David French and Curtis Chang discuss the hot topic of “deconstruction,” a term with multiple meanings, from reevaluation of specific faith related issues to a deeper questioning of Christian faith itself. For many the discussion around deconstruction stems from some sense of pain or hurt caused by the church. David and Curtis (and producer Kris) explore the complex and deeply personal dimensions of this process, including practical suggestions for listeners.   Show Notes: -The French Press: Under Attack from Fundamentalist Pirates, Evangelical Baptists Refused to Give Up the Ship -Karen Swallow Prior: “With this much rot, there’s no choice but to deconstruct” -The French Press: John Wayne, Jesus, and the Struggle to Define the Christian Man -The French Press: America Is in the Grips of a Fundamentalist Revival

David French and his theological wingman Curtis Chang dive into the term “evangelical”, defining it historically and discussing how it fits in the current American context. Is it really a set of religious beliefs, a set of cultural beliefs, or a set of political beliefs? How does evangelicalism compare with fundamentalism? Is evangelical a term worth salvaging for Christians, or has it become too closely tied to a political movement to retain any spiritual relevance?   Show Notes: -The French Press: “Did Donald Trump Make the Church Great Again?” -Pew Research Center: “More White Americans adopted than shed evangelical label during Trump presidency, especially his supporters” -National Association of Evangelicals: “What is an Evangelical?” (including the Bebbington Quadrilateral) -Barna: “Survey Explores Who Qualifies As an Evangelical” (including the 9-point Evangelical) -Ryan Burge: “For White Evangelical Republicans, Approval of Trump is About Immigration more than Abortion” -Ryan Burge: “Why ‘Evangelical’ is becoming another word for ‘Republican’” -The French Press: “The American Crisis of Selective Empathy”

In the inaugural episode of the Good Faith Podcast, David French and his theological wingman Curtis Chang discuss some of the recent issues at Liberty University and how Christians should think about the concept of institutional sin. Curtis makes the theological case for how human institutions fit into the biblical narrative and that as such, they are both made in the image of God and also capable of sin and brokenness. They also discuss why it is important for Christians to place a high priority on being honest and open about institutional sin in our own ranks, amongst our own institutions.   Show Notes: -ProPublica, Hannah Dreyfus: “‘The Liberty Way’: How Liberty University Discourages and Dismisses Students’ Reports of Sexual Assaults” -ProPublica, Hannah Dreyfus: “Senators Call for Federal Investigation Into Liberty University’s Handling of Sexual Assaults. School Promises Independent Probe” -Sarah Pulliam Bailey and Susan Svrluga: “Liberty University spokesman files lawsuit after his firing” -The Roys Report: “Liberty U Gives Large Gifts to Ministries of Powerful Trustees, Prompting Questions of Self-Dealing” -The Roys Report: “Former Liberty University Chairman Hints He Was Demoted For Speaking Out About Trump” -The Roys Report: “Fired Liberty U Spokesman Tells Inside Story Behind Lawsuit | The Roys Report” -Rachel Treisman: “Liberty University Sues Ex-President Jerry Falwell, Jr., Seeking Millions In Damages” -Karen Swallow Prior: “Truth, justice and the torturing of tolerance” -Colossians 1:15-16

Good Faith is a new podcast from The Dispatch. Join hosts David French and Curtis Chang for a conversation with a focus on faith and politics, faith and culture, and faith and law. Notice the common theme there? Subscribe and watch your feed for our brand new podcast, Good Faith.