Podcast appearances and mentions of Christian ethics

Is war ever morally justified? Can Christians support military action while still following the teachings of Jesus?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the historic doctrine of “just war” and explores what the Bible teaches about warfare, national defense, and the use of force.Prompted by current global conflicts and the reflection that often accompanies Memorial Day, this conversation addresses questions Christians have wrestled with for centuries. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard explains just war theory, the principles traditionally used to evaluate whether a war is morally justified, and how believers should think biblically about patriotism, military service, and international conflict.Topics discussed in this episode include:The fundamentals of just war doctrineWhether the Bible allows for war in certain circumstancesThe role of government in maintaining justice and orderHow Christians should approach modern military conflictsThe tension between personal forgiveness and national defenseWhether you are exploring Christian ethics, seeking a biblical perspective on current events, or simply wanting to better understand this important subject, this episode offers thoughtful and balanced insight from an Apostolic perspective.Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard features biblical teaching and answers to questions about theology, Christian living, and contemporary issues.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

The Bible is trustworthy. But how do you know—and how do you use it rightly? In Lesson 28 of Christian Ethics and the Old Testament, Dave Rich brings the series' extended examination of scriptural authority to a close and turns the corner toward a foundational question: how do we interpret the Bible we've established as God's Word?Rich opens by tackling the charge of circular reasoning head-on. Is it logically valid to prove the Bible's authority from the Bible itself? He argues yes—and shows why that's the only coherent approach when dealing with any ultimate source of truth. Archaeological evidence and fulfilled prophecy support Scripture's claims, but they don't serve as the foundation. The Bible is its own authority.From there, Rich moves into hermeneutics—the art and science of biblical interpretation—grounding the class in the literal, grammatical, historical method endorsed by Calvin, Luther, and the church's own statement of faith. The goal is simple: discover the original, natural meaning of the text.To make that concrete, Rich walks through several interpretive errors that produce ethical errors—beginning with proof texting and then addressing what he calls hyper-literalism. Using the holy kiss, foot washing, and the head covering passage in 1 Corinthians 11, he demonstrates the difference between a timeless biblical principle and its culturally bound expression. Wooden, context-free obedience to the form can actually undermine the principle the text is trying to teach.Clear thinking about interpretation is inseparable from clear thinking about Christian ethics. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sunday AM - May 17, 2026

Happy Mother's Day to all of the incredible mothers out there. Today's episode is a deeper conversation about the urgent need for stronger, more biblical men and women in our culture, people willing to stand for truth, protect the vulnerable, and refuse to stay silent in the face of evil.We discuss the ongoing outrage surrounding the Epstein files, the lack of accountability for powerful people, and the broader cultural failure to protect victims from wicked and predatory individuals. But this conversation goes beyond headlines. It's about morality, courage, justice, faith, and what happens when societies stop valuing strong families, strong character, and biblical principles.This episode is ultimately about hope too, because evil does not win forever. Real justice matters, truth matters, and good people still have a responsibility to speak up.

The Bible we hold is a translation of ancient manuscripts. But does that gap between the original autographs and our English Bibles introduce error we should be worried about? In Lesson 27 of Christian Ethics and the Old Testament, Dave Rich works through the transmission and translation of Scripture—and makes the case that we have every reason for confidence.Rich opens with the logic: reliable manuscripts plus faithful translation equals God's Word in English. Either piece can fail, and he walks through what happens when it does. From there he examines the manuscript evidence for the Old Testament—the Masoretic Text, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Septuagint—showing that agreement across those sources is remarkably stable. The one significant variant, Psalm 22:16, turns out to have strong textual support for "they pierced my hands and feet," consistent with its unmistakably messianic context.New Testament transmission is even more extensively attested—over 5,800 Greek manuscripts, with 99.5% of the text determinable from existing evidence. Rich walks through the nature of the variants honestly, showing that the most significant ones are well known, clearly marked in modern translations, and doctrinally non-threatening.The lesson closes with a survey of English translations across a spectrum from highly literal to outright corrupt: the YLT, NASB, LSB, ESV, NIV, New Living, and then the Message, the New World Translation, the Passion Translation, and several others that distort the text to serve a theological agenda.God had a purpose in giving His Word, Rich argues, and that same providence extends to its transmission and translation into every language. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sunday AMMay 10. 2026

How do we know the Bible we hold today actually contains God's words—all of them, and only them? In Lesson 26 of Christian Ethics and the Old Testament, Dave Rich works through the doctrine of canonicity and its direct bearing on Christian ethics. If the whole Bible teaches us which acts, attitudes, and attributes receive God's approval, then it matters enormously whether we have the right books.Rich opens with three definitions of canon—exclusive, functional, and ontological—and argues that the most important one is often overlooked. Books don't become God's Word because the church recognized them. They are God's Word by virtue of what they are. Church recognition follows divine inspiration; it doesn't create it.From there, Rich builds a case for confidence in the 66-book canon rooted in God's own stated purpose for His Word. If God speaks to accomplish something through His people, He will providentially ensure those people have access to what He has said. The near-unanimous agreement of the church across centuries on the canon—without any centralized authority enforcing it—is itself remarkable evidence of that providence.Rich also walks through what doesn't belong: the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical books added by the Council of Trent in 1546, the Pseudepigrapha, and the Gnostic gospels of Mary and Thomas. Each is examined and found wanting. The session closes with reasons to believe the canon is closed—structurally, historically, and textually.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This third talk from a recent conference on ethics discusses the thought of Revere Franklin Weidner in his work A System of Christian Ethics.

What does the raucous laughter of Nicki Minaj and Billy Graham have to do with 14th century saint? Find out in PART TWO of our MOST requested episodes ever -- diving deep into the question "Who is Saint Julian of Norwich???" Author of Revelations of Divine Love, coiner of the phrase "All Shall Be Well," and delighter in God's delight, St. Julian is such a powerful visionary and leader we needed two episodes to do her justice. We're joined again by the The Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall, one of Lizzie's professors from her time at Duke Divinity School. In part two, we explore "Christ as our true mother," the nature of the devil, and we see how Julian has echoes for us to consider in today's religious landscape. We also get a little teaser for Dr. Hall's new book, out in May 2026, called ERECTING THE PULPIT: MUSCULAR CHRISTIANITY FROM TEDDY ROOSEVELT TO DONALD TRUMP. Amy Laura Hall is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies at Duke University, where she has taught since 1999. She is the author of four books, including Conceiving Parenthood: American Protestantism and the Spirit of Reproduction (2007) and Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich (2018). A noted authority on Christianity and culture in the U.S., Hall has also contributed provocative essays on Protestantism and politics to Religion Dispatches and Religion News Service. Resources mentioned in this episode: Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich by Amy Laura Hall https://www.dukeupress.edu/laughing-at-the-devil Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich trans. by Elizabeth Spearing https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/261039/revelations-of-divine-love-by-julian-of-norwich-translated-by-elizabeth-spearing-introduction-and-notes-by-a-c-spearing/ Julian of Norwich and the Mystical Body Politic of Christ By Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt --https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268022082/julian-of-norwich/ The Writings of Julian of Norwich A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman and A Revelation of Love Edited by Nicholas Watson and Jacqueline Jenkins -- https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/0-271-02547-6.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopOJOEaY69eupR8Rx1uxzSJyVJpaSpLJKpJoHSPKAQ9ry8HPJY Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall's works: FORTHCOMING: Erecting the Pulpit: Muscular Christianity from Teddy Roosevelt to Donald Trump https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/erecting-the-pulpit-9798216383475/ Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich by Amy Laura Hall https://www.dukeupress.edu/laughing-at-the-devil https://arcmag.org/home-movies-for-holy-week/ +++ Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project.  SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcast There's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons! +++ Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.com Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/ ++++ MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/ ++++ More about Father Lizzie: BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/ RevLizzie.com https://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzie Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org  ++++ More about Mother Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peaches ++++ Theme music: "On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

Dave Rich returns for Lesson 25 in the Christian Ethics and the Old Testament series. After establishing Scripture's authority through inspiration last session, this lesson works through the next essential questions: Is the Bible clear enough, necessary enough, and sufficient enough to serve as the foundation for Christian ethics?Rich opens with the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture—what theologians call perspicuity—grounding it in passages from Deuteronomy, Psalms, and the New Testament epistles. The argument is straightforward: if the Word was given to ordinary Israelites, to children, to simple people across all kinds of circumstances, it is clear enough for Christians to use it for ethics. But Rich is careful to walk through honest qualifications. The unregenerate cannot fully understand Scripture. Clarity grows through study and obedience. No one comprehends all of it perfectly.From clarity, the lesson moves to necessity. Could a believer do ethics without the Bible? Rich uses a thought experiment to show why the answer is no—conscience and general revelation together are simply not enough. The Bible is the only transcript of God's words and therefore the only source of absolute ethical norms.The final section addresses sufficiency. Drawing on 2 Timothy 3 and Psalm 119, Rich argues that Scripture contains everything God requires us to know to live rightly—not as a ceiling on learning, but as a complete and binding standard. Nothing may bind the conscience that is not found there. Nothing is sin that Scripture does not call sin.This lesson lays the groundwork for everything that follows in the series. ★ Support this podcast ★

During Eastertide, Matt takes listeners through a series of reflections on the resurrection of Christ. In this episode, the focus is on 1 Peter 1, specifically vv. 3-25. Here we get a glimpse into how early Christians thought of Jesus' resurrection, specifically how it relates to the concept of the new birth and ethics. This passage reveals how the resurrection is not just a decisive past event or just the basis of our hope for the future – it is those things and more. The resurrection of Christ also has consequences for today, for it is the foundation for how we are to live presently as exiles in the world. +++Pre-order Matt's newest book, Sightings and Secrets: UFOs, Eyewitness Testimonies, and How Christians Can Make Sense of the Unknown:  https://a.co/d/0eD0cGtz Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheBibleUnmutedMatthew's blog: https://matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!

What does Rage Against the Machine and motherly images of God have to do with a 14th century saint?  Turns out ... a LOT. We are (finally) doing one of the MOST requested episodes ever -- diving deep into the question "Who is Saint Julian of Norwich???" And in order to dive into this saint whose revelatory witness of radical love, the wounds of Christ, and laughing at the nothingness of the devil, we have called in an expert: The Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall, one of Lizzie's professors from her time at Duke Divinity School.  This conversation was so rich that we had to split into two parts, so join us this week for PART ONE where we get a lay of the land of 14th century England, the bubonic plague, feudalism and its violence, and in this despairing time how Saint Julian received an incandescent vision of Christ's love for the whole world.  Amy Laura Hall is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies at Duke University, where she has taught since 1999. She is the author of four books, including Conceiving Parenthood: American Protestantism and the Spirit of Reproduction (2007) and Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich (2018). A noted authority on Christianity and culture in the U.S., Hall has also contributed provocative essays on Protestantism and politics to Religion Dispatches and Religion News Service. Resources mentioned in this episode: Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich by Amy Laura Hall https://www.dukeupress.edu/laughing-at-the-devil Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich trans. by Elizabeth Spearing https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/261039/revelations-of-divine-love-by-julian-of-norwich-translated-by-elizabeth-spearing-introduction-and-notes-by-a-c-spearing/ Julian of Norwich and the Mystical Body Politic of Christ By Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt --https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268022082/julian-of-norwich/ The Writings of Julian of Norwich A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman and A Revelation of Love Edited by Nicholas Watson and Jacqueline Jenkins -- https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/0-271-02547-6.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopOJOEaY69eupR8Rx1uxzSJyVJpaSpLJKpJoHSPKAQ9ry8HPJY Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall's works: FORTHCOMING: Erecting the Pulpit: Muscular Christianity from Teddy Roosevelt to Donald Trump https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/erecting-the-pulpit-9798216383475/ Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich by Amy Laura Hall https://www.dukeupress.edu/laughing-at-the-devil https://arcmag.org/home-movies-for-holy-week/ +++ Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project.  SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcast There's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons! +++ Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.com Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/ ++++ MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/ ++++ More about Father Lizzie: BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/ RevLizzie.com https://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzie Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org  ++++ More about Mother Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peaches ++++ Theme music: "On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

What makes the Bible the right place to go for Christian ethics? Before addressing how source material can be misused in moral reasoning, Dave Rich steps back to answer a more foundational question: why is Scripture authoritative in the first place?In Lesson 24 of the Christian Ethics and the Old Testament series, Rich grounds the authority of Scripture in the doctrine of verbal inspiration — the biblical teaching that the words of the original autographs are God-breathed. Working through 2 Timothy 3:13–17, 2 Peter 1:16–21, and John 10:34–36, he demonstrates that Scripture claims for itself the status of God's own words. That claim, he argues, is what makes it binding.Rich also examines what inspiration does and doesn't mean — distinguishing the biblical concept from the common English sense of the word — and surveys how Jesus himself appealed to single words and even verb tenses to settle disputes, showing that verbal inspiration is the only view the Bible's own use of itself supports.The lesson closes with a brief look at the doctrine of preparation: how God's sovereignty over every detail of an author's life and background ensured that what they wrote was exactly what He intended — fully human, fully divine, and fully authoritative.For anyone asking why the Bible should govern how we live, this lesson builds the foundation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In today's episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I'm sharing my thoughts on a range of current events, along with answering a few listener questions.We'll be discussing recent developments and conversations surrounding Donald Trump, the ongoing discussions around the Epstein files, and a widely talked-about moment involving Pete Hegseth and his public citation of a fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction. CRINGE.I also take time to talk about something deeper than headlines: the importance of both men and women returning to a biblical worldview, embracing truth, and honoring God-ordained gender roles in a culture that often blurs or rejects them entirely.--https://www.bible.com/

So many clergy members and theology nerds messaged me after JD Vance told the Pope to dial back the theology talk that I had no choice — I called my friend Kevin Carnahan, co-editor of the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics and author of an extremely technical book on just war theory that he will tell you not to read. Kevin teaches at Central Methodist University in Missouri and he showed up having apparently thought about all of this in serious depth while the rest of us were just screaming into the void. What followed was one of the best episodes we've done. We traced the actual history of just war theory from Aquinas through John XXIII's Pacem in Terris— which moved the Catholic Church so close to pacifism in practice that nearly no war could satisfy its criteria — through the moment nuclear weapons broke the entire framework, through drone warfare and AI targeting that's broken it further, and right up to a Trump administration that dismantled the actual government office dedicated to minimizing civilian harm and then had the audacity to invoke just war theory as a fig leaf. Kevin's read on the papal conflict: the Pope knows exactly what he's doing and is faithfully representing a tradition that JD Vance passed through on Peter Thiel's E-Z Pass lane. We also got into the three streams of Protestant ethics on war — peace churches, just war thinkers, and crusaders — why Hegseth fits cleanly into the crusader category, why Trump fits none of them, why the Lord of the Rings is the best undergraduate ethics text available, and what Bonhoeffer's prayer for his own country's defeat sounds like in 2026. Tripp eventually brought up Tolkien. Bo noted it took an hour and eleven minutes. Bonhoeffer was invoked. John Cobb got in at the end. The trifecta complete. For those regular Homebrewed Christianity listeners, this is an episode of another weekly podcast ⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown ⁠that I do with Bo Sanders and our (nonviolent) army of theology nerds in the chat. If you enjoy it,⁠ subscribe to the TNT feed⁠ and feel the lure to join live most Friday mornings.  ⁠⁠You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube⁠⁠ Kevin Carnahan is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.

Christians are called to obey God's commands — not merely to know them. But what happens when Christian ethics slides into error, minimizing the obligation to obey? In Lesson 23, Dave Rich continues the survey of antinomian ethical ditches, finishing Christian pragmatism before turning to free grace theology and a topic he calls "Sovereign Constraints and the Death of Choice."Christian pragmatism reduces ethics to results — the end justifies the means. Rich traces this error from secular teleological systems (utilitarianism, situationism, Ayn Rand's egoism) into the church itself, where seeker-sensitive ministry and personal excuse-making share the same root: a goal pursued without regard for what God actually commands. Uzzah, Saul, and Pilate each illustrate the point. Good intentions and desired outcomes never override obedience.Free grace theology then comes under examination. Rich explains how the non-lordship position severs repentance from saving faith, and how in practice this licenses the false convert to remain in unrepentant sin while dismissing biblical confrontation as legalism.The final and most searching topic is sovereign constraints — the tendency to treat addictions, disorders, and psychological conditions as though they override the Christian's ability to obey God. Rich draws a firm line: struggles shaped by repeated sinful choices are moral problems requiring repentance, not diseases requiring only treatment. No constraint, however powerful, is sovereign. God is.For every Christian engaged in the hard work of sanctification, this lesson is a reminder: you are not helpless, and you are not hopeless. ★ Support this podcast ★

During this Easter season, New Testament scholar and skeptic Bart Ehrman has been making headlines again. He just released his latest book Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West. Last week, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat interviewed Ehrman on his podcast about his book and why he doesn't believe in God. Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra sat down with New Testament scholar Michael J. Kruger, one of Ehrman's former students, to talk about Ehrman's arguments. Kruger has found that, unlike Ehrman, his own study of biblical manuscripts has strengthened his faith. Resources Mentioned: Surviving Religion 101 by Michael J. Kruger Dominion by Tom Holland Review of Jesus Interrupted Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss whether violence is immoral or amoral, whether God acts or endorses violence, and how we are supposed to act in light of these things. Questions Covered in This Episode: Does God endorse violence? In Joshua and judges it seems like God is endorsing violence; is that accurate? Where does the Bible talk about violence? Is violence immoral or amoral? Should the modern-day church then perceive itself to be a weapon of violence? Should we think in violent terms as it relates to those who oppose the Lord? How do you deal with wrong motivations? Helpful Definitions: Violence: Physical action against another person that seeks to either restrain or rebuff, and may or may not cause bodily harm. Hamas (חָמָס): Hebrew for violence Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Psalm 11:5, Genesis 6, James 4:6, Psalm 58, Psalm 3, Isaiah 53, Romans 13, Revelation “The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics” by Stanley Hauerwas “Why I'm Not a Pacifist” by C.S. Lewis Deep Discipleship Curriculum Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Newton was a prolific writer of pastoral letters - letters which have been used of the Lord to encourage, challenge, and counsel many people beyond their original recipients.  In this bonus episode, we talk with Grant Gordon, who has studied and collated many of Newton's letters. His volume Wise Counsel, representing many of Newton's letters to the Baptist pastor John Ryland Jr., has now been updated and we hear a bit more about the features of this new edition.    Grant Gordon has pastored a number of baptistic churches in Ontario, Canada, and elsewhere, and served as an adjunct professor of Christian Ethics at Central Baptist Seminary (now Heritage Seminary, Cambridge, Ontario).    Buy Wise Counsel: John Newton's Letters to John Ryland Jr., edited by Grant Gordon   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast    

What happens when Christian ethics goes wrong — on either side of the road? Lesson 22 of the Christian Ethics series covers the final rigorist errors and opens the antinomian ones.Dave Rich finishes the fundamentalist ethic from the previous lesson, drawing a clear line between biblical separation and the error of letting the world define the church's ethic in opposition to it. He then addresses scrupulosity — moralism with an emotional edge. For those prone to a hypervigilant conscience, Rich offers a grounding corrective from 1 John, Psalm 103, and Hebrews: God is greater than your heart, your guilt is addressed in Christ, and you have an advocate when you sin.From there, the lesson crosses to the other ditch. Christian universalism, traced through James Rellie and its modern expressions, removes any ethical stakes entirely. Licentiousness treats the gospel as a license to sin — a position Rich addresses plainly: if that is your view of salvation, you are not saved. The lesson closes with the opening of Christian pragmatism and the seeker-friendly movement's "end justifies the means" approach to church ministry.A clarifying lesson for anyone thinking carefully about where Christian ethics goes off course. ★ Support this podcast ★

Send us Fan MailKen's Latest Substack(REPRISE) Today, I welcome back a great friend of the show—ethicist, professor, pastor, and prolific author, Dr. David Gushee. Over the years, David and I have talked through several of his groundbreaking works: The Moral Teachings of Jesus, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies, Introducing Christian Ethics, and After Evangelicalism. But today, we're returning to the book that started a movement—Changing Our Mind—a book that, remarkably, has never stopped selling since its first release ten years ago.Industry veteran David Crumm recently reminded us that fewer than 1 percent of all books ever reach 40,000 copies sold. Most don't even hit 2,000. And yet Changing Our Mind continues to travel—passed hand to hand, heart to heart—because people still need it. David tells me he receives messages every week from readers whose lives have been transformed. That kind of impact is rare.We're diving into the story behind this book: what prompted David to write it, the initial response, and the personal price he paid. Lost invitations, Christian booksellers who wouldn't carry his work, and critics who lined up to condemn him. But also, we talk about the courage of those who dared to praise the book—and the remarkable stories that have come back from readers.We'll explore the deep divides in today's church—the boardroom wrestling matches, the “holy haters,” and the rise of Christian nationalism. And, in this Advent season, we'll ask: What needs to come to an end? And what new future are we longing for?We'll also hear what David is working on now, what he's seeing in the classroom, and what he hopes for in 2026.  SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

What does it look like when law overrides grace? In Lesson 21 of the Christian Ethics series, Dave Rich identifies a class of ethical errors he calls "rigorism" — a broad category of views that elevate obedience to law above its proper biblical place, sometimes to the point of outright heresy.Rich walks through four distinct expressions of this error. Pelagianism, the most extreme, denies grace entirely, insisting that human beings are inherently capable of meeting God's standard on their own — a direct assault on the gospel. Legalism, defined narrowly here, adds works as a condition for justification, making it equally damning. Moralism stops short of heresy but displaces the gospel from its rightful center, making ethical obedience the heart of the Christian faith rather than union with Christ. And fundamentalism, rightly understood in its historical roots, can drift into boundary-making for its own sake — creating rules where Scripture gives none.Throughout, Rich keeps the gospel firmly in view. Obedience is real, required, and pleasing to God — but only in those who are already justified by grace through faith in Christ alone. The righteous deeds of a believer are not filthy rags. They matter. They please God. But they are the fruit of union with Christ, never the ground of standing before him.A clarifying and gospel-anchored lesson for anyone who wants to think carefully about how Christians relate to the law. ★ Support this podcast ★

Increasingly, it seems that a very public and nationalized Christianity is bouncing back as a live, contested question around the world, and there's a temptation to exist on the extremes of either loyalty to the point of idolatry, or total opposition to the point of suspicion of the human beings we need to get along with every day. That creates a dilemma for Christian witness, one that can perhaps only be solved by the courage and fortitude to live in the tension this creates, honoring everyone's dignity, and not falling into a gross idolatry of the state. Oxford's Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology Luke Bretherton joins Ryan McAnnally-Linz to name what's happening as Christianity sees a resurgence in democratic public life, and what faithful witness demands. In this episode, Bretherton reflects on Christianity's re-emergence and the theology it requires. Together they discuss the real-time collapse of secular progressivism, democratic agency, Augustine on glory and shame, how media monetizes suspicion, why community organizing outlasts protest, and how the church might tell a truer—and more costly—story about common life. Episode Highlights "The plausibility structure of Christianity is kind of back in play in the post-progressive vibe shift." "We want to have enemies—it's really hard to organize the world around love of enemies, and it's hard to make money off love of enemies." "How do you express loyalty to your particular political community—loyalty without idolatry?" "The giving over of responsibility is itself an act of self-dehumanizing." "The uncle who drives you crazy at Thanksgiving is also the one who turns up with a bake when your child is ill—that's how idolatry works." About Luke Bretherton Luke Bretherton is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford, director of the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life, and a canon of Christ Church. Previously at Duke University and King's College London, his work spans political theology, democracy, and grassroots politics. He hosts the Listen, Organize, Act! podcast. Books include A Primer in Christian Ethics (Cambridge, 2023), Christ and the Common Life, and Christianity and Contemporary Politics. Learn more at https://www.theology.ox.ac.uk/people/rev-canon-professor-luke-bretherton and @WestLondonMan https://x.com/WestLondonMan Helpful Links and Resources A Primer in Christian Ethics: Christ and the Struggle to Live Well (Cambridge, 2023) https://www.amazon.com/Primer-Christian-Ethics-Christ-Struggle/dp/1009329022 Listen, Organize, Act! podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-organize-act-organizing-democratic-politics/id1553824477 Luke Bretherton at Oxford https://www.theology.ox.ac.uk/people/rev-canon-professor-luke-bretherton Show Notes “Post-progressive vibe shift”; Christianity newly plausible across UK and Europe Bible Society "quiet revival" research; young people back in Oxford churches "The plausibility structure of Christianity is kind of back in play in the post-progressive vibe shift." Meaning, purpose, character; religion in government policy commissions Tom Holland; civilizational Christianity; the post-new-atheist turn Political theology replacing secular ideology: Ukraine, Gaza, India-Pakistan Two dominant scripts: total shame vs. lost glory Augustine's third way: grace, ambiguity, open wounds "How do you express loyalty to your particular political community—loyalty without idolatry?" Local social trust still holds; national trust collapsed Social media systems that profit from suspicion: monetized idolatry "We want to have enemies—it's really hard to organize the world around love of enemies, and it's hard to make money off love of enemies." Think with the body, from place; neighbors before scripts "The uncle who drives you crazy at Thanksgiving is also the one who turns up with a bake when your child is ill." Mass mailing dissolved federated civil society: unions, denominations, guilds Moses's challenge: atomized crowd to covenantal people Strongmen and unmediated belonging; technology and concentrated power Polanyi's two responses: strong man or democratic organizing "The giving over of responsibility is itself an act of self-dehumanizing." Mobilizing vs. organizing; the Arab Spring The Westfield story: a teenager discovers her democratic agency Thick vs. thin trust: the only metric that matters #PublicTheology #PoliticalTheology #ChristianWitness #Democracy #CommunityOrganizing #FaithAndPolitics #ChristianEthics #PostProgressivism #ChurchAndState #Secularism Production Notes This podcast featured Luke Bretherton Interview by Ryan McAnnally-Linz Edited and Produced by Evan Rosa Hosted by Evan Rosa Production Assistance by Noah Senthil A Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/about Support For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Is It OK for Christians to Sue?An Apostolic believer recently asked an important question: If a Christian is injured in an accident, is it wrong to seek compensation through legal action?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a real-life situation involving an auto accident that resulted in injuries and property damage. The listener wondered whether forgiving the person responsible means they must also give up pursuing compensation for medical expenses, damages, or pain and suffering.Dr. Bernard examines biblical principles related to forgiveness, personal responsibility, civil law, and Christian conduct. He explains how believers can maintain a Christlike spirit while navigating situations that involve loss, injury, and legal accountability.This episode offers practical guidance for Christians seeking to apply Scripture faithfully in complex real-world circumstances.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Order “Offensive Christianity” here - https://press.founders.org/shop/offensive-christianity/jchasedavis.comSupport the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisBuy Ordered to Love - https://orderedtolove.com/Go to ionlayer.com and use code FPT to get $100 off your first kit. Seven Titans Jeans - https://seven-titans.com/discount/PROOFLegacy Profits Club - https://www.skool.com/legacyprofitsclub/about?ref=1b0c2acb5f0d4781be13ed56801c8fbbAlex Kocman returns to Full Proof Theology to discuss his new book Ordered to Love, published by Founders Press. Alex serves with ABWE as Director of Communications, leads as an elder at Faith Bible Fellowship Church of York, and writes at the intersection of missions theology and cultural engagement.In this conversation, Chase and Alex work through one of the most contested and misunderstood concepts in modern Christianity: the ordo amoris, or the order of loves. Drawing on Scripture, Augustine, and the deep wells of Christian tradition, Alex makes the case that love is not flat—it is hierarchical, particular, and purposeful. They discuss how every current culture war issue is, at root, a question of disordered love; why the Good Samaritan parable actually supports rather than undermines ordered love; what a nation truly is and why it matters for both missions and politics; and why a missionary's love for the nations must be grounded in a genuine love for their own nation and people.Alex also responds to key objections—from progressives who claim the concept is unbiblical, to nationalists who want to abandon foreign missions altogether—and explains why he wrote the book to produce "missionaries with the heart of an activist and activists with the heart of a missionary."Pick up Ordered to Love at orderedtolove.com or at founders.org.Support the showSign up for the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisFollow Full Proof Theology on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullprooftheology/Follow Full Proof Theology on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullprooftheology/

Listen to this week's sermon, Parables In Practice preached by Rev. Benjamin Kandt from Luke 10:25-37.

When you study the Bible and come across the word, "therefore", it is always a good idea to ask, "What is it there for?" When the Apostle Paul uses the word "therefore" at the beginning of chapter 12, we must realize he is building on what he's taught in previous chapters. Listen to Dr. Barnhouse to find out how Paul's prior instruction lays a solid foundation for Christian ethics and godly living on Dr. Barnhouse and the Bible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

In July 1991 President George HW Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to the US Supreme Court. Initial reaction to the nomination suggested there would be a contentious Senate confirmation battle that would probe Thomas's conservative views on issues such as abortion and affirmative action.  But there was no real concern that Bush's pick might not be approved. That is until one woman's testimony threatened to derail the entire process.  In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the moment when the little know concept of workplace sexual harassment was catapulted into public consciousness.  This is the testimony of Anita Hill.  Guest Info: Rev. Dr. Traci C. West;   Professor of Christian Ethics and African American Studies at Drew University Theological School in Madison, NJ www.traciwest.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when we stop treating the Bible as a sacred object and start paying attention to how we actually use it? In this conversation, theologian David Dault reflects on interpretation, responsibility, and the ethics of reading scripture in a fractured world. In this episode with Evan Rosa, Dault reflects on interpretation, responsibility, and how readers shape the meaning and moral impact of the Bible. Together they discuss the materiality of scripture, translation and betrayal, moral seriousness, scriptural reasoning across traditions, catastrophic love, and the ethical responsibility readers bear for how sacred texts are used. Episode Highlights “To assume that we know what a text is telling us is a matter of hubris.” “The Bible doesn't tell you to do anything. You as a reader decide what to do.” “Violence is always an act of interpretation.” “We never get to a place where everything is clean and everyone benefits.” “We have to take responsibility for the violence we involve ourselves in.” About David Dault David Dault is a theologian, journalist, and media producer whose work explores religion, culture, ethics, and interpretation. He is Executive Producer and host of Things Not Seen: Conversations About Culture and Faith, a nationally distributed public radio program. He teaches in the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Dault's scholarship focuses on hermeneutics, religion and media, and the ethical implications of how sacred texts are interpreted and used in public life. His book The Accessorized Bible examines the material forms, cultural framing, and interpretive communities that shape how people encounter scripture. He holds degrees in theology and religious studies and frequently writes and lectures on religion, politics, and culture. Helpful Links And Resources The Accessorized Bible, by David Dault https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300153125/the-accessorized-bible/ Things Not Seen: Conversations About Culture and Faith https://thingsnotseenradio.com David Dault's personal website https://www.daviddault.com/ Show Notes The Accessorized Bible—material culture of scripture, design, marketing niches, and the ways the physical form of the Bible shapes how readers interpret and use it Bible as object, medium, and cultural artifact; Marshall McLuhan and media theory—the form of a book shaping how ideas move between minds Books as technologies of imagination and identity formation; reading as a kind of “magical” transfer of ideas from one mind into another “To assume that we know what a text is telling us is a matter of hubris.” Interpretation requires caution, humility, and the recognition that texts exceed our control Making the familiar strange again; recovering the power of scripture by refusing to domesticate it or assume we fully understand it Franz Rosenzweig on preserving the alienness of sacred texts; debate with Martin Buber on translation and clarity Translation as interpretation—translators inevitably carry values, ideologies, and cultural assumptions into the text Harold Bloom's Anxiety of Influence; interpreters “misread” texts in order to wrestle with their influence and generate new meaning Reading scripture in community; trust, vulnerability, and shared responsibility among interpreters Scriptural reasoning—Jews, Christians, and Muslims reading shared stories (Noah, Abraham, Moses) together without claiming mastery over the text Tikkun olam—Jewish ethical tradition of “repairing the world”; the world is wounded and humans participate in its healing Repentance and Repair—Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg on moral accountability, restitution, and the work of restoring relationships Violence embedded in interpretation; moral action always involves choices about attention, resources, and responsibility The “flashlight” metaphor—moral attention illuminating one suffering person while another need temporarily falls into shadow Jairus's daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage—competing moral urgencies in the Gospels “We never get to a place where everything is clean and everyone benefits.” Moral action always involves tragic limitation and competing responsibilities Levinas and infinite responsibility; the ethical demand arising from the face of the person before us Moral seriousness versus performative irony; resisting discourse driven by trolling, spectacle, and dopamine-driven outrage A Bible Is A Book—dismantling the assumption that sacred texts themselves command moral action Steve Martin's The Jerk and the phone book illustration; a sniper randomly selecting a name and deciding someone should die “The Bible doesn't tell you what to do.” Readers decide what moral actions follow from a text Reader responsibility; refusing the excuse “the Bible told me to,” recognizing moral agency belongs to interpreters Scripture as “accessory to a crime”—sacred texts used as cover for violence, exclusion, or cruelty The Bible as platform—modular text shaped by study notes, editorial commentary, illustrations, and devotional framing Study Bibles, children's Bibles, niche-market editions; publishing strategies shaping the interpretive experience Platform logic—similar to Facebook or Twitter; users curate meaning from a shared medium Proof-texting and selective quotation; constructing entire moral worlds from isolated passages Hannah Arendt on responsibility; loving the world enough to accept responsibility for it James Baldwin leaving Paris after the Little Rock crisis; refusing comfort while others bear injustice “Someone should have been there with her.” Baldwin's recognition that solidarity requires leaving safety and standing beside the vulnerable Catastrophic love—risking institutions, traditions, and comfort for the sake of vulnerable bodies Matthew 25 ethics; encountering Christ among the hungry, imprisoned, and marginalized Moral seriousness as daily practice; imperfect responsibility, persistent solidarity, doing what one can today and beginning again tomorrow #Bible #ChristianBible #BiblicalInterpretation #TheologyPodcast #ChristianEthics #Hermeneutics #Scripture #FaithAndCulture #DavidDault Production Notes This podcast featured David Dault Edited and Produced by Evan Rosa Hosted by Evan Rosa Production Assistance by Noah Senthil A Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/about Support For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

When you study the Bible and come across the word, "therefore", it is always a good idea to ask, "What is sit there for?" When the Apostle Paul uses the word "therefore" at the beginning of chapter 12, we must realize he is building on what he's taught is previous chapters. How does Paul's prior instruction lay a solid foundation for Christian ethics and godly living? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

When you study the Bible and come across the word, "therefore", it is always a good idea to ask, "What is sit there for?" When the Apostle Paul uses the word "therefore" at the beginning of chapter 12, we must realize he is building on what he's taught is previous chapters. How does Paul's prior instruction lay a solid foundation for Christian ethics and godly living? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

What happens when obeying one of God's commands seems to require breaking another? Dave Rich continues this examination of impossible moral conflict by applying three major Christian ethical frameworks to two of history's most challenging scenarios: Rahab's lie to protect the Israelite spies, and the ten Boom family's decision to deceive Nazi soldiers to save Jewish lives.Conflicting absolutism says Rahab did the right thing — but still sinned and needed forgiveness. Graded absolutism says her higher duty to protect life suspended the lesser duty to tell the truth, and she bears no guilt. Non-conflicting absolutism says the conflict was never real to begin with — either she sinned by choosing to lie, or what she did wasn't truly a lie by proper definition.Each view carries genuine strengths and serious dangers. Can absolutes remain absolute if they can be set aside? Can redefining sin become a way to excuse it? And when Nazis are at the door, what does faithfulness to God actually look like?Rich closes with a vital reminder: hard cases make bad law. The goal of Christian ethics isn't finding the perfect framework for the rare impossible moment — it's a life of steady obedience, pursued with love for Christ and a well-formed conscience grounded in Scripture. ★ Support this podcast ★

Stefan Molyneux mentions his upcoming events and looks at the placebo effect, explaining how beliefs can influence health. He talks with callers about happiness, autonomy, and the difficulties in relationships, along with the differences between objective and subjective morality. He points out the role of empathy in building real connections, mixing philosophical ideas with his own experiences.GET FREEDOMAIN MERCH! https://shop.freedomain.com/SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxFollow me on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomain1GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

What happens when obeying one command of God seems to require breaking another? That's the question at the center of this compelling lesson on Christian ethics — and it may be one of the most practically important questions a believer can wrestle with.In this episode, Dave Rich opens a multi-part series on apparent moral conflict — those moments when two God-given duties seem to pull in opposite directions. Drawing from a wide sweep of biblical accounts — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Rahab, the Hebrew midwives, Abraham and Isaac, and many more — Dave lays out the three major Christian ethical frameworks used to address these conflicts: Conflicting Absolutism, Graded Absolutism, and Non-Conflicting Absolutism.Rather than simply telling listeners what to think, Dave walks through the real strengths and serious problems of each approach, giving particular attention to Conflicting Absolutism. He applies these frameworks to the three friends in the furnace and a relatable modern scenario to show how each position actually works in practice.This episode is essential for anyone who has ever faced a moral hard case and wondered whether God's commands can truly conflict — or whether the answer is found in understanding them more deeply. Solid, honest, and carefully reasoned, it's an invitation to wrestle well with what the whole Bible says. ★ Support this podcast ★

Pastor Grant was on duty call again today for the SD VA Medical Center this Lord's Day. We thank Dr. David VanDrunen of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) in Escondido for leading worship and preaching for both our services. Dr. VanDrunen is WSC's Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics.

Pastor Grant was on duty call again today for the SD VA Medical Center this Lord's Day. We thank Dr. David VanDrunen of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) in Escondido for leading worship and preaching for both our services. Dr. VanDrunen is WSC's Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics.

Episode Summary: Almost every cultural and political battle we face eventually lands on the shoulders of children. Modern culture talks endlessly about rights but often overlooks the rights of children. If children truly have rights, then marriage cannot mean whatever adults want it to mean. In this episode, Katy Faust argues that when marriage is redefined, parenthood is rewritten, and children are the ones who lose. She shows why defending God's design for marriage and family isn't merely a religious conviction, but a natural law argument with profound implications for society as a whole.We explore a child-centered framework for marriage, IVF, surrogacy, and sexual ethics grounded in general revelation, social science, and the biblical vision of human flourishing. The Obergefell case legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S. and had profound ripple effects on identity, parenthood, and a growing commodification of children. As a culture, we are becoming more aware about how redefinitions of marriage have harmed children. Do you feel at a loss for how to meaningfully think about this and talk about it? Join the movement to grow in clarity, courage, and meaningfully protect the voiceless in the coming generation.–How well do you understand the implications of gay marriage and its impact on children? Quiz: https://greaterthancampaign.com/Who is Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA)? Since 1997, DNA's mission has been to equip followers of Jesus around the globe with a biblical worldview, empowering them to build flourishing families, communities, and nations.

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. Segments to look forward to in part 2: (02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century   (07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues  (13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization (18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities (32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition (35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies (40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms. For more of David's work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a Text Message - include your name! In this episode of Faith Over Breakfast, Pastor Eric and Pastor Andy wrestle with the difficult realities of immigration, ICE enforcement, public protest, and the role of Christians in government and society. The conversation is candid and unguarded, and the answers they arrive at may feel incomplete—but they are real, prayerful, and rooted in lived faith. Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW BEYOND SUBSCRIPTIONS1. CASH APP2. Justgive"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David's book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies. In part 1: (04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he's had on Ron's journey   (07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career  (13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values  (16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it (22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it's a better term for what we're seeing  than Christian Nationalism  (28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values  (34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions  For more of David's work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/ Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step. Learn more about Morling College and register for the Online Open Night on February 5, 2026 at info.morling.edu.au/open-night. Discover how your faith and calling can come together at Morling. About the Guest: Professor Brian BrockOriginally from Texas, Professor Brian Brock holds a personal chair in moral and practical theology at the University of Aberdeen. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Disability and Religion and has authored numerous books, including "Wondrously Wounded: Theology, Disability in the Body of Christ" and "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age." His expertise lies in exploring the relationship between theology and ethics, focusing on disability, technology, and creation. His latest work, "Joining Creation’s Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness," explores ethics from a theological perspective centered around creation. Key Takeaways: Dynamic Ethics Approach: Emphasizes understanding the Bible not as a static rulebook but as a guide showing how to live and think faithfully. Role of Praise: Christian ethics should center around recognizing and praising God’s work, bringing joy and liberation. Contextual Decision-Making: Encourages considering the context of each situation to make ethical decisions that align with God's character. Freedom from Fear: Advocates moving away from fear-driven ethics towards faithfulness inspired by God’s consistent love and actions. Ethical Formation: Highlights the significance of ethical imagination and conscience development through spiritual practice and the community. Notable Quotes: "I think people in the churches very often treat the Bible as a kind of repository of answers to ethical questions." "Maps are kind of a deskilling. But we need to learn to recognize the landmarks in our space and time." "How were the biblical authors actually approaching the task of living faithfully?" "The stability is in God’s character… God is faithful to step in and interrupt us." "We can pray and hope that God will actually show up and interrupt the things that generate entrapment." Resources: Brian Brock's Book: Joining Creation's Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness Journal of Disability and Religion: Journal Website Previous Works by Brian Brock: Wondrously Wounded," "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is abortion ever justified? Although the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling has been overturned, abortion remains widespread, and debate continues—particularly over whether there are circumstances in which abortion might be considered justifiable.Drawing from Scripture and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard addresses common objections often raised in public discussion, including cases involving rape, incest, and situations where the life of the mother is at risk. He explains the biblical principles Christians should consider when thinking about and discussing abortion, emphasizing both moral clarity and compassion.This episode is part of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, a podcast in which Dr. Bernard answers questions about the Bible, Christian living, and current events from a biblical perspective.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Learn about the nuanced history of being faithful to the truth while also protecting others' confidentiality. Support us on Patreon for Member access to our special podcast series for in depth audio commentary on Holy Scripture.  Apply for Saint Paul's House of Formation Email us Music by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications  Word & Table Episode Index

In this episode of Uncommon Sense, I'm calling out a problem no one wants to confront: the normalization of partying, drinking, and casual sex especially among so-called “conservative influencers.”You cannot claim to defend Western Civilization while publicly celebrating the very behaviors that destroyed past civilizations. Conservatism without morality is just aesthetic rebellion.We don't need more clout, cocktails, or compromised values. We need a return to godliness, self-discipline, and moral responsibility because the future generations watching us will inherit whatever standard we tolerate today.If we want to save the West, we have to get serious about being truly Christian again.--https://www.bible.com/

A sweeping history of the violence perpetrated by governments committed to extreme forms of secularism in the twentieth centuryA popular truism derived from the Enlightenment holds that violence is somehow inherent to religion, to which political secularism offers a liberating solution. But this assumption ignores a glaring modern reality: that putatively progressive regimes committed to secularism have possessed just as much and often a vastly greater capacity for violence as those tied to a religious identity. In Broken Altars, Thomas Albert Howard presents a powerful account of the misery, deaths, and destruction visited on religious communities by secularist regimes in the twentieth century.Presenting three principal forms of modern secularism that have arisen since the Enlightenment—passive secularism, combative secularism, and eliminationist secularism—Howard argues that the latter two have been especially violence-prone. Westerners do not fully grasp this, however, because they often mistake the first form, passive secularism, for secularism as a whole. But a disconcertingly more complicated picture emerges with the adoption of a broader global vision. Admitting different species of secularism, greater historical perspective, and case studies drawn from the former Soviet Union, Turkey, Mexico, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Albania, Mongolia, and China, among other countries, Howard calls into question the conventional tale of modernity as the pacifying triumph of secularism over a benighted religious past. Thomas Albert Howard is professor of humanities and history and holder of the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics at Valparaiso University. He is the author of many books, including The Faiths of Others: A History of Interreligious Dialogue. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Can Christian Americans Resist Authoritarian Drift?   Pete Wehner—The Atlantic columnist and former Reagan and Bush administration staff member—joins host Curtis Chang to ask the uncomfortable question: in Trump's America, is morality a loser that's been replaced by the "law of the jungle"—especially in U.S. foreign policy? From Venezuela to a looming Greenland/Denmark showdown that could fracture NATO, Wehner argues we're watching "might makes right" go mainstream. The antidote, he says, isn't vibes—it's resistance: stop living within the lie and start living within the truth.   00:04:23 - Explaining the U.S. Foreign Policy Shift  00:06:36 - What Is America's Moral Aspiration in Foreign Policy? 00:07:57 - Trump's "Will to Power" Ethic 00:11:34 - Do We Have Historical Amnesia? 00:16:36 - Contrasting Trump and PEPFAR  00:19:09 - The Disconnect Between Christian Identity and Policy  00:26:34 - Demagogues and Moral Erosion 00:34:19 - President Trump's Unique Amorality 00:37:10 - Primacy of Human Dignity and Christian Ethics  00:41:01 - Venezuela, Greenland, and Moral Implications 00:44:02 - The Value of Beauty and Creation 00:47:14 - What Are the Limits and Possibilities of Action   More about the Religious Landscape Study pewresearch.org/rls   Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter   Mentioned In This Episode: Pete Wehner's article Trump's Folly More about PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Anne Applebaum's Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism William Galston's Anger, Fear, Domination: Dark Passions and the Power of Political Speech Jeane Kirkpatrick's essay Dictatorships and Double Standards (Commentary) Václav Havel's The Power of the Powerless David Brooks' article America Needs a Mass Movement—Now  Without one, America may sink into autocracy for decades (The Atlantic) C.S. Lewis' idea of active obedience is found in Mere Christianity Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich"  Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Nobel Prize Lecture (literature, 1970)   More from Pete Wehner: Pete Wehner's articles at The Atlantic Pete Wehner's opinion pieces at The New York Times Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of 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 Good Faith.    

Can Christian Americans Resist Authoritarian Drift?   Pete Wehner—The Atlantic columnist and former Reagan and Bush administration staff member—joins host Curtis Chang to ask the uncomfortable question: in Trump's America, is morality a loser that's been replaced by the "law of the jungle"—especially in U.S. foreign policy? From Venezuela to a looming Greenland/Denmark showdown that could fracture NATO, Wehner argues we're watching "might makes right" go mainstream. The antidote, he says, isn't vibes—it's resistance: stop living within the lie and start living within the truth.   00:04:23 - Explaining the U.S. Foreign Policy Shift  00:06:36 - What Is America's Moral Aspiration in Foreign Policy? 00:07:57 - Trump's "Will to Power" Ethic 00:11:34 - Do We Have Historical Amnesia? 00:16:36 - Contrasting Trump and PEPFAR  00:19:09 - The Disconnect Between Christian Identity and Policy  00:26:34 - Demagogues and Moral Erosion 00:34:19 - President Trump's Unique Amorality 00:37:10 - Primacy of Human Dignity and Christian Ethics  00:41:01 - Venezuela, Greenland, and Moral Implications 00:44:02 - The Value of Beauty and Creation 00:47:14 - What Are the Limits and Possibilities of Action   Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter   Mentioned In This Episode: Pete Wehner's article Trump's Folly More about PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Anne Applebaum's Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism William Galston's Anger, Fear, Domination: Dark Passions and the Power of Political Speech Jeane Kirkpatrick's essay Dictatorships and Double Standards (Commentary) Václav Havel's The Power of the Powerless David Brooks' article America Needs a Mass Movement—Now  Without one, America may sink into autocracy for decades (The Atlantic) C.S. Lewis' idea of active obedience is found in Mere Christianity Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich"  Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Nobel Prize Lecture (literature, 1970)   More from Pete Wehner: Pete Wehner's articles at The Atlantic Pete Wehner's opinion pieces at The New York Times Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of 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 Good Faith.