What is culture anyway? Despite being a cultural commentary podcast, we’ve never quite teased out the seemingly-simple-yet-actually-complicated definition. So today, Patrick teams up with Christopher Watkin, author of Biblical Critical Theory, to define and make sense of “culture.” The two discuss what culture is (and what it isn’t) and what it looks like for Christians to engage with culture. Given that we’re all enculturated, what should we strive for: Should we be more monocultural? Or should our pursuit of Christlikeness place us outside of culture as a whole? How can everyday, averag ..read more

The topic of Christian nationalism just won’t seem to go away. But do we really understand it? The definition is undoubtedly slippery and has led to much debate: Is calling someone a “Christian nationalist” a slur? Or something to be proud of? Is it good or bad for the country? For Christianity? Today, Keith sits down with Andrew Whitehead, a professor and author who has found himself at the center of the Christian nationalism debate. Hear Andrew share insights from his recent book, “American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church,” giving a solid defin ..read more

“Anything goes.” That’s what modern-day sexual ethics has taught us. So, why then, do so many of our sexual experiences lead to frustration, disappointment, and shame? Today, Keith talks with Christine Emba, the author of “Rethinking Sex” and a columnist at the Washington Post, to discover more. Christine starts by explaining why she walked away from evangelicalism and how evangelical traditions surrounding sex contributed to her decision. She unpacks the institutional failures of the church that she believes have led to to today’s mass dechurching movement. Then, she shares some of our c ..read more

New Age. Demonic. A self-obsessive trap. The enneagram has taken much heat from critics, many Christians being chief among them. But is there a bigger, redemptive case for the enneagram in the Christian life? Jesse Eubanks, enneagram coach, host of The EnneaCast podcast, and author of “How We Relate: Understanding God, Yourself, and Others Through the Enneagram,” believes so. Today, he joins Patrick to address some of the toughest critiques of the enneagram and explain how the truth within the test can be utilized for good, both in the church and through cultural engagement. He addresses why t ..read more

By now, we’re all familiar with the tragic events happening in the Middle East. We are shocked and deeply grieved by the events of October 7, 2023. And like many others, we’ve recently found ourselves perplexed by some of the reactions of supporters on both sides. In this episode, Keith and Patrick aren’t seeking to weigh in on this political, international situation, nor are they offering a detailed history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Today, they address one specific question: Does the Bible require Christians to support the nation-state of Israel? Listen as they walk through America ..read more

“Kill all men.” “Talking about healthy masculinity is like talking about healthy cancer.” “So many men, so little ammunition.” Yes, these are actual headlines. How did the idea arise that masculinity is so dangerous and destructive? Is there any hope for redemption for boys and men in today’s culture? That’s what we’re diving into today when Keith sits down with Nancy Pearcey, a professor at Houston Christian University and the author of several books, including her most recent, “The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes.” Hear her explain why the script for masc ..read more

Did you know that we’re currently living through the single largest religious shift in American history? But unlike past movements, this is the first shift away from religion. Jim Davis and his coauthor, Michael Graham, explore this phenomenon in their recent book, “The Great Dechurching.” On today’s episode, Patrick sits down with Jim to learn more about the basis for this book: the most comprehensive, qualitative survey on dechurching that’s ever been done. You’ll hear Jim explain what it means to be “dechurched,” what’s the top reason for dechurching in America (the answer may surprise you ..read more

How did a generation of hippies experiencing “pharmaceutical enlightenment” become the same generation that produced the famous Jesus People Movement? That’s what we’re discussing today when Larry Eskridge, author of God’s Forever Family: The Jesus People Movement in America, joins Keith on the pod. Listen as Larry breaks down the history of this movement, the key players involved, and whether or not he classifies it as a true revival. Plus, did the recent film, Jesus Revolution, fairly portray the “Jesus People”? What caused this movement to finally fade off and what were its lasting effects ..read more

Like everything else in today’s society, the environment has become a subject of the culture war. Is there really a climate crisis? If so, whose fault is it and what’s the most effective way to respond? And why are so many Christians hesitant about the environment altogether? Today’s guest, Sandra Richter, author of Stewards of Eden, is here to shatter some stereotypes and issue a call for Christians to take environmental concerns more seriously. She backs up her argument with the Bible, citing numerous passages that should convict Christians to more intentionally steward our Earthly home. But ..read more

It’s no secret that politics has fractured the nation and the church, but perhaps the most painful casualty has been the family. If you have a family relationship (or two!) strained by politics, you’re not alone! Today’s guest, Jon Ward, a political reporter and the author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation, can relate. Today, he joins Keith to discuss why evangelicalism falls short in helping Christians learn how to think about politics. He shares the story of his upbringing, detailing his eventual break from an influential evangelical church. He details ho ..read more