The Russell Moore Show

A few years ago, the faith community Russell Moore loved—and the country he respected—seemed to be becoming unrecognizable. As Moore looked at his surroundings, a metaphor from The Lord of the Rings came to mind. Had The Shire, the place he loved and believed to be home, really been the evil realm of Mordor all along?On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, CT Director of Podcasts Mike Cosper interviews Moore about his new book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Moore talks about changes in the political landscape, church culture, and his own life over the past decade. He and Cosper discuss deconstruction, the difference between losing faith and losing religion, and how misogyny can become intertwined with poor theology. Their conversation covers tribalism, Christendom in America, and how to respond to cynicism or despair.Turn up the volume for a rich conversation filled with humility, discernment, and wisdom for living hopefully in a broken world. And be sure to tune in to the next several episodes as Moore hosts specific conversations with exciting guests about navigating the Christian faith in confusing times.Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Bulletin Uneasy in Babylon: Southern Baptist Conservatives and American Culture by Barry Hankins Tim Keller on Jeremiah 29 The music of Willie Nelson The music of Waylon Jennings The writings of Jack Kerouac Keys to the Deeper Life by A.W. Tozer Bonus Episode: Tim Keller’s Heavenly Hope Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! If you're able, join us for a live event hosted by Beth Moore in Houston on August 9. Click here for details.Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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 CosperHost: Russell MooreProducer: Ashley HalesAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensAudio engineering by Resonate RecordingVideo producer: Abby EganTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in Houston, TX on August 9th for a LIVE podcast recording and an evening of conversation hosted by Beth Moore in celebration of Russell's book: Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America.For more info, click here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the latest Q&A episode of The Russell Moore Show, which addresses a question we all want answered: is every question submitted to the show theological or political? As it turns out, the answer is no! Our first question today is about none other than Johnny Cash, which leads to a discussion of Merle Haggard and even Nine Inch Nails. If you came for the heavier stuff, though, never fear. This episode also includes producer Ashley Hales and Russell talking about Christian Nationalism, the Democratic Party, and the MAGA movement. Their conversation covers pastoring, witnessing in the digital environment, and delineating between moralism and Scripture application. Questions addressed during this episode include: What are Russell’s thoughts on Johnny Cash’s American Recordings? What concrete steps does Russell recommend for pastors, lay leaders, and churchgoers who love their churches but see them as having been co-opted by individualism, consumerism, and Christian Nationalism?  Does Russell ever wonder if he’s being used as a pawn by Democratic Party supporters? How can a pastor address the far-right MAGA movement that’s taken hold in his congregation?  What does it look like to witness to coworkers in our new digital environment? Especially when it comes to teaching children, how can we delineate between moralism and Scripture application? How can the dignity of youth ministry be restored? What introductory apologetics books does Russell recommend? What should a church member do when new leadership holds a differing position on sexuality and marriage?  How can we reconcile two opposing views, such as conflicting opinions on baptism, in one church? Did Paul sin by not asking Philemon to emancipate Onesimus? Resources mentioned in this episode include: American Recordings by Johnny Cash Hurt by Nine Inch Nails (cover) Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture by Lesslie Newbigin Jonathan Rauch Christ and the Bible by John Wenham  The writings of Richard Bauckham The writings of Peter J. Williams George F. Will The Letter to Philemon: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary by Joseph A. Fitzmyer Colossians and Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary by N.T. Wright Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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 StevensAudio engineering by Dan PhelpsVideo producer: Abby EganTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our times of worship changed in measurable ways. What did we learn about God and ourselves through that disembodied experience? How does the sensory affect our spirituality? Why did God create human bodies to be so, well, bodily in everything from procreation to waste elimination?On today’s episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore poses these questions to W. David O. Taylor. Taylor is a professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, a priest, and the author of several titles, including the recently released A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship. Moore and Taylor discuss the “intimate earthiness” of God’s creation of humanity and what it means to bear the divine image in our bodies. They talk about how the various church settings engage with the body, what Scripture has to say about our bodies, and the ways that abuse can harm a community’s understanding of the body.Tune in for an insightful conversation of the physical, the spiritual, and how they weave together in our engagement with God and one another.Resources mentioned in this episode include: A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship by W. David O. Taylor Handle with Care: How Jesus Redeems the Power of Touch in Life and Ministry by Lore Ferguson Wilbert Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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

It’s time for the quarterly books episode of The Russell Moore Show! On this episode, Russell shares the books on his desert island bookshelf. He and producer Ashley Hales discuss what it takes for a title to belong on that shelf. They consider the power of finding a book for a specific season and how such reads take root in our hearts. Their conversation spans genres and generations as they talk about books that range from centuries old to just published. Visit [link to come] to see a picture of Russell’s desert island bookshelf.Books mentioned in this episode include: A Theology of the New Testament by George Eldon Ladd Selected Poems: 1931-2004 by Czeslaw Milosz Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry Confessions by Saint Augustine The Table Talk of Martin Luther by Martin Luther Signposts in a Strange Land by Walker Percy The Message in the Bottle by Walker Percy A Room Called Remember by Frederick Buechner The Alphabet of Grace by Frederick Buechner Strength to Love by Martin Luther King, Jr. Pensées by Blaise Pascal The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Provocations by Søren Kierkegaard  The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty Early Christian Fathers by Cyril Richardson The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis  Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis Gilead by Marilynne Robinson On the Apostolic Preaching by Irenaeus of Lyons The 1662 Book of Common Prayer edited by Samuel L. Bray and Drew Nathaniel Keane David Copperfield by Charles Dickens The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien  The Message of Romans (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by John Stott As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene Peterson Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Moby Dick by Herman Melville The Call of the Wild by Jack London The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry Additional authors and resources mentioned in this episode include: David Foster Wallace Seth Godin Denise Levertov Edgar Allan Poe Anton Chekhov Frederick Buechner The Bishop and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen The Banshees of Insherin  “Malcolm Guite’s Hope for Hurt Christians”  Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!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.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

When Roe vs. Wade was overturned, Benjamin Watson was happy. But he also felt acutely aware of a complicated truth: millions of people felt devastated by the decision. And so the question became: what’s next?On today’s episode of The Russell Moore Show, Watson—writer, speaker, and former NFL tight end—shares insights into the state of abortion in America. He and Moore talk about the ways that racial injustice relates to abortion. And they discuss how Christians can engage in the pursuit of public justice for women and the unborn alike. Watson, who serves as the VP of Strategic Relationships for the Human Coalition and co-founded the One More Foundation with his wife, talks about his recent book The New Fight for Life: Roe, Race, and a Pro-Life Commitment to Justice. He and Moore consider the gaps in how the church has addressed abortion historically, and what it may look like to do better in the future. And they consider how God might ask Christians to engage in impacting just one person.Resources mentioned in this episode include:  The One More Foundation The Human Coalition The New Fight for Life: Roe, Race, and a Pro-Life Commitment to Justice by Benjamin Watson Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage” comedy special  March for Life “Esau McCaulley Makes Grace Plausible” “The Moral Bucket List” by David Brooks Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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

On June 19, 2023, the United States of America will celebrate its newest federal holiday: Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of some slaves in Texas being told that they were free. But this is far from the first time that Juneteenth, which today’s guest refers to as “a second Independence Day,” has been celebrated. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Justin Giboney shares his memories of celebrating Juneteenth. Drawing on his expertise as a political strategist, attorney, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, Giboney speaks to the history and cultural narratives regarding systemic injustice in America. He and Moore discuss civil rights, the Black church, and the Christian witness in the public square. And they consider how believers in Jesus can engage in political spaces.Resources mentioned in this episode include:  AND Campaign How I Got Over docuseries by the AND Campaign The Church Politics Podcast Charlie Dates Prior work on Juneteenth at Christianity Today includes: “For Christians, Juneteenth Is a Time of Jubilee” by Rasool Berry “Why Juneteenth Should Matter to the Church” a webinar featuring Rasool Berry, Lisa Fields, Carey H. Latimore. Michelle Ami Reyes, and Russell Moore “Juneteenth: A Truer Independence Day” by Bonnie Kristian “Juneteenth Was an Answer to Centuries of Prayer” by Eric Washington “Juneteenth with Historian Carey Latimore” Where Ya From? Episode 28 “Juneteenth is a Chance to Rethink Our Gun Culture” by Edward-Richard Hinds Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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

Does the body of Christ have a moral obligation to call for gun reform? Why does the Far Right fight the idea of critical race theory (CRT)? How will the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) affect the way people read the Bible?These are some of the prescient listener questions that Russell and producer Ashley Hales address on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. They discuss cultural issues including abortion, political division, and how social media is influencing young people. And they share meaningful ways to consider what obedience to Christ looks like in an ever-changing world.Questions addressed during this episode include: What is the church’s role in addressing gun violence? Is the Far Right’s resistance to CRT because of politics, or is the theory morally bad? How should Christians vote when they agree and disagree with positions on both sides? How might believers think about new developments in AI, including how it might influence the study of Scripture? How can pastors be a voice for biblical change when it comes to abortion? Resources mentioned in this episode include: “Gun Idolatry Is Destroying the Case for Guns” by David French“ Developing a Biblical Framework with Christopher Watkin” Jonathan Haidt’s Substack Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, the founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.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

When John Starke, an author and the pastor of Apostles Church Uptown, moved to New York City, he quickly realized that he wasn’t all that impressive to his neighbors. It didn’t feel great at first. But now, he sees the ability to embody seasons of being unimpressive—even being embarrassed and humiliated—as a gift.On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore and Starke talk about perseverance, suffering, and the power of Jesus’ presence. They discuss the temptation to be performative in ministry, how to embrace our limitations, and what it looks like to heal shame. Starke shares rhythms and practices for growing in understanding ourselves as hidden in Christ, which he writes about in his new book The Secret Place of Thunder.Moore and Starke’s conversation also includes reflections on their mutual friend, Tim Keller, who passed away recently. Tune in for an episode that looks thoughtfully at the human heart, the character of God, and the encouragement in Scripture to live as those hidden in Christ.Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Secret Place of Thunder: Trading Our Need to Be Noticed for a Hidden Life with Christ by John Starke Tim Keller’s Final Message to Redeemer Churches The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Curt Thompson The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery by David G. Banner Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses by Martin Luther “Jonathan Haidt Says Social Media Is Making America Stupid” “Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls. Here’s the Evidence.” by Jonathan Haidt A Secular Age by Charles Taylor “Millennial Burnout Is Being Televised” by Sophie Gilbert Preorder Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore?Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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

Anxiety is having a moment. Compared to prepandemic rates, for example, anxiety has doubled in young people. The increase feels daunting and downright scary at times as Christians struggle to determine how to help.Enter Curtis Chang, theologian, consulting faculty member at Duke Divinity School, and senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. Cohost of the Good Faith podcast, executive director of Redeeming Babel, and cofounder of The After Party with Moore and David French, Chang is also an author. His new book, The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self, invites readers to under anxiety as a doorway to spiritual transformation rather than a sin to overcome.On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Chang explains that the root of anxiety is the fear of loss. He and Moore discuss their personal experiences with anxiety and the importance of paying attention to the signals our bodies send us when under stress. They talk about shame, the biblical passages that address worry, and how Jesus related to people who faced anxiety. Their conversation also covers social media, the role of medication in addressing mental health struggles, and various spiritual practices for responding to anxiety.Finally, Chang and Moore introduce their new project, The After Party, which calls Christians toward their higher allegiance to Jesus, transcending partisan loyalty—and partisan anxieties.Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk “The Future” by Leonard Cohen “This Too” by J Lind “Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls. Here’s the Evidence.” by Jonathan Haidt “The truth about Gen Z - and the rest of us (with Jean Twenge)” on the Good Faith podcast “Opinion | The Sandwich Generation Is Getting Squished” by Jessica Grose “For Millennials Making Their Way, a Detour: To Caregiving” by Susan B. Garland “The Agony of Putting Your Life on Hold to Care for Your Parents” by Jaeah Lee “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin Pre-order Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.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 HalesEditor and Mix Engineer: Dan PhelpsAssociate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae PhelpsCT Administration: Christine KolbSocial Media: Kate LuckyDirector of Operations for CT Media: Matt StevensProduction Assistance: coreMEDIACoordinator: Beth GrabenkortVideo Producer: John RolandTheme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices