
The Russell Moore Show
Listen in as Russell Moore, director of Christianity Today’s Public Theology Project and Editor-in-Chief, talks about the latest books, cultural conversations and pressing ethical questions that point us toward the kingdom of Christ.
Latest episodes

Dec 20, 2023 • 40min
Best of Books 2023
Russell Moore and Ashley Hales discuss their favorite books of 2023, including winners of Christianity Today's book awards. They explore diverse genres, reflect on reading's impact amidst political movements, and emphasize storytelling's power. They also discuss a graphic novel adaptation of Watership Down, delve into questions of identity and spirituality, explore the concept of increased secularization, and compare two books on embracing change and community. They express gratitude and excitement for discussing books in the upcoming year.

Dec 13, 2023 • 49min
Building Trust with Gen Z with Kara Powell
Author and Chief of Leadership Formation, Kara Powell, joins Russell Moore to discuss building trust with Generation Z. They explore research on Gen Z's relationship to faith and church, the challenges of regaining trust, and opportunities for church leaders to come alongside young people. They highlight TENx10, which aims to help faith matter more to 10 million young people over the next 10 years. They emphasize the importance of everyday acts of listening and empathizing to rebuild trust with Gen Z.

Dec 6, 2023 • 50min
Tim Alberta on the White Evangelical Crisis
When journalist Tim Alberta attended his father’s funeral, he expected people to speak words of comfort. What he didn’t expect was a confrontation. And yet, just a short walk away from the casket, someone approached a grieving Alberta to critique his writing on Trumpism.On a new episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore welcomes Alberta, a writer for The Atlantic and the author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism to discuss how American culture has reached the point where people feel compelled to argue politics at all times. Alberta and Moore talk about the ways that politics have invaded the church in recent years. He and Moore talk about what fear has done to the state of evangelicalism, the rise of secularism, and the differences in conversations between white and multiethnic congregations. They consider ways that demographics affect political and religious perspectives, how pastors have engaged QAnon, and the variances in generational perspectives on American politics.Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on America’s history and ponders what its future could be.Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta
Blinded by Might: Can the Religious Right Save America? by Cal Thomas“
The Religious Right and the Abortion Myth” by Randall Balmer
“Russell Moore Wants Us To Be Strange (But Not Crazy)” on the Good Faith podcast
The “Against Trump” issue of National Review
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
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 McKenzie HillDirector 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

5 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 58min
N.T. Wright on the Bible's Most Misunderstood Verse
The podcast discusses N.T. Wright's new book on Romans 8, exploring topics such as salvation, atonement theories, fear of judgment, covenant faithfulness, and the groaning of creation. They also touch on prayer, women in ministry, and the authenticity of Christianity through the resurrection of Jesus.

Nov 22, 2023 • 45min
Your Questions on Partisan Politics, Panic, and Power
In this podcast, Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales discuss important topics such as the relationship between Christians and culture, injecting beliefs into civic leadership, and maintaining hope in confusing times. They also address questions about news consumption, focusing on identity in Christ, and the role of church leaders in politics and public policy. The podcast explores the significance of expressing concern through actions like changing profile pictures and discusses the reasons behind perpetual panic in the Baptist community. Overall, it offers insightful perspectives on navigating these complex issues.

30 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 53min
Jonathan Haidt's Way Forward for an Anxious Generation
Social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt joins Russell Moore to discuss the alarming rates of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents. They explore the impact of iPhones and social media on mental health, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people, and the shift in parenting towards treating raising children like a project. Despite the challenges, Haidt and Moore propose practical solutions for cultivating good mental health, confidence, and purpose in the next generation.

Nov 1, 2023 • 54min
Christine Caine Tells Me Where I'm Wrong on the Holy Spirit
Christine Caine, co-founder of anti-slavery nonprofit A21, talks with Russell Moore about the Holy Spirit. They explore beliefs on spiritual gifts, the role of Scripture, misuses of prophetic words, and the purpose of gifts like prophecy or healing. The conversation follows the 'Tell Me Where I'm Wrong' rules, allowing Moore to ask questions and understand Caine's perspective.

Oct 25, 2023 • 42min
Christianity's Being Co-opted with Tobias Cremer
Tobias Cremer, author of The Godless Crusade, discusses the rise of national populist movements and the co-optation of Christianity. They explore the impact of secularization on society's divide, the use of religious symbols in political movements, and the confusion of religion with identity. They also analyze the role of social media in polarization and offer advice on addressing religious to ethno-nationalist identity shifts.

Oct 18, 2023 • 50min
Hope for High Conflict with Amanda Ripley
“Our church lived through the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections divided. Our church lived through Black Lives Matter protests divided. Our church lived through COVID divided. How are we going to get through 2024?”That’s one of the questions that Russell Moore is asked on a regular basis, and it’s not an easy one to answer. Enter Amanda Ripley, author of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. An investigative journalist and the co-founder of Good Conflict, Ripley has spent years exploring how humans engage in disagreements that threaten to tear people apart. On this episode, Moore and Ripley discuss the differences between regular conflict and high conflict. They consider examples of good and bad engagement with conflict, how polarization occurs in politics and religion, and the line between accountability and humiliation. They consider the role of media, institutions, and and family relationships in navigating divisions. And they consider how conflict can be harnessed to serve as a public good.Tune in for a rich discussion of the things that seek to tear us apart but can be redeemed to bring us together.Resources mentioned in this episode include:
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes —and Why by Amanda Ripley
Good Conflict
Practical Tools from Good Conflict
King Rat by China Miélville
Chicago CRED
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore
Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church by Marshall Shelley
B’nai Jeshurun
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 Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 41min
Skye Jethani Tells Us Where We're Wrong on Heaven
Skye Jethani and Russell Moore discuss views on heaven, near-death experiences, and biblical passages on life and death. They explore the misconceptions and limitations in our thinking about the afterlife, as well as moments of closeness to heaven. The speakers also talk about finding joy in faith, dealing with criticism, and promoting Jethani's book.