Is It Worth It?

Timothy Stanley: American fascination with mega church and bigger is better is narcissism. He says 80% of people who now call themselves evangelical would be basically conservative Republicans. But there's still 20% that are interested in a faith that is other centered, he says. Stanley: We're probably going to get more traction focusing on the people trying to remain faithful but wrestling with what it means to be evangelical.

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Uncover how fear and collective narcissism shape the worldview of white evangelicals and what this means for the future of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Dr. Dave Verhaagen about his book "How White Evangelicals Think," exploring the psychological factors influencing evangelical culture, politics, and identity.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear's Influence on Evangelicalism – Understanding how fear drives self-interest and the desire for power within white evangelical communities.

• The Concept of Collective Narcissism – Exploring how collective narcissism manifests in the church and impacts interactions with those outside the group.

• Psychology Vs. Theology – Discussing the idea that the evangelical worldview is more influenced by psychological factors than theological beliefs.

• Power Dynamics and Cultural Shifts – Analyzing how changing demographics and loss of cultural dominance affect evangelical responses to social issues.

• Path Forward for the Church – Considering steps the church can take to address these psychological dynamics and better reflect the mission of Jesus.

Guest Highlights:

Dr. Dave Verhaagen – A seasoned psychologist and author of "How White Evangelicals Think." Dave shares deep insights into the psychological underpinnings of evangelical culture, offering a unique perspective on fear, power, and identity within the church.

Resources Mentioned:

• "How White Evangelicals Think" by Dr. Dave Verhaagen – [Link to the book]

• Voxology Podcast – voxologypodcast.com

Join the conversation as we delve deep into the psychological influences shaping the evangelical church today. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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