The Russell Moore Show

Why has there been a rise in antisemitic tropes, speech, and acts in recent years? Why have cultural moments of change in the West often led to the emergence of violence against Jewish people? And how might the Jewish American experience shed light on how all of us can live in tumultuous times?On this episode, Yuval Levin and Russell Moore respond to these complex questions. Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. As the founder of National Affairs, a senior editor at The New Atlantis, a contributing editor at National Review, and a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times, Levin is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the modern conservative movement.Levin shares some of his experiences as a Jewish American. He reflects on the fact that modern America is the safest place to be a Jewish person in the history of the religion while also noting that “even in America … Jews seem to stand in for the outsider” in the cultural imagination. They talk about the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue, the remarks of Kanye West, and the way America interacted with religious minorities after the September 11th attacks. And they discuss the influence of technology, the effect of hyperconnectedness, and what it might look like to raise children to have moral commitments.Tune in for a nuanced, thoughtful discussion that covers religion, government, and what it means to be part of American life.Resources mentioned in this episode include: American Enterprise Institute The Immigrant Advantage by Claudia Kolker “The Red-Pill Pusher” by Damon Linker “Federalist No. 10” by James Madison “Opiates of the Masses? Deaths of Despair and the Decline of American Religion” by Tyler Giles, Daniel M. Hungerman & Tamar Oostrom “Deconstructed: The Implosion of Progressive Organizing” Hadassah Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin DuthuCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are events like the National Prayer Breakfast merely displays of civil religion? What does it look like for Christian political leaders to unite during such a divided time in American life? And what is the role of the government when it comes to managing the influence of social media?These are just some of the many questions that Delaware Senator Chris Coons and Russell Moore address during today’s episode. In light of the upcoming National Prayer Breakfast on February 2, Coons, who has co-organized the event in prior years, talks about what it looks like for such events to have an “honest, humble spiritual core.”Coons’s interest in authentic faith serves as a throughline for this episode. He and Moore wade into topics such as caring for the unborn, privacy regulations, and disinformation. And the senator talks about welcoming the refugee, praying for your enemies, and making political decisions according to a Christian ethic.Learn more about Senator Coons and the National Prayer Breakfast:  Senator Chris Coons “Concerns Over Prayer Breakfast Lead Congress to Take It Over” by The Associated Press “Chris Coons: Why I pray for Donald Trump” by Chris Coons for The Washington Post Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, New York Times Opinion columnist Ross Douthat tells Russell Moore where he's wrong on Catholicism and American culture. Kind of.Douthat and Moore consider what it looks like for Christians to engage civically without surrendering to the relentless urgency of the political cycle. They discuss the Roman Catholic Church and what's happening at the intersection of religion, American culture, and world culture. They have a rich discussion of Douthat's religious upbringing, corruption in religious hierarchies, and when Martin Luther did (and didn't) have a point. They talk about Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, the insufficiency of punditry, and whether or not America is a post-Christian nation.Their discussion plays by the "Tell Me Where I'm Wrong" rules: Moore is only allowed to ask questions that seek to understand the guest's point of view, and if he starts to argue, the guest is supposed to stop him.Episodes in the "Tell Me Where I'm Wrong" series include: Bill McKibben Tells Me Where I’m Wrong About Cultural Christianity Shane Claiborne Tells Me Where I’m Wrong on the Death Penalty Ligon Duncan Tells Me Where I'm Wrong on Infant Baptism Resources mentioned in this episode include: Bad Religion by Ross Douthat The Deep Places by Ross Douthat  The apologetic works of C.S. Lewis  The apologetic works of G.K. Chesterton The Ninety-Five Theses by Martin Luther Confessions of a Catholic by Michael Novak To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by Ross Douthat Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does hope look like for the American church as political polarization sparks division and many evangelicals are leaving the pews? It might be found in the words of the British “Poet for ‘Bruised Evangelicals,’” Malcolm Guite. The poet, priest, singer-songwriter, and professor joined Russell to talk about truth, imagination, and illumination.Guite and Moore discuss how they know the Christian story is true, depictions of the gospel in art, and what it means to learn to love. They talk about the power of stories and imagination. Moore asks Guite to share his thoughts on the transfiguration passage in the New Testament, which Guite explores in his book Lifting the Veil. And they talk about how to begin reading poetry for those who don’t know where to start.Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kara Bettis for Christianity Today, “A Poet for ‘Bruised Evangelicals’” C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Weight of Glory J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings Gustaf Aulen, Christus Victor Malcolm Guite: Lifting the Veil, Faith, Hope and Poetry, The Christian Plummet, and Amen The Trinity Forum, “Online Conversation | Waiting on the Word with Malcolm Guite” Richard Hooker, A Learned and Comfortable Sermon of the Certainty and Perpetuity of Faith in the Elect Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin DuthuCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Just wait until you get married, you’ll drive each other crazy.”“Just wait until that baby is a toddler throwing tantrums, you’ll long for the sleepless newborn nights!”“Just wait until your energetic third-grader is a surly teenager, you’ll crave flag football and trampoline parks.”Sound familiar? Sometimes, when we seek advice or empathy around family life, we’re met with a cynical response that things are only going to get worse. But does that have to be the case? Or can family life be joyful in each season?As a new year begins, many of you have written in with questions for Russell Moore about home life and relationships. From parenting to marriage to a biblical view of sex, this episode offers wisdom and insight into all things family.Listen in for thoughtful responses from Russell and producer Ashley Hales to questions including: What are some resources a mother could give her daughter whose boyfriend senses that he has a calling to become a pastor? How can Christians develop a better understanding of the nature of sex and sexual ethics as they relate to practical decisions like family planning and contraception? What can couples do when they start to feel like their love for each other is growing cold? How can parents of impressionable, sensitive children care for them well in community environments that promote dangerous ideals like Christian nationalism? What is Russell’s favorite thing about raising teenagers and young-adult children? Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.Consider a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin DuthuCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Paul Pelosi, husband of speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, was attacked, social media erupted with jokes. Why? What is at the heart of such a calloused response to violence?On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore welcomes Elizabeth Neumann to discuss online radicalization, loneliness, and how Christians can navigate an era of political hatred. Formerly the assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention at the Department of Homeland Security, Neumann is now a commentator on ABC News and the chief strategy officer at Moonshot, a social enterprise working to end online harms ranging from child sexual exploitation to political extremism.Neumann and Moore talk about the environmental factors that are creating the right conditions for political violence in America. They consider the role of online communities in radicalization, the power of rhetoric, and how to build resilience in children and teens. And they candidly address the ways the church has negatively contributed to the modern state of affairs, while also expressing hope and sharing ideas for a better way forward.Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Ben Sasse, Them Alan Noble, You Are Not Your Own Life After Hate Parents for Peace SCREEN Hate (McCain Institute) Moonshot's Monthly Bulletin Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism Center for Strategic and International Studies Report: Pushed to Extremes: Domestic Terrorism amid Polarization and Protest Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin DuthuCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Through reading, I can imagine situations that I ordinarily would never encounter.”So says Russell Moore on this final episode of the year. All about books, the conversation between Russell and producer Ashley Hales covers everything from storytelling and genre to categorizing books and cultivating a love of reading in childhood.Take a peek into Russell’s book clubs, learn more about his reading practices, and discover his favorite books of the year. Russell shares why he loves the books that made his list and shares how they influenced him.Russell’s favorite books of 2022: Malcolm Guite, The Word within the Words Timothy Keller, Forgive Clarence Jordan, The Inconvenient Gospel Wendell Berry, How It Went Thomas S. Kidd, Thomas Jefferson Moisés Naim, The Revenge of Power Paul D. Miller, The Religion of American Greatness Fintan O’Toole, We Don’t Know Ourselves Stephen Bullivant, Nonverts Marc Eliot, The Hag Jay Wellons, All That Moves Us Jason M. Baxter, The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis Additional books, podcast episodes, and resources mentioned include: The Russell Moore Show, “Navigating Friendship and Loss with Peter Wehner” The Russell Moore Show, “Tim Keller Says Forgiveness Is Key to Christian Witness" ”Russell Moore’s newsletter MaryKate Morse, "The Formational Power of Reading: A Requirement for all Leaders" John Grisham, The Boys from BiloxiSquare Books Shakespeare, King Lear T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets Christianity Today’s 2023 Book Awards Barna’s State of the Church C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia Wendell Berry, Life Is a Miracle Marilynne Robinson, “A Theology of the Present Moment” Chris Claremont’s X-Men era Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache series Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today.Chief Creative Officer: Erik PetrikExecutive Producer and Host: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesDirector of Podcasts: Mike CosperDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: CoreMediaCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortProducer and Audio Mixing: Kevin DuthuAssociate Producer: Abby PerryTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do parenting, responding to cultural waves, and healing from church hurt have in common?The answer might just be found in Russell Moore’s response to a listener question on this episode of The Russell Moore Show:"The Spirit is going to be walking with you and working within you,” says Moore. “Be patient and let the Spirit work."The topics in this episode range from marriage and family to church leadership to trauma. But what binds these inquiries and responses together is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance and comfort in every confusing and painful area of life.Tune in as Russell and producer Ashley Hales respond to listener questions, including: How should a Christian mother raise her children when her husband says he no longer believes in Jesus? How should congregants engage with church leaders who aren't addressing specific cultural issues? What is the difference between a pastor providing proper leadership and becoming overly authoritative? How can Christians heal from spiritual abuse? Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"In the long run, we're really looking to be enfolded in a durable, relational community in which we are known and loved—loved after we're known, instead of loved because we're not yet known."So says Andy Crouch, author, speaker, and partner at venture-building ecosystem Praxis. As someone who fell in love with computers and technology at a young age, Crouch has spent years considering the ways technology shapes societies, families, and individuals. In this post-pandemic era, Crouch sees a universal quest to live humanly as we try to build back our relational muscles. Yet, many of us still hope that technology will make good on its promises of power, happiness, and connection.On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Crouch and Moore discuss what it looks like to live a life of love in a culture that's saturated in technology. They talk about how the online space has shaped our approach to commerce and money. And they share hopeful, redemptive wisdom for putting technology in its proper place so that the things that matter most in life can flourish.Resources mentioned in this episode include: Andy Crouch, The Life We're Looking For This American Life, Superpowers Maryanne Wolfe, Reader, Come Home Craig Gay, Modern Technology and the Human Future Screen Sanity Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the age of 34, Max Lucado was burned out, struggling with insomnia, and begging the Lord to help him “have the wherewithal to preach the next day.”Now, decades later, Lucado is still pastoring—he’s the teaching minister at Oak Hills Christian Church in San Antonio. He’s written dozens of books in the years that have passed since he struggled to find the energy to keep going. Lucado doesn’t attribute his renewal to his own efforts, though. Instead, he credits the Holy Spirit as the best friend, comforter, and one who came alongside him in his time of need.On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Lucado and Moore discuss the dynamics of burnout. They talk about what it looks like to pray when it’s hard or when we don’t know what to say. And they explore challenging theological topics like spiritual warfare, church hurt, and what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.Resources mentioned in this episode include: Max Lucado, Help Is Here  Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones  Frederick Dale Bruner, The Gospel of John: A Commentary Frederick Dale Bruner and William Hordern, The Holy Spirit - Shy Member of the Trinity Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIAAudio Engineer: Kevin DuthuCoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices