What if Christian colleges—and churches—stopped being driven by fear?

In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren sits down (literally, in person) with sociologist and Substack writer John Hawthorne to talk about his new book The Fearless Christian University. Drawing on nearly four decades in Christian higher education, John outlines why so many institutions have slipped into what Andy Crouch calls "zombie mode"—defined more by inertia than imagination. This conversation moves fluidly between Christian universities and local churches, asking critical questions about sustainability, fear-based culture wars, institutional loyalty, and what it looks like to center the real questions of a rising generation.

Together, John and Loren explore:

Why Christian institutions often default to fear and control

What it means to be a “zombie institution”—and how to wake up

How schools and churches can move from protecting tradition to cultivating belonging

The importance of legitimizing doubt and centering student (or congregant) questions

Whether it's possible to hold onto theological identity without gatekeeping

How online church and online education can erode or support community

Why belonging may need to come before belief

John Hawthorne is a sociologist who spent nearly four decades in Christian higher education. He served as faculty member and academic administrator over the course of his career, spending time in five different Christian universities. He writes a Substack that often deals with issues in Christian higher education and has been regularly interviewed for Christianity Today, Religion News Service, Sojourners, Inside Higher Ed, and the Associated Press. His publications include A First Step into a Much Larger World: The Christian University and Beyond.

Mentioned Resources:

📱 Follow https://bsky.app/profile/jwhawthorne.bsky.social

📖 Book: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884565/the-fearless-christian-university/

🌐 John's Substack: https://substack.com/@johnhawthorne

🎧 Jeff Keuss: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8wu23-1703189

Presenting Sponsor:

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Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant