Host Curtis Chang and Pete Wehner, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about tackling inner demons amidst America’s current political upheaval. They delve into topics such as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden's determination to continue despite pressure to exit the race, and what our reactions to these events reveal about ourselves. The conversation gets personal as they examine the difference between moral reflection and moral equivalency during times of national instability.

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REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:

President Lincoln's Lyceum Address

Host Curtis Chang and Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch strike a chord in their exploration of the dynamics of modern Christian worship music. Their conversation covers the ways that average Christians are becoming limited in their singing abilities, the concert-like performance style of worship leaders in our sanctuaries, and the commercial influence of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Curtis and Andy contend a musical reformation in the worship lives of believers is needed urgently today, and offer some practical tips on how to get started.

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REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:

Buy Ken Myers book All God's Children Wear Blue Suede Shoes: Christians & Popular Culture (Amazon)

Beautiful Things by Gungor

Job 3 (Job’s First Lament) ESV

Host Curtis Chang goes back to school and sits down with Geneva College President Dr. Calvin Troup and student Mattigan Burleigh to explore the college's long-standing political coursework, dating back to 1881. They delve into how, in an era fraught with political anxiety, the culture of niceness has eroded an authentic engagement across differences. Listen and learn how to serve your communities by focusing on Jesus as the central norm in our common life.

Learn more about Geneva College's Political Science program here

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In the second part of their extensive conversation, host Curtis Chang and author Tim Alberta discuss how some people in the church use the message of the cross as a weapon to exert political power over others, thus diluting its significance. They explore how many truth-seeking non-believers are put off by what they perceive as the hypocritical political engagement of some evangelicals. Curtis and Tim also hold a question-and-answer session that provides helpful strategies for staying focused on the gospel when Christian political culture distorts the message.

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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism (Available on Amazon)

Tim Alberta and Curtis Chang suggest a long-term approach for Christians when it comes to political engagement. They explore how the pursuit of short term political power has led believers away from effectively sharing the Gospel message. Alberta and Chang encourage listeners to consider how a deeper alignment with Jesus can lead to genuine engagement with people and the culture that lasts beyond immediate but temporary gains.

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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism (Available on Amazon)

Host Curtis Chang and "founding friend" David French sit down for a deep dive into ways people are detecting threats in today's polarized landscape. They explore how both conservatives and progressives (including Christians of both stripes) often distort potential dangers, creating a misleading perception of reality and double standards. They also provide practical strategies for repairing our dysfunctional threat detectors.

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Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French

Host Curtis Chang engages in an enlightening discussion with renowned New Testament scholar, pastor, and author N.T. Wright. They delve deeply into the concept of the "principalities and powers" in the writings of the Apostle Paul, examining the invisible - but powerful - spiritual realities behind our institutions, politics, and culture. Listen and discover how God meant for us to relate to these “powers” in the light of the Gospel.

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Get a copy of N.T. Wright's Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies

Keep up with the work of N.T. Wright

Host Curtis Chang invites Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries, to join him in examining the unique challenges faced by pastors in the American evangelical tradition. Both former pastors themselves, Curtis and Mark unpack the actual and perceived struggles that have made so many pastors contemplate leaving their roles. They also champion a missional mindset that can change the way pastors do gospel work and practical advice for congregants who want to support their spiritual leaders.

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Check out Dr. Turman's Denison Forum work

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis & Michael Graham

Barna Group Research: 7-Year Trends - Pastors Feel More Loneliness & Less Support

Barna Group Research: Pastors’ Credibility Is in Question—Even Among Pastors