Are People Really Good at Heart? With Darren Tyler

In this episode of Michael Easley in Context, Michael sits down with his pastor and longtime friend Darren Tyler, lead pastor of Conduit Church in Franklin, Tennessee, to address a growing cultural shift: many people—including professing Christians—no longer believe that sin is real, universal, or serious. Using recent Barna research as a starting point, Michael and Darren explore how ideas like “people are basically good,” “follow your heart,” and therapeutic explanations for sin have reshaped how we talk about responsibility, repentance, and grace. They discuss why minimizing sin weakens evangelism, erodes discipleship, and ultimately obscures the beauty of the gospel. This conversation doesn’t minimize real pain, trauma, or injustice. Instead, it offers a biblical framework for owning our present reality, understanding the deceitfulness of the human heart, and running toward joyful obedience in Christ. From pastoral ministry and generational shifts to cultural algorithms and everyday gospel conversations, this episode provides clarity for navigating faith in a confused age. If you’ve wondered how to talk about sin without shame—or why the gospel feels less compelling in today’s culture—this episode is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn -Why many Americans—and Christians—no longer believe sin is universal or serious -How cultural narratives about the heart reshape responsibility and repentance -The connection between diminished views of sin and weakened evangelism -Why following your heart often leads away from biblical truth -How pastors can address sin without shame while still preaching clearly -Practical ways to talk about sin and grace in everyday conversations -Why the gospel is more than an example—it’s a substitution -How discipleship suffers when churches stop teaching core doctrine Chapters 00:00 – Why the conversation about sin matters right now 02:45 – Darren Tyler’s journey from the music industry to pastoral ministry 06:10 – Barna’s findings: Are people really “basically good”? 09:30 – How culture redefines sin as trauma or preference 13:45 – The danger of “follow your heart” theology 17:30 – Sin, abuse, and responsibility: drawing biblical distinctions 21:40 – Why minimizing sin undermines evangelism 26:00 – The missing piece in modern discipleship 31:10 – Talking about sin without shame 35:45 – Algorithms, the heart, and modern temptation 40:20 – Why Jesus had to pay the price for sin 45:15 – Sin against God and the meaning of forgiveness 50:30 – Romans 7, Romans 8, and hope for believers 54:20 – Why the gospel is more needed than ever 58:30 – Final encouragement for pastors and everyday Christians

Links Mentioned:

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