Good Faith

Trump Wins, Good Faith Reacts America elected a new president, and a familiar administration is poised to return to the White House. What does it all mean for Christians? Host Curtis Chang is joined by "founding friend" David French and public theologian Russell Moore to explore the intense emotions many are experiencing in the wake of this election. Together, they dive into listener questions about the global repercussions of another Trump presidency, the complex feelings some Christians experience about the political choices of fellow believers, and the evolving role of the church in a deeply divided America. Confronting shared experiences of anguish, alienation, and anger, the trio offers thoughtful insights into how we can navigate this challenging landscape of emotions about the known and unknown implications of the vote. Referenced in this Episode: Engage with our course The After Party Read an interview with Reinhold Niebuhr HERE Read Henry David Thoreau's Walden online More on Augustine and the fall of Rome Neil Postman predicted Donald Trump in 1985 Explore the J.R.R. Tolkien Society HERE 85 quotations from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings C.S. Lewis on courage Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus by the Jon Guerra, Sandra McCracken, and Porter's Gate More From David French: Read David French's opinion pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Listen to David on the Advisory Opinions podcast More From Russell Moore: Read Russell Moore's Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America Listen to The Russell Moore Show podcast Explore Russell's Christianity Today pieces Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church.

Are you ready to cast your ballot? In this final episode before the presidential election, host Curtis Chang and "founding friend" David French explore the tense feelings and tough questions Christians face as they prepare to vote. They explore how political instability might actually be a gift that pushes Jesus followers to adopt a mindset that seeks to defend the vulnerable, and when it's necessary challenges "people of good will." Curtis and David also discuss how social media often amplifies instability rather than providing insight, the importance of finding a virtuous purpose amid uncertainty, and the need for prayers of lament. Referenced in this Episode: Read Curtis Chang's Washington Post opinion piece Anxious about the nail-biter election? Here's how to survive it. Read Augustine's City of God online Read Curtis Chang's book Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas Read Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl Engage with our course The After Party Engaging with Prayers of Lamentation: Learning to Lament: A Guide to Praying in Our Hardest Moments Dare to Hope in God: How to Lament Well More From David French: Read David French's opinion pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads ___________________________________________________________ Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Join us for the following The After Party/Good Faith virtual events: November 4th all-comers election eve noontime prayer November 6th post-election podcast recording Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Enter to win the Good Faith Book Giveaway: The After Party Edition!

Why is truth-telling so hard to do within the church? Host Curtis Chang and renowned therapist and author Dan Allender explore the complex crossroads of theology and psychology, tracing the evolving, sometimes fraught relationship between the Christian church and therapy. With warmth and candor, Dr. Allender shares both his love for and ambivalence toward psychotherapy, reflecting on how it can challenge our understanding of the role trauma plays in the search for God's truth. Together, they invite listeners to consider how an imaginative rethinking of the "war within you" can open new pathways to authentic worship. Drawing upon material from a past conversation, this episode will inspire a continued reimagining of therapy's place in faith communities. Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Join us for the following The After Party/Good Faith virtual events: October 28th pre-election podcast recording November 4th all-comers election eve noontime prayer November 6th post-election podcast recording Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Enter to win the Good Faith Book Giveaway: The After Party Edition! Referenced in this Episode Read Calvin's Institutes online Learn more about Christian Smith and Melissa Lundquist Denton's Moralistic Therapeutic Deism Find out about Viktor Frankl's logotherapy Read about Rollo Mae and existential therapy Read C.S. Lewis's "Weight of Glory" sermon online More From Dan Allender: Learn more about Dan's work at The Allender Center Check out Dan Allender's books

"What if much of what you've been told about Heaven was incorrect?" Host Curtis Chang is joined by Skye Jethani, author and co-host of the Holy Post podcast, for a conversation about the widespread misconceptions of Heaven. Together, they unpack why many of us have been asking the wrong questions about Heaven. For instance, rather than asking "Is Heaven real?" or "Who is going to Heaven?" Christians are called by Jesus to make Heaven more real in the here and now, including in our vocation, family, and even how we care for the Earth. Join them in this shift from a Heaven-focused faith to a Christ-centered practice that brings Heaven and Earth closer together than you might have imagined. Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Join us for the following The After Party/Good Faith virtual events: October 28th pre-election podcast recording November 4th all-comers election eve noontime prayer November 6th post-election podcast recording Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Enter to win the Good Faith Book Giveaway: The After Party Edition! Referenced in this Episode Read what N.T. Wright believes the New Testament says about Heaven Watch The Bible Project video about the overlapping of Heaven and Earth Read about the Heresy of Eusebius Read Richard Mouw's essay Heaven: The Logic of Eternal Joy Read an excerpt from Andy Crouch's Culture Making about "culture as the furniture of Heaven" More From Skye Jethani: Check out Skye's work at The Holy Post Subscribe to Skye's daily devotional With God Daily Explore Skye's books including What If Jesus Was Serious About Heaven?

Who are the men and women that will be needed to shape tomorrow's politics towards something better? Host Curtis Chang and Good Faith "founding friend" David French take on the role of political talent scouts, spotlighting five sleeper political figures that we should have on our radar. From "prodigals" and "exiles" to "warriors," they profile the kind of leaders necessary to point America beyond the 2024 election. This insightful conversation is essential for anyone focusing on the long game in today's political landscape. Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Enter to win the Good Faith Book Giveaway: The After Party Edition! Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join Curtis Chang in Texas! Details Here Referenced in this Episode Watch Senator James Lankford defend the recent immigration bill Read about Governor Spencer Cox's posture of Healthy Conflict Watch Governor Spencer Cox's political advertisement with his rival Read about Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson's take on election integrity Watch Governor Josh Shapiro's PA rally victim comments Explore former Congressman Adam Kinzinger's Country First movement Read the Washington Post op/ed about former Congressman Mike Gallagher Read about the bipartisan national security & military leaders supporting Harris in 2024 More From David French: Read David French's opinion pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads

The world offers many misleading messages about disability. Host Curtis Chang and author Amy Julia Becker challenge these misconceptions, especially around what makes a life "valuable." Drawing from her journey raising a daughter with Down Syndrome, Becker highlights the profound differences between pity, compassion, and a curiosity that honors the intrinsic worth of every person. They discuss how faith communities can more meaningfully welcome and support families of children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. Becker also offers practical questions to help Jesus followers engage with and better understand the experiences of families walking a path similar to her own. Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join Curtis Chang in Texas! Details Here Referenced in this Episode Read Galation 5:22-26 HERE Learn more about Down Syndrome in the United States Read about The impact of implicit and explicit bias about disabilities on parent experiences and information provided during prenatal screening and testing Explore Amy Julia Becker's work: Listen to Reimagining The Good Life podcast Read Amy Julia's blog Check out Amy Julia's website Buy & Read Amy Julia's books (amazon)

How do we make sense of the world when we know our time is limited? Host Curtis Chang talks about this universal question with Amy Low, whose recent memoir The Brave In Between: Notes from the Last Room chronicles the lessons learned from her now five-year-long journey with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Together, they unpack Amy's powerful reminder that "the worst thing in life is not the last thing," offering hopeful insights into what it means to face suffering well. Their conversation delves into how to care for oneself and loved ones even when the future is uncertain… and how even to laugh amidst the hard things of life. Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join Curtis Chang in Texas! Details Here Referenced in this Episode Read More about Chadwick Boseman and "What to Know About Colon Cancer" Frederick Buechner's book: Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale Read Frederick Buechner's thoughts on GRACE Explore Amy Low's work: Read Amy's Book: The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room Check out Amy's substack: Postcards From the Mountain Learn more about The Emerson Collective

Are we on the brink of a post-human world? Host Curtis Chang is joined by author and Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch to delve into what it means to remain truly human in an era of growing AI powers. Together, they explore how followers of Jesus can help shape and adopt artificial intelligence to enhance rather than diminish the Imago Dei. They challenge listeners to exert authority over AI, including resisting the false ways that technology makes relationships appear effortless and frictionless, and instead pursue the more difficult but rewarding vision of genuine human community. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join the Redeeming Babel Team: Marketing Manager Job Opening Referenced in this Episode Read Rosario Butterfield's book: The Gospel Comes with a House Key Read Ruth Okediji's ebook: Copyright in a Global Information Economy Read Ruth Okediji's paper: The Limits of International Copyright Exceptions for Developing Countries Read Leopold Aschenbrenner's paper: Situational Awareness, The Decade Ahead Explore Andy Crouch's work: Check out Andy's website Check out Andy's work at Praxis Read Andy's book: The Life We're Looking For

How does God meet us in the spaces and actions that seem insignificant? Host Curtis Chang welcomes Grammy-winning producer Charlie Peacock and his wife, author Andi Ashworth, to explore just that – the profound mystery and importance of small things. The couple cofounded Art House America and explain what blossomed in the old church building they once called home thanks to their investment in a life of hospitality. Among other things, they tell the tale of how a certain Irish houseguest named Bono ignited a movement in their living room that would go on to save millions of lives. Curtis also wades into a topic that few of us consider: the ministry of cooking. You don't want to miss this Good Faith conversation. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Referenced in this Episode Read Charlie Peacock & Andi Ashworth's book Why Everything That Doesn't Matter Matters So Much Learn more about Art House America Visit Andrew Peterson's Rabbit Room online Learn more about the L'Abri community Learn more about the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Watch Bono's remarks on PEPFAR on its 20th Anniversary Explore Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth's work: Find Charlie Peacock's substack HERE Listen to Charlie Peacock's new album Every Kind of Uh-Oh Read the collection of Andi Ashworth's pieces for Comment HERE Buy & Read Andi Ashworth's book Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring

Host Curtis Chang and guest Pete Wehner (columnist at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for George W. Bush) share their personal journeys to their pro-life convictions, while also explaining how their views depart from much of the politics and practices of the current pro-life movement. They examine how this issue has distorted evangelicals, Trump, and the Republican Party. Curtis also reframes the politics of abortion through the Old Testament offices of "prophet, priest, and king," offering a way to understand how Christians can most helpfully integrate their religious beliefs with their social engagement. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Let the Good Faith podcast "Stack Your Shelf." Enter HERE to win 16 books by friends of the pod. Join Curtis Chang in person: See Curtis Chang and David French at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC See Curtis Chang and Tim Alberta at Wheaton College For a window into the hermeneutical debate over Exodus 21:22-25: Read this pro-life analysis of the text from an article in Christianity Today (written in 1973 but still relevant) Read this balanced take (also from a pro-life writer) of the problems with "proof-texting" practiced by both sides For an even more detailed overview about the interpretive challenges in play with Exodus 21 and other passages, read Mako Nagasawa's book, Abortion Policy and Christian Social Ethics in the United States. Referenced in this episode: Read Charles Krauthammer's Washington Post opinion piece from February 15, 1985 "Abortion Debate: Just Words" Watch the trailer for Juno, Diablo Cody's 2007 film about teenage pregnancy Pew Research Center What the data says about abortion in the U.S. Crisis pregnancy care through Avail NYC and Claris Health Explore Peter Wehner's work: Read Peter Wehner's The Atlantic article from August 27, 2024: Trump's Evangelical Supporters Just Lost Their Best Excuse Read more of Peter Wehner's opinion pieces in The Atlantic

Host Curtis Chang is joined by Dr. Hahrie Han, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the SNF Agora Institute, to explore how evangelical churches relate to racial and political issues. Drawing from her research on a multi-ethnic evangelical church in Cincinnati and insights from Redeeming Babel's "The After Party" project, Dr. Han reveals how cross-racial relationships within faith communities can help heal racial division and foster deeper belonging. Listeners will discover why facing questions of race and politics head-on, rather than reducing them to political buzzwords, can transform divisive issues into shared experiences that unite communities. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Let the Good Faith podcast "Stack Your Shelf." Enter HERE to win 16 books by friends of the pod. Join Curtis Chang in person: See Curtis Chang and David French at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC See Curtis Chang and Tim Alberta at Wheaton College Referenced in this episode: Read Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone (Amazon) Learn more about Crossroads Church in Cincinnati Learn more about the Undivided Program Learn more about Pastor Chuck Mingo Listen to Curtis and David's Good Faith conversation about "white replacement theory" with Chuck Mingo Listen to Curtis's Good Faith conversation about churches who exploit political controversies with Chuck Mingo Explore Hahrie Han's work: Hahrie's work at John Hopkins's P3 Lab Read Hahrie Han's book Undivided Explore Hahrie Han's other books HERE

Host Curtis Chang and "founding friend" David French dive into the five stories that dominated David's summer. From Ukraine's bold advance into Russia and the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump to Joe Biden's unexpected exit from the presidential race and a pair of astronauts lost in space, they cover it all. They even offer a moment of awe in honor of Steph Curry's golden moment at the Paris Olympics. The Psalms and Tolkien get obligatory shout outs, too. It's been one wild summer, and the original Good Faith team is here to unpack it all. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Let the Good Faith podcast "Stack Your Shelf." Enter HERE to win 16 books by friends of the pod. **Keep listening to Good Faith to learn where you can catch David & Curtis in person** Referenced in this episode by Curtis and David: Learn more about Buzz Aldrin's lunar communion (with photos of his handwritten Psalm 8 quote) Read Psalm 8 HERE Steph Curry gets Team USA over the finish line in gold medal game Scholarly paper on religion in Tolkien's work, including a reference to: "The wind is in the West" Read Psalm 133 HERE David French writes about Ukraine's advance into Russia Read about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's rejection of a United States' evacuation offer in 2022 Learn more about George Washington's Society of the Cincinnati Read about "Workism" and the Pew Research that unpacks it Read "The Business of Being Lorne Michaels" After the Trump assassination attempt failed, Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service Director, resigns More From David French: Read David French's opinion pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads

Curtis Chang and worship leader Isaac Wardell are joined by renowned musicians Matt Maher, Sandra McCracken, and Jon Guerra, alongside poet Kate Bluett and Grammy-winning songwriter Dee Wilson. These talented artists are pivotal contributors to The Porter's Gate's worship album for the Redeeming Babel project, The After Party. They share their unique perspectives on how worship music can help navigate the current political challenges faced by American churches of all denominations. The group also offers an inside look at the creative process behind powerful tracks like "The Kingdom of Jesus," "The Lord Will Have His Way," and more. Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Referenced in this episode by Curtis and his guests: Read more about Scottish patriot Andrew Fletcher Listen to "My Deliverer" by Rich Mullins' Ragamuffin Band Listen to Howard University's gospel choir perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Transcript of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s March 17, 1966 speech Lost audio from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s February 26, 1965 sermon Listen to Matt Maher's song "Sons and Daughters" Watch the trailer and clips from Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life HERE Listen to the score from Terrance Malick's film A Hidden Life HERE Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (the ministry of reconciliation) HERE Learn more about our guests: Isaac Wardell & The Porter's Gate The Music of Matt Maher The Liturgical Poetry of Kate Bluett The Devotional Songwriting of Jon Guerra The Work of Sandra McCracken The Common Hymnal of Dee Wilson

Host Curtis Chang welcomes Rev. Summer Joy Gross, author of The Emmanuel Promise, to explore how a broken attachment to God can amplify anxieties stemming from politics, interpersonal relationships, and global events like the crisis in Israel. Rev. Gross, drawing on her expertise as a spiritual director and her study of Attachment Theory, shares intentional spiritual practices to help cultivate a deeper attunement to God in all our emotions. This conversation offers practical steps to move beyond avoidance and frustration, guiding listeners toward greater internal security. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Connect with the work of Rev. Summer Joy Gross HERE Summer Joy Gross's book: The Emmanuel Promise - Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism as edited by J.I. Packer Dallas Willard on Spiritual Formation Excerpt from Jim Wilder's book Renovated (Dallas Willard's concept of being attached to God) Sungshim Loppnow and Jim Wilder's book: Joyful Journey: Listening to Immanuel How to pray St. Ignatius's Examen Jim Manney's Book: A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer - Discovering the Power of St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen Grafted Directory of Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA) Register for the Kingdom Politics Conference HERE

Host Curtis Chang sits down with Pastor Caleb Campbell, author of the new book Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. Caleb shares his powerful journey from disenfranchised young churchgoer to neo-nazi, and ultimately, his transformation into an evangelical pastor with a desire to reach adherents of Christian Nationalism. Together, Curtis and Caleb explore how our friends and neighbors become entangled in the worship of nationalism and political power and offer practical steps for inviting these individuals into meaningful relationships that foster hope and change. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Order Caleb E. Campbell's book: Disarming Leviathan Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Rich Mullins' Song: Sometimes By Step Galatians 6:1-2 NIV Tim Keller: Preaching to the Collective Heart (blog post) Pete Scazzaro's book: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Register for the Kingdom Politics Conference HERE

How Deep Reading Forms Our Souls (with Jessica Hooten Wilson) Host Curtis Chang and award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, discuss the decline of deep reading and how this might impact our lives. Hooten Wilson explains the significant benefits that listeners can experience by thoughtfully re-engaging with books as a regular practice. The conversation explores how deep reading can help individuals cultivate contemplation, love their neighbors, practice humility, and other aspects of deep spiritual growth. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Follow Jessica Hooten Wilson's work Order Jessica Hooten Wilson's latest book: Flannery O'Connor's Why Do the Heathen Rage?: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Work in Progress Order Jessica Hooten Wilson's book: Reading for the Love of God How to Read as a Spiritual Practice REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: The Daily Office Online Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf Forgetting: The Benefits of Not Remembering by Scott A. Small The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs

Host Curtis Chang and Pete Wehner, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about tackling inner demons amidst America's current political upheaval. They delve into topics such as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden's determination to continue despite pressure to exit the race, and what our reactions to these events reveal about ourselves. The conversation gets personal as they examine the difference between moral reflection and moral equivalency during times of national instability. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Read Pete Wehner's latest essays in The Atlantic Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: President Lincoln's Lyceum Address

Host Curtis Chang and Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch strike a chord in their exploration of the dynamics of modern Christian worship music. Their conversation covers the ways that average Christians are becoming limited in their singing abilities, the concert-like performance style of worship leaders in our sanctuaries, and the commercial influence of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Curtis and Andy contend a musical reformation in the worship lives of believers is needed urgently today, and offer some practical tips on how to get started. Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Join us for Office Hours with Curtis: July 16th at 7:30pm Eastern Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Buy Ken Myers book All God's Children Wear Blue Suede Shoes: Christians & Popular Culture (Amazon) Beautiful Things by Gungor Job 3 (Job's First Lament) ESV

Host Curtis Chang goes back to school and sits down with Geneva College President Dr. Calvin Troup and student Mattigan Burleigh to explore the college's long-standing political coursework, dating back to 1881. They delve into how, in an era fraught with political anxiety, the culture of niceness has eroded an authentic engagement across differences. Listen and learn how to serve your communities by focusing on Jesus as the central norm in our common life. Learn more about Geneva College's Political Science program here Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!

In the second part of their extensive conversation, host Curtis Chang and author Tim Alberta discuss how some people in the church use the message of the cross as a weapon to exert political power over others, thus diluting its significance. They explore how many truth-seeking non-believers are put off by what they perceive as the hypocritical political engagement of some evangelicals. Curtis and Tim also hold a question-and-answer session that provides helpful strategies for staying focused on the gospel when Christian political culture distorts the message. Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism (Available on Amazon)

Tim Alberta and Curtis Chang suggest a long-term approach for Christians when it comes to political engagement. They explore how the pursuit of short term political power has led believers away from effectively sharing the Gospel message. Alberta and Chang encourage listeners to consider how a deeper alignment with Jesus can lead to genuine engagement with people and the culture that lasts beyond immediate but temporary gains. Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism (Available on Amazon)

Host Curtis Chang and "founding friend" David French sit down for a deep dive into ways people are detecting threats in today's polarized landscape. They explore how both conservatives and progressives (including Christians of both stripes) often distort potential dangers, creating a misleading perception of reality and double standards. They also provide practical strategies for repairing our dysfunctional threat detectors. Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French

Host Curtis Chang engages in an enlightening discussion with renowned New Testament scholar, pastor, and author N.T. Wright. They delve deeply into the concept of the "principalities and powers" in the writings of the Apostle Paul, examining the invisible - but powerful - spiritual realities behind our institutions, politics, and culture. Listen and discover how God meant for us to relate to these "powers" in the light of the Gospel. Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Get a copy of N.T. Wright's Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies Keep up with the work of N.T. Wright

Host Curtis Chang invites Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries, to join him in examining the unique challenges faced by pastors in the American evangelical tradition. Both former pastors themselves, Curtis and Mark unpack the actual and perceived struggles that have made so many pastors contemplate leaving their roles. They also champion a missional mindset that can change the way pastors do gospel work and practical advice for congregants who want to support their spiritual leaders. Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Check out Dr. Turman's Denison Forum work Resources mentioned in this episode: The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis & Michael Graham Barna Group Research: 7-Year Trends - Pastors Feel More Loneliness & Less Support Barna Group Research: Pastors' Credibility Is in Question—Even Among Pastors

Host Curtis Chang sits down with Elizabeth Neumann, a national security expert who served both the George W. Bush and Donald Trump administrations. Together, they explore the alarming rise of radicalization among everyday citizens, including within evangelical communities, and its implications for both the Christian church and democracy. Neumann shares her insights on the roots of this growing extremism and what we can do to address and mitigate these threats. Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Order Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace by Elizabeth Neumann

Host Curtis Chang and Washington University professor of law & religion John Inazu explore principles that can teach us to cultivate greater empathy and respect for the differences we encounter in our daily lives. If you feel like you always have to be right, their conversation offers practical insights and stories that reveal how legal frameworks and Christian principles can inspire more compassionate interactions in a world brimming with diverse thoughts. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Order Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect by John Inazu Discover the power of https://pastors.ai/

Curtis Chang and David French delve into the multifaceted impact of youth sports culture on both parents and children. They explore how it demands our time, influences our social status, can strain our finances, and even affects our spiritual well-being. Listen as they uncover the hidden costs of turning what used to be play into a semi-professional lifestyle and discuss practical steps we can take to reclaim balance and well-being for our families. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French

Host Curtis Chang engages in a profound and moving conversation with distinguished professor, pastor, and champion of Christian healthcare, John Swinton. Together, they delve into the theology of dementia care, exploring the spiritual dimensions of how God treasures all of His created beings, regardless of their cognitive abilities. Professor Swinton sheds light on the sacred act of caring for those afflicted with dementia and points listeners to the profound truth that God remembers His people, even when their remembrances of this life and His love wane. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Buy Profesor Swintons Books Read Professor Swinton's Essays

Host Curtis Chang explores the intersection of faith, music, and biblical harmony with acclaimed singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken in a conversation focusing on the craft of scripture-soaked songwriting. While discussing the influences that have shaped Sandra's art, they unravel the importance of music in our daily lives and worship routines. The pair also share insights from a recent collaboration between the Porter's Gate and Redeeming Babel that produced a new batch of songs that fosters unity amidst today's political divisions. Follow our social media accounts to stay abreast of news about "Songs For The After Party" from The Porter's Gate and Redeeming Babel. Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! See Sandra McCracken on tour: dates here! Buy Sandra's Book: Send Out Your Light: The Illuminating Power of Scripture and Song Music mentioned in the episode: Psalms (album) by Sandra McCracken We Will Feast In The House of Zion by Sandra McCracken Steadfast by Sandra McCracken Trinity Song by Sandra McCracken Fool's Gold by Sandra McCracken Song For Rachel by Sandra McCracken

We can't get enough of our friend Nancy French! Her debut memoir, "Ghosted: An American Story," is available now. That's why we decided to revisit host Curtis Chang's journey into the realm of storytelling with Nancy as his guide. By embracing the narratives of our lives and recognizing the divine Author behind our individual stories, the duo urges listeners to explore family histories and origin tales to gain deeper insight into their journeys. Trust us, if you haven't listened to this episode yet, you're missing out on a classic! Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Order your copy of Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French Free online journaling: https://penzu.com/

Host Curtis Chang sits down for a gripping conversation with author and frequent Good Faith guest Nancy French to discuss her compelling new memoir "Ghosted: An American Story." Nancy opens up about wrestling with dark family and church secrets, shedding light on the complexities of transracial adoption and the challenges of losing one's community. She explores the power of being truly known and finding resilience in an unexpected romance that would also show her the enduring hope found in the cross of Jesus. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Order your copy of Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French RESOURCES: Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment Dr. Diane Langberg's books to better train abuse counselors

From Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman to Johann Sebastian Bach, host Curtis Chang engages in a captivating conversation with Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch about the profound significance of music in our everyday existence. Through insightful anecdotes and reflections, they explore how to actively listen to music and let it transcend mere entertainment to become a powerful conduit for meaning, expression, and even spiritual meditation. Join them as they harmonize on the transformative role of music and its timeless resonance in the human experience. Join us at the "Songs For The After Party" concert in Washington DC on 4/19/24. Buy tickets here! Songs For The After Party: An Evening with the Porter's Gate Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ MUSIC REFERENCED: Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time V: Praise to the Eternity of Jesus Johann Sebastian Bach: The St Matthew Passion Dianne Reeves & The Berlin Philharmonic (feat. Martin Stegner on Viola): "A Foggy Day" Luke Combs & Tracy Chapman: "Fast Car" at the 2024 Grammys

Host Curtis Chang sits down with Kaitlyn Schiess, author of the thought-provoking book, "The Bible and The Ballot." Delving into the intersection of faith and politics, this conversation offers a compelling analysis of how Christians can use or abuse scripture to influence civic engagement and public policy. Drawing from her extensive research and personal experiences, Schiess discusses how Christian traditions can interpret scripture and apply its teachings more faithfully to contemporary political engagement. Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Join us at the "Songs For The After Party" concert in Washington DC. Buy tickets here! Songs For The After Party: An Evening with the Porter's Gate Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join David French, Russell Moore and Curtis on 4/19/24 in Washington DC for a live day-long version of our After Party course. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Order Kaitlyn Schiess's book here: The Ballot and the Bible (available on Amazon)

Host Curtis Chang and "founding friend" David French engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the relationship between Democrats and Republican Evangelicals. With a nuanced exploration into topics like the "God Gap," they shed light on why Democrats frequently fail to grasp the perspectives and values of Evangelicals. Also in this episode, David and Curtis address the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and explain whether or not their views on the conflict have changed amidst the widening devastation. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join David French, Russell Moore and Curtis on 4/19/24 in Washington DC for a live day-long version of our After Party course. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French (available on Amazon) Check out David's work at https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french

In this thought-provoking episode, public theologian and The After Party partner Russell Moore explores the need for pastors to equip themselves and their congregations for the distinctive challenges of a presidential election featuring repeat candidates and all new potential for national drama. Russell and Curtis also offer valuable insights into the role of faith communities in fostering both political discernment and public witness as they answer questions from pastors and church leaders. Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join David French, Russell Moore and Curtis on 4/19/24 in Washington DC for a live day-long version of our After Party course. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French (available on Amazon) Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America (available on Amazon)

We tend to think of spiritual disciplines as taking us out of the world: privatized quiet times, sequestered retreats, individual Bible reading, and such. We especially disconnect spiritual disciplines from the very public world of politics. Michael Wear joins Curtis to challenge this disconnection. Together they explore how spiritual disciplines can form us for healthier politics, and also how politics can form our spiritual lives. The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life (by Michael Wear) Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join David French, Russell Moore and Curtis on 4/19/24 in Washington DC for a live day-long version of our After Party course. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French (available on Amazon) The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God (by Dallas Willard)

