Listen in as Russell Moore, director of Christianity Today’s Public Theology Project and Editor-in-Chief, talks about the latest books, cultural conversations a...
Moore to the Point: Be Careful Who You Pretend to Be
People become who they pretend to be (and why that only works in one direction).
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11:31
Beyond Bowling Alone: Finding Community in an Isolated Age
“ Precisely what brings you into communion with the church is not sitting—no matter how good the sermon is—it’s not sitting in an auditorium with 3,000 people,” says Robert Putnam. “It’s connecting with other cobelievers in a small group.”
Robert Putnam, political scientist and author of the cultural phenomenon Bowling Alone, joins Russell Moore to talk about social shifts in how we gather with—and separate from—one another. Putnam and Moore talk about religion, partisanship, and social shifts such as delayed marriage. Their conversation covers loneliness, the increasing number of people who do not identify with any religion, and politicization.
Moore and Putnam consider the importance of coming together, explore the history of communities in America, and encourage listeners with practical steps for cultivating fellowship.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy by Robert D. Putnam
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam
Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam
Join or Die
“If You Want to Destroy My Sweater, Hold This Thread as I Walk Away”
Christian Smith
The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis
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40:42
An Atheist on What He Got Wrong About Christianity’s Decline
One may not expect Russell Moore and Jonathan Rauch, an openly gay atheist, to become friends—much less to be positive influences on one another’s lives and work. But as this conversation shows, this surprising fact is true.
The two discuss their perspectives on politics, Christianity, and culture. They talk about their regular gathering on Thursday nights with fellow thinkers and the ways they see fear taking precedence in American churches. Their discussion covers race, gender, and sexuality, as well as Christian nationalism, parallels between the political left and right, and the reasons why Rauch considers forbearance to be a key aspect of liberal democracy. Moore and Rauch consider the “four Ms”—mortality, morality, murder, and miracles—and talk about why Rauch dedicated his new book, Cross Purposes, to two Christian friends who have passed—Tim Keller and Mark McIntosh.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
Jonathan Rauch
Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch
Brookings Institution
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
Peter Wehner
David French
Mark A. McIntosh
“Let It Be”
“U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time”
No Compromise
Tim Keller
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53:38
What the Black Church Can Teach the Rest of American Christianity
Walter Strickland didn’t read a book from cover to cover until he was 18 years old. Books—from that first read, The Screwtape Letters, to Strickland’s latest work, Swing Low—have shaped his life. So, too, has the Black church.
Strickland, an author, educator, and pastor, joins Moore to talk about the titles that have formed their experiences as Christians and academics. They consider how slaveholders used biblical texts to defend their actions and weaponized faith against enslaved people. Strickland and Moore observe the ways that God remains faithful to his Word amid oppression and explore the phenomenon of Black worshipers leaving predominantly white churches. They discuss African American theologians, the witness of the Black church, and the five anchors that Black Christianity has contributed to the body of Christ.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
Walter Strickland
Swing Low, Volume 1: A History of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter Strickland
Swing Low, Volume 2: An Anthology of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter Strickland
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
The Decline of African American Theology: From Biblical Faith to Cultural Captivity by Thabiti M. Anyabwile
“The Black Church Has Five Theological Anchors”
“A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches”
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51:50
Moore to the Point: Running From Refugees
Jesus’ refugee status ought to inform his followers about how to treat imperiled refugees right now.
The Russell Moore Show is bringing Russell's weekly newsletter to all streaming platforms. Listen to his most recent newsletter every Monday!
Subscribe to Russell's weekly newsletter here!
Do you have questions for Russell Moore? Send them to [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen in as Russell Moore, director of Christianity Today’s Public Theology Project and Editor-in-Chief, talks about the latest books, cultural conversations and pressing ethical questions that point us toward the kingdom of Christ.
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