The New Evangelicals Podcast

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.

SummaryIn this conversation, Tim and Janice discuss various topics, including the conviction of Donald Trump, the misuse of religious language in politics, and the role of evangelical leaders. They also touch on the hypocrisy of some evangelical leaders and the need for skepticism and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the manipulation of religious beliefs for political gain and the importance of understanding the historical context of political decisions. In this part of the conversation, Tim and Janice discuss the themes of white evangelicalism, the failure of the democratic process, and the hypocrisy of Trump's supporters. They explore the idea that America is in decline and that evangelicalism has failed the test of staying true to its values. They also touch on the conviction of Hunter Biden and the response from both sides of the political spectrum. In this final part of the conversation, Tim discusses the use of memes and images to attack political opponents, particularly in the context of Hunter Biden and Donald Trump. He highlights the hypocrisy of Trump supporters who find such memes acceptable when they target Trump, but not when they target Hunter Biden. Tim also criticizes the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) for its regressive views on women's roles and IVF, and expresses his frustration with the continued platforming of Carl Lentz. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the love and acceptance of queer neighbors, and the control and ownership mentality of some evangelical Christians.Takeaways The conviction of Donald Trump is discussed, with the hosts highlighting the manipulation of religious language in politics and the misuse of biblical values. The conversation emphasizes the need for skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating the actions and statements of evangelical leaders. The hosts reflect on the historical context of political decisions and the importance of understanding the impact of past events on current issues. The conversation raises questions about the sincerity of some evangelical leaders and their motivations for aligning with political figures. White evangelicalism has failed to stay true to its values and has embraced hypocrisy. America is in decline and is facing serious challenges. The conviction of Hunter Biden highlights the importance of respecting the judicial process. The political divide in America is deepening, with both sides often failing to see the flaws in their own arguments. The use of memes and images to attack political opponents is hypocritical and lacks logical consistency. The Southern Baptist Convention's focus on regressive views on women's roles and opposition to IVF is misguided and out of touch. The continued platforming of Carl Lentz raises questions about accountability and genuine repentance. Love and acceptance of queer neighbors should be a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. The control and ownership mentality of some evangelical Christians hinders progress and understanding. Janice's Link TreeCheck 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 conversation, Tim and Father Jim Gretzky discuss various topics related to Catholicism and the role of priests and bishops. They touch on issues such as the traditional Latin mass, Catholic teachings on abortion and IVF, and the role of priests in parish communities. They also discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Catholic Church. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of understanding the complexities of Catholicism and avoiding generalizations or false judgments. In this conversation, Tim and Father Jim analyze a speech given by NFL player Harrison Butker at Benedictine College. They discuss the recurring theme of longing for a mythological past and the connection between Christian nationalism and the desire to return to a privileged time. They also explore the traditional Catholic view of marriage and the importance of adhering to Catholic traditions. Father Jim provides insights into the Catholic perspective on issues such as birth control and the role of men in society. They highlight the need for nuance and understanding in discussions about faith and the dangers of fundamentalism.TakeawaysUnderstanding the complexities of Catholicism is important to avoid generalizations or false judgments.The role of priests and bishops in the Catholic Church is multifaceted and requires a deep understanding of theology and pastoral care.The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for the Catholic Church, but decisions made by bishops and priests were often based on public health guidelines and the safety of parishioners.Recognizing the authority of bishops and priests is essential in understanding the role they play in leading the Church and administering the sacraments.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview02:03 Exploring the Complexities of Catholicism10:23 The Role of Priests and Bishops in the Catholic Church15:07 Understanding Catholic Teachings on Abortion25:22 The Importance of Charity and Staying in One's Lane30:27 Avoiding Generalizations and False Judgments38:29 The Role of Priests and Bishops in Parish Communities47:00 Reflecting on Past and Present Leadership in the Catholic Church48:59 Longing for a Mythological Past52:18 The Traditional Catholic View of Marriage59:47 God-Centered Pride and Glorifying Him01:09:22 The Catholic View of Marriage01:17:32 The Importance of Tradition in Worship01:25:26 Surrounding Yourself with People Who Sharpen You01:31:49 The Catholic Position on Birth ControlJames Martin’s Books:The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real LifeMy Life with the SaintsIn Good CompanyGreg Boyle’s Books:Tattoos on the HeartBarking to the ChoirThe Whole LanguageGreg Boyle’s webpageIf 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

Author Kester Brewin discusses the intersection of theology and AI, exploring the historical context and ethical implications. The conversation delves into the symbolism of power and knowledge in mythologies, the impact of technology on labor and wealth distribution, and the importance of building communities based on trust and transparency.