great Is Our God") Get to what matters, like talent shows do 90-second versions Quote: "You don't have to do the extended mix of everything, the seven minute version, do the tag. That would be great. Space is something that you can do in three minutes if you know how to do it well." Service Flow Examples Don't make people stand and greet (where else does that happen?) Have emotionally intelligent people on doors, not just available people Greet people the way THEY want to be greeted Consider kids moments, announcements, communion as natural transitions Call to commitment/involvement comes sooner now than 10 years ago 6. Online Presence Best Practices Website Design Design for new people first Show service times and location prominently (mobile friendly) Staff page is #3 most viewed - people want to see "are there people like me?" Use accurate photos (don't show 27-year-olds if congregation is 70+) Show actual diversity if you have it Quote (Seth Godin): "Culture is people like us do things like this. So what people are looking for, are there people like us?" Content Strategy Lead with best sermons, not just latest Most popular videos should be easy to find People don't care if it's from 2 years ago (still watching The Office) Have robust FAQ section for unchurched questions Position yourself for lost people, not just members 7. The Current Moment The Harvest is Ripe People are seeking more than maybe in past decade or two Culture is saturated with production - not the competitive edge anymore Mental health crisis caused by social media People desperate for something real What to Do Pray for it (spiritual activity) Make newcomer journey easy Take them somewhere when they show up Go deeper faster - they're ready Quote: "People come to church looking to find God, but sometimes all they find is us. They found a really cool song, they found a really great message, but they didn't actually find God in the midst of it." Give Them Meat Reference to Tara-Lee Cobble and The Bible Recap Provide historical context (helps Christians AND non-Christians) Don't be afraid to go deep on sin, gospel, redemption Write/speak in accessible "street Greek" like the New Testament Example Opening: "Hey, we're going back 3000 years. And there was a guy named David who was King of Israel. He was trying to keep the kingdom united because there was a north and a south. You can relate to that. These are divided times..." Quote (Tim Keller): "It's worse than you can possibly imagine and better than you can possibly dream." 8. Leadership Advice For Young Church Staff (25-40) Navigating Frustration with Leadership Write down actual issues you're facing (budget, staffing, expertise) Present respectfully, thoughtfully, submissively Good leaders will either provide resources or adjust priorities Identifying Toxic Culture Unrealistic expectations Unsympathetic to staff needs Expects 60-hour weeks with no life Toxic leader will get mad/defensive when approached Options in Toxic Environment Respectfully approach and share difficulties Accept the glass ceiling and stay Build healthy team within unhealthy body (temporary solution) Leave - "unhealthy bodies drive out healthy cells" Interview Questions for New Positions Ask to talk to current staff (not the pastor) Ask to talk to FORMER staff Find out who left and why Read Google reviews Have meals/experiences together (reveals character under pressure) Quote: "Ask around, ask if you have permission. Don't ask the pastor. Don't ask the pastor. Are you healthy? The toxic people, 'I'm so healthy.'" 9. Team Building & Growth Hiring Philosophy Only hire A players C players: you know immediately (late, unmotivated, incomplete work) - should be gone B players: good but not great - "it's too bad but we'll survive" A players: if they quit you'd need 3 people to replace them Quote (Netflix): "Adequate performance gets you a generous severance package." A Player Test If they knocked on the door saying "this is my last day," how do you react? C player: "Thank goodness, now I don't have to fire them" B player: "Too bad but we'll survive" A player: "Grabbing the waste basket and throwing up" Growth Wisdom Don't settle on staff because you're panicking Will eventually become bloated with no profit Profit = "permission to do this again tomorrow" (Seth Godin) Most businesses fail not from lack of vision but lack of cash Use tools like Working Genius to find right fit Don't just find A players - find A players with gifts your team needs Cultural Values Write them down and review regularly Ritz-Carlton: 26 values, reviewed 2-3 daily in team meetings Use to evaluate: "Where are we winning/losing with our values?" Catch team members exemplifying values Values help instill culture as org chart grows 10. Upcoming Projects Carey's New Book Topic: AI and the Future Church Thesis: "As the world becomes more artificial, we need to become more human as Christians" Church's future direction is human connection Expected publication: 2026 Latest Book "At Your Best" - about time, energy, and priorities Notable Statistics & Data Points 72% of teenagers have tried AI chatbots 31% prefer AI companionship to human companions Pre-COVID: minority of churches streamed services Can't recall single unchurched person who didn't watch online for weeks/months before visiting Around 400-500 attendance: churches start having talent base for good production 80-95% of church growth in America is conversion growth (not transfer) Top 3 website pages: Homepage, Messages, Staff/About Production Quality Basics Good Enough to Stream Great singing (doesn't need to be phenomenal) Decent lights Pretty good mix Can work with church of 150-200 with good coaching Everything else can be helped with technology Bare Minimum Great guitarist + great vocalist = "off to the races" Don't feel pressure to have full mediocre band Add musicians as you find/afford great ones Practical Takeaways Create space in services - silence, breathing room, sensitivity to the room Recover lost liturgical practices - confession, lamentation, contemplation Go deeper faster - people are ready for meat, not just milk Design for online discovery - unchurched people are investigating you Lead with best content - not just latest content Only hire A players - don't panic hire when growing Build real human connection - counter to increasingly artificial world Make newcomer journey easy - they're ready to engage quickly Be creative with 52 Sundays - not just slots to fill Focus on encounter over entertainment - production supports experience, doesn't replace it Questions for Further Reflection How can we create more space for confession in our services? What would it look like to "evoke" rather than "manipulate" in worship? Are we positioning our online presence for unchurched discovery? Is our production supporting encounter or replacing it? What emotions are people carrying into our services, and how do we acknowledge that? Are we moving too fast for the Holy Spirit to work? Memorable Quotes "I don't think people are looking for hype. They're looking for hope." "People aren't looking for more information. They're looking for presence, not just presentation." "The internet is really good at information, especially with AI. You want to know anything, you can find out anything, but the internet can't really facilitate an encounter." "It's not our job as Christians to manipulate. It's our job possibly to evoke." "Where else are you going to get silence? You don't get it unless you're in church." "If you don't have the talent in production or in worship, you sound like a school play." "Everybody you want to reach is online." "Your foyer has moved online." "People come to church looking to find God, but sometimes all they find is us." "As the world becomes more artificial, we need to become more human as Christians." "Adequate performance gets you a generous severance package." "Profit is permission to do this again tomorrow."
As we ring in the New Year our team sits to discuss the new release of An Oration: John Quincy's Christian America. This speech was essentially lost in time until our team, and with the help of our friend Dr. W.B. Allen, helped rediscover it. Our conversation doesn't stay in the past, what we learn applies to issues we see in our government today. Many listeners may have their own copy of An Oration but if you haven't please don't miss this incredible book or you can give a copy to someone by clicking HERE. Topic: Books The Public Square® Long Format with host David Zanotti thepublicsquare.com Release Date: Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Today's episode is a necessary and honest conversation.We're talking about why Candace Owens deserves continued support as she pushes for transparency and truth surrounding what really happened to Charlie Kirk, especially in a time when blind trust in federal institutions like the FBI, or figures such as Kash Patel, is no longer reasonable or wise.I'll also share my candid thoughts on AmFest so far, what I'm observing beneath the surface, and why conservatives need to be paying closer attention to who holds influence within our own movements.We'll discuss why TPUSA and Christian organizations must be protected from ideological and religious subversion, why preserving the integrity of our faith-based institutions matters, and why Americans must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations about foreign influence (including Israeli influence) within our government, without fear of censorship or character assassination.At the core of this episode is one foundational truth: free speech and religious freedom are our most important rights. If we lose either, we lose the ability to defend the other. These rights must be protected not just for ourselves, but for everyone, especially those we disagree with.This is about truth, courage, and refusing to surrender our principles for comfort and/or approval.--https://www.bible.com/
Our journey back in time continues with Part II of the live, 15th anniversary episode of Christmas in America 1837. The outstanding musical selections continue and we are honored by the personal visit of a very special guest, Dr. William B. Allen, discussing the release of the new book "An Oration: John Quincy Adams' Christian America." Join in the conclusion of this exciting story and please, tell a friend. Topic: Christmas in America The Public Square® Long Format with hosts Wayne Shepherd and Dave Zanotti. thepublicsquare.com Release Date: Friday, December 19th 2025
Brad takes a hard look at the American right's response to the recent shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, DC, and shows how the rhetoric around the tragedy signals a shift from overt Christian nationalism to something even broader and more dangerous: Western supremacy. He traces how this worldview draws from older ideas about civilizational conflict and cultural hierarchy and how it is now being revived by politicians, pundits, and tech billionaires who frame immigration and diversity as threats to the survival of the West. Using statements from Donald Trump, Fox News, Elon Musk, and leaders of conservative think tanks, Brad breaks down how the language has moved from “protecting Christian America” to “defending Western civilization” and how that shift expands the target while narrowing the circle of belonging. He explains why Western supremacy is an exclusionary, anti democratic ideology and how it lays the groundwork for policies that declare entire groups incompatible with society. It is a sobering, sharp analysis of a growing political narrative that insists not everyone deserves a place at the table. Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 1000+ episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Subscribe to Teología Sin Vergüenza Subscribe to American Exceptionalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
01:00 Why So Much Positive Coverage Of Dick Cheney Last Week? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165087 03:40 Hal Brands on US-China 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfTpN6nLEo0 06:00 I Like This Trump Peace Plan For Ukraine, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165063 18:00 Porn Stars & The Rootless Elite, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165066 45:00 Rony Guldmann Revisits Liberal Fascism, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165052 59:00 MAGA's Jew-Hatred Component Are Tiny, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165046 1:07:00 Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World's Sole Superpower by Michael Beckley 1:14:00 Kip joins to talk Nick Fuentes 1:50:00 I thought my career would look like Henry Blofeld's, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kcO9S6wnHM 1:52:30 Why Religion Became Obsolete, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_7POAn4BNk 1:54:30 Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_HerKGUmc 2:16:40 Why Is Nick Fuentes So Popular? Nikki Haley's Son Explains., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmqp22YafDw 2:26:00 Elites Are Vulnerable, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165028 2:35:00 Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165023 2:41:00 Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=164992 2:43:00 Michael joins to talk about Rush Limbaugh 2:45:00 Rush Limbaugh's Legacy, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=137555 3:02:00 There's No Mitzvah To Fight Anti-Semitism, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165019 3:08:00 What Is Post-Liberalism? Why Is This Topic So Hot Now? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=165017 3:39:00 Secrets of Talk Radio, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=162206 3:43:00 WP: A hulking home addition is dividing neighbors and stumping officials, https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/22/fairfax-virginia-housing-addition-dispute/
Is there a link between Christmas and the 4th of July? Is there a witness from the Founding Era that made such a claim? Please join us today as we open the cover on a new book titled, "An Oration, John Quincy Adams' Christian America" and listen in on a conversation that may change your whole view on how America began. It all begins this week on The Public Square®. Topic: Books The Public Square® Long Format with hosts Wayne Shepherd and Dave Zanotti. thepublicsquare.com Release Date: Friday, November 14th, 2025
Ken Burns says the American Revolution is "the most important event in world history since the birth of Christ." That's a bold claim—especially in a moment when the word "patriot" has become a weapon and the experiment that revolution launched feels more fragile than ever. In this conversation, Russell Moore sits down with the legendary documentarian to explore what eight years of wrestling with the founders can teach us about our fractured present. How do you love a country—or a church—while being honest about its deep hypocrisies? Can you hold together progress and permanence, hope and clear-eyed realism? And what does faithfulness look like when certainty has replaced faith? Burns's new series, The American Revolution (premiering November 16 on PBS), attempts something audacious: telling a visual story from an era with no photographs, bringing to life the contradiction-filled men who proclaimed "all men are created equal" while many of them held other human beings in bondage. Using voices including Tom Hanks, Liev Schreiber, and Claire Danes, Burns creates a narrative that refuses both myth-making and cynicism. Burns discusses with RDM why labels such as “Heritage American” and “Christian America” fail and what the founders actually believed about divine providence (hint: it wasn't what you think). Along the way: Schoolhouse Rock nostalgia, baseball metaphors, and what it means to be a patriot when the word itself has been hijacked. Watch the full conversation on YouTube.Resources mentioned in this episode: Watch Burns' “The American Revolution” on PBS for free starting November 16th. Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Are Cultural Shifts Making Evangelical Trends Look Like Revival? Good Faith "founding friend" David French joins Curtis Chang for a powerful conversation on revival, revolution, and the future of American Christianity. Together they explore whether today's supposed spiritual movements signal a genuine renewal of faith or a political realignment within evangelical culture. From Gen Z's shifting beliefs to the rise of MAGA Christianity, they unpack the tension between true repentance and political identity. David and Curtis offer fresh insight into how Christians can pursue authentic spiritual growth while navigating a deeply divided cultural landscape. (02:58) - What is happening in American Christianity? (06:36) - It's Complicated: Mistaking Revolution For Revival (09:35) - What Does Revival Look Like? (12:11) - Revival vs. Revolutionary Christianity (20:09) - Empathy and Struggling With Sin Together (29:11) - Religious and Political Realignment in America (39:45) - Religious Realignment in American Churches Join The After Party Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org Donate to Redeeming Babel Mentioned In This Episode: David French's article Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It's Making Me Nervous Barna Research: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance Tim Keller's article 'Lord, Do It Again': Tim Keller on Revival (The Gospel Coalition) Tim Keller's message A Biblical Theology of Revival Read Acts 2:14-47 (ESV) - Peter preaches from Joel and repentance breaks out Read Isaiah 6 (ESV) - Isaiah's call and commission George Whitefield and the 1727 The Great Awakening What was the Azusa Street Revival? (Christian Union America) Kevin Brown's article What the Asbury Revival Taught Me About Gen Z (Christianity Today) What is Seven Mountain Dominionism? What is Catholic Integralism? Differing Opinions: Is Empathy A Sin? Some Conservative Christians Argue It Can Be (PBS) Rodney Stark The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History (PBS) Read Romans 5:1-11 (ESV) - Peace with God through faith Listen: Good Faith episode 30 Russell Moore discusses why "crazy as a church growth strategy" is not the way of Jesus Ryan Burge: What About White Evangelicals Who Aren't Conservative? More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Follow Us: Good Faith in Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.