In this first episode in a series on faith and political engagement, we delve into the intersection of anxiety and politics, as Christians navigate the mounting tension of the 2024 election cycle. In an interview conducted by DT Slouffman, Redeeming Babel's Director of Content, Curtis shares insightful perspectives on how faith can helpfully form our emotional, relational, and church life. If you're wondering how to navigate the coming months with both hope and humility, this episode is for you! Bring The After Party course to your church or small group! Join David French, Russell Moore and Curtis on 4/19/24 in Washington DC for a live day-long version of our After Party course. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French (available on Amazon) Order The Anxiety Oporrtunity by Curtis Chang (available on Amazon)

Our outer world – our politics, our society, our organizations, even our local community and families – can be enormously complex and even chaotic at times. How do we make sense of all that happens around us? Author and therapist Alison Cook joins Curtis to explore a key strategy: exploring our inner world. They discuss why grasping our inner complexity is critical to properly understanding our external world. This rich discussion covers the theological reasons for this process, as well as many practical steps on how to get started in this inner journey. We're having a party and we'd love for our Good Faith listeners to come! We'll be joined by good friends David French and Russell Moore for a live day-long version of our After Party course as we chart a path towards better Christian politics. Learn more & buy tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-after-party-live-tickets-836892757767?aff=GoodFaithPod Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/ Pre-order The After Party Book (available on Amazaon) Free guided meditation (+ 2 other IFS themed resources) Article: 7 Ways to Increase Your Support Network and Why It Matters Podcast Episode: Episode 71: All About Therapy—Do I Need a Therapist, How Do I Find One, and What Type of Therapy Works Best? New book: I Shouldn't Feel This Way Boundaries for Your Soul podcast series Curtis Chang on The Best of You Podcast

40% of all Americans will receive a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetime and practically every adult will know someone who already has. How do we talk about this reality? Nancy French, who recently was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer, joins Curtis to talk about how we talk. In a wide ranging, vulnerable, and candid conversation, Nancy shares about topics like why she doesn't personally find the "fight cancer" language helpful (even if it might be helpful for others); why people are uncomfortable talking about serious illness; how cancer can be both a horrible and beautiful experience at the same time; and more gems. The After Party Book - Available for Pre-order Now! The After Party Conference LIVE! on 4/19/24 in Washington DC - Early Bird Registration Here ****** Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag Why "war on cancer" metaphors may actually harm health (USC Study) The Anxiety Opportunity by Curtis Chang

Repeated studies show that the current media landscape is worsening polarization and weakening our ability to grasp truth. How do we escape getting trapped in our own "bespoke realities?" This Good Faith episode draws on a recent webinar led by Curtis and David French where they address how Christians can adopt better information habits. Check out The After Party here "Welcome to our new 'Bespoke Realities" by David French (in the New York Times)

How are Christians supposed to think, feel, and act as they walk by a homeless person? As they drive through an impoverished neighborhood and pass by its residents? Our reactions will be strongly influenced by how we answer the question, "Why? Why are these people poor?" To wrestle with this question, Curtis is joined by the leading scholar on American poverty today, Matthew Desmond, author of Poverty, by America. Together, they explore why most Americans are missing the full answer – and the special responsibility of Christians to live out the Biblical answer. Send us your stories about how you're living out "Good Faith" in your everyday life. We want to hear from you and we may reach out to you to be featured in our Campfire Stories! Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond End Poverty USA What does the Bible say about poverty? (from World Vision)

The dominant narrative is that Western culture is headed for ever greater levels of atheism, agnosticism, or at least departure from belief in the Christian God. Andy Crouch returns from his sabbatical to question this narrative. He points out that the dominant secular worldview of the West - deterministic, rationalistic, and reductionist - is starting to run on empty. Can this lead to a greater hunger for the Christian God? Curtis and Andy examine what Christians would need to do to meet this hunger, including reexamining our own understanding of the Gospel itself. The Matter With Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World by Ian McGilchrist At the Origins of Modern Atheism by Michael J. Buckley The One, the Three, and the Many: God, Creation, and the Culture of Modernity by Colin Gunton

The ongoing war in Gaza has sent out reverberations in the political, military, and economic spheres. But what about the moral sphere? Curtis is joined by "founding friend" David French to examine the moral aftershocks of Gaza in two disparate spheres: the moral practice of war and the moral practice of free speech at universities. We examine why Christians should care about both spheres, and also uncover the surprising theological similarities between them. Please leave your review of Good Faith on Apple Podcasts! "How Gaza is affecting American Jews and Christians" - a Good Faith episode with Rabbi Michael Holzman and David French

AI feels like a tornado that has hit society: unpredictable, powerful, and out of our control. How do we as Christians respond to this force in the world? Curtis is joined by two friends who live and work at the intersection of AI and spiritual reflection: James Cham of Bloomberg Beta and John Kim of the Karamaan Group. Together, the three friends explore how Christians might flip the question from "Where is AI taking us spiritually?" to "Where should Christians take AI?" Pose your questions to the Good Faith chatbot (BETA) An AI primer by John Kim (on Medium) Is AI a religion? (conversation on Bloomberg) AI: Grappling with a new kind of intelligence (YouTube video from the World Science Festival) Data, Truth, and AI (a BioLogos podcast) The Spirituality of Chat GPT (Good Faith episode with Andy Crouch)

American evangelicalism's pull towards the far right is felt by anyone that comes into contact with the movement. But how did this happen? Who did the pulling? What were the motivations? What were the pre-conditions that made evangelicals so susceptible? With his latest book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, Tim Alberta has written the definitive book that answers these questions. He and Curtis discuss the key types of individuals, the organizations, the strategies, and especially the hidden incentive structures that lie beneath the headlines. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta (Harper)

This episode drops on the three year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection of January 6 2021. The event revealed the dangerous nature of Trumpism and political violence. We should be worried about what happened, even today. But the event also presented an opportunity: it contained an invitation from God for all of us, one that applies to our role in our own corner of the world, even today. In this Good Faith Classic (from also two years ago exactly), Curtis and "founding friend" David French unpack this invitation for everyone.

"Founding friend" David French returns to wrap up 2023 (we're taking a break for a few weeks). He and Curtis look back at the year through the lens of two core spiritual values of The After Party: Humility and Hope. We discuss what happened in 2023 that grew our humility, reminding us of the need to recognize complexity, to grow, and to learn. We also talked up the signs of hope from the year, including many that are hidden or counter-intuitive. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts for Good Faith Good Faith episode on the Asbury revival (6/17/2023) 'The Bear' and the need for a place to belong by David French (NYT 7/16/2023) The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta Losing our religion: An altar call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore

Climate change is a major long term threat to our world. Yet, we find very few evangelical Christians voices or mass engagement on this issue. Why this disturbing gap? To explore this question, Curtis is joined by Bruce Huber who teaches about environmental law as Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. Together, they explore the deep reasons why many Christians struggle even to make proper sense of climate change. Laudato Si' -- Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on "Care for our Common Home" The website of Jonathan Haidt -- see especially "The Righteous Mind" The website of the IPCC -- the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which acts as a sponsor of and clearinghouse for climate research An accessible book about carbon taxation, "The Case for a Carbon Tax," by Prof. Shi-Ling Hsu of Florida State University

The wave of immigrants and refugees at the border has filled the news, and will most likely influence the next presidential elections. But what's really happening there? And how should American Christians make sense of this issue? In the second of two episodes on this topic, Curtis is joined by someone with a unique perspective, Michael Debruhl. Michael is a former agent and executive in the Border Patrol who felt disturbed at the widespread misconceptions on the topic. Upon leaving the agency, he started volunteering at the Sacred Heart Shelter, one of the main church based programs receiving migrants at the border. Helpful resources on immigration and the border Accurate information from The National Immigration Forum (a non-partisan effort at sensible and compassionate reform of our national approach to immigration) What's happening at the U.S.-Mexico border in 7 charts from The Pew Research Center What's behind the influx of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border? from PBS NewsHour Public database from the US Customs and Border Protection (the main federal agency overseeing the border) DONATE to the Sacred Heart Shelter (Casa del Sagrado Corazón) - the shelter directed by guest Michael Debruhl

The wave of immigrants and refugees at the border has filled the news, and will most likely influence the next presidential elections. But what's really happening there? And how should American Christians make sense of this issue? In the first of two episodes on this topic, Curtis is joined by Bri Stensrud, Director of Women of Welcome, a ministry that helps American evangelical women understand what's happening at the border in light of Scripture and current reality. They talk about why Christians should care about the border, the common misconceptions in play, and how opening our minds and hearts on this topic changes us. To make an end of year contribution to the Good Faith podcast, donate online here (https://redeemingbabel.org/donate-to-redeeming-babel/). For major gifts, donor advised funds, or family foundations, please email us at [email protected]. Order Bri's latest book: Start with Welcome Learn more about Women of Welcome Free resources & Bible studies from Women of Welcome Join the Women of Welcome community online: FB & IG Watch the Who is Welcome Here documentary More on World Relief More on National Immigration Forum Follow Bri online On the forced separation policy: The Atlantic on "the secret history" Immigration Forum's analysis Christianity Today's coverage The failure of "zero tolerance" policy