The Russell Moore Show

Glenn Packiam, lead pastor of Rock Harbor Church and author of "What's a Christian Anyway?", delves into the significance of creeds in defining modern Christianity. He argues that the Nicene Creed offers rich insights in today’s political climate, highlighting its historical context and relevance in worship. Packiam shares personal narratives from his spiritual journey, including his transition from Pentecostalism to Anglicanism. The conversation emphasizes the need for a collective faith that navigates skepticism while remaining rooted in community and tradition.

Explore the complex dance between Christianity and nihilism, where belief systems face a crisis of meaning. Delve into the unsettling intersection of conservatism and nihilism, revealing how power can overshadow true faith. The discussion urges a revival of authentic Christianity, emphasizing a living relationship with Jesus rather than dry doctrines. The call is clear: nurture genuine spiritual vitality to confront today's challenges and rediscover hope in a troubled world.

Join Ashley Hales, CT’s editorial director for print and former show producer, as she shares her passion for reading in a world filled with distractions. They discuss the timeless wisdom found in classics like Tolstoy and Vonnegut, emphasizing the importance of deep, immersive reading. Hales highlights the role of literature in fostering confessional communities and understanding trauma. They also explore the evolving concept of charisma and its impact on faith and culture, providing insights that resonate in today’s society.

The decline of Hooters reveals deeper societal shifts in America's cultural appetites. The conversation delves into how digital influences are reshaping morality and consumption. It also critiques the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in such establishments, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections. Furthermore, there's a call for the church to provide a meaningful alternative that values authenticity and service over superficial desires. These reflections prompt listeners to reconsider contemporary moral landscapes.

Annie F. Downs, a New York Times bestselling author and speaker, shares her journey through grief after losing her nephew TJ. She discusses the surprising ways children process loss, emphasizing the importance of genuine conversations over platitudes. Exploring her new children's book, Downs highlights how storytelling helps kids navigate complex emotions. The conversation touches on balancing joy with sorrow, the power of empathy, and the vital role of vulnerability and support for parents facing mental health challenges.

Explore the moral dilemmas surrounding the deportation of Venezuelan gang members and the critical role of due process. Delve into the ethical challenges police face in balancing law enforcement and justice. Discover how Calvinism has shaped modern democracy, influencing the rule of law and combating corruption. The podcast emphasizes the necessity of a moral framework in governance to uphold justice and constitutional rights, avoiding pitfalls of a purely natural law approach.

Mark Vroegop, the newly appointed president of The Gospel Coalition and author of impactful works like "Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy," discusses navigating faith amid doubt and grief. He emphasizes the transformative power of belief and the crucial role of community in spiritual growth. Vroegop shares insights on making life decisions, the significance of lament in ministry, and how modern challenges shape church dynamics. Together, they explore the complexity of trust in God's goodness during uncertain times, bolstered by reflections on the Psalms.

Discover how a piece of art can change the way we view the church and its role in society. Explore the powerful imagery associated with Peter's denial of Christ and how it reflects human struggles. Learn about the symbolism of birds like ravens and doves, shedding light on themes of weakness and redemption. This insightful discussion intertwines faith, art, and social justice, inviting listeners to rethink their perspectives.

Stanley Hauerwas, a renowned theologian and author from Duke Divinity School, joins the conversation to discuss his latest collection of essays, Jesus Changes Everything. He passionately explores the impact of Christian friendship and the real legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, offering rich insights into authentic faith. Hauerwas challenges listeners to critically reassess conventional views on war and the complexities of modern Christian vocabulary, all while advocating for deeper, transformative dialogue within church communities.

From care for aging parents to concerns about money, life for modern-day Christians can feel, in a word, overwhelming. Russell Moore and Ashley Hales, CT’s editorial director for print, offer words of wisdom and a sense of solidarity with listener questions about all kinds of challenges. They provide practical advice, spiritual comfort, and reasons for hope in family life, social relationships, and society at large.Questions addressed during this episode include: How might Christians think about forgiveness as it relates to encountering people in heaven who harmed us on earth? What are some practical ways to think about living in the tension of being misunderstood, or even gravely sinned against or abused, and not yet having resolution? How should believers respond to seasons of life when demands on their time and energy, such as aging parents, loss of a spouse, and grandchildren, leave them feeling overwhelmed and depleted? How can a husband and wife determine together whether or not they should stay in a certain congregation?  How should Christians think about desiring financial success? How can parents determine and apply technology filters to keep their children safe?  What might the next right step be for a believer who is dating an unbeliever and has crossed intimacy lines that are producing shame?  Could a particular judgment from God come against the American church?  What Scripture passages does Russell return to for encouragement in light of the dechurching phenomenon, increase of misinformation, and rising nationalism around the world?  Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send an email to questions@russellmoore.com.Resources:  A Fruitful Life: Discovering Jesus’ Invitation in the Sermon on the Mount by Bryce and Ashley Hales “Civility, Calvinism, and the Coming Judgment Day” with Richard Mouw “At My Mother’s Deathbed, I Discovered the Symmetry of a Long Life” by Jen Wilkin “Detoxing, Mapquesting, and Holy Kisses” with Carlos Whittaker Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices