Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics

By Culture, News & Politics from Christians, not Partisans

What's Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics about?

Tired of the culture war? This is that podcast that’s too liberal for conservatives, too conservative for liberals. We seek to follow the lamb, not the donkey or elephant.

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Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics episodes:

05.01.2024
Is a Smartphone a Dumb Idea for Kids?
What’s happening to Gen Z? Since 2010, this generation has seen a 150% increase in depression. One in four teen girls reports experiencing a major depressive disorder in the last year. 37% of college students report feeling anxious “all the...
04.24.2024
Making Pro-Lifers Less Weird with Josh Brahm
There’s no doubt that abortion will take center stage in this year’s election. From Roe v. Wade’s overturning to IVF controversies to Trump’s recent abortion stance to surprising state laws surrounding the issue, abortion is all over the news right...
04.17.2024
Christian Deconstruction: What I Wish I’d Known with Abigail Favale
Have you ever wished you could get inside the head of a Christian going through a deconstruction journey? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re joined by Abigail Favale, a Professor of Women’s Studies and author of “Into...
04.10.2024
Two-Parent Privilege with Melissa Kearney
Did you know that 40% of American children are born to unmarried parents? Contrast that with the 1960s when this overall rate was less than 10%. So, why such a dramatic increase? And what impact is this having on our...
04.03.2024
How the “Trump Bible,” Christ is King Movement, and Politicians Compromise the Church
Donald Trump. Christ is King. Candace Owens. Antisemitism. Buckle up! On this episode, we’re examining all sorts of current events to prove that commingling politics and faith compromises the Church’s witness. First, Keith and Patrick discuss the Trump-endorsed “God Bless...
03.27.2024
The Stigma of Faith in Sports with Jason Romano
Sports used to unify us. But today? Politics has checked into the game. And in many ways, introducing controversial topics into the sports world has benched more frequent conversations surrounding faith. Today’s guest, Jason Romano, knows a thing or two...
03.20.2024
4 Political Religions To Avoid with Joshua Butler
The Gospel is more political than you may think. But how do we guard against our political ideologies turning into partisan idolatry? Today’s guest, Joshua Butler, joins Patrick to discuss further insights from his recent book, The Party Crasher: How...
03.13.2024
Can Christians Pledge Allegiance to God AND Country?
Pledging allegiance to the American flag. Singing the national anthem. Voting. Being patriotic. Is there a place for these things in the Christian life? Buckle up because this one will probably offend everyone in some way (including Patrick!). In this...
03.06.2024
Got 99 Problems, But a Solution Ain’t One
Have you noticed this trend? People spend about 90% of their time diagnosing today’s problems and only 10% focusing on (typically weak) solutions. This is true of Christians, too. Why are we more known for what we’re against rather than...
02.28.2024
Have American Evangelicals Lost Their Purpose? with Tim Alberta
Do you view your faith through the prism of politics? Or do you view politics through the prism of your faith? Today’s guest, Tim Alberta, believes that too many American evangelicals have lost their way, striving for political gains over...
02.21.2024
Did Russell Moore Change? with Russell Moore
Keith Simon and Russell Moore discusses the shift in the pro-life movement, the challenges of the post-Christian right, controversy and change in his own life, the fracturing in the church, the loss of trust in the church, the importance of...
02.14.2024
Look What You Made Me Do: How Incentives Shape Our Behavior
Incentives motivate human behavior. Incentives can be external or internal. The Bible uses incentives to encourage obedience to God. Incentives are everywhere and shape decisions in many areas of life. While incentives can solve problems, they sometimes have unintended effects...
02.07.2024
The Spirituality of Sexuality with Juli Slattery
In this conversation, Keith Simon interviews Julie Slattery, the president of Authentic Intimacy, about navigating issues of sexuality and faith. They discuss the silence and polarity around sexuality in both culture and the church, the spiritual aspect of sex, the...
01.31.2024
Breaking The Partisan Echo Chamber with Nicholas Kristof
In this conversation, Nicholas Kristof discusses his experiences in dangerous situations, his views on religion and faith, and the importance of respecting different perspectives. He explores the decline of Christianity's cultural influence, the dangers of echo chambers, and the impact...
01.24.2024
You Are Your Habits In Parenting and Politics with Justin Whitmel Earley
In this conversation, Patrick and Justin Whitmel Earley explore the role of discipleship and healthy spiritual practices in addressing problems and shaping personal and family life. It emphasizes the importance of forming habits to overcome fear and irritability in parenting...
01.17.2024
Punch Right or Left? Navigating Politics as Christians in 2024
Patrick and Keith discuss the ongoing debate between evangelicals on how to engage politics and culture. Should Christian punch right and coddle left? Should Christians have No Enemies To The Right? Or is there a different and more faithful way...
01.10.2024
Why Did Philip Yancey Deconstruct His Faith? with Philip Yancey
Philip Yancey's story is a compelling journey of faith, doubt, and grace. Raised in a toxic, fundamentalist church, he grew disillusioned, seeing God misrepresented. His faith hung on by a thread in college, where he became a campus rebel, a...
01.03.2024
You’re Reading Revelation All Wrong with Scot McKnight
End Times, the mark of the beast, and the Antichrist. Oh, my! Were these your takeaways from reading Revelation? You’re not alone! Today’s guest, Scot McKnight, author of Revelation for the Rest of Us, also grew up viewing this book...
12.27.2023
When The Bible Goes To Washington with Kaitlyn Scheiss
A city on a hill. The light of the world. The hope of nations. Are these about Jesus or America? These ideas might come from the Bible, but politicians love to apply them to our country. Why? And is there...
12.20.2023
How The World Was Remade Forever In 1776 with Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson discusses the importance of history and why Christians should care about it. He explains that our understanding of history shapes our worldview and influences how we navigate contemporary issues. Wilson also explores the significance of the year 1776,...
12.13.2023
Mixed Ethnic Identity in the American Church with Eli Bonilla Jr.
One of our favorite topics to discuss on Truth Over Tribe is race and ethnicity, but one related topic we have yet to explore here is mixed ethnic identity. Today, we’re excited to do that when Eli Bonilla Jr., author...
12.06.2023
Is Being Pro-Life Enough? with Abortion Abolitionist Bradley Pierce
Many Christians would claim to be pro-life. But a growing movement of Christians called abortion abolitionists believe that simply being pro-life isn’t enough, putting them at odds with the traditional, mainstream pro-life movement. So, what’s the difference between the pro-life...
11.28.2023
How Should Christians Engage with the Culture? with Christopher Watkin
What is culture anyway? Despite being a cultural commentary podcast, we’ve never quite teased out the seemingly-simple-yet-actually-complicated definition. So today, Patrick teams up with Christopher Watkin, author of Biblical Critical Theory, to define and make sense of “culture.” The two...
11.22.2023
Following Jesus Means Opposing Christian Nationalism with Andrew Whitehead
The topic of Christian nationalism just won’t seem to go away. But do we really understand it? The definition is undoubtedly slippery and has led to much debate: Is calling someone a “Christian nationalist” a slur? Or something to be...
11.15.2023
Rethinking Sex with Christine Emba
“Anything goes.” That’s what modern-day sexual ethics has taught us. So, why then, do so many of our sexual experiences lead to frustration, disappointment, and shame? Today, Keith talks with Christine Emba, the author of “Rethinking Sex” and a columnist...
11.08.2023
Gen Z’s Fight Against Theological Liberalism with YouTuber Redeemed Zoomer
The Asbury Revival. Rapidly growing college ministries. Recent happenings have many Christians convinced that spiritual renewal is occurring within Gen Z. Today, Patrick learns more about what’s going on in this generation when he sits down with “Redeemed Zoomer,” a...
11.01.2023
A Skeptic's Guide to the Enneagram with Jesse Eubanks
New Age. Demonic. A self-obsessive trap. The enneagram has taken much heat from critics, many Christians being chief among them. But is there a bigger, redemptive case for the enneagram in the Christian life? Jesse Eubanks, enneagram coach, host of...
10.25.2023
Does the Bible Require Christians to Support the Nation of Israel?
By now, we’re all familiar with the tragic events happening in the Middle East. We are shocked and deeply grieved by the events of October 7, 2023. And like many others, we’ve recently found ourselves perplexed by some of the...
10.18.2023
The Toxic War on Masculinity with Nancy Pearcey
“Kill all men.” “Talking about healthy masculinity is like talking about healthy cancer.” “So many men, so little ammunition.” Yes, these are actual headlines. How did the idea arise that masculinity is so dangerous and destructive? Is there any hope for...
10.11.2023
The Great Dechurching with Jim Davis
Did you know that we’re currently living through the single largest religious shift in American history? But unlike past movements, this is the first shift away from religion. Jim Davis and his coauthor, Michael Graham, explore this phenomenon in their...
10.04.2023
Should Your Faith Be A Private or Public Matter?
Something shifted in the last few decades. People used to be comfortable with religion in public life, but now? Public expressions of faith are often seen as threats to society. What happened? On this week’s episode, take a trip through...
09.27.2023
Will America Experience Another Jesus People Movement? with Larry Eskridge
How did a generation of hippies experiencing “pharmaceutical enlightenment” become the same generation that produced the famous Jesus People Movement? That’s what we’re discussing today when Larry Eskridge, author of God’s Forever Family: The Jesus People Movement in America, joins...
09.20.2023
Can a Christian be an Environmentalist? with Sandra Richter
Like everything else in today’s society, the environment has become a subject of the culture war. Is there really a climate crisis? If so, whose fault is it and what’s the most effective way to respond? And why are so...
