The Russell Moore Show

“I’ve had both a great time and a terrifying time on this planet. Lord, somewhere in the middle of that is my real life." So says Beth Moore, our returning guest on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. Reflecting on writing her recently-published memoir All My Knotted Up Life, Beth and Russell (friends who are regularly mistaken for relatives) talk about the heaviness and hope of Beth’s story.  Russell and Beth also talk about the ways in which church was a safe place for Beth when her home was not. Beth offers advice to listeners in unsafe situations. She and Russell talk about women in ministry, leaving the Southern Baptist Convention, and what it’s like to lose relationships when church life goes awry. And they testify to God’s goodness in their lives—reflecting on the ways he shows up again and again in seasons of plenty and seasons of pain.  Please note: For those who may typically listen with children nearby or need to take care around topics of abuse, this episode includes a discussion of incest.  Resources mentioned in this episode include:  All My Knotted Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore Beth Moore Didn’t Expect Us to Be Us  Andrew Peterson Pre-order Russell's new book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here! Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.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  CT Administration: Christine Kolb  Social Media: Kate Lucky  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Video Producer: John Roland  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the biblical and historical evidence for the resurrection? What does it mean when Scripture says we carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies? How can Christians be deeply committed to interpreting the Bible faithfully while also taking care not to become legalistic? These are some of the listener questions that Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales engage on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. Their conversation covers big-picture ideas like how to think about Scriptural interpretation and gets specific about certain passages in the Bible. Questions in this episode include: What books or resources give evidence for the resurrection? How does the concept of knowing Christ’s power in his resurrection (Philippians 3) work with the idea that we carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4)? What should we do if two passages of Scripture seem to contradict each other? Can a marriage thrive if spouses have different convictions about important theological issues? How can we guard against becoming people who have great biblical knowledge but little Christian character? Resources mentioned in this episode include:  “Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ” by Peter Kreeft and Fr. Ronald Tacelli, SJ The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright Is Easter Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin “A conversation with Tim Keller about ‘Hope in Times of Fear’” Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. 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   CT Administration: Christine Kolb   Social Media: Kate Lucky   Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens   Production Assistance: coreMEDIA  Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu   Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort   Video Producer: John Roland   Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Warren needs very little introduction. The planter and pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, California for 43 years, Warren is widely considered one of the most influential spiritual leaders in America. His book The Purpose-Driven Life has been translated into 137 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. And yet, on February 21, the Southern Baptist Convention disfellowshipped Saddleback Church due to their hiring of a female teaching pastor. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Warren and Moore discuss the SBC's decision and how it reflects on the convention's response to sexual abuse. They talk about women in ministry, how to determine primary and secondary theological issues, and what healthy pastoral transitions may look like. And they share profound reasons for hope when it comes to the gospel going forth among the nations—even in a time when many fear Christianity's influence is diminishing. Tune in for an episode that candidly acknowledges the difficulties of Christian life and ministry while celebrating the goodness of God. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren Created to Dream by Rick Warren Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren 700 Plans to Evangelize the World by David B. Barrett and James W. Reapsome A Theology for the Church edited by Daniel L. Akin (chapter referenced: "Conclusion: The Pastor as Theologian" by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.) One Divine Moment edited by Robert E. Coleman and David J. Gyertson 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  CT Administration: Christine Kolb  Social Media: Kate Lucky  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Video Producer: John Roland  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians think about evolving technology? What does it look like to engage in conversations about ChatGPT or the Bing AI bot that recently tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to leave his spouse for the bot? How is society affected by apocalyptic predictions regarding overpopulation or climate change? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, poet, author, and literary critic Adam Kirsch joins Moore to answer these questions. They talk about Kirsch’s new book, The Revolt Against Humanity: Imagining a Future Without Us; Jewish and Christian views of human nature; and how to communicate across differences in worldview. They ask whether people with an antihuman mindset—in which humans are the problem—have it right. Or, perhaps, are the transhumanists—who believe we can and should transcend humanity—on to something? Might God offer a better way than either of these perspectives? Tune in for an episode that explores the possibilities for what life could look like in the coming years and ponders how God might encourage his people to live in these times. Resources mentioned in this episode include: “Bing’s A.I. Chat: ‘I Want to Be Alive.’” by Kevin Roose The Revolt Against Humanity by Adam Kirsch The Precipice by Tony Ord “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“What can people do about the fact that things are so tense with their families, especially when it comes to politics?” This is one of the pressing questions that Russell Moore poses to Jon Ward, Chief National Correspondent for Yahoo News. A long-time political reporter, Ward acutely perceives the relationship between religion and politics in America. His new book, Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation chronicles Ward’s upbringing in, and eventual separation from, a well-known church that emerged at the intersection of Pentecostalism, the church growth movement, the Jesus Movement, and the New Calvinism.  On this episode, Ward and Moore talk about what it’s like to look back on the church experiences of their earlier years and notice the political manifestations they hadn’t seen as young people. They talk about the ways various evangelical movements engaged society, the role of social media, and whether or not institutionalism is the answer to cultural problems. And they talk about what it looks like to maintain meaningful connections with family members when political differences threaten to break relationships.  Tune in for a conversation that is full of heartfelt honesty and thoughtful insight not only into the state of American faith and politics today, but how we got here.   Resources mentioned in this episode include: Camelot’s End by Jon Ward Testimony by Jon Ward Untrustworthy by Bonnie Kristian Axios 2023 Asbury Revival Timothy George “Development of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale” by Dan Koch “The Toronto Blessing”    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   CT Administration: Christine Kolb   Social Media: Kate Lucky   Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens   Production Assistance: coreMEDIA  Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu   Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort   Video Producer: John Roland   Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just one in three of today’s pastors say that they are healthy. By 2050, less than half of the US population may identify as Christian. At the same time, 61 percent of millennials who attended church before the pandemic still worship with the same congregation. Not only that, but Barna recently found that young people—specifically Generation Z—are uniquely open to learning about Jesus. It’s within this good news–bad news cultural context that Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales answer listener questions about church membership, church hurt, and pastoral ministry. The listener questions covered in this episode include: How should someone evaluate their desire to attend seminary? What factors should someone consider when looking for a church to join? How can congregants practice discernment around church hurt and abuse, specifically if a church is being investigated? How have pastors embroiled in public scandals incriminated fellow pastors? And how can the non-culpable pastors (and their loved ones) respond? Resources mentioned in this episode include: “Modeling the Future of Religion in America,” Pew Research Center “38% of U.S. Pastors Have Thought About Quitting Full-Time Ministry in the Past Year,” Barna “A New Chapter in Millennial Church Attendance,” Barna “Rising Spiritual Openness in America,” Barna Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why has there been a rise in antisemitic tropes, speech, and acts in recent years? Why have cultural moments of change in the West often led to the emergence of violence against Jewish people? And how might the Jewish American experience shed light on how all of us can live in tumultuous times? On this episode, Yuval Levin and Russell Moore respond to these complex questions. Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. As the founder of National Affairs, a senior editor at The New Atlantis, a contributing editor at National Review, and a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times, Levin is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the modern conservative movement. Levin shares some of his experiences as a Jewish American. He reflects on the fact that modern America is the safest place to be a Jewish person in the history of the religion while also noting that “even in America … Jews seem to stand in for the outsider” in the cultural imagination. They talk about the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue, the remarks of Kanye West, and the way America interacted with religious minorities after the September 11th attacks. And they discuss the influence of technology, the effect of hyperconnectedness, and what it might look like to raise children to have moral commitments. Tune in for a nuanced, thoughtful discussion that covers religion, government, and what it means to be part of American life. Resources mentioned in this episode include: American Enterprise Institute The Immigrant Advantage by Claudia Kolker “The Red-Pill Pusher” by Damon Linker “Federalist No. 10” by James Madison “Opiates of the Masses? Deaths of Despair and the Decline of American Religion” by Tyler Giles, Daniel M. Hungerman & Tamar Oostrom “Deconstructed: The Implosion of Progressive Organizing” Hadassah 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are events like the National Prayer Breakfast merely displays of civil religion? What does it look like for Christian political leaders to unite during such a divided time in American life? And what is the role of the government when it comes to managing the influence of social media? These are just some of the many questions that Delaware Senator Chris Coons and Russell Moore address during today’s episode. In light of the upcoming National Prayer Breakfast on February 2, Coons, who has co-organized the event in prior years, talks about what it looks like for such events to have an “honest, humble spiritual core.” Coons’s interest in authentic faith serves as a throughline for this episode. He and Moore wade into topics such as caring for the unborn, privacy regulations, and disinformation. And the senator talks about welcoming the refugee, praying for your enemies, and making political decisions according to a Christian ethic. Learn more about Senator Coons and the National Prayer Breakfast:  Senator Chris Coons “Concerns Over Prayer Breakfast Lead Congress to Take It Over” by The Associated Press “Chris Coons: Why I pray for Donald Trump” by Chris Coons for The Washington Post 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  CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Video Producer: John Roland  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, New York Times Opinion columnist Ross Douthat tells Russell Moore where he's wrong on Catholicism and American culture. Kind of. Douthat and Moore consider what it looks like for Christians to engage civically without surrendering to the relentless urgency of the political cycle. They discuss the Roman Catholic Church and what's happening at the intersection of religion, American culture, and world culture. They have a rich discussion of Douthat's religious upbringing, corruption in religious hierarchies, and when Martin Luther did (and didn't) have a point. They talk about Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, the insufficiency of punditry, and whether or not America is a post-Christian nation. Their discussion plays by the "Tell Me Where I'm Wrong" rules: Moore is only allowed to ask questions that seek to understand the guest's point of view, and if he starts to argue, the guest is supposed to stop him. Episodes in the "Tell Me Where I'm Wrong" series include: Bill McKibben Tells Me Where I’m Wrong About Cultural Christianity Shane Claiborne Tells Me Where I’m Wrong on the Death Penalty Ligon Duncan Tells Me Where I'm Wrong on Infant Baptism Resources mentioned in this episode include: Bad Religion by Ross Douthat The Deep Places by Ross Douthat  The apologetic works of C.S. Lewis  The apologetic works of G.K. Chesterton The Ninety-Five Theses by Martin Luther Confessions of a Catholic by Michael Novak To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by Ross Douthat 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  CT Administration: Christine Kolb  Social Media: Kate Lucky  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Video Producer: John Roland  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does hope look like for the American church as political polarization sparks division and many evangelicals are leaving the pews? It might be found in the words of the British “Poet for ‘Bruised Evangelicals,’” Malcolm Guite. The poet, priest, singer-songwriter, and professor joined Russell to talk about truth, imagination, and illumination. Guite and Moore discuss how they know the Christian story is true, depictions of the gospel in art, and what it means to learn to love. They talk about the power of stories and imagination. Moore asks Guite to share his thoughts on the transfiguration passage in the New Testament, which Guite explores in his book Lifting the Veil. And they talk about how to begin reading poetry for those who don’t know where to start. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kara Bettis for Christianity Today, “A Poet for ‘Bruised Evangelicals’” C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Weight of Glory J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings Gustaf Aulen, Christus Victor Malcolm Guite: Lifting the Veil, Faith, Hope and Poetry, The Christian Plummet, and Amen The Trinity Forum, “Online Conversation | Waiting on the Word with Malcolm Guite” Richard Hooker, A Learned and Comfortable Sermon of the Certainty and Perpetuity of Faith in the Elect 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Just wait until you get married, you’ll drive each other crazy.” “Just wait until that baby is a toddler throwing tantrums, you’ll long for the sleepless newborn nights!” “Just wait until your energetic third-grader is a surly teenager, you’ll crave flag football and trampoline parks.” Sound familiar? Sometimes, when we seek advice or empathy around family life, we’re met with a cynical response that things are only going to get worse. But does that have to be the case? Or can family life be joyful in each season? As a new year begins, many of you have written in with questions for Russell Moore about home life and relationships. From parenting to marriage to a biblical view of sex, this episode offers wisdom and insight into all things family. Listen in for thoughtful responses from Russell and producer Ashley Hales to questions including: What are some resources a mother could give her daughter whose boyfriend senses that he has a calling to become a pastor? How can Christians develop a better understanding of the nature of sex and sexual ethics as they relate to practical decisions like family planning and contraception? What can couples do when they start to feel like their love for each other is growing cold? How can parents of impressionable, sensitive children care for them well in community environments that promote dangerous ideals like Christian nationalism? What is Russell’s favorite thing about raising teenagers and young-adult children? Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Consider 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Paul Pelosi, husband of speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, was attacked, social media erupted with jokes. Why? What is at the heart of such a calloused response to violence? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore welcomes Elizabeth Neumann to discuss online radicalization, loneliness, and how Christians can navigate an era of political hatred. Formerly the assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention at the Department of Homeland Security, Neumann is now a commentator on ABC News and the chief strategy officer at Moonshot, a social enterprise working to end online harms ranging from child sexual exploitation to political extremism. Neumann and Moore talk about the environmental factors that are creating the right conditions for political violence in America. They consider the role of online communities in radicalization, the power of rhetoric, and how to build resilience in children and teens. And they candidly address the ways the church has negatively contributed to the modern state of affairs, while also expressing hope and sharing ideas for a better way forward. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Ben Sasse, Them Alan Noble, You Are Not Your Own Life After Hate Parents for Peace SCREEN Hate (McCain Institute) Moonshot's Monthly Bulletin Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism Center for Strategic and International Studies Report: Pushed to Extremes: Domestic Terrorism amid Polarization and Protest 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Through reading, I can imagine situations that I ordinarily would never encounter.” So says Russell Moore on this final episode of the year. All about books, the conversation between Russell and producer Ashley Hales covers everything from storytelling and genre to categorizing books and cultivating a love of reading in childhood. Take a peek into Russell’s book clubs, learn more about his reading practices, and discover his favorite books of the year. Russell shares why he loves the books that made his list and shares how they influenced him.Russell’s favorite books of 2022: Malcolm Guite, The Word within the Words Timothy Keller, Forgive Clarence Jordan, The Inconvenient Gospel Wendell Berry, How It Went Thomas S. Kidd, Thomas Jefferson Moisés Naim, The Revenge of Power Paul D. Miller, The Religion of American Greatness Fintan O’Toole, We Don’t Know Ourselves Stephen Bullivant, Nonverts Marc Eliot, The Hag Jay Wellons, All That Moves Us Jason M. Baxter, The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis  Additional books, podcast episodes, and resources mentioned include: The Russell Moore Show, “Navigating Friendship and Loss with Peter Wehner” The Russell Moore Show, “Tim Keller Says Forgiveness Is Key to Christian Witness" ”Russell Moore’s newsletter MaryKate Morse, "The Formational Power of Reading: A Requirement for all Leaders" John Grisham, The Boys from BiloxiSquare Books Shakespeare, King Lear T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets Christianity Today’s 2023 Book Awards Barna’s State of the Church C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia Wendell Berry, Life Is a Miracle Marilynne Robinson, “A Theology of the Present Moment” Chris Claremont’s X-Men era Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache series Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today. Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do parenting, responding to cultural waves, and healing from church hurt have in common? The answer might just be found in Russell Moore’s response to a listener question on this episode of The Russell Moore Show: "The Spirit is going to be walking with you and working within you,” says Moore. “Be patient and let the Spirit work." The topics in this episode range from marriage and family to church leadership to trauma. But what binds these inquiries and responses together is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance and comfort in every confusing and painful area of life. Tune in as Russell and producer Ashley Hales respond to listener questions, including: How should a Christian mother raise her children when her husband says he no longer believes in Jesus? How should congregants engage with church leaders who aren't addressing specific cultural issues? What is the difference between a pastor providing proper leadership and becoming overly authoritative? How can Christians heal from spiritual abuse? Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik  Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: CoreMedia  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu  Associate Producer: Abby Perry  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"In the long run, we're really looking to be enfolded in a durable, relational community in which we are known and loved—loved after we're known, instead of loved because we're not yet known." So says Andy Crouch, author, speaker, and partner at venture-building ecosystem Praxis. As someone who fell in love with computers and technology at a young age, Crouch has spent years considering the ways technology shapes societies, families, and individuals. In this post-pandemic era, Crouch sees a universal quest to live humanly as we try to build back our relational muscles. Yet, many of us still hope that technology will make good on its promises of power, happiness, and connection. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Crouch and Moore discuss what it looks like to live a life of love in a culture that's saturated in technology. They talk about how the online space has shaped our approach to commerce and money. And they share hopeful, redemptive wisdom for putting technology in its proper place so that the things that matter most in life can flourish. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Andy Crouch, The Life We're Looking For This American Life, Superpowers Maryanne Wolfe, Reader, Come Home Craig Gay, Modern Technology and the Human Future Screen Sanity 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  CT Administration: Christine Kolb  Social Media: Kate Lucky  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Video Producer: John Roland  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the age of 34, Max Lucado was burned out, struggling with insomnia, and begging the Lord to help him “have the wherewithal to preach the next day.” Now, decades later, Lucado is still pastoring—he’s the teaching minister at Oak Hills Christian Church in San Antonio. He’s written dozens of books in the years that have passed since he struggled to find the energy to keep going. Lucado doesn’t attribute his renewal to his own efforts, though. Instead, he credits the Holy Spirit as the best friend, comforter, and one who came alongside him in his time of need. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Lucado and Moore discuss the dynamics of burnout. They talk about what it looks like to pray when it’s hard or when we don’t know what to say. And they explore challenging theological topics like spiritual warfare, church hurt, and what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Max Lucado, Help Is Here  Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones  Frederick Dale Bruner, The Gospel of John: A Commentary Frederick Dale Bruner and William Hordern, The Holy Spirit - Shy Member of the Trinity 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are Christians to do when political or religious differences are harming—or even ending—their relationships? Why are so many modern people so deeply lonely? And what might it look like to live in peaceful community with people we see as enemies? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Peter Wehner, senior fellow at The Trinity Forum and a writer for The Atlantic and The New York Times, joins Moore to discuss friendship, loss, and conflict in today’s world. Wehner and Moore share reflections on their friend Michael Gerson, adviser and speechwriter to George W. Bush and then a Washington Post columnist and author, who recently passed away from cancer at the age of 58. Their insights into Gerson’s suffering, dignity, and civic work include godly ways of thinking about loneliness, friendship, and living in light of the gospel. Wehner and Moore also discuss the dangers of cynicism, the role of social media in political debate, and how gratitude and reconciliation can enhance our lives and relationships. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Peter Wehner, “My friend, Mike Gerson” and “The Evangelical Church is Breaking Apart” Yuval Levin, “Remembering My Friend Mike Gerson” David Brooks, The Second Mountain Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind Amanda Ripley, High Conflict 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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does social media make us meaner? How do we stay faithful to Jesus when we’re downright exhausted? Tune in for a discussion between Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales that covers these questions and more. The topics on this episode of The Russell Moore Show range from the recent mayhem on Twitter to Russell’s favorite Christmas present as a child. The listener questions covered in this episode include: How might Christians think about social media in terms of discipleship in the church and the home? What does Christian perseverance look like during this post-pandemic moment in time? What are the dangers of becoming numb to toxic politics? How can pastors and mature believers engage with “radicalized” young men? Resources mentioned include Radical by David Platt and The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch. Russell Moore is Christianity Today’s editor in chief and the director of the Public Theology Project. Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, the founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com. Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. “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 CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to forgive? Is it just a matter of forgetting and moving on? How do justice, vengeance, and accountability factor into the equation? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, pastor and author Tim Keller and Russell discuss the "thorny," as Keller refers to it, topic of forgiveness. They talk about the biblical approach to forgiveness and how to understand the subject theologically. And they consider the role of forgiveness in real-life circumstances, ranging from the idea of forgiving oneself to what it means to forgive in situations of abuse. For more on the subject, check out Keller's latest book, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? Resources mentioned in this episode include: Timothy Keller, Forgive  Wendell Berry, The Need to Be Whole Miroslav Volf, Exclusion and Embrace David Powlison, Good and Angry Jonathan Rausch, The Constitution of Knowledge Yuval Levin, A Time to Build “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today  Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik  Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore  Producer: Ashley Hales  Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper  Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens  Production Assistance: CoreMedia  Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort  Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu  Associate Producer: Abby Perry  Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians vote when none of the candidates embody a Christian ethic? What is the difference between patriotism and Christian Nationalism? Where is God when we pray on behalf of a loved one's mental health yet they still die by suicide? These are some of the questions that Russell Moore answers on this post-Election Day episode of The Russell Moore Show. Tune in for thoughtful responses to questions such as: What's the process by which Christians should decide how to cast their ballots? What is the definition of Christian Nationalism and what does it look like to respond to it? How do we keep praying when it seems like God didn't hear us crying out over something as heartbreaking as a loved one's mental health and eventual suicide? How can we forgive someone when we don't understand how they could do what they did, or when there is no possibility of earthly reconciliation? On this episode, Russell Moore is joined by new producer Ashley Hales, who holds a PhD in English literature from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. With her husband, she is the co-founder of The Willowbrae Institute, a new think tank researching the intersection of Christianity and the common good in America. She hosts a podcast and is the author most recently of A Spacious Life. Find out more at aahales.com. Future listener question episodes will include topics like marriage, the role of the church in addressing cultural topics, and spiritual abuse. Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. “The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Chief Creative Officer: Erik Petrik Executive Producer and Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Director of Podcasts: Mike Cosper Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: CoreMedia Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Producer and Audio Mixing: Kevin Duthu Associate Producer: Abby Perry Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices