Good Faith

David French, a New York Times columnist and insightful commentator on law, politics, and culture, shares transformative ideas on praying for America. He provides five virtue-based approaches to prayer, emphasizing clarity, courage, and compassion. The discussion highlights the importance of sincere prayer as a catalyst for national reconciliation, urging listeners to balance justice and mercy while fostering unity. French draws on personal reflections and Scripture to encourage daily acts of prayer that seek healing for a divided nation.

An ER doctor shares an emotional journey from the fast-paced demands of the emergency room to a spiritual quest for connection. The conversation opens up about the challenges of finding genuine community and the complexities of faith after feeling disillusioned. Listeners are encouraged to rethink traditional faith spaces, exploring unconventional avenues for connection. Personal stories highlight the importance of crafting supportive environments that embrace diverse experiences and encourage belonging.

Ray Ortlund, a pastor and author of 'Good News at Rock Bottom', discusses holding onto faith amid life's challenges. He shares personal stories about suffering and betrayal, emphasizing the need for community support during dark times. The conversation touches on rebuilding relationships within evangelicalism and the transformative power of suffering. Ortlund also advocates for finding solace in shared experiences and the importance of gratitude and trust in God, offering a roadmap to healing when faced with despair.

Dr. Paul D. Miller, a Georgetown professor and national security expert, discusses the alarming parallels between the Weimar Republic in 1920s Germany and today's fragile democracy. He highlights the rise of Christian nationalism and its impacts on civic integrity and societal unity. Themes of political independence are emphasized, alongside the importance of truthfulness and accountability. Miller calls on faith communities to embrace courageous action, highlighting the spiritual meaning of martyrdom in defending democratic values against growing authoritarianism.

Michael Luo, Executive Editor at The New Yorker and author of Strangers in the Land, shares his insights on the Asian American experience. He discusses the historical weight of the Chinese Exclusion Act and its connection to current issues of race and identity. Luo recounts personal stories, highlighting the rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. The conversation navigates the 'perpetual foreigner' stereotype, envisioning a more inclusive America that embraces diverse immigrant narratives and the ongoing quest for belonging.

In this engaging discussion, David French, a New York Times columnist and legal scholar, shares insights from his year teaching at Lipscomb University. He reveals what Gen Z can teach about faith and over-parenting while examining their views on political engagement. French reflects on the duality of American history, the evolving role of faith among youth, and the challenges Gen Z faces in expressing themselves. The conversation emphasizes the potential for this generation to reshape our divided public discourse.

Dan Allender, a therapist and author renowned for his insights on trauma and healing, joins in a thought-provoking discussion. They explore how past relationships shape our worldview and impact marital dynamics. Key topics include overcoming hidden triggers of conflict, the importance of empathy and kindness, and tackling contempt in relationships. Allender emphasizes the transformative power of marriage as a healing force and offers practical advice for navigating personal histories and transitions like empty nesting.

Jasmin Shupper, the visionary founder and CEO of Greenline Housing Foundation, discusses the impact of racial covenants on housing equity and disaster recovery, particularly following the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena. She highlights how historical practices like redlining have disproportionately affected Black homeowners. Jasmin shares her mission to close the racial wealth gap and prevent displacement, along with inspiring stories of families overcoming barriers in real estate. Her work advocates for community resilience and justice amidst systemic inequalities.

David French, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on legal and political issues, and Russell Moore, Editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and a prominent theologian, delve into the complexities of faith in a divided America. They discuss Trump's influence on democratic institutions and the emotional toll of political turmoil. Emphasizing the importance of individual action, they explore how Christians can uphold their values, nurture relationships, and remain hopeful through worship, all while navigating the anxieties of the current landscape.

How should Christians engage with political power in a divided world? Contributor Andy Crouch joins Curtis Chang to trace a path from the courage of the early believers under Caesar to today's crisis-driven politics and the ruling class. Together, they dive into the rise of emergency powers, growing contempt, and the breakdown of civil discourse—and offer a hopeful vision for how the Fruit of the Spirit can reshape both Christian posture and a public life rooted in love, gentleness, and faithfulness. Resources mentioned in this episode: Explaining The Land of Israel Under Roman Rule Matthew 22:21 - "Render therefore unto Caesar..." (multiple versions and explanation) Explaining The Majesty of Herod's Temple Augustus Caesar and the the title Divi filius, "son of a god" (audio) The Holy Roman Empire: The Rise of Medieval Europe (video) Tish Harrison Warren's Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep Fact sheet about PEPFAR Wendell Berry's The Hidden Wound Wendell Berry's 'The Hidden Wound' at Fifty (article from 2020) Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit (multiple versions and explanation) More from Andy Crouch: Interact with Andy's website Check out Andy's work at Praxis Read Andy's book: The Life We're Looking For Read Andy's book: The Tech-Wise Family Good Faith Live "Watch Party" Russell Moore, David French, & Curtis Chang: Trump's First 100 Days Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter