When 'family' becomes authoritarian

In this episode of Disarming Leviathan, biblical scholar Dr. Carmen Joy Imes joins Caleb Campbell to unpack her latest book, Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Together, they explore how the Bible casts a radical vision of the church as a true spiritual family—one that defies the shallow belonging offered by partisan movements, nationalism, and consumer identity. Imes argues that the sibling language of the New Testament is not metaphorical but mission-critical: believers are called to live as brothers and sisters with real reciprocity, responsibility, and hospitality. She names the dangers of authoritarian leadership and culture war churches, while offering a better path—one where diverse believers share life, worship, and bread, even across political and class divides. Dr. Carmen Joy Imes:Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University and a leading voice in biblical theology and public discipleship. She is the author of Bearing God’s Name, Being God’s Image, and her newest release, Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters (IVP, 2024). Her work traces major biblical themes through Scripture to address contemporary challenges facing the church, including isolation, authoritarianism, and political idolatry. Dr. Imes also produces weekly content on her YouTube series Torah Tuesday, writes on Substack, and speaks widely at churches, conferences, and seminaries.