The Russell Moore Show (Christianity Today, Russell Moore)

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform and one of the most influential voices in American conservatism, recently wrote an article in The American Spectator critiquing conservatives for having lost their perspective on the issue of immigration. Here, Norquist joins Russell D. Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, for a wide-ranging discussion on immigration based on Norquist’s recent article, including the need for reform, moving beyond the political impasse, and the dignity of all persons made in the image of God. The post Moore to the Point Radio: A Conversation with Grover Norquist on Immigration appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hip-hop artist Flame, a Dove, Stellar, Grammy nominee, and graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s undergraduate Boyce College, recently released his seventh album, “Royal Flush.” Flame joined Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, to discuss the opportunity Christian hip-hop artists have to be salt and light in the music industry, and how hip-hop can be an avenue for gospel witness. The post Moore to the Point Radio: A Conversation with Flame on Hip-Hop and Gospel Witness appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Questions & Ethics,” a new podcast answering listener-generated questions related to culture and ethics, will launch today on erlc.com, the official website of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and here on Moore to the Point. Dr. Moore will host the podcast and answer questions on issues such as marriage, pornography, immigration and pop culture. “This program is devoted to interacting with you about questions related to ethics and what it means to follow Christ in today’s culture,” Dr. Moore said. “It will address questions such as, ‘How do we live as Christians in our workplaces, in our families, around our dinner table?’” In this episode, he discusses the importance of knowing your spouse’s sexual history and when it’s the right time to ask. The post Questions & Ethics – When dating, how much should a Christian know about a future spouse’s sexual history? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“The entire canon of Scripture throbs with God’s commitment to the fatherless and to the widows, his wrath at the shedding of innocent blood. Just as every Lord’s Day should be Easter, with the proclamation of the Resurrection of Jesus, and Christmas, with the announcement of the Incarnation, so every Lord’s Day should highlight the worth and dignity of human life. I pray that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will grow up in an age when abortion is not just illegal but unthinkable.” As you and your church prepare for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on January 19, we hope that you find this podcast helpful. You can also download a free bulletin insert here. The post Questions & Ethics – How should your church approach Sanctity of Human Life Sunday? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses Hobby Lobby’s Supreme Court case and how the decision could affect us. The post Questions & Ethics: How will the Supreme Court’s decision on the Hobby Lobby case affect us? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Questions & Ethics, Russell Moore discusses his thoughts on the legalization of marijuana. What should Christians think about the legal use of marijuana? What about medical marijuana? The post Questions & Ethics: Is medical marijuana ok for Christians? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore shares from his own experiences in youth ministry. He urges youth pastors to trust the entire gospel and not fear irrelevancy by doing so. The post Questions & Ethics: How can youth ministers be effective in today’s culture? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore cautions church leaders against a “ministry to the minority” mindset when it comes to creating diversity in their churches. The post Questions & Ethics: What can churches do to increase ethnic diversity in their congregations? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legitimate pain-killing medications can often be a gateway to a lifelong addiction to narcotics. Russell Moore discusses the spiritual implications of drug addiction and what repentance looks like in this situation. The post Questions & Ethics: How should a Christian counsel a friend who has unwittingly become addicted to prescription drugs? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore offers advice for delivering a eulogy for a non-believer. He encourages ministers to take the opportunity to deliver the message of salvation and the gospel. The post Questions & Ethics: How do you deliver a eulogy for a non-believer? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore counsels a pastor who found out a member of his church takes racy photographs for married couples, and talks about the danger of cultivating lust and violating the intimacy of the marital union. The post Questions & Ethics: Should a Christian photographer take racy photos for married couples? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore shares what the Bible says about capital punishment. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: Pro-life and for Capital Punishment? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore counsels a woman who has been married 8 months, but has yet to consummate their marriage. Moore shares ways a pastor should approach this, as well as the importance of sex within marriage. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: We haven’t consummated our marriage. appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses his view of Russian government propaganda, abortions and the change in Russian adoption laws. photo credit: Ken and Nyetta via photopin cc The post Questions & Ethics: Is Russia really a "pro-family values" nation? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore addresses the question: Should Christians bake wedding cakes for weddings about which they disagree? When is the right time to object and when is the time to humbly serve in Christ’s name? And what should the law say about these situations of conscience? Read a full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: Should Christians bake wedding cakes for weddings about which they disagree? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore answers the questions: Are spontaneous baptisms good for the Church? A church recently made the news for their guidelines for spontaneous baptisms. How should pastors and church leaders think through this issue? Read a full transcript here. photo credit: Mars Hill Church via photopin cc The post Questions & Ethics: Should churches manipulate for spontaneous baptisms? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore answers a difficult question: Is it wise for singles to adopt? Read the transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: Should Singles Adopt? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore advises a pastor on Matthew 18 discipline. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: How should we approach Matthew 18 discipline? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should the text drive the message? Should cultural events shape the sermon? Russell Moore talks to pastors about preaching on ethical issues from the pulpit. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: Addressing cultural issues from the pulpit appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who were the Nephilim described in Genesis 6? Were they rock monsters as portrayed in the Noah movie? Russell Moore discusses the movie and how the story of Noah can provoke important discussions about God and salvation. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: Who were the Nephilim from the Noah movie? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore addresses biblical accountability for Christian ministries in light of World Vision’s change of course. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: World Vision’s change of course appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cake-bakers, photographers and the HHS mandate: Russell Moore discusses these assaults on religious liberty and why faithful Christians should be engaged. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: What is the biggest threat to religious liberty today? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore explains why it’s so important for Christians to know the Scriptures and apply them to their lives. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: How can a Christian become well-versed in ethics? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore looks back on his own path to the ministry and relates his experiences to young people striving to be leaders today. The post Questions and Ethics: What advice do you have for future Christian leaders? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore addresses the issue of sexual abuse, saying immediate action is required by both civil authorities and the church. He also offers encouragement to those abused to come forward and not be ashamed that this happened to them. Read the full transcript here This question was answered live at the ERLC Summit. The post Questions and Ethics: How should churches think about the topic of sexual abuse? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore encourages parents to be open and honest with their children, in an age appropriate manner, at all times. Read the full transcript here. This question was answered live at the ERLC Summit. The post Questions and Ethics: How should parents explain same-sex marriage to their kids? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore counsels pastors and church leaders on how to lovingly disciple transgendered persons who have come to faith in Christ. The post Questions and Ethics: How do you disciple a repentant transgendered person? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore encourages pastors to address the topics of divorce and remarriage within their church. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: How should pastors address divorce and remarriage? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore advises a pastor on how to help those in his church function in a secular world but still have a holistic, Christian view with everything they do. Read the full transcript here The post Questions & Ethics: How do you maintain a Christian viewpoint in a secular world? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses pastors engaging politics from the pulpit. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: Should pastors talk politics from the pulpit? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses some of the most pressing ethical issues the church should be addressing, such as pornography, social media and the prosperity gospel. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: Which ethical issues is the church missing? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses how future technology could change sexual temptations. The post Questions & Ethics: How could future technology change sexual temptation? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses how a pastor can direct his congregation in regards to interacting with legislation on the issue of life. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: How should the church interact with legislation on the life issue? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore explains how this passage clearly lines up with Jesus’ teaching throughout the Bible and why we should in fact teach this passage. The post Questions & Ethics: Should We Teach the Story of Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore answers a difficult question from a husband who writes in and asks, “I’ve confessed to God and repented of adultery in my marriage, but I’m struggling with telling my wife. Is it necessary to tell her, knowing the hurt it will cause and how should I go about doing this?” Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: Does He Need To Confess His Adultery To His Wife? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision. The post Questions and Ethics: A response to the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore shares his views on couples writing their own wedding vows. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: Should couples write their own wedding vows? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A concerned father asks if his son should participate in his high school’s band raffle. “I don’t see,” he says, “how this is any different than gambling or a lottery, and how should I as a Christian respond to forms of gambling like this that are for a good cause?” Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: Should my son participate in a high school band raffle? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Audio from the Live Q&E Event with Russell Moore, at the ERLC 2014 National Conference. The post Questions & Ethics: Live from National Conference 2014 appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recorded a special edition of Questions and Ethics with Dr. Moore, addressing the Eric Garner case. You can listen below or read this transcript. The post Eric Garner and the Call for Justice appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses how to handle family tensions during the holidays. Read the full transcript here. Music is performed by Andrea Thomas. You can download her album A Christmas to Remember here. The post Questions & Ethics: How should I handle family tensions during the holidays? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore and Dan Darling discuss the ethics of the Serial podcast and whether Christians should listen to it or not. Read the full transcript here. The post Should Christians listen to the Serial podcast? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore, Dan Darling, Mike Cosper, and Joe Carter discuss the finale of the Serial podcast and how the series affects our views of America’s criminal justice system. The post Questions & Ethics: A follow up on the Serial Podcast series appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses the phrase “Happy Holiday” and how Christians should respond. Read the full transcript here. Music is performed by Andrea Thomas. You can download her album A Christmas to Remember here. The post Questions and Ethics: Christmas and the Culture appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses religious liberty and the firing of the Atlanta Fire Chief with Erick Erickson. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions and Ethics: A Conversation with Erick Erickson on Religious Liberty and the Atlanta Fire Chief appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Moore interviews David Oyelowo, the actor who plays Martin Luther King, Jr. in the new Oscar-nominated film, Selma. The post Questions and Ethics: Discussing ‘Selma’ with Actor David Oyelowo appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses IVF treatment and how the church should respond to women who have had this procedure. Read the full transcript here. The post Questions & Ethics: How should local church leaders respond to a single woman who had a child through IVF? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore discusses Bill Cosby and whether we should continue watching reruns of his show. The post Questions & Ethics: How should Christians think about Bill Cosby? appeared first on Russell Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carlos Whittaker is an author, podcaster, and global speaker who is backed by, as he puts it, “the power of a massive Instafamilia.” Perhaps it’s no wonder, then, that when he decided to spend 23 hours a day in silence at a Benedictine monastery, he experienced physical detoxification symptoms—including heart palpitations.  Whittaker and Moore talk about their experiences of spending time screen-free and how it has changed them. They discuss the relational focus made possible by time apart from devices and the transformative effects of communal living. They consider how Christians engage with time, why it’s important to savor experiences, and how believers might reclaim the practice of solitude.  Ultimately, they speak to the potential for a healthy relationship to technology and discuss what it may look like to pursue it. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Carlos Whittaker Pascal’s Penseés  Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human by Carlos Whittaker Saint Andrew’s Abbey Henri Nouwen “London Taxi Drivers and Bus Drivers: A Structural MRI and Neuropsychological Analysis” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial subscription at Christianity Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the biblical and historical evidence for the resurrection? What does it mean when Scripture says we carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies? How can Christians be deeply committed to interpreting the Bible faithfully while also taking care not to become legalistic? These are some of the listener questions that Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales engage on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. Their conversation covers big-picture ideas like how to think about Scriptural interpretation and gets specific about certain passages in the Bible. Questions in this episode include: What books or resources give evidence for the resurrection? How does the concept of knowing Christ’s power in his resurrection (Philippians 3) work with the idea that we carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4)? What should we do if two passages of Scripture seem to contradict each other? Can a marriage thrive if spouses have different convictions about important theological issues? How can we guard against becoming people who have great biblical knowledge but little Christian character? Resources mentioned in this episode include:  “Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ” by Peter Kreeft and Fr. Ronald Tacelli, SJ The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright Is Easter Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin “A conversation with Tim Keller about ‘Hope in Times of Fear’” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today   Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper   Host: Russell Moore   Producer: Ashley Hales   Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps   CT Administration: Christine Kolb   Social Media: Kate Lucky   Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens   Production Assistance: coreMEDIA  Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu   Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort   Video Producer: John Roland   Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a frenzy out there. As America draws closer to the presidential election, the cultural sense of division and disquiet only grows. On this episode, Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales respond to listener questions, exploring how Christians can stay grounded in tumultuous times. Questions addressed in this episode include: What practices or rules ground Russell personally and communally? How can Christians compassionately engage with people who hold a conspiratorial worldview? How might church leaders guard themselves against lust for power? What has Russell reflected upon since his episode with Ryan Burge about the future of the American church?What does it look like to teach people—especially children—to think well? What can the church do to provide young men with a meaningful place and voice? How might a Christian respond to unethical behavior in the workplace? How can Christians be more confident that heaven is real? Resources mentioned in this episode include: Inside Out 2 Daniel Patterson “Predictions About the Future of the Christian Church” How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds by Alan Jacobs Frederick Buechner“ A Christian Response to Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis” The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Science should be a quest to discover truth. Christian faith means following the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This pair of facts defines the life and work of this episode’s guest, former director of the National Institutes of Health, Francis Collins. He and Moore discuss COVID-19, conspiracies, and the creator God. Their conversation draws upon Collins’ new book, The Road to Wisdom, and highlights Christian hope for perspective amidst polarization. Collins and Moore also talk about Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Sermon on the Mount, and their common friend, the late Tim Keller. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest(s) include: BioLogos Human Genome Project The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust by Francis Collins The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis  Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis by James Davison Hunter The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate by John H. Walton The Advancement of Learning by Francis Bacon The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright Promised Land Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to the quarterly books episode of The Russell Moore Show! Listen in as Russell and producer Ashley Hales talk about the bookstores, newsletters, and reviews that help them find great reads. The two discuss everything from classic stories to new titles and Christian imagery to transhumanist fantasies. Their conversation also covers family, political history, and engaging the Scriptures imaginatively.  Books mentioned in this episode include:  How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley Escape into Meaning: Essays on Superman, Public Benches, and Other Obsessions by Evan Puschak The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis The Singularities by John Banville Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires by Douglas Rushkoff God with Us: Lived Theology and the Freedom Struggle in Americus, Georgia, 1942–1976 by Ansley L. Quiros The Inconvenient Gospel: A Southern Prophet Tackles War, Wealth, Race, and Religion by Clarence Jordan  Clarence Jordan: A Radical Pilgrimage in Scorn of the Consequences by Frederick L. Downing It All Turns on Affection: The Jefferson Lecture and Other Essays by Wendell Berry Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore Resources mentioned in this episode include: Carmichael’s Bookstore The New York Review of Books Englewood Review of Books The Nerdwriter Writing for the Heart Workshop with Ashley Hales and Mike Cosper Russell’s newsletter Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American Christians ought to care about how Venezuelan gang members are deported. Listen to his most recent newsletter every Monday! Subscribe to Russell's weekly newsletter here! Do you have questions for Russell Moore? Send them to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“We’re learning what she meant to us by having to cope with her absence.” So says Sam Allberry, British author, speaker, pastor, and apologist as he reflects on the death of Queen Elizabeth II during this week’s episode of The Russell Moore Show. Allberry and Moore talk about the role the queen filled in the British and global imaginations, what it means for the Elizabethan age to end, and the type of leadership the queen embodied. They also discuss the Church of England, trends in American and British Christianity, and interdependence in the global church. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do we believe in redemption?  That’s the question Latasha Morrison, author and founder of Be the Bridge, encourages listeners to consider. On this episode, Morrison and Moore discuss the issues of race, culture, and history’s impact on the present. They talk about what it’s like to listen, lament, and act on behalf of the oppressed—surrendering our work to the Lord as we walk the path of justice, righteousness, and reconciliation. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Brown Faces, White Spaces: Confronting Systemic Racism to Bring Healing and Restoration by Latasha Morrison Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison Be the Bridge Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes: Patronage, Honor, and Shame in the Biblical World by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James Jemar Tisby “Meet 115 Changemakers Working With Facebook To Bring The World Together” Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story by Ruby Bridges Ta-Nehisi Coates  Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’ve heard of the nones: the agnostic or atheist-adjacent young people who profess no religious faith. But what about the ums: those who, when asked, “Do you go to church?” are likely to respond with “um” or “not really” or “I kind of drifted during the pandemic.” What can be done to invite them back into connection and community?  On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore welcomes author Kara Powell, Chief of Leadership Formation and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary. Powell and Moore talk about research on Gen Z’s relationship to faith and church. They explore the reasons that young people are skeptical of Christianity and highlight opportunities for church leaders and older Christians to come alongside young people on their journeys. Moore and Powell discuss TENx10, a collaboration that endeavors to help faith matter more to 10 million young people over the next 10 years and offers faith communities the resources they need to prioritize youth discipleship. And they offer hope for rebuilding trust with members of Gen Z through, as Powell puts it, “everyday acts of listening and empathizing.”  Tune in for a dynamic conversation that will help parents, church leaders, and all who love Gen Z to answer the questions they’re asking about life and faith. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Faith Beyond Youth Group: Five Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship by Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad M. Griffin Fuller Youth Institute The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt Skye Jethani TENx10 “New Findings on Young Americans Two Years Into The Covid-19 Pandemic” from Springtide Research Institute Orange Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Russell Moore first heard the title of Christopher Watkin’s new book, Biblical Critical Theory, his mind immediately went to the controversy around critical race theory. But, as this episode’s conversation with Watkin—a professor and senior lecturer at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, reveals—it’s about so much more. Tune in for a rich discussion of what critical theory actually is (and isn’t), what it means to critique the status quo, and where the Bible fits into all of this. Moore and Watkin talk about the authority of Scripture and the role of morality in the lives of both Christians and non-Christians. Their conversation touches on social media, gender and sexuality, and moral relativism. And they consider what it means to let the Bible interpret the Bible, looking to Augustine as a model for cultural and political thought, and how to begin investigating the stories we tell ourselves. Resources discussed during this episode include: Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin A Secular Age by Charles Taylor City of God by Augustine Theology and Social Theory: Beyond Secular Reason by John Milbank Gospel and Kingdom by Graeme Goldsworthy God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible by Vaughan Roberts Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament by Nancy Guthrie The Order of Things and The Birth of Biopolitics by Michel Foucault Heidelberg Disputation by Martin Luther Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On June 19, 2023, the United States of America will celebrate its newest federal holiday: Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of some slaves in Texas being told that they were free. But this is far from the first time that Juneteenth, which today’s guest refers to as “a second Independence Day,” has been celebrated.  On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Justin Giboney shares his memories of celebrating Juneteenth. Drawing on his expertise as a political strategist, attorney, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, Giboney speaks to the history and cultural narratives regarding systemic injustice in America. He and Moore discuss civil rights, the Black church, and the Christian witness in the public square. And they consider how believers in Jesus can engage in political spaces. Resources mentioned in this episode include:  AND Campaign How I Got Over docuseries by the AND Campaign The Church Politics Podcast Charlie Dates Prior work on Juneteenth at Christianity Today includes: “For Christians, Juneteenth Is a Time of Jubilee” by Rasool Berry “Why Juneteenth Should Matter to the Church” a webinar featuring Rasool Berry, Lisa Fields, Carey H. Latimore. Michelle Ami Reyes, and Russell Moore “Juneteenth: A Truer Independence Day” by Bonnie Kristian “Juneteenth Was an Answer to Centuries of Prayer” by Eric Washington “Juneteenth with Historian Carey Latimore” Where Ya From? Episode 28 “Juneteenth is a Chance to Rethink Our Gun Culture” by Edward-Richard Hinds Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One might think working as a CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent would have Jake Tapper spending his spare minutes doing anything but working with words. His recently published third novel, All the Demons Are Here, would beg to differ. On a new episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore asks Tapper how he manages his time and talents. They discuss Tapper’s political thrillers, his curiosity about eras of disillusionment and mistrust of power, and his interest in the role of showmanship in politics. Moore and Tapper’s conversation covers the ways that recent political history has been stranger than fiction, the effect of information silos, and how Tapper’s Judaism helps him look at multiple viewpoints. They talk about how to be a sophisticated consumer of news, how Tapper keeps from giving himself over to the sensational, and the importance of a wise inner circle. Tune in for a meaningful discussion of American faith and politics. Resources mentioned in this episode include: All the Demons Are Here: A Thriller by Jake Tapper All the President’s Men“ Jake Tapper on his 1970s thriller ‘All the Demons Are Here’” on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday “CNN exclusive: DeSantis downplays concerns about the state of his 2024 campaign” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One may not expect Russell Moore and Jonathan Rauch, an openly gay atheist, to become friends—much less to be positive influences on one another’s lives and work. But as this conversation shows, this surprising fact is true. The two discuss their perspectives on politics, Christianity, and culture. They talk about their regular gathering on Thursday nights with fellow thinkers and the ways they see fear taking precedence in American churches. Their discussion covers race, gender, and sexuality, as well as Christian nationalism, parallels between the political left and right, and the reasons why Rauch considers forbearance to be a key aspect of liberal democracy. Moore and Rauch consider the “four Ms”—mortality, morality, murder, and miracles—and talk about why Rauch dedicated his new book, Cross Purposes, to two Christian friends who have passed—Tim Keller and Mark McIntosh. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Jonathan Rauch Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch Brookings Institution The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention Peter Wehner David French Mark A. McIntosh “Let It Be” “U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time” No Compromise Tim Keller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does social media make us meaner? How do we stay faithful to Jesus when we’re downright exhausted? Tune in for a discussion between Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales that covers these questions and more. The topics on this episode of The Russell Moore Show range from the recent mayhem on Twitter to Russell’s favorite Christmas present as a child. The listener questions covered in this episode include: How might Christians think about social media in terms of discipleship in the church and the home? What does Christian perseverance look like during this post-pandemic moment in time? What are the dangers of becoming numb to toxic politics? How can pastors and mature believers engage with “radicalized” young men? Resources mentioned include Radical by David Platt and The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch. Russell Moore is Christianity Today’s editor in chief and the director of the Public Theology Project. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, the founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the term evangelical worth holding on to anymore? Is it imperative that Christians participate in elections? What is the way forward for families that have been fractured by political disagreements? These are some of the listener questions that Russell and producer Ashley Hales address on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. Tune in for a discussion that digs deep into the political dynamics of modern American life while sharing universal truths for living Christianly in a broken world. Questions addressed during this episode include: Does Russell read every book that shows up in his newsletter? What are some tips for reading more regularly? Is it okay for Christians not to participate in voting for president? How can Christians whose families are divided over politics prioritize God and one another What does the evangelical support of Donald Trump do to the term evangelical and its reputation? How can believers deal with Christian nationalism in their relationships? What is Christian nationalism? How might the upcoming election affect local churches? What hope is there for Christians discouraged by American politics? Resources mentioned in this episode include: Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore Russell’s newsletter “Should Christians Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils?” by Russell Moore “Incurvatus in Se” “C. S. Lewis on Chronological Snobbery” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Special offer for listeners: Russell Moore will join friends David French and Curtis Chang in Washington, DC, for The After Party LIVE! on April 19. As a faithful listener to the podcast, we’d love for you to join us and use this 20% off offer just for listeners! The After Party is a free six-part video curriculum designed for people & pastors alike, and offers “a better way” for Christians to engage in politics. Learn more and buy tickets here—we’ve saved a seat for you! Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Moore and Beth Moore are often mistaken for siblings, spouses, or even parent and child in social media discussions. While they share no familial relation, Russell and Beth have shared similar joys and heartbreaks in their Christian lives. They both know the beauty of growing up in churches that loved them well. They’ve experienced the privileges and complexities of living as public faith leaders. And, more recently, they’ve both walked through the process of leaving the Southern Baptist Convention—a place they’d called home for decades. In this episode, Russell and Beth talk about how both staying and leaving can be tremendously difficult and tremendously sweet. They share honestly about how painful and disorienting it can be when the people in your inner circles suddenly seem to turn against you. They discuss how their experiences may seem unique, but in many ways, they mirror relationship losses that Americans and people all around the globe have passed over the past several years. And they call their brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity, empowering one another to testify to the gospel. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Administrator: Christine Kolb Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the quarterly books episode of The Russell Moore Show! Tune in for a discussion of what Russell Moore and Ashley Hales, the former producer of the show and now CT’s editorial director for print, have been reading lately. The two discuss the themes that emerge in their reads, from power to technology to deconstruction. Their conversation covers nonfiction, fiction, and poetry—with shout-outs to some television and music as well.   Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Ashley Hales Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World by Anne Applebaum Enlightenment: A Novel by Sarah Perry The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg Another Day: Sabbath Poems 2013–2023 by Wendell Berry Break, Blow, Burn, & Make: A Writer's Thoughts on Creation by E. Lily Yu The Slow Road North: How I Found Peace in an Improbable Country by Rosie Schaap “Rainn Wilson Tells Me Where I’m Wrong on Spirituality” Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss Willie, Waylon, and the Boys: How Nashville Outsiders Changed Country Music Forever by Brian Fairbanks Confessions by Saint Augustine The Sparrow: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu Aegypt by John Crowley The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Piranesi by Susanna Clarke The Life Impossible: A Novel by Matt Haig The Grey Wolf: A Novel by Louise Penny Charles Taylor J. R. R. Tolkien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the news broke that world-famous apologist Ravi Zacharias had perpetrated years of abuse, many evangelicals felt like their world had been flipped outside-down. Sam Allberry knows the feeling—he was a staff apologist at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) when the allegations emerged.On a new Losing Our Religion episode of The Russell Moore Podcast, Moore and Allberry talk about the devastating impact of Christian leaders who are living secret lives of sin. Allberry, a pastor, apologist, author, and speaker, shares what he learned about how institutions deal with crises and how he emotionally and mentally stepped away from the job. He and Moore discuss knowing when it’s time to leave and time to stay, grieving severed relationships, and how God’s grace shows up in seasons of loss.Tune in for a nuanced discussion of faith and doubt, growth in Christ, and gender and sexuality. Moore and Allberry also discuss the ministry of their dear friend, the late Tim Keller. And they point to the power of the gospel in discipleship, sanctification, and changing the lives of those we might be tempted to think of as far from God.This special series of episodes around Russell Moore’s newest book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, explores the Christian faith in confusing times.Resources mentioned in this episode include: Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore Is God Anti-Gay? And Other Questions About Jesus, the Bible, and Same-Sex Sexuality by Sam Allberry What God Has to Say about Our Bodies: How the Gospel Is Good News for Our Physical Selves by Sam Allberry 7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry Why Bother with Church? And Other Questions about Why You Need It and Why It Needs You by Sam Allberry “Ravi Zacharias Hid Hundreds of Pictures of Women, Abuse During Massages, and a Rape Allegation” by Daniel Silliman and Kate Shellnutt for CT God in the Dock by C.S. Lewis Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People become who they pretend to be (and why that only works in one direction). The Russell Moore Show is bringing Russell's weekly newsletter to all streaming platforms. Listen to his most recent newsletter every Monday! Subscribe to Russell's weekly newsletter here! Do you have questions for Russell Moore? Send them to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“There is so much grace.”  That’s what Melissa B. Kruger, Bible teacher, author of several books including Parenting with Hope, and vice president of discipleship programming at The Gospel Coalition wants families with teens to know. Not only that, it's what she hopes all who care about the next generation will bear in mind. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Kruger shares insights gained from her years of raising three now-adult children. She talks about the importance of emphasizing relationships with Jesus and one another over a formulaic approach to faith or parenting. Moore and Kruger discuss practical issues in teen life, including mental health concerns, smartphone usage, and how families may be unintentionally raising young people to be “curated…rather than dearly beloved.”  Kruger and Moore offer hope for families that are struggling and encourage parents to think about preparing their children to encounter risks in the real world with wisdom and hope. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Melissa B. Kruger The Gospel Coalition Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa B. Kruger “Jonathan Haidt’s Way Forward for an Anxious Generation”  "An Update to The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt" Reformed Theological Seminary The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Madeline Levine, Ph.D.  The Gift of Good Land: Further Essays Cultural and Agricultural by Wendell Berry  Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Signposts, I am joined by Dr. Tara Isabella Burton to talk about her new book, Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World (PublicAffairs, 2020). In our conversation we talk about secularization, the breakdown of religious institutions, and the connection of fitness culture and religiosity. Dr. Burton received a Doctorate in Theology from Trinity College, Oxford where she was a Clarendon Scholar in 2017. She is the author of two books: the novel Social Creature (Doubleday, 2018) and Strange Rites (Public Affairs, 2020). She also has two other books that are forthcoming: another novel, The World Cannot Give (Simon and Schuster, 2022) and another work of non-fiction, Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians (Public Affairs, 2023). She has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and others. She also serves as a columnist for Religion News Service and a former staff religion writer at Vox.  I invite you to listen in to our conversation and be sure to subscribe to receive future episodes of Signposts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former vice president Mike Pence has long said that he is a Christian first and conservative second. As he and Russell Moore discuss politics, presidencies, and partisanship, they dig deep into what that prioritization has meant for Pence throughout his career.  Moore and Pence discuss former president Carter’s funeral, Pence’s relationship with Donald Trump, and how the 48th vice president came to faith in Christ. They talk about Pence’s experiences during the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the attacks on September 11, 2001. They consider the upcoming return of President Trump to the Oval Office. Pence shares his perspective on major political issues such as abortion, religious liberty, and international relations. They talk about Pence’s organization, Advancing American Freedom; his hopes for the Republican party; and how Christians can pray for their government leaders.  Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: So Help Me God by Mike Pence Advancing American Freedom “The State Funeral of Former President Jimmy Carter | Special Report” Basic Christianity by John Stott C. S. Lewis Samaritan’s Purse The Reagan Doctrine Never Alone by Amy Grant Click here for a trial subscription at Christianity Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many evangelicals are taught to share the gospel according to “The Romans Road,” which charts a path through the book to explain the path to salvation. But English theologian and prolific author N.T. Wright says that while anything that highlights how God’s love reaches out to humanity is good news, the book of Romans itself paints a far more beautiful picture of salvation than The Romans Road can encapsulate. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Wright and Moore discuss Wright’s new book on Romans 8, Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul's Greatest Letter. Their conversation includes the storyline of Scripture, what it means that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8), and what keeps people from realizing that God is love. They talk about atonement theories, fear of judgment, and embracing the fact that Christians do not need to fear, for God is with them (Psalm 23). Moore and Wright consider the meaning of covenant faithfulness, covenant justice, and the groaning of creation. They discuss the ecological impact of eschatology, how Romans can be a comfort to the hurting, and the meaning of the term “predestination.” Their conversation covers prayer, women in ministry, and how Wright knows for sure that Christianity is true. Tune in for an episode that is both theologically rich and characterized by humility, kindness, and joy. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul's Greatest Letter by N.T. Wright In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty Endpoint and Other Poems by John Updike Romans Disarmed: Resisting Empire, Demanding Justice by Sylvia C. Keesmaat and Brian J. Walsh Conformed to the Image of His Son: Reconsidering Paul's Theology of Glory in Romans by Haley Goranson Jacob After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis   Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper  Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Audio engineering by Dan Phelps  Video producer: Abby Egan  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell shares how a piece of art showed him he wasn’t thinking big enough about the church. Listen to his most recent newsletter every Monday! Subscribe to Russell's weekly newsletter here! Do you have questions for Russell Moore? Send them to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anxiety is having a moment. Compared to prepandemic rates, for example, anxiety has doubled in young people. The increase feels daunting and downright scary at times as Christians struggle to determine how to help. Enter Curtis Chang, theologian, consulting faculty member at Duke Divinity School, and senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. Cohost of the Good Faith podcast, executive director of Redeeming Babel, and cofounder of The After Party with Moore and David French, Chang is also an author. His new book, The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self, invites readers to under anxiety as a doorway to spiritual transformation rather than a sin to overcome. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Chang explains that the root of anxiety is the fear of loss. He and Moore discuss their personal experiences with anxiety and the importance of paying attention to the signals our bodies send us when under stress. They talk about shame, the biblical passages that address worry, and how Jesus related to people who faced anxiety. Their conversation also covers social media, the role of medication in addressing mental health struggles, and various spiritual practices for responding to anxiety. Finally, Chang and Moore introduce their new project, The After Party, which calls Christians toward their higher allegiance to Jesus, transcending partisan loyalty—and partisan anxieties. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk “The Future” by Leonard Cohen “This Too” by J Lind “Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls. Here’s the Evidence.” by Jonathan Haidt “The truth about Gen Z - and the rest of us (with Jean Twenge)” on the Good Faith podcast “Opinion | The Sandwich Generation Is Getting Squished” by Jessica Grose “For Millennials Making Their Way, a Detour: To Caregiving” by Susan B. Garland “The Agony of Putting Your Life on Hold to Care for Your Parents” by Jaeah Lee “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Editor and Mix Engineer: Dan Phelps Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The death of Hooters holds a message for the church. Listen to his most recent newsletter every Monday! Subscribe to Russell’s weekly newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Just wait until you get married, you’ll drive each other crazy.” “Just wait until that baby is a toddler throwing tantrums, you’ll long for the sleepless newborn nights!” “Just wait until your energetic third-grader is a surly teenager, you’ll crave flag football and trampoline parks.” Sound familiar? Sometimes, when we seek advice or empathy around family life, we’re met with a cynical response that things are only going to get worse. But does that have to be the case? Or can family life be joyful in each season? As a new year begins, many of you have written in with questions for Russell Moore about home life and relationships. From parenting to marriage to a biblical view of sex, this episode offers wisdom and insight into all things family. Listen in for thoughtful responses from Russell and producer Ashley Hales to questions including: What are some resources a mother could give her daughter whose boyfriend senses that he has a calling to become a pastor? How can Christians develop a better understanding of the nature of sex and sexual ethics as they relate to practical decisions like family planning and contraception? What can couples do when they start to feel like their love for each other is growing cold? How can parents of impressionable, sensitive children care for them well in community environments that promote dangerous ideals like Christian nationalism? What is Russell’s favorite thing about raising teenagers and young-adult children? Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Consider a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At first glance, it may seem hard to believe that former NFL Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson has much in common with the rest of us. But listening into his conversation with Russell Moore, you’ll find that he shares many of the same struggles that his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ do. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Watson shares his story of growing up in a Christian home where he came to faith as a young boy. He and Moore talk about Watson’s struggles with perfectionism, turning to works-based righteousness, and seasons of having “one foot in the world” despite his ongoing faith. Moore and Watson also discuss issues that many people are trying to navigate, including: Managing personal ego in light of God’s love Protecting sacred time while playing sports Addressing racial injustices, which Watson writes about in his book Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the final episode of the Losing Our Religion special series, Russell Moore and Beth Moore answer listener questions as a continuation of the August 9th live event in the prior episode.  Tune in for their answers to these 11 thoughtful inquiries: Considering everything they’ve been through, how do Beth and Russell guard against bitterness? What are their favorite things about Houston, Texas? Why hasn’t the church figured out how to help address the epidemic of loneliness? What do Beth and Russell most appreciate about their SBC upbringings and their current church families? What would they tell someone starting seminary who wants to teach and keep their faith in the long run? In addition to Losing Our Religion, what are three important books for people interested in the future of the evangelical church in America? How do our current news forms contribute to our modern culture, how can believers remain knowledgeable about society while resisting the negative effects of various news mediums, and how much time is faithful to spend on news relative to spending time serving others? What advice does Russell have for pastors leading “Trump-enthusiastic” congregations? What do Beth and Russell love about their current seasons of life and ministry? How might the church effectively engage with culture today? What is giving Beth and Russell the most hope and joy when they think about the future of the church? This special series of episodes around Russell Moore’s newest book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, explores the Christian faith in confusing times. Check out the other episodes in the series: "Losing Our Religion and Russell Moore’s Hope" "Losing Our Religion: Evangelical Imagination with Karen Swallow Prior" "Losing Our Religion: Revival with Jackie Hill Perry" "Losing Our Religion: Credibility Gaps with Sam Allberry" "Losing Our Religion: David Brooks on the Allure of Tribalism" Resources mentioned in this episode include: Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore Living Proof Ministries The Woodland’s Methodist Church Sharon Hodde Miller John Stott John M. Perkins “The Sound” by Switchfoot Neil Postman Johnny Cash Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a new quarterly feature of The Russell Moore Show: all about books! The enthusiastic listener response to the “Best of Books 2022” episode encouraged Russell and producer Ashley Hales to share their recent reads more often. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates reading widely while also going deep into a few books, specifically Looking for the Hidden Folk by Nancy Marie Brown. This episode delves into the tendency to praise or criticize people based on their generation, the effect of social media and influencers, and genre-bending works by both Christian and secular authors. Books discussed on this episode include: Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland’s Elves Can Save The Earth by Nancy Marie Brown The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien A Secular Age by Charles Taylor His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America by Philip Bump The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane The works of Eugene Peterson Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam The Influencer Industry: The Quest for Authenticity on Social Media by Emily Hund Speaking of books, pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when we see truth as “a means to tribal belonging rather than as a reality that exists outside of us,” asks Russell Moore in his new book Losing Our Religion? That question is at the heart of today’s discussion between Moore and NY Times columnist and author David Brooks.  On a new Losing Our Religion episode of The Russell Moore Podcast, Moore and Brooks discuss culture-making, concentrations of power, and complex social situations. They ponder the potential impact of the recent affirmative action decision and how artificial intelligence might influence college admissions. Moore and Brooks talk about the role of Christian institutions in the social fabric of America. They consider how remembering the humanity of our conversation partners affects the way we dialogue. Their conversation covers the wokeness war, gender and sexuality, and political divides between men and women.  Tune in for a rich discussion of belief, belonging, and building a better world. This special series of episodes around Russell Moore’s newest book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, explores the Christian faith in confusing times. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore “What if We’re the bad Guys Here?” by David Brooks “At Fancy Farm, old jabs at McConnell take on new meaning amid health concerns” by Juliana Kim How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks Mónica Guzmán Charles Finney Iris Murdoch “When She Was Good” by Martha C. Nussbaum The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time by Yascha Mount Bobos In Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There by David Brooks Edmund Burke William F. Buckley Irving Kristol A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40) by David Hume Weave the Social Fabric Project Covenant & Conversation: Exodus: The Book of Redemption by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Jordan Peterson on “Club Random with Bill Maher” Tim Keller The Return of Ansel Gibbs by Frederick Buechner “David Brooks on his life-changing pilgrimage with St. Augustine and Dorothy Day” by Bill McGarvey Plough Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I am joined by award-winning director and filmmaker Ken Burns and his producer Dayton Duncan to discuss their latest project for PBS, “Country Music.” They have worked together on several documentaries, including Jazz, Civil War, Baseball. In our conversation, we talk about American culture, the influences of country music, and the artists who understood the way that country music embodies the deep questions of humanity: identity, sin and redemption, and longing.  I invite you to listen in on our conversation, and be sure to subscribe to receive future episodes of Signposts   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When will all the craziness be over?  It’s the question that seems to be on every American’s mind, and one that many have asked both Russell Moore and George Packer, author and staff writer at The Atlantic. Moore and Packer discuss the exhaustion and rage that have become common in our politics. They discuss partisanship, profitability, and pessimism. They talk about the historical events that have led to our current realities, the effects of secularization on culture, and what it might take for Packer to believe there is a God—and why Packer still, despite all of the chaos, can’t forgo his hope for humanity. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: George Packer "What Will Become of American Civilization? Conspiracism and Hyper-Partisanship in the Nation’s Fastest-Growing City” by George Packer at The Atlantic The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer The Assassins’ Gate: America in Iraq by George Packer Blood of the Liberals by George Packer Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays by George Orwell, compiled and with an introduction by George Packer Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century by George Packer David French Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt Montaigne’s Tower Click here for a trial subscription at Christianity Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The year is coming to an end, which means it’s time to reflect on our favorite reads! On this episode, Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales discuss the books that have stuck with them this year. Their conversation touches on the winners of Christianity Today’s 2023 Book Awards and the back catalogs of authors whose new releases are making a splash.  Their conversation spans biographies, memoirs, fiction, and more. Moore and Hales discover themes across genres and consider how their 2023 reading might inform their 2024 thinking.  For more insight into what Russell is reading throughout the year, subscribe to his newsletter here.  Russell’s Top Ten Books of 2023: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks  The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, adapted and Illustrated by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore C.S. Lewis in America: Readings and Receptions, 1935-1947  by Mark A. Noll Godless Crusade: Religion, Populism, and Right-Wing Identity Politics by Tobias Cremer King: A Life by Jonathan Eig How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley Self-Made: Creating Our Identities from DaVinci to the Kardashians by Tara Isabella Burton Lights a Lovely Mile: Collected Sermons of the Church Year by Eugene H. Peterson Additional books mentioned in this episode include:  Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin (CT Book of the Year Award) The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing by Andy Crouch Bobos In Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There by David Brooks Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World by Tara Isabella Burton Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West by Andrew Wilson The Adams-Jefferson Letters: The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams by Lester J. Capon The Three-Body Problem Series by Cixin Liu Episodes of The Russell Moore Show featuring authors discussed in this episode include: “Tim Alberta on the White Evangelical Crisis” “Christianity’s Being Co-opted with Tobias Cremer” “Developing a Biblical Framework with Christopher Watkin” “Esau McCaulley Makes Grace Plausible” “Losing Our Religion: David Brooks on the Allure of Tribalism” “Andy Crouch’s Cure for a Tech-Obsessed World” “Beth Moore Didn’t Expect Us to Be Us” “Beth Moore and Russell Moore in Conversation” & “Listener Questions for Russell Moore and Beth Moore” Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Our church lived through the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections divided. Our church lived through Black Lives Matter protests divided. Our church lived through COVID divided. How are we going to get through 2024?” That’s one of the questions that Russell Moore is asked on a regular basis, and it’s not an easy one to answer. Enter Amanda Ripley, author of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. An investigative journalist and the co-founder of Good Conflict, Ripley has spent years exploring how humans engage in disagreements that threaten to tear people apart.  On this episode, Moore and Ripley discuss the differences between regular conflict and high conflict. They consider examples of good and bad engagement with conflict, how polarization occurs in politics and religion, and the line between accountability and humiliation. They consider the role of media, institutions, and and family relationships in navigating divisions. And they consider how conflict can be harnessed to serve as a public good. Tune in for a rich discussion of the things that seek to tear us apart but can be redeemed to bring us together. Resources mentioned in this episode include: High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley  The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes —and Why by Amanda Ripley Good Conflict  Practical Tools from Good Conflict King Rat by China Miélville Chicago CRED Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church by Marshall Shelley B’nai Jeshurun Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode was recorded before the attempted assassination of former President Trump. What is it that binds Americans together as a nation?  That’s the question that Russell Moore and his guest, sociologist and professor James Davison Hunter, address on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. With political violence on the rise in America and around the world, Hunter helps us understand the roots of the crisis. They discuss the differences between consensus and solidarity while pondering how humans tend to come alive in times of disaster yet the COVID-19 pandemic produced opposite effects. Their conversation spans history, politics, and religion as Moore and Hunter observe the current state of affairs within Evangelicalism.  Hunter and Moore talk about the lineage of culture wars and shifts in Christian presence in higher education. Hunter explains why he talks about culture in terms of weather and climate as the two consider hotly contested social issues such as homosexuality, marijuana, and abortion.  Tune in for an episode that asks deep questions, navigates complex answers, and finds reason to hope. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America’s Political Crisis by James Davison Hunter Culture Wars: The Struggle To Control The Family, Art, Education, Law, And Politics In America by James Davison Hunter  To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davison Hunter Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture “Trump’s Would-Be Assassin and the Twisted Quest for Human Glory” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by Dr. Kutter Callaway, Be Afraid is an exploration of fear, faith, and stories that scare the hell out of us. You’ll hear from filmmakers, film critics, psychological scientists, and even an exorcist or two, each of whom shares their unique insights on the horror genre and its growing popularity. Listen to the trailer and subscribe today. The full series launches on October 6th, 2023. From the studio that brought you "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and "The Bulletin," “Be Afraid” is a production of Christianity Today, Fuller Seminary, and Uncommon Voices Collective More from Kutter Callaway on theology and culture: https://www.kuttercallaway.com/ More from Uncommon Voices Collective: https://www.uncommonvoices.faith/ More from Fuller Seminary: http://fuller.edu/beafraid Join the conversation at our Fearmakers Conference: https://www.fearmakerscon.com/ Executive Produced by Erik Petrik Produced, Written, and Edited by Kutter Callaway Produced and Edited by Stephen Scheilder Associate Produced by TJ Hester Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“You have a bunch of callings, and they’re just natural, ordinary things that God uses to accomplish spiritual and natural things. Have fun. Flourish in those. And do good in the world.” So says Grammy-nominated and Dove-winning hip-hop artist Flame on this episode of The Russell Moore Show, which features a conversation about music, theology, and journeying with Jesus. Moore explains that while this isn’t a “tell me where I’m wrong” episode, he hopes it will provide a helpful angle to the “deconstruction” discussion—one that considers whether changing our minds about theological beliefs can be an act of faithfulness. They consider spirituality and stability, connection and community, and tendencies among theological tribes. Flame explains what happens when we reduce Christianity to a “moral improvement program,” highlights the power of forgiveness, and considers the role of confession and absolution in the life of the believer. From thoughts on baptism and Communion to rap albums and biographies, this episode has something for all who want to understand who they are in Christ and what it looks like to worship him. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Flame / Extra Nos Academy Freedom Lessons Forward  Our World Redeemed Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself by Flame “Scattered Tulips” Commentary on Romans (Luther Classic Commentaries) by Martin Luther Concordia Seminary Song lyrics used with permission of the artist. Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Confusion and anxiety. Narcissistic tendencies. Spiritual abuses. As the host of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, CT’s director of media Mike Cosper explored how these themes can wreak havoc in a church. Now, he’s sharing his own experiences with harm and healing in church life through his latest book, Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore hosts Cosper for a discussion of hurt and hope. They talk about Cosper’s work in church ministry, in his book, and while hosting the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. Their conversation covers church polity, planting, and pastoring. Moore and Cosper talk about the importance of humility in an era of narcissistic spiritual leaders and discuss the importance of wisdom and suffering in tempering idealism. Cosper and Moore talk about reconciling stories of hospitality and kindness about figures like Mark Driscoll with the damage and trauma they’ve inflicted on others. They respond to the critique that The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill has made pastoring more difficult and encourage listeners to consider the importance of telling the truth even—perhaps especially—when the truth is hard to accept. Tune in for a discussion that is honest about the harm some churches have caused and hopeful about the church as a place of healing. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Bulletin Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found by Mike Cosper The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill William Carey “Jon Hamm on the Evolution of Don Draper on 'Mad Men’” Acts 29 “Land of My Sojourn” by Rich Mullins Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Special offer for listeners:  Russell Moore will join friends David French and Curtis Chang in Washington, DC, for The After Party LIVE! on April 19. As a faithful listener to the podcast, we’d love for you to join us and use this $20 off offer just for listeners! The After Party is a free six-part video curriculum designed for people and pastors alike, and offers “a better way” for Christians to engage in politics. Learn more and buy tickets here—we’ve saved a seat for you! Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Signposts, I am joined by Dr. Philip Jenkins to talk about his new book, Fertility and Faith: The Demogrpahic Revolution and the Transformation of World Religions (Baylor University Press, 2020). In our conversation we talk about secularization, the relationship of religion to childbearing, and the shifting demography of religion and religious behavior. Dr. Philip Jenkins is the Distinguished Professor of History and Co-Director for the Program on Historical Studies of Religion at Baylor University. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University. His research includes the study of global Christianity, new religious moments, and twentieth century US history. His books include The Many Faces of Christ (Basic Books, 2015), The Great and Holy War (HarperOne, 2014), and The Next Christendom: The Rise of Global Christianity (Oxford, 2011). I invite you to listen in to our conversation and be sure to subscribe to receive future episodes of Signposts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carolyn Weber didn’t have a dependable earthly father, so she had no intention of trusting a heavenly one. As a hardworking, intellectual agnostic, she decided to read the Bible from front to back so she could show her Christian friends how ridiculous their beliefs were. Instead, she found that the Bible made sense to her. Not only that, but it drew her to the person of Jesus.  On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Weber talks about her personal story of conversion and how it led to her memoir, Surprised by Oxford, and the resulting film. She and Moore talk about the influence of C.S. Lewis on both Weber and modern Christianity, the power of literature, and how fiction can help us develop a moral imagination. They discuss poetry, philosophy, and prayer, considering the many beautiful ways God reveals himself to us. Resources mentioned in this episode include:  Carolyn Weber Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber Surprised by Oxford (film) Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien Life Is a Miracle: An Essay Against Modern Superstition by Wendell Berry “Surprised by Joy” by William Wordsworth The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper  Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps  Video producer: Abby Egan  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean that all life matters to God? That’s the question that Russell Moore and his guests—musician and producer Charlie Peacock and writer Andi Ashworth—consider on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. The couple cofounded Art House America together and approach the conversation as artists and makers, exploring what it looks like to lead with empathy and love of neighbor. They talk about what it looks like to create as though the world is watching, how to model the character of Jesus, and the difference between being a jerk and being bold. Their conversation covers Peacock and Ashworth’s new book, Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much, and why hospitality is essential to Christian life. They talk about art, music, and how Jesus draws us to himself. Tune in for an episode that testifies to God’s faithfulness to weave our stories into the greatest story of all. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt by Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth Francis and Edith Schaeffer John Coltrane Flannery O’Connor Douglas McKelvey Calvin University Steve Taylor Covenant Seminary L’Abri Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author and pastor Scott Sauls knows what it’s like to be his own worst critic. “Even if we’re being unfairly critiqued, there’s usually at least a kernel of truth in there somewhere that gets under our skin and bothers us,” Sauls says on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. Those kernels of truth can lead to guilt and shame. And, as Sauls says, “We have done things that render us guilty.” But we also have a victorious Savior who “accomplished a satisfactory victory” for us. Sauls and Moore talk about regrets, grace, seasons of suffering, and clinging to the gospel. They discuss the range of the human experience—everything from freedom and joy to guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression—and the God who draws near to us. Sauls’ new book is called Beautiful People Don't Just Happen: How God Redeems Regret, Hurt, and Fear in the Making of Better Humans. Sauls and Moore reference “The Catastrophe of Success” by Tennessee Williams, Moore’s recent episode with Arthur Brooks, and “Learning in War-time” by C. S. Lewis.Quotations mentioned in this episode include:“People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.” - Allen Raine, though often attributed to Thomas Merton “[Envy] consists in seeing things never in themselves, but only in their relations. … If you desire glory, you may envy Napoleon, but Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander, and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed.” – Bertrand Russell “Preach the gospel to yourself.” – concept by Martin Luther, quote by Jerry Bridges “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Roy and Jane Nichols in Death: The Final Stage of Growth, compiled by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Signposts, I am joined by artist Makoto Fujimura to talk about his art, beauty, and faith. Makoto Fujimura is a leading contemporary artist whose process driven, refractive “slow art” has been described by David Brooks of New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time”. Fujimura’s art has been featured widely in galleries and museums around the world, and is collected by notable collections including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, The Huntington Library as well as Tikotin Museum in Israel.    I invite you to listen in to our conversation, and be sure to subscribe to receive future episodes of Signposts.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American politics have hit a fever pitch.  In the wake of events such as the assassination attempt on former president Trump, President Biden’s choice not to run for reelection, and the announcement of the Harris-Walz ticket, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite episode on political polarization. This conversation with Elizabeth Neumann, the former assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention at the Department of Homeland Security, covers radicalization, online discourse, and where to find hope.  Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Ben Sasse, Them Alan Noble, You Are Not Your Own Life After Hate Parents for Peace Moonshot's Monthly Bulletin SCREEN Hate: National findings report Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism Center for Strategic and International Studies Report: Pushed to Extremes: Domestic Terrorism amid Polarization and Protest Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Russell Moore and Beth Moore talk about overcoming bitterness and how to avoid quarrels. They discuss the exvangelical/evangelical divide and what it looks like to guard against self-righteousness. Both of them share a few words of advice for current Southern Baptist leaders as well. Tune in for an insightful, rich conversation. What is a practice you use to overcome bitterness? (0:56) On the other side of leaving, are there new or unexpected ways of thinking you find yourself entering into? (03:16) How can we encourage a public discourse about making us what God expects us to be? (6:02) How do you know when to challenge your loved ones’ dangerous views and when to let go and quit pushing them? (9:12) What would you say to those who choose to stay? (12:30) Russell, what would you say to the 2016 version of yourself? (17:55) What advice would you give to church leaders currently affiliated with the SBC who are wrestling through how to consider whether or not to unaffiliate? (21:29) If one feels uncomfortable or disillusioned in the current evangelical culture, should one move to the exvangelical movement? (26:00) How do you guard yourself against self-righteousness when in disagreement with someone over convictions? (29:00) “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Administrators: Christine Kolb and Pam Vodenova Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

