The Russell Moore Show

By Christianity Today, Russell MooreReligion & Spirituality Christianity

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The Russell Moore Show episodes

October 25, 2023Christianity's Being Co-opted with Tobias Cremer
When Russell Moore saw footage of a “Jesus saves” sign during the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, he wasn’t just angered by the assault on democracy. He was horrified by what he saw as a blasphemous misrepresentation of the gospel. How could American culture have gotten to such a place? And what can be done about it?
Those are the types of questions that today’s guest, Dr. Tobias Cremer, explores in his new book The Godless Crusade, Religion, Populism, and Right Wing Identity Politics in the West. Cremer, a junior research fellow at Pembroke College, and an associate member of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford, studies the relationship between religion, secularization, and the rise of right-wing identity politics. And when he looks at right-wing populism, he sees far more secularism than true religion.
On this episode, Moore and Cremer discuss the rise of national populist movements in America and other Western countries. They discuss how faith and socioeconomic status influence political leanings, why religious symbols are used in political movements, and what people really mean when they say they are Christian in a political context. Moore and Cremer talk about the growing number of de-churched Protestants in the Bible Belt and how the populist right confuses religion for identity. And they consider the changes that people and institutions can make to address polarization, resentment, and radicalization.
Tune in for an episode that provides a nuanced view of political and religious history in the West and sheds light on our culture today.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Godless Crusade, Religion, Populism, and Right Wing Identity Politics in the West by Tobias Cremer
“White Southern Evangelicals Are Leaving the Church” by Daniel K. Williams
The 1934 Barmen Declaration
Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie Russell Hochschild
Christianity and History by Herbert Butterfield
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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42 min
October 18, 2023Hope for High Conflict with Amanda Ripley
“Our church lived through the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections divided. Our church lived through Black Lives Matter protests divided. Our church lived through COVID divided. How are we going to get through 2024?”
That’s one of the questions that Russell Moore is asked on a regular basis, and it’s not an easy one to answer. Enter Amanda Ripley, author of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. An investigative journalist and the co-founder of Good Conflict, Ripley has spent years exploring how humans engage in disagreements that threaten to tear people apart.
On this episode, Moore and Ripley discuss the differences between regular conflict and high conflict. They consider examples of good and bad engagement with conflict, how polarization occurs in politics and religion, and the line between accountability and humiliation. They consider the role of media, institutions, and and family relationships in navigating divisions. And they consider how conflict can be harnessed to serve as a public good.
Tune in for a rich discussion of the things that seek to tear us apart but can be redeemed to bring us together.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes —and Why by Amanda Ripley
Good Conflict
Practical Tools from Good Conflict
King Rat by China Miélville
Chicago CRED
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore
Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church by Marshall Shelley
B’nai Jeshurun

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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50 min
October 11, 2023Skye Jethani Tells Us Where We're Wrong on Heaven
“She’s in a better place.”
Statements like this tend to pop up at funerals and in Facebook comment threads memorializing a lost loved one. But do people really mean what they’re saying? Is cultural commentary on life after death merely an attempt at comforting the bereaved or a statement of belief?
Enter Skye Jethani, co-host of The Holy Post Podcast and author whose newest title asks the question What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven? During his conversation with Russell Moore, Jethani talks about views on heaven, including whether it's a real place or a mere platitude. He and Moore discuss the human desire for judgments and rewards, theories on near-death experiences, and when eternal life actually begins. They consider biblical passages on life and death, miracles, and setting our minds on heavenly things. And they ask one another what it looks like to commune with God and when they feel closest to heaven.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how earthly lives interact with heavenly futures and what it looks like to live according to the reality of eternity.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven?: A Visual Guide to Experiencing God's Kingdom Among Us by Skye Jethani
The Holy Post Podcast
“Training for Reigning” series by Dallas Willard
A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly
“Morning Prayer” from The Book of Common Prayer
Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland
Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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41 min
October 04, 2023Yascha Mounk's Answer to the Identity Trap
“Part of the beauty of America is that we all have roots in all kinds of parts of the world, and we bring that cultural richness—and the aspect of cultural diversity—with us to this country.”
So says Yascha Mounk on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. And yet, of course, differences can also bring about conflict that has a significant negative impact on individuals and society alike. Mounk, an expert on issues in liberal democracy, and Moore discuss these parallel truths through the lens of Mounk’s new book, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.
Mounk and Moore talk about the “spiral of radicalization” the United States finds itself in today. They consider the role of political parties, institutions, and perspectives on race in shaping our cultural moment. Their conversation dives into sexual orientation, gender identity, and marriage as well as pedagogy, theology, and social psychology.
Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue that spans issues of discrimination, justice, and the power of influence in our daily lives.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Yascha Mounk at The Atlantic
Council on Foreign Relations
Persuasion Journal
The Good Fight podcast
The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time by Yascha Mounk
Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story by Ruby Bridges
Chloé Valdary

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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49 min
September 27, 2023Meaning, Money, and Affection: What We're Reading
Welcome back to the quarterly books episode of The Russell Moore Show!
Listen in as Russell and producer Ashley Hales talk about the bookstores, newsletters, and reviews that help them find great reads. The two discuss everything from classic stories to new titles and Christian imagery to transhumanist fantasies. Their conversation also covers family, political history, and engaging the Scriptures imaginatively.
Books mentioned in this episode include:
How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley
Escape into Meaning: Essays on Superman, Public Benches, and Other Obsessions by Evan Puschak
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
The Singularities by John Banville
Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires by Douglas Rushkoff
God with Us: Lived Theology and the Freedom Struggle in Americus, Georgia, 1942–1976 by Ansley L. Quiros
The Inconvenient Gospel: A Southern Prophet Tackles War, Wealth, Race, and Religion by Clarence Jordan
Clarence Jordan: A Radical Pilgrimage in Scorn of the Consequences by Frederick L. Downing
It All Turns on Affection: The Jefferson Lecture and Other Essays by Wendell Berry
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Carmichael’s Bookstore
The New York Review of Books
Englewood Review of Books
The Nerdwriter
Writing for the Heart Workshop with Ashley Hales and Mike Cosper
Russell’s newsletter

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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43 min
September 22, 2023 Be Afraid - Trailer
Hosted by Dr. Kutter Callaway, Be Afraid is an exploration of fear, faith, and stories that scare the hell out of us. You’ll hear from filmmakers, film critics, psychological scientists, and even an exorcist or two, each of whom shares their unique insights on the horror genre and its growing popularity. Listen to the trailer and subscribe today. The full series launches on October 6th, 2023. From the studio that brought you "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and "The Bulletin," “Be Afraid” is a production of Christianity Today, Fuller Seminary, and Uncommon Voices Collective

More from Kutter Callaway on theology and culture: https://www.kuttercallaway.com/
More from Uncommon Voices Collective: https://www.uncommonvoices.faith/
More from Fuller Seminary: http://fuller.edu/beafraid
Join the conversation at our Fearmakers Conference: https://www.fearmakerscon.com/

Executive Produced by Erik Petrik
Produced, Written, and Edited by Kutter Callaway
Produced and Edited by Stephen Scheilder
Associate Produced by TJ Hester

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3 min
September 20, 2023Bridging Generational Divides with Jean Twenge
What can be done with generational fractures that feel irreparable?
If there’s any question Russell Moore hears regularly, it’s that one. On today’s episode of The Russell Moore Show, he and psychologist Jean Twenge consider what the answer may be in light of Twenge’s new book, Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future.
Twenge, a professor at San Diego State University, and Moore discuss the differences—and lack of differences—between generations. They consider why our current government leaders are so much older than most of the population, how the naming of children signals generational changes, and the influence of technology on increased individualism. They talk about how people of various ages value self-esteem, how smartphones affect rates of mental health issues, and the implications of society’s reconception of marriage.
Tune in for a nuanced conversation of generational trends as they pertain to politics, sexuality, raising children, and institutions.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America's Future by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson
“Obama’s Advice For Democrats.” on Pod Save America
The Social Security Administration Baby Name Dataset
“Skye Jethani (Co-host of the Holy Post Podcast)” on Mere Christians Podcast

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Resonate Recording
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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42 min
September 13, 2023Jake Tapper Says Reality Is Stranger than Fiction
One might think working as a CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent would have Jake Tapper spending his spare minutes doing anything but working with words. His recently published third novel, All the Demons Are Here, would beg to differ.
On a new episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore asks Tapper how he manages his time and talents. They discuss Tapper’s political thrillers, his curiosity about eras of disillusionment and mistrust of power, and his interest in the role of showmanship in politics. Moore and Tapper’s conversation covers the ways that recent political history has been stranger than fiction, the effect of information silos, and how Tapper’s Judaism helps him look at multiple viewpoints. They talk about how to be a sophisticated consumer of news, how Tapper keeps from giving himself over to the sensational, and the importance of a wise inner circle.
Tune in for a meaningful discussion of American faith and politics.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
All the Demons Are Here: A Thriller by Jake Tapper
All the President’s Men“
Jake Tapper on his 1970s thriller ‘All the Demons Are Here’” on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday
“CNN exclusive: DeSantis downplays concerns about the state of his 2024 campaign”

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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32 min
September 06, 2023Sharing in Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream Now
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the unforgettable “I Have a Dream Speech.” Sixty years later, two men have a dream of their own: to share the life and teachings of Dr. King for the good of the church and the world.
This episode of The Russell Moore Show features one of those men, Professor Matthew Daniels. A global human rights activist and founder of the non-profit organization Good of All, Daniels is half of the team that created Share the Dream™, a Bible study based on the life, teachings, and biblical principles of Dr. King. In collaboration with Harper Christian Resources and Urban Ministries, the video sessions of the study are co-hosted by Daniels and Chris Broussard, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster for FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports Radio and the founder and president of The K.I.N.G. Movement.
This dynamic discussion considers counter-cultural engagement, social progress, and civil rights. Daniels and Moore talk about King’s legacy, the current state of racial divides in the church, and how the history of polarization influences where we are today. Their conversation covers online extremism, evangelical emphases on personal piety over communal justice, and what obedience to Christ looks like in practical terms.
Tune in for a powerful episode that underscores the value of partnerships and the persistent merit of Dr. King’s dream.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" Speech
Share the Dream: Shining a Light in a Divided World through Six Principles of Martin Luther King Jr. by Matthew Daniels and Chris Broussard
The K.I.N.G. Movement
Good of All
Harper Christian Resources
Urban Ministries
Ambassador Andrew Young
The Buffalo Massacre
“Reclaiming MLK Jr.’s ‘Dream’ 60 Years Later” by Mika Edmondson
“It’s Not Enough to Preach Racial Justice. We Need to Champion Policy Change.” by Esau McCaulley

Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!
Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
42 min
August 30, 2023Losing Our Religion: Beth Moore and Russell Moore in Conversation
Welcome to the first episode of the two-part Losing Our Religion special series finale! This episode and the one to follow were recorded at a special live event with Bible teacher and author Beth Moore and Russell Moore in Houston on August 9, 2023.
Beth and Russell gathered with hundreds in person and thousands online for a discussion of Russell’s new book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. They shared the story of their friendship and the similarities in their Southern Baptist upbringings. Beth asks Russell a series of "getting to know you" questions about his family of origin, marriage, children, and ministry. And they both speak to the loss and disruption of ultimately leaving the SBC and the ways their ministries have affected their families.
Tune in for thoughts on not giving up on people who are deconstructing, walking by faith, and honesty with God. Beth and Russell’s discussion covers shifts in evangelical Christianity, how politics is asked to bear a weight it cannot support, and our common desire for belonging.
Make sure you check out the next episode, which features Beth and Russell answering questions from the live audience!
This special series of episodes around Russell Moore’s newest book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, explores the Christian faith in confusing times. Check out the other episodes in the series:
"Losing Our Religion and Russell Moore’s Hope"
"Losing Our Religion: Evangelical Imagination with Karen Swallow Prior"
"Losing Our Religion: Revival with Jackie Hill Perry"
"Losing Our Religion: Credibility Gaps with Sam Allberry"
"Losing Our Religion: David Brooks on the Allure of Tribalism"
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore
Living Proof Ministries
The Woodland’s Methodist Church
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC)
The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
Melissa Moore
Kat Armstrong
The University of Southern Mississippi
New Orleans Baptist Seminary
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Johnny Cash
Waylon Jennings
The After Party
Brandon Lake
Baptist Hymnal
Twila Paris
Travis Cottrell
Amy Grant
Houston’s First Baptist Church
Eudora Welty
Marilynn Robinson
Walker Percy
Frederick Buechner
Why It’s OK to Ignore Politics by Christopher Freeman
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley

Grab a copy of Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!
Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to [email protected].
Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Ashley Hales
Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps
Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Dan Phelps
Video producer: Abby Egan
Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 11 min

About The Russell Moore Show

From the publisher's feed

Listen in as Russell Moore, editor at-large of Christianity Today and director of CT's Public Theology Project, talks about the latest books, cultural conversations and pressing ethical questions that…