A recent article tries to explain why so many politically active Christians behave unchristianly in the public square by differentiating “vertical” and “horizontal” sources of morality. The Holy Post crew examines the argument and finds it weak. Has MAGA ignited a revival in the U.S.? David French says we may be confusing a political revolution for a spiritual revival. Jamin Goggin joins Skye to discuss recovering the practice of confession in our churches. Goggin says it should start with pastors. Also this week—man does not live by 1200-year-old bread alone. 0:00 - Show Starts 2:59 - Check out the After Party's free 6-week video course, the companion book, a workshop version of the content, or their new worship album with The Porter's Gate. https://redeemingbabel.org/the-after-party/free-course2/?utm_source=TPO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=TheHolyPost&utm_term=Fall2025 4:25 - Sponsor - AG1 - Get a free welcome kit (worth $75) when you sign up here - drinkag1.com/holypost 5:49 - No Kings Protest 10:15 - Image of Christ found in 1200 year old bread 14:56 - Revival or Revolution? 26:38 - Vertical morality vs Horizontal morality 41:55 - The Daily Wire critiques Skye 46:22 - Sponsor - Policy Genius - Head on over to policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. 47:35 - Sponsor - World Relief - Download your free set of conversation cards from World Relief today at worldrelief.org/holypost 49:52 - Interview with Jamin Goggin Pastoral Confessions: The Healing Path to Faithful Ministry by Jamin Goggin https://amzn.to/4hpofnN 1:25:52 - End Credits Links Mentioned in News Segment: 1,200-year-old loaf of bread with image of Christ unearthed in astonishing find https://nypost.com/2025/10/19/science/1200-year-old-bread-with-jesus-christ-image-found-by-archaeologists/?utm_medium=social&sr_share=facebook&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawNi-xJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA0YmZZOFBLMVUza3hKUjRHAR6thrb2r4iIMQPMZyf1x_ZHKvwAdV2kC0OeKNK27EbPh_Dl_jEB8dR96nj73Q_aem_3uAmjM1LsHe35z6sj6GkHw What Drives MAGA Christians' Un-Christian Actions? Experts Say It Comes Down To This. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vertical-morality-maga-christians_l_68dc8386e4b0b11989f00fb8 Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It's Making Me Nervous https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/opinion/christianity-charlie-kirk-revolution-revival.html Other Resources: Pastoral Confessions: The Healing Path to Faithful Ministry by Jamin Goggin https://amzn.to/4hpofnN The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus' Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It https://amzn.to/4neWFL6 Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Embracing chaos as a source for positive change is a powerful mindset shift. Instead of viewing disruption as a disaster to be resisted, you can learn to see it as the energy of possibility—a necessary period of deconstruction before a better creation can emerge. This process requires retaining hope and using the pause created by the chaos to your advantage. 1. Retaining Hope: The Inner Anchor in Chaos Focusing on Agency (What You Can Control): Chaos is defined by what's out of control. Retain hope by aggressively focusing on your immediate sphere of influence: your daily routine, your physical health, your choice of response, and your mindset. Small acts of personal order create pockets of hope. Practicing "Hopecore": Actively look for and amplify positive elements. This means limiting overwhelming news consumption, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and intentionally engaging in activities that bring you genuine joy or a sense of purpose. 2. Seeing Chaos as a Source for Change Chaos is, by definition, a state where old structures have broken down, making it the most fertile ground for transformation. The Deconstruction Principle: A chaotic event (a job loss, a global crisis, a relationship change) doesn't just destroy; it clears the slate of outdated assumptions, commitments, and habits that were holding you back. This forced deconstruction reveals what truly matter. 3. Bending Change for Positive: The "Positive Chaos" Mindset To "bend" the energy of chaos for positive outcomes, you must adopt an active, experimental approach. 4. Using the Pause: Transformational Stillness Chaos often imposes a pause—a stop to old momentum—which is a profound gift for reflection and intention. Mindful Observation: Use the pause for mindfulness, not just passive waiting. Observe your situation without judgment, letting go of the ego's need to control the external world. Identify the core values and priorities that the chaos has brought into sharp relief. Strategic Repositioning: A pause is not inaction; it is re-action. It's the time to plan your next move, not just repeat your last one. #AnxietyRelief #StressReduction #MentalHealthMatters #SelfSoothe #StopTheScroll #Mindfulness #MindfulLiving #InnerPeace #PresentMoment #BeHereNow #DailyCalm NaNoWriMo is No Mo;; While no single entity has officially replaced NaNoWriMo, the closure spurred a surge of new and existing independent writing challenges designed to fill the void and continue the spirit of communal novel writing. Notable alternatives and new competitions that have emerged for November (and often for other months like April) include: Novel November (NovNov) by ProWritingAid: A 50,000-word challenge with workshops, daily co-writing, and a collaborative spirit, supported by various writing companies. Reedsy Novel Sprint: Follows the classic NaNoWriMo timeline and word count target but offers prizes and professional development support. AutoCrit's Novel 90 Writing Challenge: An extended challenge running for 90 days (often Oct 1 - Dec 31) to allow for a more sustainable pace in completing a first draft. The Order of the Written Word (O2W): An alternative founded by a former Municipal Liaison, specifically positioned as a space for authors against the use of AI. Other Platforms: Gamified platforms and tools like 4thewords, Shut Up & Write!, and Pacemaker continue to offer community-driven goal tracking and support. The Parable From Calculus of the Street to Blockchain Building A New World Ledger Verification at a Time. ”In the late hours, when Marcus recited proofs from memory and Sarah spun stories of exile and resilience, I remembered the calculus of the streets—the way information pulsed through networks invisible to those in power. We weren't inventing anything new; we were translating old survival strategies into modern code. We were reclaiming what was always ours: the right to build systems that served those who'd been left out.” Natasha Sanderson, The Collab; The Trickster: A Parable “The hypocrisy was sickening. Christian America, preaching order and self-sufficiency, was wholly dependent on the slave labor of the workhouses. In turn, its own supply lines were so weak they were being raided by common criminals. The system was eating itself alive. Their fixed world was a complete lie. We were witnessing the final, brutal truth of the Pox era: the collapse of centralized power created not just chaos, but a vacuum that anyone—whether a black market trader or a Trickster prophet —could exploit. This chaos, this failure of the old world order, was the fertile ground in which Earthseed was even able to survive. The more the surface world failed, the more vital our subterranean self-sufficiency, our digital Collab, and our hydroponic gardens became. We were a tiny, living island of order in a sea of unraveling lies.” Reality TV...Continue the Cycle of Absudity...Non-Black commentors may want to keep Dr. Wendy Osefo's name out of your mouth...The Belles from Celebration of Life to Glendale Man-trum...Reconciliation through Weed Muffins... Read more about AfroDruid Magic Elixir https://linktr.ee/tnfroisreading
We dive into Raymond Ibrahim's insights on Islam's historical aggression against Christianity, from jihad to modern migration. We confront the lies of Islamic moderation and Western appeasement, urging Christians to resist evil with conviction. Tune in to uphold God's truth and defend our faith against a false religion that wants to infiltrate the West. Check out Raymond Ibrahim's website and newest book here: https://www.raymondibrahim.com The full replay of the 2025 Share the Arrows conference premieres Monday, October 20, exclusively on BlazeTV. You can get $20 off your BlazeTV subscription now by going to BlazeTV.com/Allie. Buy Allie's new book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": https://a.co/d/4COtBxy --- Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction of Raymond Ibrahim (11:40) Unpacking Islam and Its Doctrines (24:30) What Is Jihad? (28:20) Who Was Muhammad? (33:15) Muslims Coming to America (41:40) The History of the Crusades (49:45) Agape Love (01:04:00) How to Resist (01:12:40) Muslims Converting to Christianity --- Today's Sponsors: EveryLife — The only premium baby brand that is unapologetically pro-life. EveryLife offers high-performing, supremely soft diapers and wipes that protect and celebrate every precious life. Head to EveryLife.com/women and use promo code ALLIE10 to get 10% of your first order today! Jase Medical — Go to Jase.com and enter code “ALLIE” at checkout for a discount on your order. Pre-Born — Will you help rescue babies' lives? Donate by calling #250 & say keyword 'BABY' or go to Preborn.com/ALLIE. Constitution Wealth Management — Let's discover what faithful stewardship looks like in your life. Visit Constitutionwealth.com/Allie for a free consultation. Masa Chips — Go to MasaChips.com and use promo code ALLIEB for a discount on your first time order of seed oil free tortilla chips! --- Episodes you might like: Ep 109 | Intersectionality & Islam https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-109-intersectionality-islam/id1359249098?i=1000437500986 Ep 909 | The Left Is Falling in Love with Osama bin Laden | Guest: James Lindsay https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-909-the-left-is-falling-in-love-with-osama-bin/id1359249098?i=1000635088760 Ep 1115 | Islam Taught Her to Hate Christians — Then She Became One | Guest: Lily Meschi https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1115-islam-taught-her-to-hate-christians-then-she/id1359249098?i=1000680609640 --- Buy Allie's book, You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love: https://alliebethstuckey.com/book Relatable merchandise – use promo code 'ALLIE10' for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board’s piece “The Hamas Rule of Terror in Gaza.” Does anyone actually buy the Liberal media’s cognitive decline narrative regarding President Trump? We're joined by Johnny Estes, Vice President of Operations of CMI Gold & Silver. Producer David Doll analyzes David French’s New York Times piece “Something is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous.” Mr. Bill talks about bathroom etiquette with Seth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is Christian about Christian America? by Alan Reinach
This book, written by a non-Christian, looks at the radical new religions that are changing post-Christian America. In this podcast, I review her first chapter, which focuses on the religious landscape today with a special emphasis on three groups of people who blend traditional religious practices with personal spirituality. purchase book here I'm Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith. Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you. contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com
If we admit it, it’s easy being a Christian in America. We go to church, sing the songs, listen to the preacher, talk of love—then go back to real life. It’s all good—but it doesn’t much resemble the Christians or the church in the Bible—because, for most of Christian America, genuine Christian love cramps our … Continue reading ‘Love Will Cramp Your Style’ (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 13) →
Cracker Barrel just released its new logo which is plain, sterile, and totally stripped of its heritage. They even removed the old man, erasing the story and charm that once gave the brand its soul. In this episode, we talk about how this isn't just about a restaurant chain, it's about the cultural war between beauty and ugliness, truth and lies, order and chaos.God is a God of beauty, truth, and order. Satan thrives in ugliness, lies, and chaos. What we're seeing in design, culture, and politics today is a Marxist-driven push toward minimalism, modernism, and brutalism—an aesthetic that reflects their worldview. But we don't have to accept this. We can choose a God-honoring path that preserves heritage, values beauty, and treats America as a homeland to be protected, not a business venture to exploit others (even its own people) for monetary advantage.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Today's episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson is a carefully crafted full-on rant about two awful cultural failures, Donald Trump and Taylor Swift. Both, in their own ways, are failing the next generation and pushing the normalization of pedophilia. Trump refuses to release the Epstein list or hold powerful pedophiles accountable. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift flaunts her naked body on her album cover marketed to an audience that includes young girls who are already being tempted by a society pushing them toward OnlyFans. Feminism has clearly failed. We need to bring back the biblical patriarchy, AKA Christianity.At some point, we have to stop asking why is all of this happening and start living biblically individually, in our families, and as a society. For the sake of our own wellbeing and (far more importantly) the protection of our children. If we can't even agree to safeguard their innocence, what are we doing? Why aren't we protecting the children?--https://bakerbookhouse.com/featured/the-brand-sunday
We contrast post-Christian England and post-Christian America with post-Christian Germany of the early 20th Century. Then, we work through the six different causes for world wars, and run through the seedbed for war fomented in Germany and Russia prior to World War I and World War II. Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it. This program includes: 1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus (Abortionist gets slap on wrist for leaving "half" of baby inside woman, Leftist argues Dems should become "pro-porn" party to win back men) 2. Generations with Kevin Swanson
Today on Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're hitting a hot topic: America jumping into the Israel-Iran war. And I'm just going to say it—I don't think we should've gotten involved. I've supported Donald Trump for years, but I think he got this wrong.Israel just said they didn't need us. This was their fight. Then suddenly, we're bombing a nuclear site and opening doors that didn't need to be opened. And of course, anyone who questions it gets labeled a “panican.” But guess what? The “panicans” are starting to look more and more like prophets, because now, sleeper cells are stirring, and American churches are already under attack.We don't need to be scared, we need to be wise. The Bible calls us to test the spirits, stay watchful, and seek peace when we can. (1 John 4:1, Romans 12:18). So let's talk about it honestly. Because loving your country (and even loving your favorite president) doesn't mean checking your discernment at the door and always being a yes-man.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Today on Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're hitting a hot topic: America jumping into the Israel-Iran war. And I'm just going to say it—I don't think we should've gotten involved. I've supported Donald Trump for years, but I think he got this wrong.Israel just said they didn't need us. This was their fight. Then suddenly, we're bombing a nuclear site and opening doors that didn't need to be opened. And of course, anyone who questions it gets labeled a “panican.” But guess what? The “panicans” are starting to look more and more like prophets, because now, sleeper cells are stirring, and American churches are already under attack.We don't need to be scared, we need to be wise. The Bible calls us to test the spirits, stay watchful, and seek peace when we can. (1 John 4:1, Romans 12:18). So let's talk about it honestly. Because loving your country (and even loving your favorite president) doesn't mean checking your discernment at the door and always being a yes-man.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Today, we're taking a look at the unraveling mayhem situation in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom's failure to lead has allowed chaos to run absolutely wild. Violent riots involving illegal immigrants (most of whom are military-aged men) are breaking out across the state. These individuals are not assimilating, they are disrupting, demanding, and waving foreign flags while burning ours on American soil. As California spirals, it's no surprise that federal intervention has become necessary. President Trump has stepped in where state "leadership" would not. This really isn't about politics, it's about preserving order, protecting citizens, and upholding the rule of law. We are a people who serve a God of justice, not disorder. What's happening is not compassionate, it's destabilizing. California deserves better, and America must wake up before this becomes the norm nationwide. God forbid. Let's talk about what's really going on in California and why prayer, truth, and resolve are crucial right now.--https://www.thebrandsunday.com/products/the-bible-study-physical?srsltid=AfmBOoqJuDPZk6H7VWSxgepSo3RWAJCtIGO9wrHmULH1iMgxSzkJ791_--Order CULTure: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SLYWFXAB6479S
A Major thank you to John Hammond for sponsoring todays stream. In this stream I discuss his book Light Journey: Encountering Saints, Miracles, and Sacred Places, in which I discuss the rich history of Orthodoxy in America and opportunity for pilgrimage. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless Superchat Here https://streamlabs.com/churchoftheeternallogos Donochat Me: https://dono.chat/dono/dph Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8JwgaHCkhdfERVkGbLl2g/join If you would like to support my work please become a website member! There are 3 different types of memberships to choose from! https://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Support COTEL with Crypto! Bitcoin: 3QNWpM2qLGfaZ2nUXNDRnwV21UUiaBKVsy Ethereum: 0x0b87E0494117C0adbC45F9F2c099489079d6F7Da Litecoin: MKATh5kwTdiZnPE5Ehr88Yg4KW99Zf7k8d If you enjoy this production, feel compelled, or appreciate my other videos, please support me through my website memberships (www.davidpatrickharry.com) or donate directly by PayPal or crypto! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Logos Subscription Membership: http://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Venmo: @cotel - https://account.venmo.com/u/cotel PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Donations: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com/donate/ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/COTEL Odysee: https://odysee.com/@ChurchoftheEterna... GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Telegram: https://t.me/eternallogos Minds: https://www.minds.com/Dpharry Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/W10R... DLive: https://dlive.tv/The_Eternal_Logos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpharry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dpharryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-logos-podcast--4760780/support.
In this segment, I examine the notion that there was something remarkably Christian about America's founding era. Last week, I fact-checked Charlie Kirk's viral video defense of the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation in the legal sense. Most of what Kirk had to say was irrelevant or incorrect. Today, I consider an overview of moral and religious failings during the founding era. Along with guests Jemar Tisby, Mark Noll, George Marsden, Caleb Campbell, and Aaron Cowan, I contradict Charlie Kirk's call to return to America's Christian roots. In fact, those roots don't seem very Christian when one considers the injustice and atrocities throughout the historical record.From the segment: "With slavery, treachery, mass murder, betrayal and theft embedded in the legacy of the nation, what does it matter how many times a Supreme Being is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence or if the Liberty Bell has Leviticus on it?"Written and produced by Warren ThrockmortonMusic provided by Earl's Taco Shack, Jonathan Swaim, and Jonus Fair
In 2024, Charlie Kirk distributed a five-minute video defense of the idea that America was founded as a Christian nation. It has been played at least 20 million times on various social media platforms and is full of faulty history. This segment serves to correct the false claims and defend the proposition that America's founders set out to found a secular government with provision for religious pluralism. Unfortunately, this only applied to white males at first. Kirk and his fellow Christian nationalists use a variety of false stories to prop up a vision of a Christian American founding. They want to go back to that mythical time. In this segment, historians Aaron Cowan, Randall Balmer, and George Marsden, English professor Matthew Boedy, and co-host Michael Coulter join me to debunk Kirk's false claims and advocate for good history and religious pluralism.For primary sources referred to in this segment, see this link: https://warrenthrockmorton.substack.com/p/charlie-kirks-christian-america Written and produced by Warren Throckmorton. Music provided by Earl's Taco Shack and Jonus Fair.
The myth of a Christian America fuels a powerful political force sure of its moral superiority and intent on implementing a Christian nationalist agenda. Richard T. Hughes and Christina Littlefield draw on discussions of civil religion and forms of nationalism... The post 909 Christian Nationalism I Dr. Christina Littlefield appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
What is the hidden influence of Christianity in American society—and what happens if it disappears? Host Curtis Chang sits down with Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and author of Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy, to explore how Judeo-Christian values have shaped democracy and what their decline means for our political and social landscape. They discuss the rise of fear within the evangelical church, political polarization, and make the case for Christian virtues as a stabilizing force at the heart of the American republic. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, it's important to understand why Christianity's influence extends far beyond the church—and why its disappearance could reshape the future of democracy. Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org Get a 25% discount when you buy The Art of Disagreeing by Gavin Ortland at thegoodbook.com with code: GOODFAITH Resources from this episode: Jonathan Rauch's 2003 The Atlantic article Let It Be Jonathan Rauch's Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy The rise of the AfD in Germany France holds off the far right Pew Research: Modeling the Future of Religion in America James Madison and religious freedom Can the Religious Right Be Saved? by Dr. Russell Moore Dr. Timothy Keller: Suffering: If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? Learn more about The After Party More From Jonathan Rauch: Read the latest article by Jonathan Rauch: One Word Describes Trump Jonathan Rauch's The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth Jonathan Rauch's work at the Brookings Institute Jonathan Rauch's The Atlantic articles Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
During last week's presidential debate, Donald Trump amplified a false rumor about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Since then the community, which was already facing significant challenges, has been shaken by deepening divisions, racism, and even bomb threats. We look at how church leaders in Springfield are responding, what's really behind the pet-eating lie, and why some of Trump's Christian supporters are embracing the demonstrably false story. Then, Skye talks with Robi Damelin, an 80-year-old peace activist he met during his recent trip to Israel. Robi's son was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002, and since then she's been partnering with grieving parents in both Israel and Palestine to advocate for peace despite growing resistance from leadership in both communities. Also this week—magic Dorito dust makes mice disappear. 0:00 - Intro 1:56 - Show Starts 4:40 - Theme Song 5:02 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 6:05 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 15% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST 7:15 - Invisible Dorito Mice 15:15 - The Presidential Debate 22:57 - Why We've Accepted Lying 30:51 - Christians Repairing Divides in Ohio 48:21 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off 49:29 - Interview 53:20 - Robi's First Act of Social Justice 1:01:28 - Vengeance and the Cycle of Violence 1:12:36 - Freed from Victimhood 1:19:17 - Where Are Things Now? 1:24:03 - End Credits Links Mentioned in the News Segment: The Dye in Doritos Can Make Mice Transparent: https://www.popsci.com/science/dye-mice-transparent/ Trump's Lie is Another Test for Christian America: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/09/trump-haitian-immigrants-lies/679886/ Ohio Haitians Feel Panic, Local Christians Try to Repair Divides: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/haitian-immigrants-ohio-trump-vance-churches/ Other resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Charlie fields questions from Charlie Kirk Exclusive subscribers, including: -What should you do if you're a conservative stuck in an office filled with liberals? -Is Islam compatible with American constitutional values? -Will there be a peaceful transition of power when the country is so sharply divided?Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.