**Special Note: Christianity Today will unveil our new redesign on August 12th! Don’t miss out—click here for a trial subscription.** "We need to do a better job as Christians of talking about the body in ways that valorize creation—not just criticizing people who want to do things we think are morally wrong, but helping them understand what God made right.” So says professor, author, and theologian Michael Horton on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. He and Moore discuss Horton’s new book, Shaman and Sage: The Roots of “Spiritual but Not Religious” in Antiquity. Their conversation explores the growing cultural attraction to Wicca, why people long for a connection to the mystical, and the goodness of our created flesh. They talk about technological advances that attempt to transcend the body, how we arrived in a cultural moment where people are spiritual but not religious, and what it looks like to engage with people who don’t believe there are any answers to the universe. Tune in for an episode that encourages Christians to understand how the goodness of the gospel transforms our entire beings—body and soul alike. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Michael Horton Sola Media White Horse Inn Shaman and Sage: The Roots of Spiritual but Not Religious in Antiquity by Michael Horton The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey with Carole C. Carlson The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology by Ray Kurzweil The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil Transcendent ManYuval Noah Harari Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever since Jonathan Haidt joined us on The Russell Moore Show, listeners have been sending in questions for him. So, on this episode, Russell Moore welcomes Haidt back to the show for a discussion of his new book titled The Anxious Generation, the effects of the digital landscape, and the relationship between mental health and religion.  Haidt describes how religious communities are taking the lead in providing some protection from mental health problems. He and Moore discuss the ways that modern life lends itself to overprotecting our children in the real world and under-protecting them online. They talk about what childhood is, how it’s been rewired, and the subsequent impact on young people. They consider the unique traits of Generation Z, the power of religious communities, and why people of faith are statistically happier. Moore and Haidt explore the common quest for meaning and purpose, how to shepherd children in a virtual world, and how to account for differences in boys and girls without resorting to misogyny.  Their conversation also covers the damage of pornography, distractions in worship settings, and how to encourage friends and families to communally steward digital devices.  Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Jonathan Haidt The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt “Jonathan Haidt’s Way Forward for an Anxious Generation”  Jean Twenge Greg Lukianoff Zach Rasuch’s Substack Émile Durkheim “Joe Rogan Experience #2121 – Jonathan Haidt” “Table for Two” by Caedmon’s Call Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis  The Digital Fast: 40 Days to Detox Your Mind and Reclaim What Matters Most by Darren Whitehead Andrew Sullivan Richard V. Reeves’ Substack Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Special offer for listeners:  Russell Moore will join friends David French and Curtis Chang in Washington, DC for The After Party LIVE! on April 19. As a faithful listener to the podcast, we'd love for you to join us and use this $20 off offer just for listeners! The After Party is a free six-part video curriculum designed for people & pastors alike, and offers "a better way" for Christians to engage in politics. Learn more and buy tickets here — we've saved a seat for you! Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper  Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps  Video producer: Abby Egan  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why has everyone gone insane? It’s a question that makes Russell Moore and Ian Morgan Cron—bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest—laugh, and also one that they approach with wisdom and insight. Moore and Cron talk about the confluence of pressures and stressors in the modern world, the relationship of control to certainty, and varying perspectives on anxiety and depression. They discuss practical actions to take when feeling overwhelmed and dive into the Twelve Steps, which Cron’s new book illuminates as helpful not just for alcoholics but for everyone. Cron and Moore talk about what it means to be addicted, the human desire for relief from pain, and the power of community in the recovery process. Cron sheds light on amends conversations, which book of the Bible each Enneagram type should take to a desert island, and his profound love for God, Scripture, and humankind. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Ian Morgan Cron The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in Between by Ian Morgan Cron The Enneagram Andrew Peterson “Barth Challenges Bonhoeffer to Return to Germany” Serenity Prayer  “In the Blood” The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis Karl Rahner Addiction & Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions by Gerald G. May Curt Thompson Bill Wilson Alcoholics Anonymous David’s Crown: Sounding the Psalms by Malcolm Guite Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will the next several decades of American Christianity look like? Are the factors that led to the decline of mainline church attendance the same as those leading to decreased interest in evangelical congregations? Why are Gen Z women leaving religion at higher rates than their male counterparts?  These are the questions that Russell Moore and Ryan Burge—author, professor, and writer of Graphs about Religion Substack—address in this episode. They consider shifts in the Southern Baptist Convention, the relationship of politics to religious participation, and whether or not churches are expected to close by the thousands in the years to come. And they remind listeners of what it looks like not only to speak the gospel but to live it as members of a community that welcomes others, volunteers in meaningful ways, and embodies the beauty of what the church can be. Resources mentioned in this episode include:  The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan Burge Graphs about Religion Billy Graham  Dobbs v. Jackson Obergefell “Young Women Are Leaving Church in Unprecedented Numbers” “Religion Has Become a Luxury Good” Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam Asbury University Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper  Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps  Video producer: Abby Egan  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Content warning: This episode discusses sexual, spiritual, and domestic abuse. Should discussions of the church harming people be kept in-house so the world doesn’t hear about it? No, says Diane Langberg, and there’s a simple reason why: “That would be quite unlike Jesus Christ.” Listen in as Langberg, an international speaker, psychologist, and author on trauma care, joins Moore to discuss her new book, When the Church Harms God’s People. Their conversation covers abuse in institutions and considers why it is different when those institutions are churches. They talk about the importance of churches and homes as havens from harm and how it affects people when they become places of hurt.  Moore and Langberg consider power dynamics, the importance of language that properly names the abuses people have suffered, and a Christian view of women. They provide reason for hope and opportunities for church leaders to love and care for the hurting. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Diane Langberg When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded by Diane Langberg Abuse of Faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do people who have devoted their lives to ministry know that Christianity is true? What can believers do to address the cultural loss of biblical literacy? How should we think about the social unrest we see in everything from political divides to tragic shootings? On today’s episode of The Russell Moore Show, American Episcopal priest and author Fleming Rutledge joins Moore to respond to these questions and more. Rutledge and Moore discuss motifs and images of the cross, what it means that Satan is at work in the world, and the difference between virtue signaling and the gospel. They discuss Rutledge’s writings on the Crucifixion and what Jesus’ death accomplished. And they talk about the potential for recovery in Mainline Protestantism and what it means to be a “Reformed thinker.” Tune in for a theologically deep yet accessible discussion of the core tenets of Christianity. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge Not Ashamed of the Gospel by Fleming Rutledge Advent by Fleming Rutledge The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone “The Horseman and the Lake of Constance” by Gustav Schwab, referenced in Karl Barth’s sermon “Saved by Grace,” included in his book Deliverance to the Captives Frederick Buechner quoting Karl Barth  Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices