Why does spiritism hold such a powerful grip on people — especially during times of grief, fear, and uncertainty?

In this episode, Blake and Grayson continue their American Cults series by examining the appeal of Spiritism, why Scripture consistently forbids it, and how it distorts good, God-given desires for eternity, comfort, and knowledge.

Through biblical teaching and pastoral reflection, they explore:

Why humanity longs for life beyond death

The dangers of seeking revelation without repentance

Saul and the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28)

How spiritism traps the grieving rather than healing them

Why Christ alone defeats death and removes its fear

Spiritism offers promises it can never keep. The Gospel offers resurrection, peace, and hope that does not fade.

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Generations

Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.

Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack and Blake dive into one of America’s most unusual and influential cult movements: the rise of spiritualism in the 19th century. Beginning with a biblical narrative—the chilling account of Saul and the Witch of Endor—the episode moves through the dramatic story of the Fox Sisters, the national craze for seances, and the cultural wounds left open by the Civil War.

You’ll discover how spiritualism promised comfort in a time of uncertainty, why it grew so quickly, and even how magician Harry Houdini became its most vocal opponent. Blending historical storytelling, cultural analysis, and theological clarity, this episode shines a light on a movement that still shapes modern (evil) ideas about mediums, ghosts, and “communicating with the dead.”

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Generations

Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.

Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

In Part 2 of our Thanksgiving bonus series, Blake and Jack pick up the story with the Pilgrims themselves—the Separatist congregation from Scrooby who fled England, suffered betrayals, survived storms, endured heartbreak, and ultimately crossed the Atlantic in one of history’s most remarkable journeys of faith.

In this episode, we trace their escape attempts from England, their difficult 11-year stay in Leiden, the economic and cultural pressures they faced, and the providential chain of events that drove them to sail for the New World, from the disastrous Speedwell, to the treacherous Mayflower crossing, to the first contacts with the Wampanoag, Squanto’s astonishing backstory, the devastating first winter, and finally the feast that would one day inspire Thanksgiving....including a totally true and not dramatized version of how Turkey got involved.

If you want to understand Thanksgiving—not the simplified version you learned in elementary school, but the providential and theologically rich version—this episode is for you.

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Generations

Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.

Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

In this special two-part Thanksgiving bonus episode, Blake and Jack take listeners on a fast-moving, 30,000-foot flyover of the wild, chaotic, and faith-shaping events that led to the Pilgrims boarding the Mayflower and eventually celebrating what we call the First Thanksgiving.

Before the Mayflower ever touched the shores of the New World, England endured a century of political turmoil, religious reform, royal power struggles, public executions, and theological awakening. From Henry VIII’s messy pursuit of an annulment, to Edward VI’s Protestant reforms, to the brutal burnings under Bloody Mary, to Elizabeth’s uneasy religious compromise, and finally to King James and his push for conformity—this episode explores the real forces that shaped the Puritans and the Separatists, and ultimately birthed the Pilgrim story.

This episode aims to help you see Thanksgiving with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for the believers who risked everything to pursue biblical worship.

Connect

Generations

Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.

Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

Summary

Season 4 launches with a field guide to American cults: where they came from, how they function, and what sets them apart from orthodox Christianity. We lay out our two-episode rhythm for each movement (history + doctrine) and explain why this isn’t just academic—these are the folks knocking on your door and sitting in your break room.

Highlights

Walter Martin’s working definition of a cult

The 1830–1890 surge in the Northeast and the “Burned-Over District”

First vs. Second Great Awakening—and how Finney’s “new measures” influenced later errors

Doctrinal markers: denial of the Trinity, diminished view of Christ, extra-biblical revelation

Sociological markers: authoritarian leadership, information control, us-vs-them identity, behavioral rules, shunning, apocalyptic urgency

Works/loyalty systems vs. the gospel of grace

The real cost of leaving—and how Christians can care well

Connect

Generations

Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.

Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

Steve Cobucci (vocalist/guitarist & key songwriter for Wolves at the Gate) joins Jack to unpack the story and theology behind the band’s concept album 'Wasteland'. We also talk touring, Charles Spurgeon, Horatius Bonar, and Steve names a “perfect song.”

Did you know that Chorus in the Chaos listeners can get 5% off their entire order at Westminster Theological Bookstore? Just use the coupon code "CHORUS" when you check out 

The Chorus in the Chaos Info:

Did you know that Chorus in the Chaos listeners can get 5% off their entire order at Westminster Theological Bookstore? Just use the coupon code "CHORUS" when you check out 

In this short (almost 15-minute) biography episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack looks at the remarkable life of The Lion of Princeton, Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield (1851–1921)—one of the great theologians of old Princeton and a towering figure in Reformed thought.

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack reflects on moments in life that divide time—events after which nothing is ever the same. From personal memories of 9/11 to the pivotal scene in Acts 10–11 where the gospel is extended to the Gentiles, we explore how God often works in ways we don’t expect.

Through Peter’s vision, the criticism from the “circumcision party,” and the church’s ultimate celebration of grace, we see how the gospel tears down walls of division and fulfills God’s promises from Genesis to Revelation.

Life-changing moments: both in history and in Scripture, God uses unexpected events to reshape our perspective.

Peter’s example: in humility and patience, he trusted God’s work rather than fighting for his own reputation.

Two responses to God’s grace: criticism and resistance (like Jonah and the circumcision party) or joyful celebration of mercy.

The gospel reconciles: Jews and Gentiles, enemies and friends, all made one in Christ.

Practical encouragement: When God works in ways we don’t understand, we’re called to stay calm, stay humble, and trust Him.

Jack also offers a heartfelt gospel invitation: if you’ve never placed your trust in Christ, now is the time to turn from sin and find peace with God.

📖 Scripture focus: Acts 11:1–18

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack sits down with Greg De Blieck, hymn writer and leader of New Scottish Hymns, to explore the deep connection between music, theology, and worship.

Greg shares his story of growing up in Scotland, his love for hymnody, and his passion for writing songs that communicate biblical truth with clarity and beauty. Together, Jack and Greg discuss:

The power of music to shape culture, community, and faith

The role of hymns in encouraging believers beyond Sunday worship

Theological foundations for music as communication and communion

The Reformers’ cautious yet profound view of music in the church

Practical wisdom for pastors, elders, and worship leaders choosing songs for corporate worship

The dangers of Christian celebrity culture and why the local church must remain central

From folk influences in Scottish hymnody to reflections on Tolkien, Lewis, and Isaac Watts, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful conversation about why music matters—and how it can point us more fully to Christ.

👉 Check out New Scottish Hymns, download their free app, and listen to their music on YouTube, Spotify, and more.

In this special episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack, Grayson, and Blake reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it means for Kirk's legacy and Christians today.

We discuss:

Charlie Kirk’s life, faith, and legacy as the founder of Turning Point 

Why his murder feels like a pivotal cultural and spiritual moment.

The clash of worldviews is revealed in the nation’s response.

How Kirk’s bold witness to the gospel challenges us to live faithfully.

What Christians should do now—locally, politically, and spiritually.

This is more than politics. It’s about worldview, courage, and the cost of discipleship. Listen in for biblical reflection, cultural analysis, and a call to bold gospel proclamation in a time of growing hostility.

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