This episode takes a hard look at J.D. Vance's surprising political evolution—from a vocal Trump critic to an ardent supporter—and the broader implications for our political landscape. We don’t hold back in critiquing the mainline Protestant and evangelical churches for their failure to adequately support the working class, arguing that this neglect has contributed to the rise of divisive figures like Trump. Our discussion underscores the urgent need for compassionate, effective solutions to the economic dislocation caused by the loss of manufacturing jobs. The conversation reveals how mainline churches often overlook economically distressed communities, focusing instead on middle-class congregants with higher education.

Required Reading:

Why I Still Like J.D. Vance (2016 Version) by Dennis Sanders

Learning to Love “Bubba” by Dennis Sanders

Why the Left Gets J.D. Vance Wrong by Zaid Jilani

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In Defense of J.D. Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy” by Michael Mohr

Mark Tooley comes to the podcast to discuss the stark differences between Christian nationalism and traditional Christian conservatism, shedding light on a topic often muddled by media coverage. Tooley provides insights into why these two ideologies are frequently conflated and elucidates the unique characteristics that set them apart.

Christian Conservatism vs. Christian Nationalism by Mark Tooley

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Jack Haberer returns to talk about his latest book, "Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red and Blue World." Using encounters with sharks as a metaphor, we explore the divisive forces in society and the importance of empathy in bridging divides. Jack challenges binary thinking, encourages partnership over proselytizing, and emphasizes biblical teachings on love and compassion.

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Swimming with the Sharks book

Related Episodes:

Voting as a Moral Act with Bryan McGraw | Episode 176

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