The Disrupters: Faith Changing Culture

How Disillusionment Can Lead to Positive Change with Russell Moore

Nov 27, 2023

Renowned theologian and ethicist, Russell Moore, discusses processing disillusionment, navigating institutional loyalty, and preparing emotionally and spiritually for the upcoming election season. He emphasizes self-reflection, accountability, and the importance of avoiding cynicism. The hosts also explore the impact of disillusionment on individuals and religious institutions, the need for intentional decision-making, and the normalization of cruelty in society.

47:20

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Russell Moore

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Quick takeaways

The podcast explores the concept of disillusionment as a gift and its potential for prompting positive change.

The episode delves into the importance of internal practices for healthy engagement in church and society.

Deep dives

Navigating political dysfunction in churches and families

The podcast episode explores the challenges of dealing with political dysfunction in churches and families. Former students would remove the American flag from churches, believing it shouldn't be displayed. The episode touches on healthy relationships with authority, institutions, and the gift of disillusionment. It also highlights the collapse of cultural Christianity in the Bible Belt and the emergence of new forms, such as online Christianity and Christian nationalism. The conversation with Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, addresses the themes in his book 'Onward' and his more recent book 'Losing Our Religion'. It encourages listeners to be both encouraged and convicted about navigating these issues.

Introduction

2min

The Impact of Disillusionment

24min

Navigating the Challenges of Institutional Loyalty and Reform

5min

Building Something New vs Reacting to the Past

9min

Preparing Emotionally and Spiritually for an Uncertain Election Season

3min

Counseling Others, Living with Integrity, and the Normalization of Cruelty

4min

For many Christians, disillusionment with the church has become more common as a result of institutional distrust and trauma. But internal confusion can also present people with an opportunity for self-examination and contemplation.

In this episode, renowned theologian and ethicist Russell Moore joins Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss the essential work of self-reflection, accountability, and honesty in the face of cynicism. Through prayer, Scripture reading, and engagement in community, Moore encourages listeners to grow from the positive aspects of processing disillusionment.

What can it mean to be sober-minded, hopeful, and discerning in institutional or political spaces come 2024? Moore suggests that reckoning together with the uncertainty of what lies ahead may be a communal starting place for the church.

Tune in to be challenged by this week’s theme: that personal, internal repair must precede external progress.

This episode highlights the following themes:

Processing betrayal, cynicism, and wisdom
Observing and learning from both positive and negative role models
Discerning a faithful attitude for the 2024 election season

Links from this episode:

Listen to The Russell Moore Show
Follow Russell Moore on Instagram
Read Russell's book, Losing Our Religion

For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.

Other links

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Production Assistants: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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