

Red Letter Christians Podcast
Red Letter Christians
A Christian commentary on the way of Jesus in the world today with Red Letter Christian leaders Dr. Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne. Red Letter Christians gets its name from the Bibles that highlight the words of Jesus in red and we are aspiring to live “as if Jesus meant the stuff he said.” Some episodes of this podcast have been adapted from the radio show “Across the Pond” which airs on Sunday afternoons in the UK on Premier Radio. Others are from events such as Faith Forums, Book Clubs, and Monthly Morning Prayer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 12, 2025 • 36min
Steve Chalke Reflects on Restorative Justice & Tony Campolo
Shane talks with Steve Chalke about the legacy of Tony Campolo, as well as Steve's newest project to rethink criminal justice as restorative justice in a new youth facility in the UK.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 29, 2025 • 32min
The Gospel According to Donald Trump | Guest: Pastor Robb Ryerse
Shane talks with Pastor Robb Ryerse about his new project "The Gospel According to Donald Trump" which shows the contrast between the Gospel of Jesus and the policies and rhetoric of President Trump.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 23, 2025 • 22min
Church of Courage: Confronting Immigration Challenges
BONUS EPISODE: Shane talks with Rev. Erich Kussman whose church has created a sanctuary space for vulnerable families and has been organizing to protect immigrant neighbors from deportation. He was also present when the Mayor of Newark was arrested by federal agents.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 23, 2025 • 22min
A Decade After Emanuel: Rev. Sharon Risher's Path of Forgiveness
June 17 is the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting in Emanuel AME church which killed 9 people. June is also Gun Violence Awareness Month. Shane talks with Rev. Sharon Risher whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed in Emanuel AME and who has become one of the most prominent leaders in the movement to end gun violence, and the death penalty, in the US.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 16, 2025 • 38min
Secrets of the Killing State | author, Corinna Lain
Shane talks with law professor and death penalty expert Corinna Lain about her new book Secrets of the Killing State which exposes the untold story of lethal injection in America. It also helps us understand why states are now using the electric chair and firing squad for executions.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 8, 2025 • 29min
Immigration Crisis | In Search of Sanctuary with Rich Morales
Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special song by Paul Demer, titled "Do Not Pray to Politicians (Psalm 146)" -
In this episode, Shane Claiborne hosts Rich Morales, a seasoned attorney and faith-based organizer, to discuss the critical issue of immigration in the United States. They delve into the moral imperatives of welcoming immigrants, policies under the current administration, and the power of grassroots and legal organizing. Rich shares his personal journey and professional work, highlighting the role of faith communities in advocating for the most vulnerable. The conversation also covers practical steps for local action, resources for support, and the spiritual and moral dimensions of immigration reform.
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 1, 2025 • 33min
From the Myth of the Nation to the Reality of Faith: Greg Boyd Speaks
Shane talks with his friend Greg Boyd, author of The Myth of the Christian Nation. They talk about Jesus, and empires, and what it means to be people who would rather die than kill.
Get the book: https://reknew.org/book/myth-of-a-christian-nation-how-the-quest-for-political-power/
Music: Psalters "Dumpster Divers"
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

May 1, 2025 • 25min
Special RLC Podcast: Arrest the Attention of the Nation… Moral Mondays in the Nation’s Capitol
Special episode w/Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Read more here: https://redletterchristians.org/2025/04/29/we-must-arrest-the-attention-of-the-nation/

Apr 25, 2025 • 35min
The Proud Boys, Racial Violence, and The Fight for Justice: Reverend William H. Lamar IV
Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special song by Common Hymnal - "Truth Waivers Not"
In this episode, Shane Claiborne talks with Reverend William H. Lamar IV about the state of the American empire and the deep principalities and powers at play. They delve into the targeted racial terror against Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church by the Proud Boys and the subsequent legal battle that resulted in the church owning the Proud Boys trademark. Reverend Lamar shares the historical context of racial violence, the role of ancestors and courage in combating systemic injustice, and the ongoing struggle against modern-day fascism and authoritarianism. They also discuss the importance of maintaining joy and fighting for a better world. Tune in for an insightful conversation on faith, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Learn more: https://faithandleadership.com/authors/william-h-lamar-iv
Music: https:/https://commonhymnal.com/
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Apr 18, 2025 • 29min
Dialogue, Disagreement, and Unity: A Path Forward with Tim Whitaker of the New Evangelicals
Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a special song "Good Good trouble" by Joel David Weir.
In this episode, Shane Claiborne hosts Tim Whitaker, founder of The New Evangelicals, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of faith, activism, and Christian nationalism. They delve into the challenges facing modern Christianity, the importance of not just promising heaven but addressing present-day 'hells,' and the need for vibrant faith that fuels social justice. The conversation covers Tim's experiences attending Turning Point USA's America Fest, the evolving landscape of The New Evangelicals, and practical steps for believers to engage in meaningful activism. Additionally, they share insights on building digital and physical communities that reflect the teachings of Jesus.
Learn more: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/
Music: https://joeldavidweir.com/
Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/
To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org
Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians
Instagram: @RedLetterXians
Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne