Good Faith

Is AI Helping Us Flourish or Making Us Less Human? Andy Crouch joins Curtis Chang for a timely conversation on AI, Christianity, human flourishing, and the future of being human. Together they explore whether artificial intelligence will deepen human relationships or replace them, why prediction is not the same as prophecy, and how Christians can pursue embodied community, reconciliation, and faithful living in the age of AI. 04:31 - Technology Adoption and Cultural Change 09:05 - AI's Subtle Presence and Future Potential 12:30 - AI and Work-Life Balance 14:36 - Risks of AI Replacing Relationships 15:35 - Loneliness and AI Relationships 20:43 - Practical Steps Toward Relationships 28:36 - A call to cultivate deep relationships before the AI "tsunami." 29:54 - Human Distinctiveness: Prediction vs. Prophecy 35:13 - AI, Consciousness, and the Image of God 41:04 - What are the responsibilities of Christians working in AI? 45:49 - Redemptive Technology 46:24 - Andy expresses grief and concern for dehumanization. 48:03 - God's redemptive purpose despite anticipated losses from AI Drawing upon material from a past conversation Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Mentioned in This Episode: Rosaria Butterfield's The Gospel Comes with a House Key Good Faith episode 107: Where is AI Taking Us Spiritually? (with James Cham and John Kim) American Psychological Association: Many teens are turning to AI chatbots for friendship and emotional support Psychology Today: AI Use in Dating Jumps 333% Video: AI Allows Man with ALS to 'Speak' Again More From Andy Crouch: Check out Andy's website Check out Andy's work at Praxis Read Andy's book: The Life We're Looking For Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

The Power of Presence: How Connection Transcends Cognitive Loss Show Notes: Good Faith's series of Campfire Stories invites listeners to hear how ordinary people are living out extraordinary faith in complex times. In this episode, In this episode. Jim, a devoted husband and caregiver, shares moving stories about his wife Carolyn's vibrant life and their journey through her frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. Inspired by Curtis and Good Faith guest Professor John Swinton, a theologian and former nurse, Jim explores the theological significance of being remembered by God, and the enduring value of personhood beyond memory. Send your Campfire Stories to: [email protected] Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Are Megachurches, Christian Influencers, and Artificial Intelligence Breaking the Church? This week on the Good Faith podcast, Katelyn Beaty joins host Curtis Chang to confront the church's growing addiction to celebrity culture, asking how celebrity pastors, megachurch platforms, and AI are changing the way Christians are formed. Curtis even asks Katelyn to evaluate whether his public persona and the Good Faith platform risk becoming part of the very problem they're critiquing. If faith is becoming more online, more branded, and less embodied, this conversation asks the hard question: what happens to authentic Christian community, spiritual growth, and discipleship when personality starts to outrun the way of Jesus? 02:06 - Defining Persona vs. Fame 04:14 - Embodied Relationships vs. Platform 05:17 - Curtis's Personal Experience with Platform 09:56 - Dangers of Platform Culture for the Church 14:27 - Curtis's Dilemma: Content vs. Persona 17:58 - Navigating Platform Tensions as a Christian Leader 20:09 - Case Studies: Celebrity Gone Wrong and Right 25:34 - Community and Spiritual Formation Beyond Megachurches 30:10 - Technology, Evangelicals, and the Attention Economy 33:00 - AI and the Future of Persona and Platform 36:12 - Final Hope: Embodied, Material Christian Life Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Mentioned in This Episode: More about Katelyn Beaty Katelyn Beaty's Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church TIME: The True Story Behind the FX Documentary Series The Secrets of Hillsong Christianity Today's podcast: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill New York Times: How the Willow Creek Church Scandal Has Stunned the Evangelical World More about Eugene Peterson Curtis Chang's The Anxiety Opportunity More From Katelyn Beaty: Katelyn Beaty's Substack The Beaty Beat Katelyn Beaty's podcast Saved by the City Katelyn Beaty's A Woman's Place Participant Guide: A Bible Study Exploring Every Woman's Call to Work Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

From Breakthroughs to Budget Cuts: The Rollercoaster of Modern Medical Research What happens when politics wages war on science—and Christians get caught in the blast radius? In this Good Faith Podcast episode, Curtis Chang talks with former NIH director Dr. Francis Collins and BioLogos president Dr. Kristine Torjesen about Collins' forced exit from NIH, the shutdown of a major HIV prevention programs in Africa, and how cuts to vaccines, medical research, and public health are threatening lives and future breakthroughs in cancer, Alzheimer's, and pandemic preparedness. They also confront vaccine distrust, anti-institution politics, and evangelical skepticism of science, while making the case that science is not the enemy of faith but a gift from God for truth, healing, and human flourishing. Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Get tickets: Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference and our recording with Matt Maher 05:56 - Political Interference in Science Roles, Research, and Aid Cuts 10:57 - Are Medical Advances Threatened by Political Decisions? 16:03 - Curtis Gets Candid About Unexpected Benefits of Medical Aid in His Life 17:34 - Vaccine Policy Changes and Anti-Vax Influence 20:46 - Engaging Christians Who Distrust Science 25:39 - What Lessons Can We Learn from COVID Vaccine Promotion 28:32 - Is Science Politically Biased? 36:15 - Distrust of Institutions and Its Roots 44:45 - Equipping Pastors and Parents for Faith-Science Conversations 46:59 - Hopeful Medical Advances Despite Setbacks 50:15 - Science as a Source of Beauty and Worship Scriptures: John 14:6 (ESV) Mentioned in This Episode: Check out the Biologos website Announcement: Dr. Kristine Torjesen becomes BioLogos' 3rd president and CEO Biologos: Kristine Torjesen's Professional Biography NIH Bio: Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. NIH: Decades in the Making: mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines KFF (The independent source for health policy research and news): COVID-19 preventable mortality Brooke Nichols: Tracking Anticipated Deaths from USAID Funding Cuts Check out the Impact Counter More From Dr. Francis Collins: Dr. Francis Collins' The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Refusing Despair Amidst Cultural Darkness What does it look like to cheerfully refuse a collapsing culture without giving in to cynicism, fear, or despair? Host Curtis Chang and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson—Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University— dive into Leif Enger's I Cheerfully Refuse, exploring why great novels still matter, how Christians can resist ideations of apocalypse with joy, and what faith-filled fiction reveals about beauty, truth, and survival in dark times. This conversation is for listeners hungry for cultural commentary,hopeful resistance, and deeper ways of reading the world through faith. 01:28 - Challenges of Reading Contemporary Novels 06:03 - The Meaning Behind the Title "I Cheerfully Refuse" 07:47 - Lessons for Dark Times 10:02 - The Enduring Power of Books vs. New Media 12:16 - Cultivating Fruitful Practices in Dark Times 14:36 - Living as a Cheerful Refuser Today 15:02 - Is the Christian Worldview True Reality Or A Bubble? 17:04 - What Is Enger's Idea of True humanity? 18:19 - Recommendations for Similar Books and Authors Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Get tickets: Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference and our recording with Matt Maher Mentioned In This Episode: Leif Enger's I Cheerfully Refuse Leif Enger's Peace Like a River Leif Enger's Virgil Wander Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 Claude Acho's Reading Black Books Eugene Vodolazkin's Laurus Rumor Godden's In This House of Brede Dylan Thomas' Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night More About Christopher Beha Jessica Hooton Wilson's The Scandal of Holiness More From Jessica Hooten Wilson: Jessica Hooten Wilson's website Explore Jessica's books HERE Read articles and Essay by Jessica HERE Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

The Intersection of Trump, Iran, and the Moral Limits of War What should Christians think about the U.S. war with Iran, Israel's role in the conflict, and the risk of a wider Middle East war? In this Good Faith Podcast episode, Curtis Chang and New York Times columnist David French unpack the escalating U.S.-Iran war through the lens of Christian theology, just war theory, constitutional checks and balances, and the moral limits of presidential power. They explore whether America's military action against Iran is just, legal, or dangerously reckless, while also addressing Israel, regime change, MAGA foreign policy, and the growing risk of a wider global conflict. Join David and Curtis for a thoughtful framework for understanding war in a volatile moment. Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Get tickets: Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference and our recording with Matt Maher 02:32 - Did Anyone See This Coming? 04:51 - Distinguishing Just and Legal Wars 09:25 - Evaluating America's War Against Iran 14:46 - Why Hasn't Congress Acted? 17:59 - Truthfulness of the Administration 22:32 - Potential Consequences of Prolonged War 33:12 - What About the Theory That Trump's War is a Diversion From Personal Scandals? 39:04 - Evangelical Support for Israel 44:08 - Are We Heading Toward World War III? 53:49 - Christian Prayer and Moral Response Scriptures: 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) Mentioned in This Episode: A primer on Just War Theory Augustine and Just War Theory The UN Charter Chapter VII, Article 51: the use of force and collective self-defense What is the War Powers Resolution? Abraham Lincoln'sLetter to Congress: January 12, 1848 (Speech regarding Mexican War) Background on U.S. Relations With Iran (1953-2026) Background on Operation Praying Mantis Impacts of the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani More about the Lockerbie bombing The Ezra Klein Show, March 3 episode: The Great Lie of War More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

What Does Radical Acceptance Look Like in Real Life? In this Good Faith Podcast episode, Curtis Chang sits down with Dave Evans (co-founder of the Stanford Life Design Lab) to tear up the "find your purpose" script and explore how design thinking, faith, and radical acceptance can lead to real meaning—especially through grief and uncertainty. Expect sharp insights, honest stories, and practical tools to build a life with more presence, flow, and authenticity starting now. Dave and Curtis dig into faith and the tension of the "already and not yet" as they look at the ideas in Dave's latest book, How to Live a Meaningful Life. Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The Good List Get tickets: Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference and our recording with Matt Maher 03:05 - Dave Evans' Journey & the Origins of Life Design 09:54 - Are there Pitfalls When Pursuing Impact and Transactional Mindset? 18:08 - Design Moves for Greater Meaning 22:05 - Radical Acceptance Illustrated by Personal Loss 28:06 - Why Is the Concept of Flow Important? 39:37 - Compatibility of Design Thinking and Christian Worldview 41:06 - Four Areas of Human Experience for Meaning 45:34 - Meaning in the Second Half of Life 48:59 - Getting Started: Practical First Steps Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:11–14 (ESV) Deuteronomy 30:19–20 (ESV) John 10:10 (ESV) Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV) Romans 12:2 (ESV) Ecclesiastes 2:11 (ESV) Luke 17:20–21 (ESV) Mark 8:18 (ESV) Mentioned in This Episode: Dave Evans + Bill Burnett's How to Live a Meaningful Life: Using Design Thinking to Unlock Purpose, Joy, and Flow Every Day What is Radical Acceptance? Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience Lisa Miller's lecture The Awakened Brain Jill Bolte Taylor's TED Talk: My Stroke of Insight More about Jean Vanier and L'Arche Richard Rohr's Falling Upward Veritas Forum: Dallas Willard Stanford's Life Design Lab What is Design thinking? (pdf) Don Norman's The Design of Everyday Things More from Dave Evans: Dave Evans + Bill Burnett's Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life Dave Evans + Bill Burnett's Designing Your New Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness--and a New Freedom--at Work Dave Evans Praxis Mentor page Check out: Designing Your Life website Connected Good Faith Episodes: Good Faith ep. 68: The Impact Fetish (with Andy Crouch) Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Prayers of the People: The Power of Prayer in Difficult Times The Good Faith Podcast host Curtis Chang and producer DT Slouffman guide listeners through a communal time of prayer. Responding to heartfelt prayer requests from newsletter subscribers, they reflect on themes of hope, family reconciliation, and finding peace amid uncertainty. Each request is followed by a moment of silent prayer, inviting listeners to participate. The episode emphasizes surrendering to God's will, the challenges of strained relationships, and seeking God's presence in suffering. Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Mentioned In This Episode: Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV) Ephesians 3:14-15 (ESV) C.S. Lewis' book The Four Loves Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Can Missionaries, Not Politics, Depolarize Climate Change for Christians? Climate change isn't a partisan talking point—it's a discipleship test, and Brian Webb, a seasoned sustainability director and educator, joins Curtis Chang to make the case that climate ignorance hurts both the body of Christ and the world God made for our flourishing. From typhoons overseas to Lyme disease at home, Webb shows how climate change is already hurting real people—and why Christians can't shrug it off. Forget guilt and "change your light bulb" advice: Brian and Curtis lean into stubborn optimism and practical action for churches, workplaces, and local communities. 06:01 - A Faith Journey Becomes A Creation Care Story 08:23 - Creation Care and 1 Corinthians 12 14:06 - Connecting Climate Change Impact to Human Suffering 18:30 - The Problem of Warming From California Wildfires to Lyme Disease 33:35 - Examples of Institutional Action 39:10 - Measuring Institutional Progress 40:16 - Missionaries Sounding the Alarm 43:56 - Dealing with Discouragement and Stubborn Hope 50:01 - Series Wrap-Up and Final Takeaways Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Learn more about George Fox Talks Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Mentioned In This Episode: Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV) 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV) Read the Cape Town Commitment Learn more about A Rocha USA Learn more about the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus The YWAM (Youth With A Mission) School of Sustainable Development Learn about the Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) Learn about Typhoon Haiyan survivor Marinel Ubaldo (Noble Women's Initiative) Tuvalu & the Pacific Conference of Churches Organizations Helping Tuvalu: Tuvalu Climate Finance Project Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Government of Tuvalu – Climate Change / projects portal Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Vanishing Coastlines, Dying Reefs, and the Future of an Island Nation In this short Good Faith podcast story, Taualo Penivao, General Secretary of the Christian Church of Tuvalu, shares a firsthand witness of how climate change is reshaping daily life, faith, and the difficult questions of land reclamation and climate migration. Hear why Tuvalu is often called "ground zero" for the global climate crisis—and what support is needed to help protect its people, culture, and future. Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Learn more about George Fox Talks Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Organizations Helping Tuvalu: Tuvalu Climate Finance Project Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Government of Tuvalu – Climate Change / projects portal Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Is The Greatest Shift in Christian Theology Going From Heaven to Earth? Heaven isn't the point of the gospel—and N.T. Wright challenges the "accept Jesus and escape earth" narrative of Christianity. Curtis Chang talks with Wright, leading theologian and prolific author, about New Creation and his latest book God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal, asking whether the Bible's promise is the Kingdom of God on earth—or simply going to heaven when you die. They examine the "royal priesthood" calling, what this means for life after death and suffering now, and the true purpose of Christian faith. Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Learn more about George Fox Talks Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference 03:43 - The Continuity Between Old and New Testaments 05:05 - Reject Platonism and Embracing New Creation? 08:04 - A Vision More Demanding Than The "Ticket To Heaven" Gospel 13:48 - What Does This Mean For Grace, Works, and Human Vocation? 19:53 - Divergence on the Meaning of The Kingdom of God 27:24 - The Problem of Evil and the "Now and Not Yet" 34:59 - A Pastoral Response to Heaven-Focused Theology 40:41 - How Are Heaven and Earth Interlocking Realities? 47:59 - The Royal Priesthood: Humanity's Biblical Mandate 51:47 - Tom Wright's Future Projects and Reflections Scriptures: Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV) - kingdom + priests reign on the earth Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) - royal priesthood Genesis 1-2 (ESV) - creation "very good"; humanity's vocation Revelation 21–22 (ESV) - new heaven/new earth; God dwelling with humanity Romans 12:2 (ESV) - renewing of the mind Romans 8:21–23 (ESV) - creation set free; redemption of bodies Malachi 3:1 + Isaiah 40:3 (ESV) - prepare the way; the Lord coming to his temple Psalm 8 (ESV) - humanity crowned with glory/honor; vocation Ephesians 4 (ESV) - new humanity; community ethics Mentioned in This Episode: N.T. Wright's book God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal N.T. Wright's book Surprised by Hope What is the Bar Kokhba Revolt? What is the Mishnah? "Teach Me, My God and King" (George Herbert / "The Elixir") Tom Holland's book Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World C.S. Lewis' book Miracles Scot McKnight's book Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire More from N.T. Wright: N.T. Wright Online N.T. Wright's Speaking engagements N.T. Wright's books (Amazon) Past Conversations with N.T. Wright: Good Faith ep. 207: N.T. Wright Explains Ephesians: The Church, Christian Nationalism, & the Armor of God Good Faith ep. 128: The Unseen Spiritual Powers Shaping Our World (with N.T. Wright) Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Disappearing Neighbors, Upended Constitutional Norms, and an Artist's Response to ICE Curtis Chang talks with singer-songwriter and Twin Cities resident Sara Groves about heightened ICE activity in Minneapolis–Saint Paul and why the consequences for families and neighborhoods persist after the headlines fade. Groves challenges claims that "protesters are paid agitators" or that "ICE targets only criminals," naming the emotional and spiritual toll alongside concerns about due process and constitutional overreach. They discuss "borrowed courage," the cost of public witness—when refusing to defend the indefensible—and how Christians can resist dehumanization by loving neighbors and cultivating beauty amid fear and division. Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter 02:45 - Sara's Eyewitness Account of ICE Activity 07:08 - Challenging Misconceptions and Narratives 10:18 - Refugees and Legal Overreach 13:48 - Has There Been A Public Reaction to Sara's Advocacy? 18:43 - Local Tragedies and Finding Borrowed Courage 23:44 - Why Do Some Stay Silent or Disengaged? 25:31 - Losing Fans and the Cost of Advocacy 35:41 - What Is the Artist's Response? 43:42 - The Challenges For Sensitive Souls Engaging in Social Justice 44:38 - A Message to Listeners Beyond Minnesota Scriptures: Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV) Mark 12:29-31 (ESV) Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV) Mentioned in This Episode: Video from Sara's social media bearing witness to current event s in Minnesota Learn about the work of International Justice Mission MPR articles about the killing of Philando Castile MPR articles about the murder of George Floyd Two 17-year-old U.S. citizens detained at Target (local news video) Federal Court Blocks: "Operation PARRIS," Orders Release of Detained Refugees More about Makoto Fujimura Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant Flannery O'Connor's Some Aspects of the Grotesque in Southern Fiction (read by O'Connor) Dorcas Thomson's Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul Learn about the Art House North Sara Groves' album What Makes It Through? Sara Groves' song "Telltale Heart" Sara Groves' song "Enough" Sara Groves' song-in-progress "Normal Things Are Hard Right Now" Steven Galloway's The Cellist of Sarajevo Past Episodes Referenced in this Conversation: Good Faith ep. 215: David French: Dual State America and Authoritarianism - Renee Good and the Trump Administration Good Faith ep. 142: Finding God in the Small Things with Charlie Peacock & Andi Ashworth More From Sara Groves: Sara Groves' Patreon Sara Groves' website Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Can You Really Change Your Brain by Changing Your Thoughts? Neurosurgeon, Iraq War vet, and author Dr. Lee Warren shows Curtis Chang how to perform "self brain surgery"—no scalpel, just the brutal truth: your automatic thoughts are rewiring your brain every day, and a lot of them are lying to you. Curtis and Lee dig into neuroplasticity, why you keep looping the same stress scripts, how gratitude can hijack anxiety, and they connect the dots between brain science and faith as represented in Philippians 4 and Romans 12. If you're stuck in anxiety, trauma, or toxic patterns, this episode could be a wake-up call—and a way forward. Enter to win: Dr. Lee Warren Book Give Away Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference 02:38 - How Do Thoughts Reshape the Brain? 07:39 - Personal Story: Grieving and Neuroplasticity 11:08 - Philippians 4 and Neuroscience 18:01 - Gratitude as a Brain Switch 21:51 - Neuroscience vs. Classic Therapy 31:03 - Building New Habits and Synaptic Pruning 32:28 - The "Self" in Self Brain Surgery and the Holy Spirit 44:07) - Wisdom to Know What Can and Cannot Change 52:34 - Epigenetics and Generational Influence 56:49 - Final Word: Hope and Agency Mentioned In This Episode: Dr. Lee Warren's The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery Philippians 4:6–8 (ESV) Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) Romans 5:3–5 (ESV) Deuteronomy 5:9-10 (ESV) Summary: Study finds epigenetic changes in children of Holocaust survivors Chris Voss's Never Split the Difference The Original Serenity Prayer More From Dr. Lee Warren: Listen: The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast Dr. Warren's website Dr. Warren's No Place to Hide Dr. Warren's Hope Is the First Dose Dr. Warren's I've Seen the End of You Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Responding To The Minnesota Surge Leads To A Pastor's Arrest! Curtis Chang sits down with Rev. Mariah Tollgaard for an on-the-ground look at ICE raids and immigration enforcement in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota. They break down masked agents, rapid detentions, and MSP Airport deportation flights—plus the church-led pushback through mutual aid, constitutional observer trainings, and clergy protests that led to Reverend Tollgaard's arrest. It's a faith-and-civil-rights wake-up call: what neighbor-love demands when ICE shows up in your city, and why accountability matters. 03:11 - Setting the Scene: ICE Occupation in Minnesota 08:19 - How Are Churches and the Community Responding? 00:10:24 - Faith-Based Activism, Public Witness, and Arrests of Faith Leaders 15:46 - Theological Reflection on Resistance 17:55 - Biblical Basis for Protest 24:25 - Minnesota's Unique Response and Context 29:52 - Corporate Complicity and Airport Protests 34:02 - Spiritual Courage Rooted In History 36:36 - A Call to National Solidarity 38:48 - Closing Prayer Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Learn more about George Fox Talks Mentioned In This Episode: How to Contact Your Elected Officials: Ballotpedia's Who Represents Me tool Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV) - The Second Greatest Commandment Ephesians 6:10–19 (ESV) - The Whole Armour of God Hebrews 12:1-17 (ESV) - The Great Cloud of Witnesses Nearly 30,000 Minnesotans trained as constitutional observers In The Twin Cities, A Massive Strike Against ICE Ernst Frenkel's The Dual State: A Contribution To The Theory Of Dictatorship (pdf) David French: An Old Theory Helps Explain What Happened to Renee Good Good Faith episode 215: David French: Dual State America and Authoritarianism - Renee Good and the Trump Administration Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

How Can Christians Turn Groans into Growth By Responding to Ecological Grief? In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, host Curtis Chang talks with Dr. Jonathan Moo, a decorated professor of both the New Testament and Environmental Studies, about why Christian creation care belongs at the center of discipleship. Drawing from Romans 8, Colossians 1, and Genesis 1–2, Moo connects biblical hope for new creation with practical action on climate change, stewardship, and loving our neighbors by caring for the places they depend on and enjoy. The conversation explores how faith and science can work together, why "dominion" looks like Christ-shaped service, and how small, local projects—from Uganda to Texas—offer tangible models of environmental renewal. Dr. Moo offers us a bigger vision of human flourishing, plus concrete next steps for Christians and churches to live joyfully and faithfully in God's world. 05:04 - How Do Jonathan Moo's Academic and Faith and Love for Creation Intersect? 07:51 - Romans 8 and Lament for Creation 17:38 - Salvation, Resurrection, and the Earth 22:08 - Practical Examples of Creation Care 27:01 - Motivating People To Move From Enjoying Nature To Actively Caring For It 31:24 - How Do We Address Interpretations of "Dominion"? 36:32 - Jesus as Model for Dominion 39:34 - Understanding Barriers Between Evangelicals and Science 47:16 - Engaging with Skeptics and Loved Ones 53:25 - Advice for Skeptics 55:11 - Practical Steps for the Environmentally Concerned Episode Companion: Christians and Climate Change Guide 2 Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Learn more about George Fox Talks Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Mentioned In This Episode: Tools, Websites, and Organizations A Rocha USA Bull Creek Restoration Project Climate Stewards USA Books and Authors Learn more about Aldo Leopold Learn more about Alister McGrath Learn more about Evelyn Waugh Learn more about Wendell Berry Debra Rienstra's Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth Biblical Passages Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) Romans 8 (ESV) Genesis 1 and 2 (ESV) Mark 12:30-31 (ESV) Concepts and Ideas Carbon Calculator (use for offsets) Bio Sand Filters No Till Agriculture Mulching and Crop Rotation More From Dr. Jonathan Moo: Jonathan & Douglas Moo's Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World (Biblical Theology for Life) More about Dr. Moo: Whitworth professor acts as a wilderness guide A reminder of Dr. Moo's A.W.A.K.E. acronym Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

What Can Christians Do and Will It Work? In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, Curtis Chang and David French name what's happening to American democracy right now: "Dual State America," where life feels normal—until the Trump administration's lawless prerogative power snaps into place. From the Renee Good case to Orwellian spin and rising political violence, they trace how authoritarianism spreads by redefining reality and daring ordinary people not to resist. French's gut-check: stop waiting for someone else to save the country—do something your grandkids will recognize as courage. 02:40 - What Is The "Dual State"? 06:25 - What Does The Renee Good Shooting Show Us? 11:03 - Potential For Resistance and Change 15:32 - The Dangers of Rotating Elected Authoritarians 20:03 - The "Gradually, Then Suddenly" Collapse 24:30 - What Can Individuals Do? 35:31 - The Risk and Uncertainty of Action 37:10 - Embracing Faithfulness Over Effectiveness 47:27 - Christians and The Integrity of Words 47:58 - What Sustains David French? More about the Religious Landscape Study pewresearch.org/rls Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Mentioned In This Episode: David French: An Old Theory Helps Explain What Happened to Renee Good Ernst Frenkel's The Dual State: A Contribution To The Theory Of Dictatorship (pdf) Ernst Frenkel's Legal Sabotage: Ernst Fraenkel in Hitler's Germany Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letters from a Birmingham Jail George Orwell's 1984 Re-read the Declaration of Independence Read The Loosening of American Evangelicalism (article) More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

The Rise of the "Nones" and the Politics Driving People Out of Church In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, Ryan Burge joins Curtis Chang to explore The Vanishing Church and the decline of moderate American congregations, using hard data and his lived experience as a longtime pastor, political scientist, and statistician. Ryan and Curtis explore how evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Catholics, and the religious "nones" are changing—and what that means for polarization, social cohesion, and democracy in America. Burge offers a practical challenge for the lonely or spiritually curious—show up to church even if you don't believe—and makes a case for gratitude and community in an anxious age. 06:25 - Evangelicals: Political Shift and Homogeneity 13:59 - Mainline Protestants: Decline and Diversity 19:06 - Aging and Future of Mainline Churches 23:05 - American Catholics: Stability and Rightward Shift 28:31 - Priest Shortages and Cultural Challenges 30:36 - The Rise of the Nones 31:25 - Political Drivers of Religious Disaffiliation 40:17 - Polarization: Politics and Economics 47:54 - Addressing Polarization: Individual Responsibility 50:23 - Advice for Pastors: Preaching Beyond Politics 52:31 - Signs of Hope and Gratitude Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Mentioned In This Episode: Ryan Burge's The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us (Why the Culture Wars Led to Polarization and What We Can Do About It) Read Ephesians 3:10 (ESV) Read Colossians 1:16-18 (ESV) Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Ryan Burge, Michael Graham, and Jim Davis' The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? More about Dorothy Day More from Ryan Burge: Substack: Graphs About Religion Follow Ryan on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ryanburge More about Ryan Burge's work Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

Can Christian Americans Resist Authoritarian Drift? Pete Wehner—The Atlantic columnist and former Reagan and Bush administration staff member—joins host Curtis Chang to ask the uncomfortable question: in Trump's America, is morality a loser that's been replaced by the "law of the jungle"—especially in U.S. foreign policy? From Venezuela to a looming Greenland/Denmark showdown that could fracture NATO, Wehner argues we're watching "might makes right" go mainstream. The antidote, he says, isn't vibes—it's resistance: stop living within the lie and start living within the truth. 00:04:23 - Explaining the U.S. Foreign Policy Shift 00:06:36 - What Is America's Moral Aspiration in Foreign Policy? 00:07:57 - Trump's "Will to Power" Ethic 00:11:34 - Do We Have Historical Amnesia? 00:16:36 - Contrasting Trump and PEPFAR 00:19:09 - The Disconnect Between Christian Identity and Policy 00:26:34 - Demagogues and Moral Erosion 00:34:19 - President Trump's Unique Amorality 00:37:10 - Primacy of Human Dignity and Christian Ethics 00:41:01 - Venezuela, Greenland, and Moral Implications 00:44:02 - The Value of Beauty and Creation 00:47:14 - What Are the Limits and Possibilities of Action More about the Religious Landscape Study pewresearch.org/rls Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter Mentioned In This Episode: Pete Wehner's article Trump's Folly More about PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Anne Applebaum's Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism William Galston's Anger, Fear, Domination: Dark Passions and the Power of Political Speech Jeane Kirkpatrick's essay Dictatorships and Double Standards (Commentary) Václav Havel's The Power of the Powerless David Brooks' article America Needs a Mass Movement—Now Without one, America may sink into autocracy for decades (The Atlantic) C.S. Lewis' idea of active obedience is found in Mere Christianity Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Nobel Prize Lecture (literature, 1970) More from Pete Wehner: Pete Wehner's articles at The Atlantic Pete Wehner's opinion pieces at The New York Times Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.