305. TNE TALKS: The John the Baptist You’ve Never Heard of

In this RECAPS episode, Tim and April discuss various topics surrounding Christian nationalism, including the recent execution of Marcellus Williams, the implications of the death penalty, and the disconnect between Christian values and political actions. They also touch on the influence of figures like Franklin Graham and the cultural commentary surrounding the evangelical community's stance on social issues. The conversation highlights the complexities and contradictions within Christian nationalism, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and just approach to faith and politics. Chapters 11:47 In-Person Event Recap and Personal Confessions 12:46 Discussion on Marcellus Williams Case 20:04 Christian Nationalism and the Death Penalty 30:12 The Role of Authority in Christian Nationalism 41:32 The Disconnect in Christian Nationalist Values 46:18 Franklin Graham and Political Endorsements 01:01:10 Cultural Commentary on Christian Nationalism 01:36:36 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Pre-Order April's Book | Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith _______________________________ REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the New Evangelicals Podcast, Tim reflects on his experience at the Test of Faith summit, which focused on defending democracy and countering Christian nationalism. He shares insights from various Christian leaders who advocate for inclusivity, social justice, and a more compassionate interpretation of Christian teachings. Tim contrasts the messages from this summit with those from Christian nationalist events, emphasizing the importance of love, justice, and community in the Christian faith. Faith & Democracy | faithanddemocracy.net Test of Faith Summit | testoffaith.org Episode 204 | America Fest: What You Need to Know Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New Evangelicals Podcast 00:34 Experiencing the Test of Faith Summit 06:09 The Power of Progressive Christian Voices 10:19 The Christian Alternative to Nationalism 12:16 Contrasting Christian Nationalism and Democratic Values _______________________________ REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the New Evangelicals Podcast, host Tim engages in a profound conversation with Latasha Morrison, founder of Be The Bridge. They explore Morrison's journey from her upbringing in a diverse community to her pivotal role in addressing systemic racism within predominantly white evangelical spaces. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New Evangelicals Podcast 01:50 Latasha Morrison: A Journey of Bridge Building 04:18 The Role of Diversity in Faith Communities 08:05 Personal Background and the Impact of Evangelicalism 19:41 The Birth of Be The Bridge 26:55 Navigating the Challenges of White Evangelical Spaces 39:12 The Importance of Truth in Racial Conversations 52:10 Hope and Change in Political Landscapes 01:03:21 Practical Steps for White Allies in Racial Justice Latasha's Website | latashamorrison.com _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the New Evangelicals Podcast, Tim and April discuss various topics related to the intersection of Christianity and politics, including Tim's recent experiences in Washington D.C., the impact of political violence, gun control, and the rhetoric surrounding immigration. They also delve into the implications of right-wing extremism, particularly focusing on figures like Laura Loomer and the narratives that fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. The conversation highlights the disconnect between right-wing media narratives and reality, emphasizing the need for accountability and truth in political discourse. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New Evangelicals Podcast 02:58 Tim's Experience in Washington D.C. 06:12 The Glory Bus and Vocal Rest 09:01 Tim's Transition from Music to Podcasting 14:57 Gun Control and Political Rhetoric 20:12 The Role of Rhetoric in Political Violence 29:06 Immigration and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment 34:05 The Impact of False Narratives on Communities 42:08 The Role of Deception in Politics 51:06 Tweets of the Week and Cultural Commentary 55:50 Conclusion and Call to Action Pre-Order April's Book | Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the New Evangelicals Podcast, host Tim engages in a deep conversation with Tripp Fuller about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his theological journey, and the misuse of his legacy by modern Christian nationalists. They explore Bonhoeffer's resistance to the Nazi regime, the role of the church during that time, and the implications for today's political climate, particularly in relation to the rise of authoritarianism and the rhetoric of figures like Eric Metaxas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding history to navigate current challenges in faith and society. In this conversation, Tim and Tripp explore the intersections of culture, politics, and faith, particularly focusing on the role of the church in contemporary society. They discuss the misuse of historical figures like Bonhoeffer in modern evangelical rhetoric, the cultural comparisons made by political figures, and the implications of a persecution complex within white evangelicalism. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of faith that prioritizes love and justice over political power, advocating for a 'religionless Christianity' that aligns with the teachings of Christ. Highlights: 01:01 Understanding Dietrich Bonhoeffer 12:50 The Rise of Christian Nationalism 26:49 The Role of the Church in Nazi Germany 39:08 Bonhoeffer's Legacy and Modern Implications 54:56 Eric Metaxas and Misinterpretation of Bonhoeffer 01:01:45 Cultural Comparisons and Historical Contexts 01:04:11 The Role of the Church in Society 01:10:52 Bonhoeffer's Legacy and Misinterpretations 01:16:28 The Misuse of Historical Analogies 01:25:11 The Persecution Complex in Evangelicalism 01:30:05 The Contradictions of White Evangelicalism 01:35:17 Bonhoeffer's Transformation and the Call to Action 01:40:52 The Invitation to a New Understanding of Faith _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tim interviews Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, a spiritual writer, preacher, and community cultivator. They discuss how Christians can engage differently in politics and civic engagement, particularly in relation to Christian nationalism. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:19 Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove's Background and Journey 08:01 Realizing the Disconnect Between Faith and Politics 13:00 Rethinking Traditional Christian Narratives 19:14 Understanding the Influence of Propaganda 21:01 Finding Common Ground and Avoiding Demonization 25:07 The Importance of Democracy and the Common Good 27:46 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism and Idolatry 34:31 Resisting Christian Nationalism and Building a Better Christianity 42:06 Engaging in Political Advocacy and Voting for the Common Good 52:30 The Poor People's Campaign: Addressing Poverty and Inequality Jonathan's Website | jonathanwilsonhartgrove.com Looking to get involved? | poorpeoplescampaign.org _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the New Evangelicals Podcast, hosts Tim and April recap the latest happenings in Christian culture, focusing on the recent debates between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They discuss the implications of Christian nationalism in politics, the spread of misinformation, and the role of conspiracies in shaping public opinion. The conversation highlights the importance of fact-checking and the need for accountability within the evangelical community while also calling listeners to engage in the political process and vote. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New Evangelicals Podcast 10:01 Debate Recap: Biden vs. Trump 19:54 Kamala Harris vs. Trump: A Night and Day Comparison 30:10 Fact-Checking the Debate: Truth vs. Lies 39:55 The Role of Christian Nationalism in Politics 49:46 Conspiracies and Misinformation in the Right-Wing Sphere 01:00:14 The Impact of Evangelicalism on American Politics 01:10:10 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tim and Dr. Jemar Tisby discuss Dr. Tisby's new book, 'The Spirit of Justice,' which highlights key figures in the black Christian tradition who have pushed the church forward. They also explore the history of racial progress and the patterns of backlash that have occurred throughout history. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning from the black history that is often overlooked or erased. The conversation explores the audacious story of Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved person who stole a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped to freedom. It highlights the importance of political democratic participation for black people, even in the shadow of slavery and the Civil War. The conversation also delves into the themes of deconstruction and decolonization in the context of faith and politics, emphasizing the need to learn from black Christians and center their voices. It concludes with a discussion on the significance of history and the importance of studying racial history in our current cultural moment. Highlights: 13:45 The Spirit of Justice 21:39 Courage and Resilience in the Face of Injustice 26:27 Uncovering Overlooked Black History 39:31 The Importance of Political Democratic Participation for Black People 45:21 Deconstruction and Decolonization: Learning from Black Christians 55:43 The Myth of Being on the Right Side of History 01:01:03 Principles over Party: Making Informed Political Choices 01:09:24 Taking Ownership of Our Education: Learning About Marginalized Communities 01:13:33 The Significance of History in Understanding Our Current Cultural Moment Jemar's Website | jemartisby.com Jemar's Books: The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tim interviews James McGrath, a Bible scholar and author of the book Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist. They discuss the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding John the Baptist and how understanding him better can lead to a better understanding of Jesus. Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:40 The Two Books on John the Baptist 08:12 John the Baptist: An Anti-Establishment Figure 11:56 The Impact and Fame of John the Baptist 26:04 Jesus' Association with John's Movement 28:24 John the Baptist and Jesus: A Shared Movement within Judaism 33:14 Challenging Established Religious Practices: Animal Sacrifice and the Temple 39:38 John's Emphasis on Social and Economic Justice 45:15 Calling for System Change: John's Message of Transformation 50:03 Inclusivity and Expansiveness: A Theme in the Bible and Christian Tradition James's Book | Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist Jame's on X | @ReligionProf The Devil Wears Prada | Danger Wild Man _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this RECAPS episode, Tim and April discuss various topics, including parenting, gun control, and a lawsuit challenging the Johnson Amendment. They express frustration with the lack of action on gun control and the hypocrisy of some evangelical Christians who advocate for pro-life policies but resist common-sense gun regulations. They also highlight the lawsuit filed by the National Religious Broadcasters and two Baptist churches against the IRS, seeking the ability to endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state and the need for responsible gun ownership. In this part of the conversation, Tim and April discuss two separate topics. First, they talk about James and Bridget Morris, who are starting a new church after James resigned from Gateway Church. They discuss the allegations against James' father, Robert Morris, and the questionable actions of the church. They find her website and discuss the extravagant offerings she provides. Finally, they briefly mention a video they found called the 'Bible Band' and JD Vance's comments on childcare. In this final part of the conversation, Tim and April discuss the fear-mongering and persecution complex within certain segments of Christianity. Chapters 23:05 Lawsuit Challenges Johnson Amendment 26:26 Maintaining the Separation of Church and State 31:14 The Need for Responsible Gun Ownership 33:13 Questionable Actions and New Beginnings: The Morris Family and Gateway Church 40:10 Exploiting Faith: The Exorbitant Price of Nicole Crank's Mastermind Course 57:15 Lack of Understanding: JD Vance's Comments on Childcare 01:07:33 Discussion on Fear-Mongering and Persecution Complex 01:10:54 Personal Experiences and Leaving Christian Nationalism 01:12:35 Analysis of Eric Metaxas' Misinterpretation of Bonhoeffer _______________________________ Come to the LIVE EVENT in Austin, TX | Democracy at Risk REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices