Podcast appearances and mentions of Rob Schenck

In the first full episode of this ongoing series, Matthew looks at the anti-abortion arcs of two men: Rob Schenck and Frank Pavone. Both leaders invested the images and remains of the unborn with passionate but imaginary desires that obscured from them how much harm they were causing.  One of them exited that highway, but the other is still burning it up. Includes the story of Kermit Gosnell, and how his Philadelphia abortion abattoir exemplified a political and moral disaster worthy of Naomi Klein. An obvious, organized crime, something that everyone could see but some tried to paper over, aided and abetted by the dominant order and progressive hypocrisy. Something that becomes the focal point of reasonable rage, but then leads to twisted conclusions.  Content warning: abortion details. Full Show Notes available on Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reverend Rob Schenck spent 30 years on the front lines of the Evangelical war against Roe V. Wade. He blockaded abortion clinics, screamed at women in crisis, used fetal remains as political props, and helped wage a covert war of moneyed influence over federal officials to end abortion access. Now, in a return to his deeper religious commitments, he is repenting his past. In an interview with Matthew, he discusses his blissful conversion experience as a teenager rooted in what he believed was a radical social justice movement. And he describes what he now sees: an anti-abortion movement helping to galvanize the Christian Nationalism poised to wreak havoc on American politics, and what we can do to push back against its aggression. Show Notes Fresh Air for July 11, 2018: An Evangelical Minister's Change Of Heart On Abortion Former Anti-Abortion Leader Alleges Another Supreme Court Breach Former Anti-Abortion Lobbyist Rev Robert Schenck Statement on "Operation Higher Court" Robert "Rob" L. Schenck About - Truth Revealed — Rob Schenck's blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev. Rob Schenck joins April and Paul for a fascinating conversation that takes us behind the scenes of the movement that overturned Roe v Wade, showing the anti-abortion manipulation of Christians to the Evangelical Christian nationalism of today. Schenk, an Evangelical clergyman who has ministered to elected and appointed officials in Washington, D.C. and serves as president of a non-profit organization named for Dietrich Bonhoeffer, can be found in the new Documentary "God + Country." Schenck says that he was part of a group that paid Norma McCorvey (also known as Jane Roe from the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision) to lie that she had changed her mind and become against abortion. Schenck now speaks up to undo the work he used to do after seeing the harm it caused. Hear more from Rev. Rob Schenck on Patheos. Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

Producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland are the creative team behind a new nationwide documentary releasing on February 16 called GOD + COUNTRY.The documentary explores the threatening and widespread rise of Christian Nationalism. As a Jewish man, Rob has seen the rise of dangerous tides and is passionate it doesn't happen again. GOD + COUNTRY asks: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism? It features prominent Christian thought leaders featured as NYT columnists and other mainstream forums including: David French, Kristen Du Mez, Russell Moore, Phil Vischer, Rev. William Barber, Sister Simone Campbell, Rob Schenck and more. Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQKmR6a9fw

Producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland are the creative team behind a new nationwide documentary releasing on February 16 called GOD + COUNTRY.The documentary explores the threatening and widespread rise of Christian Nationalism. As a Jewish man, Rob has seen the rise of dangerous tides and is passionate it doesn't happen again. GOD + COUNTRY asks: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism? It features prominent Christian thought leaders featured as NYT columnists and other mainstream forums including: David French, Kristen Du Mez, Russell Moore, Phil Vischer, Rev. William Barber, Sister Simone Campbell, Rob Schenck and more. Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQKmR6a9fw

The 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned state laws against non-commercial private consensual adult same-gender sex reverberates today in the pivotal decisions on reproductive rights, as well as the Courts own ethical scandals. Our flashback report features “Lawrence v. Texas” lead attorney Ruth Harlow of Lambda Legal and litigants John Lawrence and Tyron Garner, Dallas Gay & Lesbian Alliance President Roger Wedell, Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council, Robert Knight of the Culture and Family Institute, Revs. Rob Schenck and Jerry Falwell, Sr. of the National Clergy Council, Kate Kendall of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Jennifer Pizer of Lambda Legal, San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano, Dallas attorney Mitchell Katine, Houston activist Ray Hill and San Diego queer columnist Rex Wockner. NewsWrap will return the week of January 8th. All this on the December 25, 2023 edition of This Way Out! Join our family of listener-donors today at http://thiswayout.org/donate/

Our friend Jeff Cook joins us for a new Q&A segment to reflect on our conversation with Rob Schenck (see parts 1 and 2 of that conversation here and here). This is our second installment of what will become a regular bonus segment with Jeff unpacking the content of certain episodes. You can hear the first installment, on LQBTQ affirmation and the church, at our Patreon (free for everyone!) here.If you'd like to ask a question about a recent episode to be featured on one of these bonus segments, email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com.The transcript of this episode can be found here.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Tweet us at @PPWBPodcast, @robertkwhitaker, and @RandyKnie Follow & message us on Facebook & Instagram Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!

In the second part of our interview with Rob Schenck, a former Washington insider and heavy hitter in the evangelical pro-life lobbying industry, we discuss gun culture among American Christians and how asking questions about it ultimately cost him the organization he built and led for decades and led to him being ostracized by longtime friends and colleagues. Why are so many Christians so obsessed with guns to the point that they're unwilling to even question their centrality in their lives or their consistency with their stated pro-life convictions? Why are they seemingly unconcerned about the dangers guns pose or opposed to sensible gun legislation? How should we understand the soundbites that often get bandied about in these conversations? Rob patiently and powerfully takes us through his experience with these issues. We also discuss a bit of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's influence on Rob's trajectory.The beverage featured in this episode is Bowmore 18. Jump to 3:51 to skip the tasting.You can find the transcript for this episode here.Content note: This episode contains discussion of gun violence.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Tweet us at @PPWBPodcast, @robertkwhitaker, and @RandyKnie Follow & message us on Facebook & Instagram Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!

Season 4 is here! To kick it off, we've got a 2-parter for you with Rob Schenck, a former Washington insider and heavy hitter in the evangelical Christian lobbying industry. Rob was an influential voice in the pro-life movement for decades, but lost his position, and his funding, when he began to question the consistency of the evangelical position on guns with their stated pro-life convictions. His story is featured in the Emmy Award-winning 2016 documentary The Armor of Light. In Part 1, we speak with Rob about his background, his anti-abortion activism, and how his views have evolved on that issue. Part 2 will focus on evangelical gun culture and its consistency with a pro-life ethic.The beverage featured in this episode is New Glarus Pilsner. Jump to 7:29 to skip the tasting.You can find the transcript for this episode here.Content note: This episode contains graphic discussion of abortion.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Tweet us at @PPWBPodcast, @robertkwhitaker, and @RandyKnie Follow & message us on Facebook & Instagram Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!

Minter Dialogue with Reverend Rob Schenck Over his 40+-year career, Rob Schenck has become known as an accessible public theologian. An ordained evangelical minister, he has directed a home for recovering heroin addicts, led pastoral and missionary work around the globe, took a 2000-mile walk to Mexico to benefit some of the poorest people on earth, and spent 30 years as an influential political activist on the religious right that put him at the epicenter of some of the US' most pivotal moments. In 2015, Rob was the subject of "The Armor of Light," Abigail Disney's Emmy-winning documentary film examining Evangelicals and the gun culture, putting him in the crosshairs of controversy. Rob is also the author of the widely-read book, "Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope and Love," published by Harper. For the last several years, Rob founded and ran the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute to continue the work Bonhoeffer began in reforming the evangelical church. In this conversation, we discuss his life's work, the film, his experiences in holding intimate conversations with US presidents, Supreme Court justices and senior politicians, as well as with God.  If you've got comments or questions you'd like to see answered, send your email or audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com; or you can find the show notes and comment on minterdial.com. If you liked the podcast, please take a moment to rate/review the show on RateThisPodcast. Otherwise, you can find me @mdial on Twitter. Show notes: https://www.minterdial.com/2023/06/rob-schenck/

Rev. Rob Schenck is president of a non-profit organization named for Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He shares the impact of Bonhoeffer with Shane Claiborne and discusses his upcoming visit to Oxford. Find Rev. Rob Schenck on Facebook More information available on https://www.revrobschenck.com/ To help sustain our work, you can donate here To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Common Hymnal information: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

In this episode, host Rob Schenck talks with Martin Doblmeier, the leading documentary filmmaker in the world of religion, faith, and spirituality. Having produced more than 30 feature-length documentary films, Martin Doblmeier has many awards, degrees, honors, and recognitions for the work that he has created. In 2003, Doblmeier released a documentary named, “Bonhoeffer.” Join Rob Schenck and Martin Doblmeier as they talk filmmaking, the impact of Bonhoeffer, and Bonhoefferian spirituality.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Doug Pagitt and Dan Deitrich sit down with Rob Schenck, President of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, to talk about the Christian church's inaction and outright complicity in the Holocaust, plus the few who stood up against the Nazis and ultimately paid with their lives. The Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck is an ordained evangelical minister, author of Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope and Love (HarperCollins), and president of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, located in Washington, D.C. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington and is a senior fellow of The Centre for the Study of Law and Public Policy at Oxford. Rev. Schenck is the subject of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, The Armor of Light, and a member of the leadership team for Survivor Sunday, a nationwide day of remembrance for the 30,000 lives lost annually to gun violence sponsored by Prayers & Action. He is also the author of Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love (June 5, 2018). Doug Pagitt is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Vote Common Good. He is also a pastor, author, and social activist.  @pagitt   Daniel Deitrich is a singer-songwriter, former-pastor-turned-activist, and producer of The Common Good Podcast. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic   votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon

Rob Schenck had at least three conversions. One, to Christ, two to a highly politicized faith, and three from the Religious Right back to Jesus' teachings. Michael and Rob have a fascinating conversation about his journey and how evangelicals turned their backs on Jesus' love ethic by justifying outlandish gun rights and using Jane Roe (Norma McCorvey) of "Roe v. Wade" as a trophy in the abortion culture war. Rob and the mother of a teenage shooting victim ask, is it possible to be both pro-gun and pro-life? What should be the moral and ethical response to gun violence, especially for those who claim to follow Jesus? When Norma McCorvey supposedly was converted to evangelical Christianity, Rob confesses his complicity in using her as a means to an end and violating her human dignity. What really went on behind the headlines? You don't want to miss this riveting conversation about guns, the 2nd Amendment vs. the 2nd  Commandment, the controversial anti-abortion/pro-life organization Operation Rescue (that Rob and Michael used to be a part of), and Rob's message today to his current and former evangelical friends (for some, who now consider him an enemy). Learn more about Rob at revrobschenck.com and watch the two documentaries he's highlighted in at Armor of Light and AKA Jane Roe. See the interview in Videocast version. 

In this episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, TDBI President Rev. Rob Schenck talks with a scientist who writes under the pen name of Glory White. The author explains how her examination of common core questions answered by the world's religions grew out of discussions with religious colleagues. Resources: TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Visit the 50 Questions Website

TDBI President, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, talks with an extraordinary advocate of religious freedom and universal human rights, Dr. Aykan Erdemir, about increased anti-Semitism in the U.S. and globally. Rob and Aykan have known each other since they met at a symposium in Oxford, England, seven years ago. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is a former member of the Turkish Parliament, Director of International Affairs Research at Anti-Defamation League, and steering group member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB). Award winning analyst on Turkish politics, economy, and foreign policy with twenty-five-years of experience in academia, think tanks, and politics. Outspoken advocate for democracy, pluralism, rule of law, minority rights, and freedom of religion or belief in the Middle East and beyond. Frequent contributor to debates in global media outlets on foreign policy, security, illicit finance, sanctions, radical Islam, terrorism, extremism, and hate crimes. Resources: TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Visit Dr. Erdemir's Website Learn More about the Anti-Defamation League

For the past few months, Jodi Kantor and Jo Becker, investigative reporters for The New York Times, have looked into a secretive, yearslong effort by an anti-abortion activist to influence the justices of the Supreme Court.This is the story of the Rev. Rob Schenck, the man who led that effort.Guest: Jodi Kantor, an investigative reporter for The New York Times. Background reading: Years before the leaked draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, a landmark contraception ruling was disclosed, according to Mr. Schenck.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

In this episode, Rev. Rob Schenck talks with Michael Hanegan. TDBI Senior Fellow Michael Hanegan developed our approach to the World Council of Churches, asking for the suspension of Patriarchate Krill. Hanegan is an interdisciplinary thinker, moral theologian, writer, and teacher. He holds Masters Degrees in Religious Education and Theological Studies and works as an Intellectual Property Architect. Resources: TDBI on Twitter [https://twitter.com/tdbidc] TDBI on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tdbidc] TDBI on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tdbidc/] Visit Michael Hanegan's Website [https://michaelhanegan.com/] Listen to Michael Hanegan's TEDxColumbiaUniversity Talk [https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_hanegan_interruption_as_social_change] Sign TDBI's Petition to remove Moscow Patriarchate Krill from the World Council of Churches [https://tdbi.networkforgood.com/projects/158708-hold-corrupt-moscow-church-leaders-accountable]

Epi 74 – Interview with Mike Goldsworthy In this episode, the Rev. Rob Schenck speaks with Mike Goldsworthy, a ministry leader working in the spaces of deconstruction and reconstruction in post-evangelical communities. For 19 years, Mike served on staff with Parkcrest Christian Church in Long Beach, CA, with the last 11 of those years as the Lead Pastor. When he left that church, he shifted his focus to connecting and mentoring individuals and communities as they walk through transitions of deconstruction and reconstruction of their faith. He is an Adjunct Professor of Ministry and Bible at Hope International University and partners with Slingshot Group as a church staffing and coaching associate. What happens when one's personal faith begins to theologically shift away from a church's public stance? How do churches focus on the types of people they are forming? What would happen if Christianity wasn't about making more Christians but helping humanity live a flourishing life together? Listen in as Rob and Mike discuss Bonhoeffer's own struggles with church structure and reimagine a way for today's “ecclesiastical homeless” to connect and build church communities in new forms and landscapes. -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Read Mike Goldsworthy's website Listen to Mike Goldsworthy's Podcast Follow Mike Goldsworthy on Instagram Register for the Post-Evangelical Collective: 2022 Gathering

 S1E04_Schenck_FINALWed, 8/31 5:43PM • 53:55SPEAKERSRob Schenck, Amanda Henderson Amanda Henderson  00:04This is complexified where we dive deep into the places where religion and politics collide with Real Life. I'm your host Amanda Henderson. Today on the show, evangelical pastor, political operative and author Rob Schenk. Too many Rob Schenck is the father of the anti choice movement. As a young pastor, he drew headlines for a stunt in which a dead fetus was thrust at President Bill Clinton. Later, as you'll hear, Rob had the ears and the hearts and the pens of conservative Supreme Court justices. Years later, I had the chance to visit him in his old office overlooking the windows of the Supreme Court chambers. Today, Rob has done a complete about face and his political views. And about face he revealed in his memoir, Costly Grace. And as founder of the Bonhoeffer Institute, he's fighting the rise of Christian Nationalism. Rob Schenck, I am so grateful to have you on our podcast complexified. You are someone who has lived the complexity of religion and politics in your daily life. And it's central to your story. So the first thing that I want to dive into is the ways that we are seeing this rise in Christian Nationalism today. If we've been watching the January 6 hearings, or paying attention to the news at all, we know that one of the biggest threats that we face as a country and as a democracy is this rise in Christian Nationalism. Can you speak to the ways that you see Christian Nationalism as an immediate threat? Rob Schenck02:14Well, first, thank you, Amanda, for the invitation. I'm just as grateful to be in conversation with you, especially about such an enormously consequential subject. I actually seek Christian nationalism as the greatest threat to our democracy, and not just to our democracy. But to free countries and liberal democracies all over the world. I see Christian nationalism as distinctly different and not just different, but opposite of what you see in the model, and Person of Jesus, who was motivated by love for the other affirmation of the other invitation and embrace of the other. And Christian nationalism is the antithesis of that. It's the rejection and contempt and even violence towards the other. So I do see it as the greatest danger we're now facing, for for more than one reason. Amanda Henderson  03:36Can you take us back to your early story, you were raised Jewish, and in your high school years, converted to Christianity and really picked up the helm of this fundamentalist Christianity and then became a leader in that tradition? Rob Schenck03:58Sure. Well, it didn't start that way. You know, you. You referenced my upbringing, which was in a very liberal Jewish home, although as they say, south of the border,  my mother had been a convert to Judaism. Born and baptized, Catholic-raised, Episcopalian, really had no act of faith when she met my father. The family requested very strongly that she convert to Judaism to marry him. She did, and they pledged to raise their children with Jewish identity. So four of us were raised that way. But my mom and dad were very open minded people they said, go out and and shop religion and make your own decisions. And we each dead, and I found the son of an evangelical Methodist minister, who became a close friend And I was introduced to the message of Jesus in this little country church, I was 16 years old. And I had cut my teeth in activism, protesting the Vietnam War, I was anti war, I would have identified then as a pacifist. And here was this person of Jesus I saw as certainly against war and violence for peace. He loved the stranger, marginalized, he looked to me like a hero, in every sense, a moral hero. And I was very drawn to that message, I made a public profession of faith. And two years later, when I was 18, I went to cast my first vote happened to be the 1976 presidential year. And I voted for Jimmy Carter. Why? Because he seemed to exemplify all of the virtues that I saw in Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. Love for the poor, for the margin lies for the suffering, advocate of peace, and so forth. So that was my first encounter with Christianity. And it was the gospel, the message that I embraced, but then as the years went on, and I went to what we call Bible college, which was preparation for professional Christian ministry, and seminary in very theologically conservative settings. I was introduced to the National Association of Evangelicals, and this was during the rise of Ronald Reagan, Jerry Falwell, the Moral Majority, a new political brand of American evangelicalism. Yeah. And that's really important to name I love the way that you really lay that out that this was a new brand, and a new way of expressing evangelical Christianity. And a lot of folks assumed that that's always been the case. But you, you were right there at the beginning of this movement. Sure, I mean, 100 years before that, or maybe 150. Before that. Evangelicals, at least a good portion of them. Were abolitionists working against slavery, they would later work against child labor, they would be some of the first to ordain women and give them leadership full and equal leadership posts in the church, you could argue that for a little period of time, evangelicals looked quite progressive. And then they became terribly regressive. And by the time I was at the seat of the leadership table in American evangelicalism, we were not just regressive. We were politically co opted, and strategically so and it was largely at the hands of, and I'm gonna say this with great affection for folks I know in the south, and some of whom were leaders in the civil rights movement, white and black. But at some point, Southern evangelicalism gained the ascendancy in the United States. So you had figures like Jerry Falwell from Virginia, and favoring the South, who now kind of took over and muscled out those more progressive evangelicals, marginalize them. And Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party struck a deal with the National Association of Evangelicals and other evangelical groups, particularly the fall well, web. And suddenly, you know, I was swept up in that Ronald Reagan was the first president to address a sitting body of American Evangelical leaders, and I was literally on the front row, literally, made sure I had a front row seat when he addressed the annual convention of the National Association of Evangelicals, I was there, and I felt the glow of presidential affirmation, and that would lead to a second conversion that I call my conversion to Ronald Reagan, Republican religion, otherwise known as white American evangelicalism. Yeah, that's so important. To name the way that felt to be recognized by someone with power, and to feel the effects and the ripple of that power in your own self and perhaps ego.  Amanda Henderson  09:58Can you speak a little bit to that feeling of being in that circle, being at that table on the front row with the most powerful decision makers in the world.  Rob Schenck10:10Sure, you know, some may think that white, privileged aggrievement was invented by Donald Trump it, it wasn't it, it preceded him by decades. And even in the early 80s, I can remember rehearsing over and over again how American evangelicals were a persecuted and disfavored minority in America. And there was a kind of myth that we were somehow disadvantaged, like, we didn't, you know, we didn't go to Ivy League schools, our clergy were some of the least educated, sometimes non educated people. And so the elite, you know, the Harvard, Yale, Stanford Duke crowd, looked down their noses at us, and publications like The New York Times, and The Washington Post, classified us as sort of the uneducated, ignorant masses. And so we had a feeling of aggrievement, we were aggrieved, and we wanted somehow to get back at elitist culture for persecuting us. And that was very present in those settings. So to have a President of the United States, say, I need you, I'm for you, a whole political party is behind you. And we want you to be in leadership, not to be marginalized. But in fact, to take center stage, that was a real rush to use colloquial language. It was relief, it was a feeling of empowerment. And up until that time, you know, we talked about servant leadership, that you lead by serving others by meeting their needs, by reaching out and loving them even when that affection wasn't reciprocated. And that's pretty tough to do. And I felt a little weary of it by then. And here was a way to instantly claim our place in society, on the national stage, in terms of influence, and even power, because we knew what the bully pulpit of the presidency meant executive powers, it probably meant that we could get a congress someday that would reflect our principles and values. And that's the tack that I took. And it was the track that I set out on. And eventually, I would take my place at the table in Washington, and visit with presidents, with leaders of Congress and ultimately with Justices of the Supreme Court. Yeah, it proved to be right. I mean, I predicted that, and in fact, it took 20 years, but it came to pass. Yeah.  Amanda Henderson  13:42Can you speak to your role in the anti abortion movement and the work to overturn Roe? And just kind of lay the groundwork for how that came to be? For you? Rob Schenck13:57Yeah, well, it started when I was recruited to participate in blockades of clinics, where abortion services among other reproductive health care was offered. And I thought of it as very much in the tradition of, you know, the civil rights movement when there were, you know, lunch counter sit ins. And, you know, we use that language and even sang those songs modified for our movement. And when I entered that arena, he saw, you know, what I then termed the unborn child as a victim of social prejudice and violence, and they needed advocacy. So we were advocates, but very early on in that experience, another voice came into the movement. Rush Limbaugh now notorious, you know, three hour per day, afternoon arch conservative radio talk show host, who, as far as anybody could tell, had no Christian  sensibilities whatsoever. Yeah. But he glommed on to our movements saw it as a kind of hot poker in the eye of liberal elites and championed us. And now we had another kind of public affirmation. It wasn't Ronald Reagan, it was Rush Limbaugh, yeah,  Amanda Henderson  15:41and a real broad reach that can't be understated the reach of his voice during that time,  Rob Schenck15:48massive. In fact, he would quickly rise to the most listened to radio talk show host in broadcast history, and would move political mountains with his influence. And we were a favorite of his. And so suddenly, the movement began to transform. Even using his peculiar vernacular, he invented all kinds of neologisms and bumper sticker type slogans and and we started employing those just as a way of identifying with his massive public influence and political influence. As people may recall, he was the one that Donald Trump would drape with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a State of the Union address, shortly before Rush Limbaugh died in a very ostentatious, cynical move. But in any case, that's how big he became over time. So that swept me into a fully politicized form of the pro life, I more accurately now terminate the anti abortion, even anti woman movements. And I watched that happen to when I first joined the movement in the late 80s, early 90s, we had many women leaders. But with time, the men would start shoving women, sometimes literally, physically aside, push them out of the way, take center stage. Eventually, those women those women leaders would disappear from from the platforms and take a very secondary or tertiary role in the movement. And the men started showing up. I harbored some doubt about this, but it was unspoken at the time, but the guys would start showing up literally in lizard skin boots. Why buckle belts, sometimes empty holsters on their belts because they didn't want to be arrested for having a weapon or with a weapon. And we were all being arrested for blockading the clinics and they didn't want to complicate matters with a firearm, but they would wear the empty holster to prove I could be wearing a firearm. I could be staying packing gently firepower. And literally Amanda, I'm not kidding you. 10 gallon cowboy hats started showing up everywhere. And suddenly this movement that had been a mix, a gender mix of leadership became exclusively male, and a kind of cartoonish, characterized male movement. And that would set the ethos, the tone of it for the next 20 plus years.  Amanda Henderson  18:52Yeah, one of the things I think we aren't fully aware of at this point, is the ways that these Christian nationalist ideas impact so many different areas of our life. And most recently, the dobs decision in the Supreme Court, which undoes 50 years of precedent with Roe versus Wade, and the effort tooverturn Roe is a part of the pole toward Christian nationalist ideology in the United States today. How did you in that time, see your Christian identity connected to your identity as an American?  Rob Schenck 19:42Yeah, that gets to the heart of the thing, because over about a 10 year period, I came to embrace and promote literally preach and promulgated this idea that our opposition to abortion was grounded in the claims made in the Declaration of Independence, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And we would say, I would say it, all of our leadership would say it over and over again right about it, and so forth, we would say, the first right is the right to life. You can't enjoy liberty, or pursue happiness unless your life is first defended. So therefore, we must defend life from the moment of conception until natural death. Now, that was a distinctly religious notion. And a distinctly Christian one, and even a more contemporary Christian one. Yeah. So yeah. It's not an ancient idea. Now, it's a new idea. So I failed to appreciate that, how narrow that interpretation of life is.  Amanda Henderson  21:13Can you say a little bit more about that? How is that a new idea? Rob Schenck21:16Well, first of all, it has its origins in Catholic moral teaching, not even in Protestant and certainly not in evangelical moral teaching. Right up to 1973. It shocks people to learn that the Southern Baptist Convention and many other evangelical bodies in the United States actually supported Roe v. Wade in 1973. It was Catholic moral teaching. That was, you know, opposed to Roe v. Wade. There are various dates for that. You know, some will go back to the early centuries of the Christian church, others much later in time, medieval, or even 16th century, 17th century. You know, it depends on which scholar you're talking to. But in any case, it does not date to biblical times. In terms of the Bible, the oldest contemplations instruction, resolutions on these questions are found in Judaism, not in Christianity. And I've argued, Jesus was Jewish. The early disciples were all Jewish. The message of Jesus was contained within the Jewish community. It was proclaimed in synagogues, not in churches, they hadn't been invented yet. So this was a Jewish ethos. And while you find Jesus commenting on many things, he never comments on abortion, even though abortion was widely practiced, in that period, the New Testament period. And in fact, there's been hard evidence of that. Archaeologists have exhumed hard evidence of abortion practices in that world. And yet Jesus never comments on it. Why? I'm convinced it's because he held to a Jewish belief about this, which is that the unborn fetus, the gestating human is of a different order than the Born and independent humans. I'm not an expert on it. I will just say that in Jewish moral instruction, first of all, the woman is always preeminent is in first position, the fetus in second position. And all of this was obliterated by modernarch, conservative, Catholic and later Evangelical, Protestant, moral teaching. It does not have its roots in Scripture, or in Christian history. It has its roots in modern social and political phenomena. And that's really important for us to understand that. Yeah. And when does this get tied to American identity and politics and Christianity? That first happened in the early 70s. But it wouldn't really take hold until the mid 80s. When groups like the Moral Majority, national right to life, and others struck a deal with the Republican Party. And that deal would progress as it went along. You know, in the first instance, it had mostly to do with presidential politics than it would become congressional politics. I was there in the middle to late 90s, at the tables with Republican Party operatives, when they offered us a deal. And they said, Look, we're with you on abortion, we know you want the reversal of Roe v. Wade, we're going to give you that we're going to deliver that for you. But in exchange, and some of them would be quite crude. I can see this, I was seated at an oak table inside the US Capitol, there were a number of national evangelical leaders at the table I was there. I would now put this at about 1995. By by now. It was after the what was called the Republican revolution of the early 90s. And a party operatives said, Look, in exchange, we're going to take down Roe, we're going to make abortion illegal in this country. But you're going to have to give us your full support, you understand that? Wow, everything we bring to the table you will support because there's nowhere else for you to go. You understand that? And there were literal handshakes across the table, we understand. How did you feel in that moment? Do you remember having any doubts or hesitations? Or were you all in? I had momentary reserve, I was a tiny bit conflicted, not enough to count, because it became the perfect expression of the ends justify the means. We have to get rid of this evil called abortion, whatever it takes, that's what we will deliver. And then over time, you become inured to those flashes of conscience. And I regret that deeply. And I'll carry that regret to my grave. Because I wish I would have listened to the voice inside of me. And I didn't. And I'll tell you that. And you know, we all know this to a certain degree. But boy, I'll tell you when you are given unfettered access to a White House, to congressional leadership, Speakers of the House, Senate leaders, and eventually, to the Justices of the Supreme Court. It's very seductive. There's a kind of washing over of your conscience that happens. You have to be extremely careful. And I was not. Frankly, I think the black church gives us the best example of how to maintain one's integrity, moral integrity and still engage. The white church failed entirely on that point. And I was part of that failure. So how did it feel it both felt like almost a superhero power had come over me. And at the same time, I felt in one sense, I lost myself. It was a very hollow feeling that became worse over time. Amanda Henderson  28:39You've been talking a lot about the Supreme Court and and your role as a part of the fundamentalist Christian evangelical movement in the concerted effort to influence the courts and to influence the Supreme Court particularly to build enough power to overturn Roe. Can you speak to that history and your own realizations at this point around that work?  Rob Schenck29:12Well, part of my work in Washington, my headquarters building was immediately across the street from the Supreme Court, I literally looked into the chambers of the justices from my office window of I could look into the conference room where they would eat lunch and then cast their votes on a decision, what's called the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Holy of Holies of the Supreme Court building. And part of my work in the in that time was to not only engage with the justices on a personal face to face level, but to introduce other influencers inside the religious right to their most personal spheres social spheres, into conversations with them. If they could travel with the justices invite the justices to their homes, to their places of business and so forth, all in an effort to bolster their sensibilities that this was exclusively with the conservative members of the court. We didn't even bother to try to engage with what we call the liberal side of the court. In those days, we just went to the conservative justices. We hatched the phrase Minister engage in the ministry of embolden meant to embolden them so they would be stronger, more confident, even more strident in their verbiage, their language, the positions they held, and eventually into their dissents, and even into their majority opinions to actually render up really strong, unapologetic uncompromising positions. And decisions as they did in a number of cases, including the most recent knobs with the reversal of Roe, probably the strongest and most strident right wing language we have ever heard, in an opinion, maybe since the 19th. Century, when, when there were decisions on slavery, and Jim Crow and so forth. So, you know, the quick answer is that was part of my quiet work. It was invisible. We didn't publicize it at all, for obvious reason. And I'm sorry to say it was quite effective. What we did in those years, Yeah, it sure was, we inserted what I called our stealth missionaries into the life of the court. And all these years later, I see that we achieved our objective. Amanda Henderson  31:53Can you speak to those early cracks in your worldview, and your understanding of the work that you were doing and the way that you were moving in these religious and political spaces with such power? When did you start to question your own actions, the whole house of cards that had been built up around your work and ideas at that point?  Rob Schenck32:27Well, it was anything but a sudden flash, to some degree, I harbored those doubts all along, but I, I came up with techniques to silence the voice of conscience deep inside of me to compartmentalize put it on a shelf, tell it, I'll I'll visit you later, sometime. Not now. There's too much work to do. But they were with me. And in particular, one thing that my father had asked me once very early on, and he said, you all talk about making America a great country and promoting its best and making its very best. I have a hard time with that. Because when I was growing up, as a Jewish person, I couldn't join certain clubs. I couldn't go to certain schools. I was beat up for being a Christ killer. When was it so good. And that haunted? And once in a while, I would visit that question and worry a little bit about it. But then I would move on. I remember sitting in a room with several members of Republican members of Congress in Washington. And we were talking about some upcoming election. I can't remember which one, but I do recall saying, you know, in, in our news conferences, we always have a phalanx of white middle aged men. Shouldn't we bring some women and some people of color into this mix? And a congressman from Alabama said, that ain't gonna help our numbers any? What's the use of that? And when he said that I winced and worried about it. But again, I kind of put it in a cabinet and said someday we'll deal with that problem, but not now. And so life went on. And then came a time and I'm almost embarrassed to tell you this. I'm not even sure you know, it was that bad. But I got very involved with former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore.  Amanda Henderson  34:41Oh, yes. Yeah. Yeah.  Rob Schenck34:42In his campaigns for Chief Justice, which he want to  Amanda Henderson  34:47say a little bit about Roy Moore. Who was he for those who might not remember that name?  Rob Schenck34:52Chief Justice Roy Moore was the Chief Justice of Alabama. I became aware of him when he was a circuit court judge in a little known rural courthouse where he had displayed a hand carved set of the 10 commandments on the wall. He was sued for that, because there were those who came in and said, How can I be sure I'm going to be treated fairly by this judge when he puts his religious beliefs right on the wall, and I don't share those religious beliefs. He won, he lost, he won, he lost. Eventually, when He ascended to Chief Justice of the state, he came up with a plan of installing a massive stone monument of the 10 commandments in the Supreme Court building of Alabama. And I helped him with that, literally, I went down and literally rolled up my sleeves and helped install that giant monument in the Alabama courthouse that would ignite a federal lawsuit. And he would eventually be removed from office by a court of the judiciary, which is extremely rare, even on a state level like that. While I was down there, I was arrested for supporting him in a protest, and I was thrown in the montgomery county jail, which at the time, was full to overflowing. They had a lack of cells to put me out. And so they put me in the psychiatric wing of jail. But it was a very, very sad, very tragic place to be. And oddly, it was the only wing of the jail. That was co ed. So there were men and women on this wing. And three doors for myself was a woman. And this is always difficult for me to tell this story. But there was a woman in a cell who was obviously, you know, experiencing some form of mental illness, she was in great agony and distress, and she kept screaming all day long. Where am I babies? I have three kids. Nobody knows where my baby, where are my babies? Where are my kids? Well, it was at first grating to hear that. And then it just started tearing at my heart at my conscience, hearing this woman's please, to which no one responded, not a soul. Nobody came to her aid. And so I was sitting there tortured, with sound, this woman screams but what I realized in that moment, was I had carried with me this imaginary bubble. All of my career as a national pro life anti abortion leader. The movement I was a part of had this kind of dream state where we imagined that any woman who was in any form of distress over a pregnancy, all she needed to do was cry out for help. And Christians would come from everywhere to assist her. We would bring everything from diapers to food vouchers, to child care, promises babysitting to whatever she needed. We would come to her aid, why would anyone ever want to have an abortion? And all the support you need is right there just for the taking. Call out and we will be there for you. No one was there for this woman. No one No one came. No one cared. No one responded. And for the first time, I came face to face with the reality of a desperate mother who could not care for her children. And she was right there in my conscience in my hearing in my presence only a few yards from me for a torturously long period of time. And I and I tell you that because it awakened me to something that I had never not engaged in to that moment, which was the reality of her world. And quietly I thought, you know, all this time, I have demanded that others leave their reality to live in my fantasy. And in that moment, I was being called out of my fantasy into her reality. And it was like an awakening. But I would still go back to Washington after it was all over and put her on the same shelf where I had put a whole lot of others. And it would await another, I'm sorry to say 10 years, before I would take that off the shelf, that terrible cry of anguish. Amanda Henderson  40:29It's this encounter with the real life of another person that has the power to crack open our fantasies and our imagined worlds. And it's not immediate, as you just named, it takes so much time. And I think that's one of the daunting things about this work. And these efforts to counter Christian nationalism, and these ideal ideologies, and ideas that are so rooted in the imagined worlds that we build for ourselves and that we place on others, it takes so long to break through those cracks. Rob Schenck41:24And it would take a decade, until finally I reached the tipping point. And it was a whole combination of things too numerous to detail here. But the real breaking point for me, came when I took a leave of absence from all of my now very political work in Washington cloak does ministry. But it was really far more political than it was. Even at that point, religious though, religion played a very big role in it. I had to take a leave of absence at one point, and my wife Cheryl was very much ahead of me in this transformation. And she took her own professional hiatus, I took mine, we went out west to Seattle, where she completed a degree she had left off when she was pregnant with our daughter. And then I decided to do my late in life doctoral work. And in that research, I looked at the problem of the evangelical church in Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler, and not see us. And I can recall this vividly, I was in the dusty, musty basement of my seminary library in Tacoma, Washington, reading about the declaration by the Yvonne Gelish character, the Evangelical Church of Germany, when Paul outhouse one of the most revered Bible teachers of that day, declared that Adolf Hitler was a gift and miracle from God, sent to the German people to make Germany great again. Wow. And as I read that, I was reflecting on my first encounter with Donald Trump, at the 80th birthday party of the renown evangelical religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, at his party where Donald Trump was, you know, this was before he was a declared candidate for president, but he was working the room filled with evangelical leaders. And he had already tried out his slogan, make America great again. words to that effect. I don't think they had quite developed it yet. But it conveyed that and long story short is, I thought, Oh my God. We are replaying precisely what happened in Germany, the confluence of what they call blood and soil, racial and ethnic and patriotic national identity with Christianity. And that, that somehow this indicated the superior race of humans. And I, it was like, suddenly one of those scenes where all these little fragments of imagery and words and experience start coming together. And I sat there and said all Oh my God, we are perpetrating the same error that brought about one of the greatest human catastrophes. And that's why I say now that for me, Christian Nationalism is the greatest threat that we face. Because once you put religion at the service of a racialized ethnocentric political jogger, not, you remove all of the checks on that, because now that it's been sacralized, it's been made holy or divine. You don't dare question it. You can question politics, partisanship, ideology, but you don't question the mind of God. And when I started hearing, my colleagues say, that God has anointed Donald Trump and raised up the Republican Party for this time. You now remove all accountability, because for evangelicals, and I would say the same largely for Arch Conservative Catholics. The Bible says clearly, that to question God is a form of rebellion and to rebel is, quote, as the sin of witchcraft. In other words, it's satanic. So you remove all checks, all accountability, all questioning. And now you have a regime that can order its followers to dutifully obey. And if they don't, they are defying Almighty God, and therefore are in league with the devil. That's an advantage that no other political, social, even military convention can give. And we see all kinds of examples of it. And it's certainly present here, it was present on January 6, during the insurrection, it's been present in state houses, it is certainly present in the current permutation of Republican politics, on every level, and I would argue, without apology that Donald Trump embodied and will again, if reelected to the presidency, so these are not small marginal things. It is the center of the crisis we're living in. And it boils down to the subject you introduced at the very beginning of this conversation, it all amounts to the worst form of Christian nationalism. Amanda Henderson  48:13What are you doing to counter this rise that we see as a threat,  Rob Schenck48:20I'm very conscious, that I did a lot of damagefor a lot of years. And, and that, you know, that's, I don't say that for sympathy or, or to be maudlin. I'm just conscious of it. I'm very aware of it. And I know I have to do a lot of work, to even try to remediate some of that damage. That was done. And I'm trying to do that. But what I'm doing, one of the first things I'm doing is is speaking, is saying things, I think some people think, you know, what can I ever do? Well, the first thing you can do is speak your conscience. Just speak it sometimes in very small, limited ways doesn't mean you have to mount a podium somewhere or publish a tome or do an interview on some national platform. You don't even have to do a podcast with Amanda Henderson, but it helps. But you know, you can speak during a dinner at your family table. Just venture your conscience in a moment in time. Check and challenge somebody lovingly and respectfully. And even maybe with some apology or humility. Sometimes you win bigger that way, even when you assert how right you are in the moment. You might say, you know, I don't know. I don't know. I may be the only one at this table. But it bothers me and I'll tell you why. And I don't know. I go to sleep If these kinds of things, and it really troubles me, and that's just me, and then let others wrestle with fat, even if it annoys them, and angers them, let them own that and experience it, don't take it from them, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Just let them be upset. We're all big grownups. Just even speaking your conscience, I try to do that on the platforms that I have, whether I'm blogging, or I'm speaking from a podium or a stage, or I'm sitting with sometimes the old colleagues from my old worlds. And it's amazing how many people are out there, troubled in a similar way. And all they've been waiting for is somebody to say it. And they will find you somehow they'll find you, even after the family leaves the table, somebody comes up and pulls on you. And says, I was really glad you said that. Because you know, I've been thinking some of the same things. And it's been bothering me too. And maybe they're whispering, but then two of you get talking. And now you can strengthen one another and you start speaking a little louder with a little more volume, because there's two of you now, not one, and then maybe there'll be a third and on and on it goes. So that's the small way of doing it. The other is, of course, we've got to exercise our privileges and use them as best we can. And one of those is voting. And this is not a time to sit anything out. Amanda Henderson  51:36Wonderful, Rob. Thank you so much. So for those who want to hear more about Rob's story, I can't recommend enough the film by Abigail Disney Armor of Light, and Rob's book costly grace, that I will have links to on the show notes for both of those. Rob, it has been a privilege to work with you and to have conversations and to continue to be challenged to challenge some of my own assumptions. Your story is the epitome of complexified every element from your upbringing to your multiple incredible moments of transformation personally and the ways that you navigate that with nuance and grace. So thank you so much for your time today. Thank you. That was Rob shank founder of the Bonhoeffer Institute next time on complexified. You do not want to miss my conversation with the joyful passionate Reverend Dr. Jackie Lewis of middle Church in New York, and author of the book fierce love. This is time for bold declarations of what love looks like benefits about violence is probably not. Until next time, we are all connected. Let's live that way. Thanks so much for joining us for resources and ideas you can take home to your community, visit our website in the show notes. And if anything in this conversation inspired you please share it with a friend. That is the very best way to support us complexified as presented by the Institute for religion, politics and culture at ILF School of Theology, Lex Dunbar is an invaluable member of the team. Also working hard behind the scenes our engineer Andrew Perrella producer Elaine Appleton grant, Tina VISIR and the rest of the crew at podcast allies. I'm Amanda Henderson

In this episode, the Rev. Rob Schenck discusses the interconnecting network of faith leaders working towards gun violence prevention, the nonviolence of Bonhoeffer, and the importance of depolarization within American society with Mark Beckwith, longtime friend of TDBI and co-chair of Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence. Mark has been working in this overlapping space of nonviolence reform throughout his career. He is the retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, co-founding the Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace, a network of religious leaders committed to reducing gang violence in the city. He also co-founded Bishops United Against Gun Violence in 2012, which has grown to a network of 100 bishops. Now retired, Mark has become part of the leadership team for Braver Angels, a movement that seeks to depolarize America. The organization stands at the intersection of faith and politics, offering a path towards reconciliation and seeing across the divide within our own organizations. In March, he also released the book, “Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms, and Party Lines” with Morehouse Publishing. How can gun violence prevention advocates and gun rights advocates begin to understand each other? What do we need to do to depolarize our faith communities and reconcile with each other? How does silence offer a holy response and a common language for prayer? Listen in as Rob and Mark grapple with the tensions within our communities and how Bonhoeffer's experience with the Black church informed his outlook on suffering and nonviolence. -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Learn More About Braver Angels Read Mark Beckwith's Blog Mark Beckwith on Facebook Purchase Seeing the Unseen

Another unthinkable mass shooting of children in America. We'll look at why some of us – including most pro-life evangelicals – continue to worship the Second Amendment no matter the consequences, with the Rev. Rob Schenck, who spent decades as a leader of the religious right. Also, a long-anticipated report on sexual misconduct and abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention. Religion news Service National Reporter Bob Smietana will have analysis and historical context. And Sarah Posner on how the America-first crowd of the Conservative Political Action Committee, CPAC, ended up in anti-democracy darling Viktor Orban's Budapest, Hungary.

Rob Schenck is a public theologian and founder of The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute in Washington DC. Formerly, Rob had been significantly involved in a high public platform in the Religious Right until he went through his own journey of his faith evolving.  Rob talks to us about the intersection of power and having a public faith platform, how Abigail Disney opened him up to what he calls his third conversion experience and how Dietrich Bonhoeffer saved his faith. For more info on The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute - TDBI.org For registration to the Post Evangelical Collective Gathering, October 11-12 - LINK  

In this episode, Rev. Rob Schenck speaks with manager of the Equal Justice USA Evangelical Network, Sam Heath. Sam uses his broad faith background to tell stories of justice and injustice in a holistic, truthful manner. Equal Justice USA works at the intersection of criminal justice, public health, and racial justice to elevate healing over retribution, meet the needs of survivors, advance racial equity, and build community safety. Though EJUSA is not a faith-based organization, Sam is the theological bridge from the organization to faith communities and tells us how he uses his faith as a measure to respond to unjust systems and violence. Is “an eye for an eye” a biblical response to injustice? What does our faith say about how we address the criminal justice system? How should the church respond when harm is done? What is cheap and costly grace in the criminal justice system? Listen to Rob and Sam discuss these topics in this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Learn More About Equal Justice USA Read Sam Heath's Blog Sam Heath on Twitter

Keeping with the life, times, and interests of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rob Schenck talks with Glen Bloomstrom of LivingWorks Suicide Prevention Centre about a critical subject that touched Bonhoeffer personally. Bloomstrom discusses how suicide has historically been dealt with and how faith leaders can thoughtfully and sensitively approach the topic. He tells us that faith leaders are significantly underprepared to deal with suicide in their communities and how LivingWorks' training and simulations are helping fix that. This episode is brought to you by The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter  TDBI on Facebook  TDBI on Instagram   LivingWorks Faith  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  You are not alone. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, seek help now.  800-273-8255

Join Rev. Rob Schenck in conversation with a trio of entrepreneurs behind the Middle East-based Emulait, an infant bottle-feeding company that uses 3D-Printing technology to biomimic the structural anatomy of a mother's breast. Shilo Ben Zeev, Bob Worrel, Uri Steinberg share their religious backgrounds and their reasoning behind manufacturing their product. This episode is brought to you by The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute. -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Emulait

In this episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck talks with ethicist, pastor, author, and advocate, Dr. David P. Gushee about his history in evangelicalism, his abandonment of the moniker, and his book Introducing Christian Ethics. Dr. Gushee discusses the profound impact Dietrich Bonhoeffer has on his ethics, as well as his hopes for the impact of this important book. Introducing Christian Ethics discusses issues like creation, patriarchy, white supremacy, abortion, sexuality, marriage, politics, crime, and more. If you find Christian ethics to be an important topic of conversation in today's political and social climate, we encourage you to share this podcast and pre-order Dr. Gushee's book in January 2022. Dr. David P. Gushee (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, New York) is the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, and Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit (“Free University”) Amsterdam/IBTS. He is one of the world's leading Christian scholars and is the elected Past-President of both the American Academy of Religion and Society of Christian Ethics. This episode is brought to you by The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram David Gushee on Twitter David Gushee on Facebook David Gushee on Instagram

This week, we revisit an unforgettable episode of State of Belief, the weekly radio program and podcast from Interfaith Alliance: an extended interview host Rev. Welton Gaddy conducted in June of 2019 with former prominent religious right leader Rev. Rob Schenck. Rob had recently published a memoir, titled Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of […]

In this episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck talks with Chrissy Odean RN, BSN who recently graduated from nursing school into the COVID-19 pandemic. Odean describes her experience as an ICU nurse considering the heightened stress environment of the pandemic and varying responses from Christians. Chrissy Odean is a second career nurse licensed in the District of Columbia and Virginia. She started a nursing career in the ICU and is now working in the cardiovascular pre/post-procedural area, after having served ten years in the non-profit sector with employment in the U.S., and overseas as a public health missionary. This episode is brought to you by The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram CDC Guidelines

Is it possible to partner for peace with those we could call our “enemies?”Abigail Disney lost some of her community when she built a relationship with the hero of the “opposite side,” pastor Rob Schenck. But along the way, despite their differences, she found a friend and partner for peace in a place she never expected. She documented their story in the feature-length documentary, The Armor of Light, which went on to win an Emmy Award. Abigail has spent her life self-interrogating the stories she finds herself in and advocating for change. She's asked difficult questions about her family's history of enslaving human beings. She's worked to amplify the story of the successful women-led peace movement in Liberia. And now, she's advocating for a shared future in our own home by reminding us what's possible when we put aside our expectations and fears, and truly seek relationships with those we least expect to love.--Read and share the Principles and Practices of PeacemakingSubscribe to the Telos Newsletter for more news analysis and peacemaking resources: http://eepurl.com/cG1LGHFollow Telos on Instagram @thetelosgroupIf you're enjoying the podcast, become a monthly donor to Telos!Resources from this episode:All Ears with Abigail DisneyPray the Devil Back to Hell - Documentary film on role of women in the Liberian peace processThe Armor of Light (Emmy Award Winner) - Documentary film on crossing lines of difference over a vision of shared humanity and the future of gun rights in America

Doug Pagitt sits down with Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, to talk about his conversion from a "Reagan Religious Right Christianity" to a more Christ-centered faith serving those Jesus called us to love and resisting the Christian Nationalism movement within the Evangelical world.   The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute   Costly Grace by Rob Schenck   Doug Pagitt is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Vote Common Good. He is also a pastor, author, and social activist.  @pagitt   The Common Good Podcast is produced and edited by Daniel Deitrich. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic   votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon    

Epi 66 – Interview with Dr. David P. Gushee In this episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck talks with ethicist, pastor, author, and advocate, Dr. David P. Gushee about his history in evangelicalism, his abandonment of the moniker, and his book Introducing Christian Ethics. Dr. Gushee discusses the profound impact Dietrich Bonhoeffer has on his ethics, as well as his hopes for the impact of this important book. Introducing Christian Ethics discusses issues like creation, patriarchy, white supremacy, abortion, sexuality, marriage, politics, crime, and more. If you find Christian ethics to be an important topic of conversation in today's political and social climate, we encourage you to share this podcast and pre-order Dr. Gushee's book in January 2022. Dr. David P. Gushee (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, New York) is the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, and Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit (“Free University”) Amsterdam/IBTS. He is one of the world's leading Christian scholars and is the elected Past-President of both the American Academy of Religion and Society of Christian Ethics -- Resources: TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram David Gushee on Twitter David Gushee on Facebook David Gushee on Instagram

In this special episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, TDBI's President, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, and Executive Director, The Rev. Hope Christensen, sit down with “Mass” filmmaker, Fran Kranz, and renowned actor Ann Dowd to discuss their new, truth-telling film, “Mass.” The filmmaker and actor give us behind-the-scenes insight of decisions made on and off-set, and how they sought to communicate forgiveness, grief, and grace in such a tragic film. TDBI's namesake, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, had a few things to say about forgiveness, grief, and grace. This conversation gets into the intersections of the virtues of our namesake and how they show up in tragedy. Fran Kranz tells us how he overcame the temptation of simplification that Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned us about – the temptation to label people as “good” or “bad” and miss the beautiful complexity that each human holds. -- “Mass” tells the story of two couples longing for understanding and connection. Years after an unspeakable tragedy tore their lives apart, two sets of parents (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney and Ann Dowd) meet in the basement of a small church to talk privately in an attempt to move forward. In Kranz' writing and directing debut, he thoughtfully examines their journey of grief, anger, and acceptance by coming face-to-face with the ones who have been left behind. This timely film is a powerful vision of loss, grief, and reconciliation. -- Resources: Mass Trailer TDBI on Twitter TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram TDBI Fall Giving Campaign

TDBI Founder and President, Rev. Rob Schenck, introduces newly named Senior Fellow, Dr. Joel Looper and his upcoming book, Bonhoeffer's America: A Land without Reformation (Baylor University Press)

Three experts on religion discuss the history, the meaning and the possible hypocrisy of an unlikely union. When Donald Trump won the White House in 2016, he did so with the overwhelming support of white evangelical Christians. And through the tumultuous four years of his presidency, the faithful stood with him to the dismay of many. Critics contend that it is the height of hypocrisy for a faith built on the teachings of Jesus Christ and guided by the Ted Commandments to empower a person who has chosen hubris over humility and is seemingly unbound by a number of the divine laws.  For this episode of the Crosscut Talks podcast we posed that question to three experts: the Rev. Rob Schenck, the Rev. Lenny Duncan and Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez.  The answer, they say, begins long before Trump descended that golden escalator to announce his presidential campaign, perhaps as far back as the faith's very beginning. --- Credits Host: Mark Baumgarten Event producers: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Engineers: Chi Lee, Resti Bagcal, Viktoria Ralph

Christian leaders from around the country read the words of Frederick Douglass from his speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” originally given on July 5th 1852. Readers include Lisa Sharon Harper, Rev. Dr. Michael Waters, Alex Mack, Shane Claiborne, Bishop Patricia Davenport, Rev. Sharon Risher, Pastor Jonny Rashid, Rob Schenck, Dave Gibbons, Doug Pagitt, Rev. Wayne Croft, Pastor Jonathan Brooks, Diana Oestreich, Elaina Ramsey, Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, Lindsey Pruett-Hornbaker, Pastor Cean James, Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, Art Hooker, Pastor Mike McBride, Rev. Terrance M. McKinley, and Kimberly K-Lee Johnson.    The Common Good Podcast is produced and edited by Daniel Deitrich. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic   votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon

In response to increased awareness of racial violence, especially those acts perpetrated by authorities, toward black and brown people in the United States, TDBI presents this candid and important conversation between Rev. Rob Schenck and Dr. Walter McCray.

TDBI president Rob Schenck discusses religious nationalism with renowned Bonhoeffer scholar and historian on the Nazi-era German Protestant Church, Dr. Victoria Barnett.

Episode 3 of the Faith and Fire Conversations series “Chaos or Community: Courageous Conversations During Crisis” Panelists Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, President and CEO of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer InstituteAmanda Tyler, Exec Director of Baptist Joint CommitteeRev. Dexter Udell Nutall, Sr. Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, Washington, DC  

This week we have a very special episode of All Ears. Breaking from our usual format, we’re reacting in real time to the late night swearing in of the latest Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett. Abby’s guest this week is Reverend Robert Schenck, an evangelical minister and former prominent anti-abortion activist, who for decades was at the center of the conservative efforts to criminalize abortion and strike down Roe v. Wade. To his regret, those efforts came closer to fruition this week with the long-sought manipulation of the nation’s highest court to reflect an extreme conservative tilt. Describing himself now as a “menace” to vulnerable women during his years of activism, Rob has renounced his work as an anti-abortion crusader, admitting that he was part of a group that in 1995 paid Norma McCorvey (aka Jane Roe) to say that she had changed her mind to come out against abortion. For this All Ears, we air a previously unreleased interview from this past summer between Abby and Rob, where they discuss the origin of their unusual friendship five years ago, the process of setting aside political and religious differences, taking emotional risks to build trust, and how Abby’s experience of sharing her own abortion story shifted their friendship and played a part in Rob’s ideological reversal. Then Abby checks in with Rob by phone after Coney Barrett’s installation to the Supreme Court to react and reflect on the moment, and how they plan to move forward, both personally and politically, with hope and action.Find Rob on Twitter @@RevRobSchenck1EPISODE LINKSVote Common GoodThe Armor Of Light (dirs. Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes)Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love by Rob SchenckAKA Jane Roe (FX)Opinion | I Was an Anti-Abortion Crusader. Now I Support Roe v. Wade The New York Times 5/30/19How a More Conservative Supreme Court Could Impact Environmental Laws Scientific American 9/28/20The Effects of Stand-Your-Ground Laws RAND Corporation 4/22/20People of Praise: Inside Group With Reported Ties to Amy Coney Barrett Rolling Stone 9/29/20

What does the Christian case for Joe Biden look like? In our episodes on the first of two Presidential candidates, Rev. Rob Schenck joins to give a Christian defense of the challenger to the White House.-Follow/like the show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram-Email me: kris@grosslyoverdone.com-Check out more at grosslyoverdone.com-The Christian Case for Donald Trump-Listen to episodes one, two and three in our series on Christianity and the Election

We cannot know the contents of Donald Trump’s soul, but its fair to say his personal behaviour doesn't point to deeply held Christian belief. And yet the evangelical Christian right is a key pillar of his support base. Could that change in November’s election? Stephen Sackur speaks to Rob Schenck, an influential evangelical pastor and long-time anti-abortion activist who broke with fellow social conservatives over gun control. Can Donald Trump still count on the loyalty of the religious right?

I hope you're encouraging your church to get out and vote!  Elections matter, and this one matters a lot.  No matter which way the election goes, it's nearly certain that the days following the election will be difficult.  Join me for an important webinar on Wednesday, October 14, at 7:30pm ET in which I'll speak with Rev. Rob Schenck of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute.  We'll discuss lessons from history that might prepare us to be stronger pastoral leaders during a treacherous time.

Rob Schenck and Dr. Mae Cannon discuss her life and books “Social Justice Handbook” and “Just Spirituality”.

Tonight’s interview is the second half of last week’s chat with Rob Schenck, a former radical anti-abortion activist who now works to liberate the Evangelical community from the grips of extreme politics, urging Washington conservatives to move beyond tribalism and the politics of hate, fear, and violence.

Tonight’s guest has experienced three significant conversions in his life: from Jewish roots to Christianity; from a pure faith to a highly political one; and from the religious right to the simplicity of the Gospel. Once a radical anti-abortion activist, today he works to liberate the evangelical community from the grips of extreme politics and urges Washington conservatives to move beyond tribalism and the politics of hate, fear, and violence. Rob Schenck describes himself as a recovering member of the religious right, and his most recent book, Costly Grace, describes how he broke free from his descent into radical politics through humility, self-reflection, and a return to the essence of the Gospel.

Today we continue with my good friend Dr. David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University, as our co-host.  It's the perfect set-up for a great conversation, as our guest is the Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute in Washington, DC. If you don't know Rob, you should. He is one of the most courageous people I know, one who has been willing, throughout his years, to examine his life in the light of Christian faith, and move dramatically when the Spirit said to move. Join this candid conversation and consider how your faith is guiding you today. Today we get into all sorts of things: faith, activist life, evangelicalism... and one of us is able to speak with competence about the current state of baseball.

Rob Schenck and Rev. Amanda Henderson discuss her personal story, interfaith religion and her new book “Holy Chaos: Creating Connections in Divisive Times”.

Rev. Rob Schenck talks with Dr. Reggie Williams about Bonhoeffer's Harlem experience and his connection to the Abyssinian Baptist Church.

President Trump has announced his intention to pull out 9,500 American troops from Germany. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, joins Christiane Amanpour to unpack this latest development in American policy. She reveals that this won’t be happening right away. Judge and President of the International Criminal Court Chile Eboe-Osuji discusses an investigation into whether US forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan and says he hopes the U.S. stop their trend of attacking the ICC. A key base of support in Trump’s corner has always been white, evangelical Christians –  our Michel Martin speaks to a minister from that very group: Rob Schenck. Once part of an aggressive wing of the anti-abortion movement, he talks about rejecting divisive and zealous rhetoric in these already divisive times. And finally, Amos Nachoum, Wildlife Photographer, and Yonatan Nir, co-director, "Picture of His Life", reflect on teaming up on a quest to photograph a polar bar whilst swimming with it. Some much needed visual escapism whilst in lockdown.   

Author and activist Reverend Rob Schenck rejoins the podcast to explain why after 30 years in the pro-life movement as a no-exception "anti-abortion crusader," he now believes Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned and that we must let women decide for themselves whether abortion is right for them. A must-listen for opponents of abortion of all stripes, from abolitionists to mainstream pro-lifers. Answer the challenges Rev. Schenck presents by texting or leaving a voicemail on the Flip Phone at 323.999.1802. TO GIVE THE GIFT OF FREEDOM AND HOPE CALL 888-342-1010 to help CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY INTERNATIONAL free slaves in Sudan. Follow me at @georgi_boorman and Rob Schenck at @RevRobSchenck1 on Twitter. You can check out The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute at https://tdbi.org/ and fine Costly Grace on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. Schenck is interviewed in the new documentary AKA Jane Roe, centered on Norma McCorvey and her role in Roe v. Wade and then in pro-life activism. It’s available on Hulu.

Author and activist Reverend Rob Schenck rejoins the podcast to explain why after 30 years in the pro-life movement as a no-exception "anti-abortion crusader," he now believes Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned and that we must let women decide for themselves whether abortion is right for them. A must-listen for opponents of abortion of all stripes, from abolitionists to mainstream pro-lifers. Answer the challenges Rev. Schenck presents by texting or leaving a voicemail on the Flip Phone at 323.999.1802. TO GIVE THE GIFT OF FREEDOM AND HOPE CALL 888-342-1010 to help CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY INTERNATIONAL free slaves in Sudan. Follow me at @georgi_boorman and Rob Schenck at @RevRobSchenck1 on Twitter. You can check out The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute at https://tdbi.org/ and fine Costly Grace on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. Schenck is interviewed in the new documentary AKA Jane Roe, centered on Norma McCorvey and her role in Roe v. Wade and then in pro-life activism. It’s available on Hulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norma McCorvey, the previously unidentified woman known as ‘Jane Roe’ in the milestone Roe v. Wade case, makes a stunning confession in a new FX documentary about her life: She was paid by the evangelical Christian right to disingenuously further their anti-abortion agenda. McCorvey became a pivotal fixture of the abortion rights movement after becoming a plaintiff as out-of-work, unwed, and unable to get an abortion in the state of Texas in 1969. McCorvey was an imperfect and controversial public face for the pro-choice movement. But in the mid-1990s, she seemingly flipped sides, joining the right in their anti-choice crusade after claiming to become a born-again Christian. “This is my deathbed confession,” McCorvey says in a trailer for the forthcoming film AKA Jane Roe. In McCorvey’s own words, her public support of the anti-choice movement was “all an act,” and McCorvey describes herself in the film as “a good actress.” “I was the big fish. I think it was a mutual thing. I took their money and they’d put me out in front of the cameras and tell me what to say. That’s what I’d say,” she says, per the Los Angeles Times. Per the Daily Beast, the documents revealed in the documentary disclose that Roe received at least $456,911 in “benevolent gifts.” Sweeney told the Times that the film is meant to explore how, with the extremely polarizing topic like abortion, “there can be a temptation for different players to reduce ‘Jane Roe’ to en emblem or a trophy, and behind that is a real person with a real story. Norma was incredibly complex.” Indeed, McCorvey’s story isn’t easily unpacked. Per a Dallas Morning News obituary from when she died in 2017, McCorvey said that she lied about being raped in order to attain an abortion, which she wasn’t able to have. The film explores her troubled upbringing, alleged sexual abuse by a family member, and her relationship with longtime girlfriend Connie Gonzalez, whom she reportedly continued seeing long after her “conversion.” Per the Times, Rob Schenck, an evangelical minister who was formerly closely linked to the anti-choice cause, says in the film that what the movement “did with Norma was highly unethical. The jig is up.” AKA Jane Roe premieres May 22 on FX, and the following day on FX on Hulu.

Today we air the McCorvey interview that we conducted and then buried back in 2012. First though, regarding Norma's reversal, the godless and bloodthirsty left relishes that in a documentary being released post mortem, she recanted her anti-abortion position. The carcass of Newsweek magazine is the website called the DailyBeast. The Beast admits to being confused (nothing new there), that if Norma's entire conversion was an act, and she was only pretending, then why did she break off her relationship with her lesbian partner whom she continued to live with for years to come? The article says that partner was devastated that their relationship had ended (even though they continued as roomates). It could be that her late-in-years recounting from the nursing home she was living in was not especially accurate. We'll all find out the truth eventually. But her interaction with Flip Benham and other Christians perhaps left her conflicted and not totally lying. As to Norma being paid, whatever is the truth there, it's routine to pay spokesmen (though CRTL and American RTL do not pay their spokespersons). It's also routine to discuss talking points. (See also the statement from Operation Rescue National / Operation Save America director Rusty Thomas, below and hear the end of our interview at kgov.com/norma-mccorvey.) As for Rob Schenck however, who was apparently involved with Norma and who has also since betrayed the Lord by promoting homosexuality and abortion (these typically go together), he was always a dupe. In Part 2 of our abolition trilogy Focus on the Strategy, Schenck makes a 40-second cameo back on April 18, 2007 and we rebuke him for his misinformation. Today's Resource: Focus on the Strategy 2 “Awesome! Six hundred thumbs up!” Focus on the Strategy II was filmed before a live audience of 300 Christian activists in the Supreme Court chambers of the Colorado State Capitol building during an event marking to the very day the 40th anniversary of America’s first law legalizing abortion for rape and incest.Focus on the Strategy II not only documents the political sell-out of the pro-life movement, it answers the question of how to restore the movement and end America’s “legalized” child killing. Focus II stands alone, preferably viewed before Focus I, and documents that: Colorado’s Republican Governor John Love signed the nation’s first permissive abortion law in 1967. Republican U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun wrote Roe v. Wade. The 7-to-2 Roe v. Wade ruling was approved with five a Republican majority of five votes. The Republican Justices now on the Court (including Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Roberts) oppose personhood. All six Republican judges on the 11th circuit (nominated by Reagan, Bush Sr. & George W. Bush) voted to kill Terri Schiavo. Republican “pro-life” heroine Priscilla Owen voted to abort “Baby 10” as a Texas Supreme Court judge. Republican “pro-life” hero Samuel Alito sided with Planned Parenthood in repeated 3rd-circuit rulings, including ruling to keep partial birth abortion legal. Republican George W. Bush refused to support South Dakota’s total ban on abortion. Hundreds of pro-life laws that regulate abortion that will actually keep abortion legal after Roe is overturned such as the Informed Consent laws. Focus on the Strategy II includes audio and video clips of: Pro-life Notre Dame law professor Charles Rice criticizing National Right to Life and their strategy. Former presidential candidate and Ambassador Alan Keyes exposing as a “pro-life” failure the recent Gonzales v. Carhart partial-birth abortion ruling. Columbine dad Brian Rohrbough condemning the hypocrisy of National Right to Life. A debate excerpt between Steve Ertelt of LifeNews.com and the president of Colorado RTL. Founding board member of Nat’l RTL, John Archibold, condemning NRTL for their immoral and failed strategy. Focus on the Family staff falsely claiming that the recent Carhart ruling outlawed late-term abortion. “Pro-life” nationally-syndicated Salem Radio host Hugh Hewitt admitting his willingness to vote pro-choice. Syndicated radio host Laura Ingraham with “pro-life” Bill Kristol on behalf of pro-abortion Rudi Giuliani. National Pro-Life Radio falsely claiming Carhart protected life “from the moment of conception.” Personal correspondence from Dr. Dobson (on letterhead and by his own hand) exposing the tragic secular humanism and moral relativism among our greatest Christian leaders! In this DVD, longtime Denver talk show host Bob Enyart demonstrates that National RTL has turned over the spiritual direction of our Christian movement to secular lawyers who say that we must obey man rather than God. As a result, the pro-life industry has become primarily a fund-raising wing of the Republican Party. Evidence in Focus on the Strategy II destroys National RTL’s false claim that their child-killing regulations save lives. Since the release of this blockbuster video, National Right to Life and the child-killing regulators have been on the defensive, as the personhood wing of the pro-life movement advances!Focus II has done what people thought impossible, it has exceeded the power and insight of Focus I. Milwaukee Pastor Matt Trewhella, after showing the BEL DVD Focus on the Strategy to his congregation in July 2007, told them that "Bob Enyart's Focus on the Strategy is the most important message for the Christian community in a century!" Now, Christian leaders across America are raving about the must-see sequel, Focus II, which you must see to believe. At 50 minutes, Focus on the Strategy II is just the right length to watch in a Sunday School class, or with friends at a video party at home (yours or theirs)! There is no need to watch the “prequel” Focus on the Strategy, before watching this sequel, however they support one another powerfully!   ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Rusty Thomas  Date: Wed, May 20, 2020 at 2:52 PM Subject: Norma McCorvey Controversy To: Bob Enyart By now, most of you may have heard the controversy surrounding Norma McCorvey. The pro-abort/homosexual community has "evidence" that close to death, Norma recanted her conversion. According to them, Norma played both sides that exploited her and used them for personal gain. In other words, her testimony is a fake I just got off the phone with brother Flip Benham who will be issuing a press release and a video to separate fact from fiction. I've had CNN and LA Times contact me a few times with questions. The following is my response. Pray the Lord be glorified and the truth revealed in Jesus' name! When Norma was converted and baptized, our ministry Operation Rescue/Operation Save America took very serious our duty before God our to care for her bruised and battered soul. It is true that both sides to a certain degree exploited Norma for their own purposes. We took a different approach. We cared more about her as a person than what she could do for the cause. We sat her down to root and ground her in the faith, so she would be prepared to face the controversy surrounding her powerful testimony. The Scriptures warn to not lift up a novice before the time, lest they be filled with pride and fall under the commendation of the Devil. We were teaching her the way of Christ, which is, it is better to serve, than to be served. Like most humans, however, we like it the other way around and Norma was no exception. Eventually the Catholic church began to offer her speaking engagements that would not only give her public recognition in the pro-life movement, but speaking fees as well. How much, again, I do not know. Anyway, you had us admonishing Norma to sit down for now to get strengthened in the faith to be equipped to handle the battle ahead before launching into public ministry and others saying the door is wide open to have all these things right now. Norma went with the latter option and the rest they say is history. I truly believe Norma had a genuine conversion, but other things entered in to seek to discredit her testimony and I'm sure the powers that be will take advantage of it to further their pro-abort/homosexual narrative that paints all Christians as hypocrites, charlatans, and liars. Through it all, a few things I truly know, Jesus is still Lord, abortion is still a sin and crime, and the world will use this controversy to justify the evil of abortion. IN KING JESUS' SERVICE, Rusty Thomas, National Director, Operation Save America

Tony and Shane interview Rev. Rob Schenck, a Dietrich Bonhoeffer scholar who wrote, "Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love". Tune in to hear Rob Schenck discuss how Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experience with a highly politicized Christianity in Germany is relevant to our current religious, political saga in the United States.

Tony and Shane interview Rev. Rob Schenck, a chaplain to various political leaders on Capitol Hill. Tune in to hear them discuss a Netflix series called, "The Family" and how it may not accurately portray the story of a religious group of political leaders called, The Fellowship.

Rev. Rob Schenck talks with Joel Edward Goza about his new book, America's Unholy Ghosts: The Racist Roots of Our Faith and Politics.

In this new episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, recorded at the Christian Unity Conference in Hampton, VA, Rev. Rob Schenck talks with Paul Alan McAllister about the real need for racial, ethnic, and Gospel unity in the Christian church in the United States.

In this new episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, Rev. Rob Schenck talks to Dr. John Fea regarding his book, “Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Trump.” As an evangelical, Dr. Fea tells why it is important to learn from history, and to see why the path that American evangelicals have taken is a dangerous road -- both for the witness of the Gospel and for the trajectory of the role of faith in public life.

In this episode of Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, Rev. Rob Schenck talks about the need of looking at America's gun violence issue from the lens of Scripture and the example of Christ, and details out why the Fully Protected Bible Study (a downloadable FREE resource) is much needed in the Christian community today.

We are on the Move!   TDBI’s podcast, Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer, is on the move!  Now you can hear the podcast on all your streaming devices, including Apple and Google, by going to  https://anchor.fm/tdbi   Take a listen HERE for more information from Rev. Rob Schenck about this exciting move to a new and broader podcast platform!

Episode 8 - AFTER TEN YEARS: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Read by Rev. Rob Schenck

Episode 23 - Special Episode with Rev. Rob Schenck: The Gospel and Guns

In this special podcast, Rev. Rob Schenck sits down with Rabbi Shaul Praver in his home in Connecticut to talk about the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School seven years ago. In this emotional and moving interview, Rabbi Praver, the first Chaplain on the scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, tells us about the difficulty in witnessing the crime scene . . . the challenge of ministering to the first responders, parents, and school staff . . . the aftermath and response since that day. . . and the hopeful outlook that we can all have for the future.

In this special podcast, Rev. Rob Schenck sits down with Rabbi Shaul Praver in his home in Connecticut to talk about the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School seven years ago. In this emotional and moving interview, Rabbi Praver, the first Chaplain on the scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, tells us about the difficulty in witnessing the crime scene . . . the challenge of ministering to the first responders, parents, and school staff . . . the aftermath and response since that day. . . and the hopeful outlook that we can all have for the future.

In this special podcast, Rev. Rob Schenck sits down with Rabbi Shaul Praver in his home in Connecticut to talk about the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School seven years ago. In this emotional and moving interview, Rabbi Praver, the first Chaplain on the scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, tells us about the difficulty in witnessing the crime scene . . . the challenge of ministering to the first responders, parents, and school staff . . . the aftermath and response since that day. . . and the hopeful outlook that we can all have for the future.

Special Episode with Rev. Rob Schenck: What’s Gone Wrong with American Evangelicalism? Recorded LIVE from Temple Sinai in Washington, D.C., Rev. Rob Schenck touches on the crisis in American evangelicalism – specifically looking at one point of failure within his religious community that Bonhoeffer also addressed in Germany under the reign of Adolf Hitler.

America's religious freedom allows people to live out their faiths and act on their beliefs -- through passion projects.

Evangelical Christian minister Rob Schenck says you can't be both pro-life and pro-gun.

Sister Helen Prejean, author of "River of Fire", talks about providing dignity to death row inmates in their last moments. Her religiosity and kindness inspired the Oscar winning film "Dead Man Walking". Our Michel Martin sits down with Reverend Rob Schenck, evangelical minister and author of "My Words Led to Violence. Now Trump's Are Too". Schenck was a prominent figure in an aggressive anti-abortion movement, whose words led to the fatal shooting of a doctor; after years of soul searching, he warns of the very real dangers of hate-filled rhetoric. Crawford Allan, senior director at WWF and TRAFFIC Wildlife Crime Initiative, explains the illegal cheetah trade and why their numbers are dwindling in the wild.

09-11-2016 September 11th - by Guest Speaker Rob Schenck

For decades, evangelical Christian minister Rev. Rob Schenck was one of the most high-profile anti-abortion advocates in the country, using provocative and sometimes shocking tactics in his demonstrations. Schenck eventually turned away from that form of activism, and recently has dedicated himself to a new cause: advocating for gun reform. Though Schenck says this goes against mainstream evangelical culture, he says he believes one cannot be “pro-life” and “pro-gun.” In his newest memoir, Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love, Schenck details the three conversions he has undergone in his life: his conversion to Christianity, his conversion to right-wing activism, and his conversion to gun control advocacy. Rev. Rob Schenck, evangelical minister, author of Costly Grace, and founding president of the Deitrich Bonhoeffer Institute in Washington, DC Rev. Rob Schenck, preaching. (Courtesy of Rob Schenck | Facebook) Rev. Rob Schenck holds what appears to be a Bible, but is actually a gun case. (Photo by Rob Schenck | Twitter)

Reverend Rob Schenck joins us this week to discuss not only his book Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love, but also his career in the evangelical world and how it morphed into continued political engagement. Schenck, at the age of eighteen, decided that he would live his life in the service of God. He elaborates on how his religious life can be divided into three separate awakenings and how over the past few years he has come to see how politicized the evangelical community has become. After meeting President Ronald Reagan, Schenck became mesmerized by Reagan’s “presidential glow”, which inspired him to take his religious career into the political sphere. He notes how the Roe v. Wade decision invited the evangelical world into the sphere of politics. Up until Roe, many states had differing laws about abortion, but the Supreme Court decision allowed evangelicals to come together to form a stable pro-life movement.When did evangelicals become present in the political discussion? Why were evangelicals so “gun-ho” to get rid of Roe v. Wade? Does Trump represent a cliff that evangelical America fell off of? Why did Trump choose to align with evangelicals?Further Reading:‘My Third Conversion’: Rev. Rob Schenck On Why He Took On Gun Control, from NPR. Rev. Rob Schenck’s websiteCostly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love, written by Rob SchenckThe Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute websiteRelated ContentLibertarianism and Christianity, Free Thoughts EpisodeFreethought and Freedom: Early Christianity and the Modern Libertarian Movement, Excursions Episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Don’t Just Listen On this episode we interview our dear friend and Christian hip-hop artist Ivey Conerly about his brand new album Don’t Just Listen, which can be found on all major music platforms. If you’re an All Access subscriber, as a thank you, for a limited time you will be receiving Ivey’s new album for free. Be watching for an email containing a link! We also discuss a desk piece from a recent Netflix episode of The Break with Michelle Wolf where she talks about abortion. WARNING: this segment is vile and contains graphic language. And finally we talk about Rev. Rob Schenck’s new book Costly Grace and how it relates to the fight to end abortion. Get more at http://apologiastudios.com. You can be a partner with our ministry by signing up for All Access. When you do you will join many who participate in our ministry with us. You will also get all of our TV shows, our After Shows, and Apologia Academy in which you will learn from some of the most respected leaders and teachers in the church. Soli Deo Gloria! Apologia Radio The post #247 – Don’t Just Listen appeared first on Apologia Radio - Christian Podcast and TV Show.

As Pastor Bennett prepares for the start of Lent, Lloyd takes on Rev. Rob Schenck and another article filled with bad application of Scripture, lack of context and complete nonsense. Plus tips for getting started in competitive shooting from Sgt. Bill, a gun safety story from Mia, and tips for surviving a THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY COOK'S HOLSTERS. AMERICAN MADE CUSTOM HOLSTERS WITH A 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. www.CooksHolsters.com Links of Interest Sword of the Spirit Ministry – Ten Things I Believe About Christians and Guns Ballistic Minute with Sergeant Bill Sgt. Bill shares tips for getting started in IDPA and USPSA. Aaron Israel of Fundamental Defense In the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting, Aaron provides tips for surviving an active shooter attack. Mia's Motivations with Mia Anstine Familiarity breeds contempt, they say, and Mia shares an example Clinging to God and Guns Rev. Rob Schenck like to say he's a gun guy who has seen the light. But he's just another gun banner who wraps his arguments in Scripture. Scripture misinterpreted, twisted, and taken out of context. In today's article he presents ten reasons why he thinks Christians should not own guns. Prayer of the Week O Lord, mercifully hear our prayer and stretch forth the right hand of Your majesty to defend us from those who rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our Closing Theme A rockin' rendition of A Mighty Fortress is Our God, performed just for Armed Lutheran Radio by Kenny Gates.

Pastor James interviews the Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, President of The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, as they discuss Survivor Sunday, gun violence, and spiritual and moral law in America and the Church. http://revrobschenck.com http://tdbi.org http://www.survivorsunday.org/leadership

This week on Armed Lutheran Radio Lloyd and Pastor Bennett look at an article by Rev. Rob Schenck's interns which purports to speak for Jesus, claims there is no difference between murder and self-defense, and quotes a 2nd Century heretic to under-gird her arguments. Plus awesome tips from Mia and Sgt. Bill. Ballistic Minute with Sergeant Bill Sgt. Bill follows up on last week's strong-hand only shooting tip, with tips to improve your weak-hand shooting. Aaron Israel of Fundamental Defense Aaron is on vacation and will return next week. Mia's Motivations with Mia Anstine Mia has tips for getting your Hunter Safety Certification. Clinging to God and Guns  In the Summer of 2016, Kaitlyn Hamby was an upcoming senior at Florida State, and an intern for Rev. Rob Schenck's anti-gun Christian group Sword of the Spirit Ministries. In this week's segment, Lloyd and Pastor Bennett have a look at an article she wrote which puts words into Jesus' mouth, quotes the heretic Tertullian in support of strict pacifism, and says you're a sinner if you distrust a stranger. Prayer of the Week O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put away from us all hurtful things and give to us those things that be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. www.ArmedLutheran.us/alr-episode-80/ www.CooksHolsters.com  

In this special episode of Armed Lutheran Radio, Lloyd and Pastor Bennett take on a sermon by Rev. Rob Schenck. The sermon is part of a series of presentations in support of Rev. Schenck's collaborative documentary film “The Armor of Light” which follows Schenck's road from conservative Evangelical Christian, to social justice warrior anti-gunner. Programming Note This week's entire show is dedicated to the sermon by Rev. Schenck. The commentary was so long it would require editing out over half the audio to fit it into the usual format. As a result, Aaron, Mia and Sgt. Bill will be back with us in Episode 79. Clinging to God and Guns  This special episode is wall-to-wall Clinging to God & Guns is dedicated to a sermon by Rev. Rob Schenck, who thinks our support for gun rights gives Christians a bad name among elitists in Washington, DC, so he's out to change that. According to him, owning a gun presents a temptation to evil, but we're just too stupid to see it because we are in darkness. That's why we need to cast off the darkness, put on the armor of light and support expansive gun control. Prayer of the Week Grant, O Lord, we implore You, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by Your governance, that Your Church may joyfully serve You in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. www.CooksHolsters.com www.ArmedLutheran.us/alr-episode-78/  

In this week's episode of Armed Lutheran Radio, we're back from the Texas State IDPA match with tips from Sergeant Bill on practicing what you're not good at, Aaron Israel of Fundamental Defense joins me to discuss the importance of seeking professional training, and Pastor John Bennett of St. John's Lutheran Church in Willow Creek, Minnesota is back for Clinging to God and Guns as we take on another bit of bad theology (and logic) from evangelical minister Rev. Rob Schenck. 

What is an appropriate relationship between a Christian and guns?  As gun ownership is guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment and is increasing in popularity, Christians are free to seek the answer to this question for themselves, and emotions are strong in both directions. In this episode of the National Council of Churches Podcast, we will talk to Rob Schenck, once a leader in an aggressive wing of the anti-abortion movement, who has come to see ending gun violence as a pro-life issue.  We will discuss this controversial topic, along with his involvement in a new film by Abigail Disney entitled, “Armor of Light,” in light of the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the Church in Corinth that, ““All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”

Listen to guest speaker Rob Schenck.Support the show (https://harvesttime.churchcenter.com/giving)

Rev. Dr. Myke Crowder was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. He pastored two churches in Southern Missouri before becoming the pastor of Christian Life Center in Layton, Utah in June of 1986.   During his pastorate he has seen the church grow from 60 people to nearly 2,000 adherents, move to a 40 acre campus and build a new 40,000 square foot, 1,450 seat 8 million dollar family life center. Twenty years ago Pastor Crowder felt led to begin a Christian school as an outreach to the community. He established Layton Christian Academy which currently has 600 students and is fully accredited preschool through 12th grade participating in the Utah High School Activities Association. The school is represented by 70+ different churches from every religious background. It has definitely been the outreach to the community that Pastor Crowder prayed it would be.   God has done tremendous things at Christian Life Center which is located 18 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City in the very heart of Mormon Country. God has granted Pastor Crowder and the church great influence in local and state politics and has been instrumental in seeing change in the spiritual climate across the state.   In addition to having served the Assemblies of God in various leadership capacities he has for many years served as a board member of the National Ministry Cabinet for Paul and Rob Schenck ministries and is currently an executive officer of the National Clergy Council.     Pastor Crowder has a master’s degree in Biblical Literature from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Methodist Episcopal Church with full academic privileges.     Pastor Crowder is married to Marsha and they have 5 children and 5 grandchildren.     More about Pastor Myke Crowder visit: www.clclayton.org   More about Milton Herring visit: www.maxmowithmilton.com

Our missionary to Capitol Hill, Rob Schenck, talks about some of the ministry he is doing in the heart of our nation.Support the show (https://harvesttime.churchcenter.com/giving)

As we honor the heroes of 9/11 as well as our local heroes that serve everyday, Rev. Rob Schenck - our missionary in Washington, D.C. - shares a powerful testimony of his experiences from 9/11.Support the show (https://harvesttime.churchcenter.com/giving)

Special guest Rob Schenck, a missionary to Capitol Hill, speaks a little bit about what he does in Washington D.C. and shares a word from 1 Timothy about praying for our government leaders. Support the show (https://harvesttime.churchcenter.com/giving)