09.13.2023
Did Evangelicalism Fail Your Generation? with Jon Ward
It’s no secret that politics has fractured the nation and the church, but perhaps the most painful casualty has been the family. If you have a family relationship (or two!) strained by politics, you’re not alone! Today’s guest, Jon Ward,...
09.06.2023
What Oliver Anthony’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Reveals About Our Culture
“I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day. Overtime hours for bullsh– pay.” Those are the opening lyrics of “Rich Men North of Richmond,” the unexpected, current No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. How did Oliver Anthony,...
08.30.2023
A Christ-Centered Approach to Antiracism with Michelle T. Sanchez
“I’m colorblind. I don’t see race.” Is this really the best, most biblical approach to the realities of racism in our country? Or is there a better way? Today’s guest, Michelle T. Sanchez, refers to that better approach as “color-courageous...
08.23.2023
Reclaiming the Thrill of Orthodoxy with Trevin Wax
The average evangelical is thoroughly postmodern. Don’t believe us? Let’s look at the stats: 56% of today’s evangelicals hold universalist views of God. 43% believe that while Jesus was a great teacher, he wasn’t God himself. And 38% believe that...
08.16.2023
The Simple (But Surprising!) Secret to a Happy Life
How do most Americans define “the good life”? Is money what truly makes us happy? Success? Fame? Marriage? Children? Today, Patrick and Keith discuss the secret to a happy life as told by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the...
08.09.2023
The Collateral Damage of the Christian Culture Wars with Sara Billups
If you grew up watching the Left Behind movies, fearing the rapture, grappling with a politically co-opted church, and feeling compelled to engage in Christian culture wars, then you’re in good company with today’s guest. Sara Billups, author of Orphaned...
08.02.2023
Is Your Understanding of the Gospel All Wrong? with Matthew Bates
Something is wrong with the American church. Is it too woke? Too aligned with Christian nationalism? Or is the problem deeper and more theological? Matthew Bates, author of Why the Gospel, believes so, arguing that today’s American church possesses a...
07.26.2023
How To Prepare for the 2024 Presidential Election with Justin Giboney
America’s last two Presidential elections have been incredibly divisive, both in the culture and the church. You may already feel a sense of dread that another election season is coming up so soon. How can Christians prepare their hearts and...
07.19.2023
What Paul’s Letter to the American Church Would Say with Daniel Darling
It seems that our culture is divided over every possible issue. And unfortunately, it’s not just happening in the culture; it’s happening in the church! On today’s episode, Daniel Darling, writer, journalist, podcaster, and author of Agents of Grace, joins...
07.12.2023
A Positive Vision for Masculinity
Oh, man! What’s going on with men these days? Across the board, statistics show that men are falling behind. Has our culture changed in a way that disadvantages them? Have accusations of “toxic masculinity” thrown men into a shame spiral...
07.05.2023
A Christian Case for Secular Government with Michael Bird
“Melbourne, Australia makes California look like Alabama.” That’s how Michael Bird, author of “Religious Freedom in a Secular Age,” describes his homeland’s secular climate. But is Melbourne a picture of where America could be in 20 years? And is that something...
06.28.2023
The Evolution of Modern Conservatism with Matthew Continetti
Calling all history buffs! (And those on the right asking, “How did we get here?”) On today’s episode, Patrick sits down with Matthew Continetti as the two take a deep dive into the historical roots, twists, and turns taken by...
06.21.2023
The Bible is for Food-Obsessed People with Aarti Sequeira
Calling all foodies! You’re in good company this week. Today, Aarti Sequeira joins Keith to discuss all things food and why food plays such an important role in the Biblical story. Aarti is a Christian, a cooking show host, a...
06.14.2023
Are Atheists Reconsidering Christianity? with Justin Brierley
Perhaps no Christian has spent more time talking with big-name atheists than Justin Brierley. His radio show-made-podcast, Unbelievable?, models healthy discourse between Christians and those who doubt the faith. Such conversations led to his forthcoming book, “The Surprising Rebirth of...
06.07.2023
How Your Generation Affects Your Work Ethic with Tim Elmore
Boomers. Gen X. Millennials. Gen Z. All of these generations live in different “worlds,” yet they all work under the same roof. It’s time we learn how to work together! On today’s episode, Tim Elmore, author of several books including...
05.31.2023
Why Americans Read Less (& Why We Should Care More)
Well-read? Well, that’s dead. But is it true? Are Americans really reading far less today than in the past? According to recent polls, the answer is yes. Research shows that the current median for American adults is reading five books...
05.24.2023
Remembering Tim Keller and What He Taught Us About Ministry with Collin Hansen
Last Friday Tim Keller passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. In this episode, Patrick opens by remembering Tim Keller's influence on his own life, and then has a conversation with Keller's biographer, Colin Hansen about Tim's ministry....

What's Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics episodes:

Is a Smartphone a Dumb Idea for Kids?

Making Pro-Lifers Less Weird with Josh Brahm

Christian Deconstruction: What I Wish I’d Known with Abigail Favale

Two-Parent Privilege with Melissa Kearney

How the “Trump Bible,” Christ is King Movement, and Politicians Compromise the Church

The Stigma of Faith in Sports with Jason Romano

4 Political Religions To Avoid with Joshua Butler

Can Christians Pledge Allegiance to God AND Country?

Got 99 Problems, But a Solution Ain’t One

Have American Evangelicals Lost Their Purpose? with Tim Alberta

Did Russell Moore Change? with Russell Moore

Look What You Made Me Do: How Incentives Shape Our Behavior

The Spirituality of Sexuality with Juli Slattery

Breaking The Partisan Echo Chamber with Nicholas Kristof

You Are Your Habits In Parenting and Politics with Justin Whitmel Earley

Punch Right or Left? Navigating Politics as Christians in 2024

Why Did Philip Yancey Deconstruct His Faith? with Philip Yancey

You’re Reading Revelation All Wrong with Scot McKnight

When The Bible Goes To Washington with Kaitlyn Scheiss

How The World Was Remade Forever In 1776 with Andrew Wilson

Mixed Ethnic Identity in the American Church with Eli Bonilla Jr.

Is Being Pro-Life Enough? with Abortion Abolitionist Bradley Pierce

How Should Christians Engage with the Culture? with Christopher Watkin

Following Jesus Means Opposing Christian Nationalism with Andrew Whitehead

Rethinking Sex with Christine Emba

Gen Z’s Fight Against Theological Liberalism with YouTuber Redeemed Zoomer

A Skeptic's Guide to the Enneagram with Jesse Eubanks

Does the Bible Require Christians to Support the Nation of Israel?

The Toxic War on Masculinity with Nancy Pearcey

The Great Dechurching with Jim Davis

Should Your Faith Be A Private or Public Matter?

Will America Experience Another Jesus People Movement? with Larry Eskridge

Can a Christian be an Environmentalist? with Sandra Richter

Did Evangelicalism Fail Your Generation? with Jon Ward

What Oliver Anthony’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Reveals About Our Culture

A Christ-Centered Approach to Antiracism with Michelle T. Sanchez

Reclaiming the Thrill of Orthodoxy with Trevin Wax

The Simple (But Surprising!) Secret to a Happy Life

The Collateral Damage of the Christian Culture Wars with Sara Billups

Is Your Understanding of the Gospel All Wrong? with Matthew Bates

How To Prepare for the 2024 Presidential Election with Justin Giboney

What Paul’s Letter to the American Church Would Say with Daniel Darling

A Positive Vision for Masculinity

A Christian Case for Secular Government with Michael Bird

The Evolution of Modern Conservatism with Matthew Continetti

The Bible is for Food-Obsessed People with Aarti Sequeira

Are Atheists Reconsidering Christianity? with Justin Brierley

How Your Generation Affects Your Work Ethic with Tim Elmore

Why Americans Read Less (& Why We Should Care More)

Remembering Tim Keller and What He Taught Us About Ministry with Collin Hansen