The New Evangelicals Podcast

SummaryToday’s guest, Qasim Rashid, explores with Tim the impact of 9/11 on the Muslim community, the misrepresentation of Islam in the media, the role of human rights lawyers, the current situation of immigration in America, the impact of climate change on immigration, and the intersection of faith and social justice.Takeaways Qasim Rashid's journey from Pakistan to the US and his work as a human rights lawyer The impact of 9/11 on the Muslim community and the misrepresentation of Islam in the media The role of human rights lawyers in advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, religious freedom, and civil rights The current situation of immigration in America and the impact of climate change on immigration The intersection of faith and social justice, and the ethical considerations driven by faith The influence of white supremacy and the political landscape in the context of social justice and advocacy The life of Prophet Muhammad serves as an example of how to apply faith to contemporary challenges and lead by example. Worship is for self-improvement, while service to humanity is an obligation and responsibility for which individuals will be held accountable. Chapters00:00 Journey of a Human Rights Lawyer07:15 Impact of 9/11 and Media Misrepresentation10:09 Advocacy and Intersection of Faith22:27 Ethical Considerations and Political Landscape59:16 Leading with Compassion and JusticeQasim's Substack:qasimrashid.substack.comQasim's Linktree______________If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode, Tim and April discuss various topics, including their personal experiences, popular TV shows, the 4th of July, and the rise of Christian nationalism. They react to a trailer for the movie 'God's Not Dead 5' and highlight the propaganda and misinformation present in the film. They also touch on the dangers of Christian nationalism and its impact on democracy. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the dangers of Christian nationalism and the conflation of allegiance to Jesus and allegiance to empire. They highlight the cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics that many Christian nationalists engage in to maintain their beliefs. They also address the issue of authoritarianism and the false equivalence between progressive and conservative agendas. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for critical thinking and the importance of calling out propaganda and misinformation.Takeaways The conversation covers a range of topics, from personal experiences to popular TV shows and the 4th of July. The hosts discuss the rise of Christian nationalism and its dangers to democracy. They react to the trailer for 'God's Not Dead 5' and highlight the propaganda and misinformation present in the film. The hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking and questioning beliefs, rather than blindly accepting dogma. Christian nationalism often involves a conflation of allegiance to Jesus and allegiance to empire, leading to a distorted view of faith and politics. Many Christian nationalists engage in cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics to maintain their beliefs, often denying or ignoring the harmful aspects of their ideology. Authoritarianism is not exclusive to any political ideology, but it is important to recognize the power dynamics and propaganda tactics used by different groups. Critical thinking and the ability to recognize and challenge propaganda and misinformation are crucial in navigating political and religious discourse. It is important to call out and challenge harmful beliefs and actions, even within one's own religious or political community. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Recap16:29 Reacting to Personal Experiences and Popular TV Shows36:09 Reacting to the 'God's Not Dead 5' Trailer40:03 Promoting Critical Thinking and Questioning Beliefs44:32 Introduction and Personal Experiences51:23 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism58:01 The Conflation of Allegiance to Jesus and Allegiance to Empire01:09:19 Addressing Authoritarianism and False Equivalence01:14:05 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Challenging Propaganda01:25:24 Calling Out Harmful Beliefs and ActionsEpisode's Mentioned: 269. Harrison Butker's Speech is Worse than You Think______________If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode, Tim discusses the pressing issues surrounding the 2024 election and the rise of Christian nationalism. He highlights the concerns about Joe Biden's performance in the first presidential debate and the implications for American democracy. Tim also delves into the dangers of Project 2025 and the efforts to erode democracy and impose Christian nationalist values. He emphasizes the need for awareness, activism, and engagement to counter these threats.Takeaways The first presidential debate raised concerns about Joe Biden's ability to effectively communicate and lead, which could impact the perception of undecided voters. Project 2025, a conservative initiative, aims to flood the government with MAGA appointees and enact a Christian nationalist agenda, eroding democracy and civil rights. The Supreme Court ruling that a sitting president is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts has significant implications for the balance of power and the potential abuse of authority. The rise of Christian nationalism poses a threat to marginalized communities and civil liberties, and it is crucial to raise awareness, engage in activism, and vote to protect democracy and human rights. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview02:27 The Concerns Surrounding Joe Biden's Performance09:23 The Dangers of Project 202515:11 The Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling29:24 The Need for Awareness and Activism______________If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this conversation, Dan Koch and Sarah Lane Ritchie discuss the challenges and complexities of worship music in evangelical and mainline churches. They explore the role of music in worship and the potential for manipulation and harm.Takeaways Music can be a powerful tool in worship, but it can also be used to manipulate and harm individuals. The assumption that if something is God, it cannot be described or understood is a dualistic perspective that limits our understanding of the divine. Music can be seen as a spiritual technology that helps individuals connect with the divine and create meaningful experiences. The conflation of music with God can lead to harmful beliefs and practices, particularly in evangelical contexts. The cultural reaction against evangelical worship music is often rooted in the harm caused by these practices, but it is important to recognize that music can have different effects on individuals. Worship music plays a significant role in both evangelical and mainline churches, but it can also be a source of tension and trauma for many individuals. There is a need for intentional curation of worship experiences to ensure they are emotionally and cognitively engaging, while also avoiding manipulation and harm. Embodied community is essential for a fulfilling worship experience, as digital communities cannot fully replace the benefits of in-person connection. Finding a balance between the positive and negative aspects of religious traditions is a challenge, but it is possible to navigate a path that allows for personal growth and flourishing. Worship music has the potential to cultivate a dispositional openness to what is both communal and divine, providing a sense of belonging and connection to something greater than oneself. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Self-Description03:22 Exploring the Role of Music in Worship 10:40 The Harm of Conflating Music with God 25:09 The Cultural Reaction Against Evangelical Worship Music37:27 The Cognitive and Emotional Challenges of Worship Music41:39 The Perception of Modern Evangelical Worship46:25 Religion as Nuclear Fission: The Power and Potential Dangers59:39 The Dispositional Openness Cultivated by Worship Music01:09:29 Navigating the Complexities of Faith and TraditionYou Have Permission PodcastSarah's Faculty PageSarah's Twitter_________________________________________________if you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode, Tim and April discuss various aspects of Christian culture, including tattoos, the recent presidential debate, and a church selling plots of land in heaven. They are joined by Andrew Whitehead to explore the rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on issues like abortion. They highlight the increase in infant mortality rates in Texas after the abortion ban and critique the extreme views of some pro-life activists. The discussion covers the complexities within the pro-life movement, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of reproductive rights, including access to healthcare, economic support, and comprehensive sex education. They also critique pro-life groups and politicians who fail to support policies that genuinely help mothers and children. The conversation then shifts to Christian nationalism's influence on American society, particularly the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, exploring the motivations behind this push and the need for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of patriotism and democratic responsibilities.Takeaways The rise of Christian nationalism has had a significant impact on issues like abortion, with some activists pushing for extreme measures and equating abortion to murder. The recent abortion ban in Texas has led to an increase in infant mortality rates and birth defects, highlighting the unintended consequences of restrictive abortion laws. There is a lack of compassion and nuance within the pro-life movement, with some activists failing to consider the real-life implications of their beliefs on women and families. The pro-life movement needs to address the complexities of reproductive rights and focus on supporting women and families beyond just advocating for the end of abortion. The rise of Christian nationalism and its influence on political discourse is a concerning trend that requires greater attention and understanding. Abortion is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding and consideration of various factors, including access to healthcare, economic support, and comprehensive sex education. Pro-life groups and politicians should advocate for policies that support mothers and children, such as affordable childcare, healthcare, and livable wages. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Fun Banter03:01 The Impact of Christian Nationalism on Abortion09:29 Unintended Consequences: The Rise in Infant Mortality Rates in Texas13:14 Lack of Compassion and Nuance in the Pro-Life Movement25:19 The Rise of Christian Nationalism and its Influence on Politics37:51 Understanding Abortion and the Need for Nuance48:02 The Influence of Christian Nationalism52:44 The Ten Commandments in Public Schools and Christian Nationalism58:25 Redefining Patriotism: Justice, Equality, and Compassion01:05:38 The Responsibility of Citizens in a Democratic Society01:13:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode, Tim and April respond to the elder statement made by Gateway Church regarding the allegations against their lead pastor, Robert Morris. They express disappointment with the statement and discuss the lack of accountability and transparency. They highlight the need for Gateway Church to take concrete actions to address the harm caused and support the survivors. Tim and April also criticize the church's focus on the show and the institution rather than the well-being of the victims. They call for a halt in services, a thorough investigation, and financial reparations for the survivors. The conversation discusses the response of Gateway Church to the allegations against their former lead pastor, Robert Morris, who was accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl. The hosts criticize the church's lack of accountability and deflection of responsibility. They highlight the problematic mindset of some evangelical churches that prioritize success and money over addressing systemic issues and protecting victims. The conversation also touches on the comparison between leaving a church due to disappointment and leaving a church due to abuse, as well as the interconnectedness of charismatic leaders and the need for systemic change.Takeaways Gateway Church's elder statement regarding the allegations against Robert Morris lacked accountability and transparency. Concrete actions, such as halting services and conducting a thorough investigation, are necessary to address the harm caused and support the survivors. The focus on the show and the institution rather than the well-being of the victims is problematic. Financial reparations should be considered to acknowledge the decades of harm and trauma experienced by the survivors. Some evangelical churches prioritize success and money over addressing systemic issues and protecting victims. The response of Gateway Church to the allegations against Robert Morris lacked accountability and deflected responsibility. Leaving a church due to disappointment is not the same as leaving a church due to abuse. Charismatic leaders are often interconnected and need to be held accountable for their actions. Systemic change is necessary to address the issues within evangelical culture. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:16 Allegations against Robert Morris08:16 Lack of Accountability and Transparency12:07 The Resignation of Robert Morris13:36 Pattern of Similar Incidents20:11 Frustration with the Church's Handling21:20 Call for Financial Reparations21:45 The Problematic Response of Gateway Church22:42 The Prioritization of Success and Money in Evangelical Culture23:24 Leaving Church: Disappointment vs. Abuse25:17 The Interconnectedness of Charismatic Leaders27:06 The Need for Systemic Change in Evangelical CultureGateway's Elder Response VideoRead the Initial Article on Robert MorrisRobert's Full Response Video______________If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former conservative Christian advocate turned Rep James Talarico discusses his faith-driven political journey, fighting Christian nationalism, finding common ground with ideological opponents, and advocating for marginalized communities. Topics include the importance of affordable healthcare, dismantling unjust systems, and engaging in conversations for positive societal change.

SummaryThe conversation discusses the technical difficulties faced before the recording and the humorous incidents that occurred. It then delves into the scandal surrounding Robert Morris and Gateway Church, where allegations of sexual abuse have been made against Morris. The conversation highlights the contradictory statements made by Gateway Church and the need for a thorough investigation. It also addresses the toxic culture within evangelical churches, the impact of purity culture, and the importance of holding leaders accountable. Cindy, the alleged victim, releases a statement expressing her disappointment in the church's response and calling for justice and reform. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the hypocrisy and lack of accountability within certain religious circles, particularly in relation to the handling of sexual abuse allegations. They highlight the case of Robert Morris, a megachurch pastor who platformed Mark Driscoll, despite Driscoll's history of abusive behavior. They also criticize the selective outrage and silence of certain evangelical influencers, such as Meg Basham and Allie Stuckey, who condemn Morris but defend John MacArthur, despite his involvement in covering up child abuse within his own church. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability and the dismantling of toxic systems within religious institutions.Takeaways Technical difficulties can occur before a recording, but it is important to persevere and find solutions. The scandal surrounding Robert Morris and Gateway Church highlights the need for thorough investigations and accountability within religious institutions. Toxic culture and purity culture within evangelical churches contribute to the protection of abusive leaders and the blaming of victims. Victims of abuse should be supported and encouraged to come forward, and justice and reform should be pursued. The statements made by Gateway Church and the alleged victim, Cindy, reveal the need for transparency and genuine repentance. There is a lack of accountability and hypocrisy within certain religious circles when it comes to handling sexual abuse allegations. Some religious leaders and influencers selectively condemn certain individuals while defending others, based on their theological alignment or personal biases. The focus should be on protecting victims and holding abusers accountable, rather than protecting the reputation of religious institutions. Toxic systems within religious institutions need to be dismantled in order to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals. Accountability and transparency are essential in creating a healthy and safe environment within religious communities. Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode, Tim discusses the recent allegations against Robert Morris, the lead pastor of Gateway Church, who admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a 12-year-old girl when he was in his early 20s. Tim criticizes the response from Gateway Church and highlights the systemic issues within the evangelical church that enable and protect abusive pastors. He also addresses the harmful narratives propagated by conservative media about the supposed dangers of drag queen story hour, while ignoring the real threat of sexual abuse within churches. Tim calls for accountability and a dismantling of the toxic structures within American evangelicalism.Takeaways The allegations against Robert Morris are serious and have not been disputed by Gateway Church or Morris himself. The response from Gateway Church and the language used in their statement minimizes the gravity of Morris' actions and prioritizes his healing journey over the survivor's experience. The American evangelical church operates as a corporate entity focused on growth and spectacle, often prioritizing the protection of the organization over the well-being of survivors. The evangelical church needs to address the systemic issues that enable and protect abusive pastors rather than blaming individuals or dismissing the problem. Conservative media's focus on supposed threats outside of the church, like drag queen story hour, distracts from the real issue of sexual abuse within churches. The current structures of American evangelicalism need to be dismantled in order to restore the witness of Christianity and prioritize truth, character, and integrity. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Content Warning00:41 Unpacking the Allegations Against Robert Morris10:27 The Toxicity of American Evangelicalism24:53 The Need for Church Accountability26:19 Dismantling the Structures of EvangelicalismRead the Article on Robert MorrisRobert's Full Response Video______________If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT)Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicalsThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Myron Penner, PhD, discusses the transition from pre-modern to postmodern eras impacting faith, reason, and truth. Topics include deconstruction of texts, historical context in biblical interpretations, tension between modernist and postmodernist viewpoints in Christianity, and evolving theological interpretations. The conversation emphasizes the need for intellectual humility and open dialogue in navigating diverse faith perspectives.