Evangelicalism in Crisis: Reclaiming Integrity, Faith, and Witness in a Polarized Age

Nov 20, 2017

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How can the Church remain faithful to Jesus in a world shaped by political division, abuse scandals, and the erosion of moral authority? Mike Erre and Andy Lara tackle the explosive Roy Moore controversy as a lens to explore evangelical hypocrisy, the dangers of political idolatry, and the psychological toll of the siege mentality consuming much of American religious life.

As allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Roy Moore—with many evangelicals doubling down in support—Mike and Andy wrestle with the implications for Christian witness, integrity, and the identity of evangelicalism itself. Drawing from David Brooks' powerful description of the “siege mentality,” they question the Church’s complicity in excusing immoral leaders for the sake of preserving cultural and political power.

This episode offers a sobering reflection on how fear-based theology and political nationalism distort the Gospel and derail the Church from its call to be peacemakers, truth-tellers, and ambassadors of grace. From scriptural insights to personal anecdotes, the conversation underscores the urgent need for self-examination, consistency, and prophetic witness.

Key Takeaways: • The Siege Mentality and Evangelical Support – Understanding how fear of cultural loss warps moral reasoning and drives blind support for compromised leaders. • The Collapse of Evangelical Identity – Why evangelical now signals political allegiance more than spiritual conviction, and how abandoning the label may be necessary. • Witness in a Wounded World – How hypocrisy in the Church's public stance on morality undermines our credibility and witness to a watching world. • Reclaiming the Role of Ambassadors – Paul’s metaphor of believers as ambassadors of reconciliation reminds us that our primary identity is the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. • Jesus Over Politics – Why doing Jesus’ work Jesus’ way is non-negotiable for followers of Christ, even amid pressure to “win” at any cost.

Resources Mentioned: • David Brooks – “The Siege Mentality Problem” (New York Times) • Jeremiah 29 – Instructions to the exiles on blessing the city • Philip Yancey – Reflections on the politicization of evangelicals • Relevant reporting on Roy Moore’s allegations and evangelical polling

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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