Shows
Veterans of Culture Wars104: Warren Throckmorton on David Barton's Christian Nationalist LiesWarren Throckmorton returns to the VCW hall to talk about his new podcast Telling Jefferson Lies, a companion to the recently released updated version of his 2012 book with Michael Coulter, Getting Jefferson Right. We talk about the conservative pseudo-historian David Barton, and how he distorts history to uphold and further a White Christian Nationalist view of America. Also, Mark Driscoll shares his thoughts on the new Apple Vision Pro VR headset.
Check out Professor Warren Throckmorton's work on his website: https://wthrockmorton.com/
Listen to the "Getting Jefferson Right" podcast right here...2024-02-201h 04Veterans of Culture Wars101: Holly Jolly X'masu and Christmas Underground: Scott Leopold and Jim GoodwinNiche Christmas music enthusiasts Scott Leopold of the Japanese Christmas music podcast "Holly Jolly X'masu" and Jim Goodwin of the contemporary indie rock Christmas music blog "Christmas Underground" help spread some Christmas cheer around the VCW hall by podcasting loud for all to hear. Scott shares a couple of his favorite songs he's covered on his podcast and we all talk about the what real meaning of "the real meaning of Christmas" means to us.
Check out Christmas Underground, and read Jim's review of Zach's record here: https://christmasunderground.com/2020/09/11/zach-malm-the-darkest-time-of-year-2017-2020/
2023-12-121h 07Veterans of Culture Wars099: Dave White of Linoleum Knife on Fundamentalism, Coming Out, Movies, and ChristmasDave White, co-host of the movie podcast Linoleum Knife, visits the VCW to talk about his background with Evangelical Christianity and coming out. We discuss some of his favoritie movies of the year (so far) and also Christmas.
Listen to the Linoleum Knife podcast right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/linoleum-knife/id403079737
Linoleum. Knife episode featuring Zach and Dave talking about the movie: Jesus Revolution. https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/lk-special-jesus-revolution-with-veterans-of-culture-wars/id403079737?i=1000601675619
Support the show on Patreon:
https...2023-11-281h 28Veterans of Culture Wars098: Chris and Mendi Tackett are For Public Schools and Against Christian NationalismAdvocates for education, Chris and Mendi Tackett join the VCW hall to talk about current attempts to weaken and dismantle the public school system. We discuss "school choice" (moving toward privatizing education) and the ramifications if that type of policy was more widely adopted. David Barton also comes up as we dialogue about his many ways to inject pseudo-history into school textbooks.
Follow Chris and Mendi on Twitter:
@cjtackett
@mentack
Check out Chris Tackett's link tree featuring information on books being removed from libraries at...2023-11-211h 13Veterans of Culture Wars096: A Palestinian Christian Speaks on the Horror in Gaza: Rula KhouryRula Khoury, who is Palestinian-American-Christian, stops by the VCW hall to speak boldly about what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank with the current war. She talks about her family's history and we also talk about Christian Zionism (often fueled by forms of dispensational theology in America) which make it far more difficult for people to find pathways to peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
Books Rula Recommended:
*The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 by Rashid Khalidi
*The Ethnic Cleansing of...2023-11-071h 16
Veterans of Culture Wars095: Power, Fear, and Violence: Andrew Whitehead on Christian Nationalism and American IdolatryDr. Andrew Whitehead stops by the VCW hall to chat about his new book "American Idolatry" chronicling the current manifestations of Christian Nationalism in our country. He talks about the main pillars of Christian Nationalism: power, fear and violence. He also discusses how Christians can think about the Great Commission minus a colonial mindset or nationalistic aims.
Pickup a copy of the book right here: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/american-idolatry/412521
Listen to the 4-part podcast "American Idols" right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-idols/id1706355168
2023-10-3158 minVeterans of Culture Wars094: REAP On God's Campus: Erin Green and Paul Carlos SouthwickErin Green and Paul Carlos Southwick of REAP (The Religious Exemption Accountability Project) visit the VCW hall to talk about their work organizing and fighting for LGBTQ+ equality at overwhelmingly white, taxpayer-supported religious schools and colleges, and their new podcast for the Axis Mundi network, On God's Campus.
Learn more about REAP at https://www.thereap.org/
Listen to On God's Campus right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-gods-campus-voices-from-the-queer-underground/id1711256663
Support the show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod2023-10-2459 min
Veterans of Culture Wars093: RL Stollar on Child Liberation Theology and HomeschoolingR.L. Stollar joins the show to talk about his new book The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology, the homeschooling movement, and his work as an advocate for homeschool survivors. We discuss Mr Rogers, considering scripture stories involving children through the child's perspective, such as the binding of Isaac, and whether evangelism is an inherently traumatic environment for children.
Pre-Order the book here:
https://www.eerdmans.com/Mobile/Products/8283/The-Kingdom-of-Children.aspx
Visit R.L. Stollar's Website to read more, including his answers to some questions we didn't have time...2023-10-101h 26
Veterans of Culture Wars092: The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: Robert P JonesFounder and president of the Public Religion Research Institute and author Robert P Jones joins the VCW hall to talk about his New York Times bestselling new book The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future, which traces the underknown but outsized impact of the Doctrine of Discovery on minority and marginalized groups throughout American history into the present day.
Buy the book right here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Hidden-Roots-of-White-Supremacy/Robert-P-Jones/9781668009536
Read Robert P Jones' Substack right here: https://www.whitetoolong.net/
Follow...2023-10-031h 02Veterans of Culture Wars091: Josh Larsen Gives Us NightmaresFilm critic Josh Larsen (Filmspotting, Think Christian) joins us to discuss his new book Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies. We discuss frightful movies which have left a lasting impression and given him a deeper understanding of spirituality and human nature, covering multiple subgenres of horror, including slashers, psychological horror, found footage and more.
Buy the book Fear Not! right here: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666738520/fear-not/
Follow Josh Larsen on X (Twitter): @larsenonfilm
Visit Josh Larsen's website: larsenonfilm.com
Check out Think Christian: thinkchristian...2023-09-261h 04Veterans of Culture Wars090: Back from Summer Break with Tiki DrinksZach and Dave are changing lightbulbs and deep cleaning the carpets of the VCW Hall, getting it ready for the new season. They talk about trips they took this summer (including Zach's visit to a naked spa and the body positivity/body neutrality/embodiment stuff that involves), while also discussing Zach's recent realization that after 41 years of not liking beer or wine, and only kinda liking cider, what he really likes is Tiki drinks. Also, the Barbie movie. This episode is a preview of the sort of content people will experience if they sign up to be a patreon...2023-09-1243 minVeterans of Culture Wars089: The Adventures of Mr. Whitaker: Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals)Podcaster and social media star Tim Whitaker, with The New Evangelicals, expands on his story with Evangelical Christianity including his process of becoming LGBTQIA affirming. He discusses attending the Asbury Revival and also going to Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA conference. We also talk about where we think Evangelicalism is headed in the future.
Follow The New Evangelicals on Twitter: @newvangelicals
Check out The New Evangelicals website: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/
Support the show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod
2023-07-041h 01Veterans of Culture Wars088: American Prophets of the Religious Left: Jack JenkinsReligion News Service national reporter Jack Jenkins joins the VCW to talk about his most recent book "American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country". We contrast the religious right and the religious left and discuss progressive political movements of the last 20 years and how they surprisingly were inspired by religious faith in many cases.
Buy a copy of Jack Jenkins' book right here: https://www.jackjenkins.me/american-prophets.html
Check in with Jack's journalism work right here: https...2023-06-271h 21Veterans of Culture Wars087: DisneyLand Mayfield: DL and Krispin MayfieldDL "DisneyLand" Mayfield (at least for the purposes of this episode) and Krispin "Krispin" Mayfield join the show to talk about Disneyland, which Zach recently visited and is very excited to discuss and use as a jumping off point for talking about embodiment, being present, time and growth, our evangelical childhoods, neurodivergent experiences, fear, high control religion, and more, but also just a lot of specific talk about Disneyland.
Follow their Disneyland account on Instagram: @highly_sensitive_disney
DL's Substack "Healing is My Special Interest": https://dlmayfield.substack.com/
Check...2023-06-061h 32Veterans of Culture Wars086: Come & See the Great Films: Elijah DavidsonAuthor and film lover, Elijah Davidson, joins the VCW hall to share his Evangelical story and also talk about his new book "Come & See: A Christian Guide to the Greatest Films of All Time". We discuss some of these historic films and also chat about the Christian movie industry.
Pick up the book right here: https://elijahdavidson.com/books/come-see/
Get portions of the book for free in your email: https://elijahdavidson.com/come-and-see/
Follow Elijah on Twitter: @elijahdavidson
...2023-05-301h 40Veterans of Culture Wars085: The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Dr. Pamela Cooper-White and Dr. Marcia PallyDr. Marcia Pally (author of White Evangelicals and Right-Wing Populism: How Did We Get Here?) returns to the VCW hall with her friend, Dr. Pamela Cooper- White. We discuss Dr. Cooper-White's new book, "The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In And How to Talk Across the Divide".
Buy Dr. Pamela Cooper-White's book right here: https://www.fortresspress.com/store/product/9781506482118/The-Psychology-of-Christian-Nationalism
Follow Dr. Marcia Pally on Twitter: @marcia_pally
Buy Dr. Pally's book right here: https://www.routledge.com/White-Evangelicals-and-Right-Wing-Populism-How-Did-We-Get-Here/Pally/p/book/9781032134826
2023-05-021h 22Veterans of Culture Wars084: Culture War on Trans People: Billie HoardWriter, advocate and teacher Billie Hoard joins the VCW to share her story within Evangelicalism, her exit from those spaces and finding herself in a Mennonite church as an anarcho-pacifist. She also discusses coming out as trans to her family and school where she teaches. We also talk about how trans people have become targets in the ferocity of the Right's culture war.
Follow Billie on Twitter: @Billieiswriting
Check out Billie's blog and her writing about Preston Sprinkle's book "Embodied": http://heavenandearthquestions.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-sweetest-poisons-preston-sprinkle.html
Listen...2023-04-251h 11Veterans of Culture Wars083: Asian-American Apostate: R. Scott OkamotoWriter and podcaster R. Scott Okamoto returns to the VCW hall to talk about his new memoir Asian-American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University (out on April 18th, 2023). He discusses the process of getting it published, responds to some of the early reviews, and we of course talk about the book itself, which chronicles his experiences and observations from a good portion of his life spent teaching English at an evangelical university.
Buy the book: https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/asian-american-apostate/
Listen to Scott on the Chapel Probation...2023-04-181h 29Veterans of Culture Wars082: Tales from the Union Gospel Mission: Kyle ReynoldsFormer pastor for 15 years and former employee at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission (UGM), Kyle Reynolds comes by the VCW hall to share his Evangelical story and faith journey. We discuss how he became LGBTQ affirming as a straight pastor then talk about his work at UGM as well as the work that UGM does in Seattle. Within that work at UGM, we discuss Seattle's homelessness crisis.
Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
Twitter:
Twitter: @vcwpod
Zach- @muzach
Dave- @D...2023-04-041h 13Veterans of Culture Wars081: Too Punk For the Christians and Too Christian For the Punks: Jeff SufferingJeff Bettger (AKA Jeff Suffering) stops by to talk about his recently reformed 1990s Tooth and Nail band Ninety Pound Wuss, as well as his time playing music and being a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. We talk about his musical history, including Raft of Dead Monkeys, Suffering and the Hideous Thieves, and Team Strike Force, an early and very important band in the story of Mars Hill. He talks about discovering punk rock as a teenager, seeing Jesus as an anarchist, and his uncomfortable creative life as someone "too punk for the Christians and too Christian...2023-03-281h 31Veterans of Culture Wars080: Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Jonathan MerrittReligion reporter and book author Jonathan Merritt joins the VCW to share his Evangelical story that includes the trauma of being outed in 2012. We also discuss the ethics of publicly outing people (who are harmful to the LGBTQ community), death anxiety from certain religious backgrounds, and his fascinating *newest* book "Learning to Speak God from Scratch".
Buy the book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-to-speak-god-from-scratch-jonathan-merritt/1126434908#/
Connect with Jonathan Merritt:
Website: https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/
Twitter: @jonathanmerritt
Instagram: @jonathan_merritt
Linktree...2023-03-2158 minVeterans of Culture Wars079: The Power Worshippers: Katherine StewartThe VCW hall was honored to host author and journalist Katherine Stewart to talk about her religious background and how she fell down the rabbit hole of covering Christian Nationalism specifically through the religious right's attempts to radically alter or eliminate public education. She also talks about being trained in journalism craft by Wayne Barrett who covered Donald Trump for years but sadly died right before his inauguration.
Connect with Katherine Stewart on Twitter: @kathsstewart
Get a copy of Katherine Stewart's book right here: https://katherinestewart.me/books/the-power-worshippers/
2023-03-141h 12Veterans of Culture Wars078: The Best Movies of 2022: Sarah Welch-Larson and Jeffrey Overstreet (Part 2)Every year, around this time, Jeffrey Overstreet joins us to talk about our favorite movies of the preceding year. This year we are very happy to have Sarah Welch-Larson joining the discussion as well. On part 2 of our Best Movies of 2022 mega-episode, we talk about our personal top 10 movies from 2022.
Connect with Sarah Welch-Larson on Twitter: @dodgyboffin
Listen to Sarah Welch-Larson with co-host Kevin on the "Seeing and Believing" Podcast: https://christandpopculture.com/category/podcast/seeing-and-believing/
Buy Sarah Welch-Larson's book "Becoming Alien" right here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-alien-sarah-welch-larson/11386096072023-03-071h 53Veterans of Culture Wars077: The Best Movies of 2022: Sarah Welch-Larson and Jeffrey Overstreet (Part 1)Every year, around this time, Jeffrey Overstreet joins us to talk about our favorite movies of the preceding year, the Oscar nominees, and so forth. This year we are very happy to have Sarah Welch-Larson joining the discussion as well. On part 1 of our Best Movies of 2022 mega-episode, we talk about the Academy Award nominees for Best Picture and some smaller, somewhat idiosyncratic films that didn't make our personal top 10 lists but we felt were notable and worth sharing. On the next episode, the 4 of us count down our individual top 10 lists and share our thoughts on all of...2023-02-2851 minVeterans of Culture Wars076: Dave Ramsey (Non) Solutions: Amy FritzPodcast host and writer Amy Fritz joins us to talk about her Evangelical story and how her family moved from Minnesota to Tennessee as her husband Nathan took a job at Ramsey Solutions. She talks about how she came to realize that Ramsey Solutions was a toxic environment and that led her to thinking about untangling her faith from other unhealthy personalities, organizations and ideas.
Follow Amy Fritz on Twitter: @amyfritz
Listen to the Untangled Faith podcast right here: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/
Check out Zach's music...2023-02-211h 08Veterans of Culture Wars075: To Be Religious or Not to Be Religious: Professor David DarkProfessor and author Dr. David Dark joins the VCW hall to talk about his reframed and expanded new book "Life's Too Short to Pretend You're Not Religious". We discuss the definition of "religious" vs "spiritual but not religious", Hollywood's portrayal of Christians and/or religious people, why to "love a person is to love a process" and also that love takes a neighborhood.
Buy the book here: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506481661/Lifes-Too-Short-to-Pretend-You-re-Not-Religious
Connect with Dr. David Dark here:
On Substack: https://daviddark.substack.com/
2023-02-141h 11
Veterans of Culture Wars074: Fighting a Demon on Mount Everest with Dr. Matthew TaylorDr. Matthew Taylor joins us to discuss his recent podcast series Charismatic Revival Fury, released through the Straight White American Jesus podcast. We talk about central figures of the New Apostolic Reformation like C Peter Wagner and Che Ahn, the connection to the "signs and wonders" charismatic movement led by John Wimber, Matthew's concept of "prophetic memes", January 6th as a religious event, the increasingly intense and violent rhetoric of the spiritual warfare movement, and that time charismatics climbed Mount Everest to battle a powerful demon called The Queen of Heaven, and how that connects to January 6th.
2023-01-311h 27Veterans of Culture Wars073: Jingle Bell Rocks: Mitchell KezinWe talk with Mitchell Kezin, director of the documentary Jingle Bell Rocks!, which is about primarily left-of-center Christmas music, and features interviews with Reverend Run of Run-DMC, John Waters, Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, Low, and others. We talk about Christmas music as part of the rituals that people create to give extra meaning to this time of year, from putting on the music that you have to hear in order for it to really feel like Christmas, to making mixes and playlists to share with friends, something Mitchell has been doing since 1990. We also discuss Mariah Carey's...2022-12-131h 32Veterans of Culture Wars072: The War on Christmas Movies: Alonso DuraldeFilm critic and author Alonso Duralde talks about Christmas movies, Hallmark Christmas movies, and that time Hallmark aired a commercial featuring a lesbian couple that caused so much chaos that a whole new network was created to make exclusive content for people who get the vapors at the idea of a Christmas movie featuring a same-sex (or interracial) couple.
Alonso's books:
Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas: https://bookshop.org/p/books/have-yourself-a-movie-little-christmas-alonso-duralde/16524873
I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast's Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession: h...2022-11-291h 37Veterans of Culture Wars071: See You at the Polls: Brad Onishi on The Red Wave that Wasn't, January 6th, and the Extremist History of White Christian NationalismCo-host of the podcast, Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi returns to the VCW hall to talk about his forthcoming book (January 6, 2023) "Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism- And What Comes Next". While we are all seeing a rise in Christian Nationalism in our present political moment, Brad traces the history of how we got to this religious and political moment while examining his own roots being raised in southern California. We discuss the Barry Goldwater campaign, the conspiracies of the John Birch Society, Richard Nixon and the merging of conservative Evangelism fully with right-wing po...2022-11-151h 32Veterans of Culture Wars070: New Apostolic Reformation (NAR): Dr. Andre GagneFrom Concordia University in Montreal, Dr. Andre Gagne joins the VCW hall to share his story with Evangelicalism which included being a pastor for 10 years. We define Christian Nationalism and discuss the growing movement in America. Then we take a deeper dive into the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the 7 Mountain Mandate, some of the personalities pushing these ideas and how this connects to our contemporary politics.
Mentioned on the Pod:
NPR's Terry Gross interviews C. Peter Wagner on the New Apostolic Reformation: https://www.npr.org/2011/10/03/140946482/apostolic-leader-weighs-religions-role-in-politics#:~:text=Transcript-,C.,of%20the%20N...2022-11-081h 31Veterans of Culture Wars069: Harvest Festival 2022: Christian NightmaresRapture and hellfire and influencers, oh my! Prepare to be terrified by the spookiest episode of the year. The shadowy figure behind the Christian Nightmares social media accounts joins us to talk about the things that traumatized him as an evangelical kid, and the things that scare, amuse, and confound him now about contemporary evangelical culture. We also talk a little about Mark Driscoll, who recently claimed that the real reason he quit Mars Hill rather than face any consequences for his actions is that the elders of the church were planning to falsely accuse him of adultery.
2022-10-311h 19Veterans of Culture Wars068: I'll See You Tomorrow: Dr. Heather Thompson DayAuthor, Podcaster, Communications Professor and interdenominational speaker Dr. Heather Thompson Day joins the VCW hall to share her story with Evangelicalism and talk about her new book (written with her husband Seth Day) "I'll See you Tomorrow". Dr. Day discusses how lonely and disconnected our society is and how we can have meaningful friendships and relationships. We also talk about radical forgiveness.
Buy the book, "I'll See You Tomorrow", here: https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/seeyoutomorrow
Connect with Dr. Heather Thompson Day
Website: https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/
I...2022-10-2556 minVeterans of Culture Wars067: Banned From Christian Bookstores: Matt Johnson on Tooth & Nail, Roadside Monument, and Mars Hill ChurchMatt Johnson, former Mars Hill elder and drummer in the "Christians in a band not Christian Band" bands Roadside Monument, Blenderhead, and Raft of Dead Monkeys talks with us about the pre-Mars Hill 1990s Seattle Christian punk community, centered around Calvary Chapel in the University District, where Damien Jurado, Dave Bazan and many others also attended. We talk about his time in those bands, particularly Roadside Monument, who recently played a reunion show at Furnace Fest. We also talk about his 17 years at Mars Hill, what it was like being on staff as it was imploding, and the lingering...2022-10-181h 24Veterans of Culture Wars066: Hope and Faith: Alan Sparhawk of LowIn this special and occasionally heavy episode, we were honored to have Alan Sparhawk from the band Low visit the VCW hall to chat about his music, his religious journey with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and faith and hope. We discuss how faith and hope are different but play together, moments of transcendence, and the feeling of bumping into something holy. Knowing that Zach is a cancer survivor, Alan wanted to talk about the biggest thing happening in his life right now, as his wife and bandmate Mimi is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian c...2022-10-111h 50Veterans of Culture Wars065: Psychoanalyzing Evangelicalism: Dr. Paul HoardTrigger warning: In this episode, we discuss sexual abuse toward minors.
Dr. Paul Hoard joins the VCW hall to discuss his journey with Evangelicalism and how Evangelicals have interacted with psychology. We chat about cheap forgiveness vs true forgiveness, Sigmund Freud and Jesus casting out demons.
Connect with Dr. Paul Hoard on Twitter: @Hoardpaul
Website: https://paul-hoard.clientsecure.me/
Articles regarding a professor who abused students at Grace College:
https://julieroys.com/report-sex-abuse-claims-substantiated-founder-grace-college-music-dept/
https://www.christianpost.com/news/founder-of-grace-colleges-music-department-was-serial-predator.html
...2022-10-041h 19Veterans of Culture Wars064: The Science of Mermaids: Tori Williams DouglassPodcaster and soon-to-be-author Tori Williams Douglass joins the VCW hall for a wide-ranging discussion of her own story of being homeschooled in a fundamentalist Christian environment and going to Northwest College. She traces her journey to becoming an anti-racist educator working with businesses, churches and other organizations. We talk in detail about Critical Race Theory, the rightwing freakout over a black mermaid, Phyllis Schlafly, body positivity and body neutrality. Finally, Tori gives us a sneak preview of her forthcoming book.
Connect with Tori:
On Twitter- @toriglass
Instagram- @toriglass
...2022-09-271h 47Veterans of Culture Wars063: R. Scott Okamoto Puts Us on Chapel ProbationNote: Listening to this episode will not count toward your required chapel credits. Host of the Chapel Probation Podcast and soon-to-be author R. Scott Okamoto stops by the VCW hall to share his Evangelical story including his years teaching, deconstructing, and encountering racism at Azusa Pacific University, a school that claims to be "God First" since 1899. We talk about Christian colleges and universities, prosperity gospel theology and if Christian colleges actually are a factor in some students deconstructing their faith once they enter the "real world".
Connect with Scott on Twitter: @rsokamoto
Vi...2022-09-201h 22Veterans of Culture Wars062: Restorative Grief: Mandy CapehartGrief coach, author, and founder of the Restorative Grief Project, Mandy Capehart joins the VCW hall as we talk all about grief in its many forms, including anticipatory and disenfranchised/ambiguous grief, grief guilt, grief brain, grief as a non-linear experience, why the "5 stages" aren't helpful for understanding grief, and how churches often fail to support grievers, particularly through spiritual bypassing and through terminating cliches. Finally, we talk about how people can be better "grief supporters" when people in our lives are dealing with unimaginable loss.
Buy Mandy Capehart's book "Restorative Grief: Embracing Our...2022-09-131h 42Veterans of Culture Wars061: The Deadwood Bible: Matt Zoller SeitzMatt Zoller Seitz, Editor at Large of RogerEbert.com, joins the VCW hall to talk about "The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon", his new book on the HBO series Deadwood, as well as its fascinating and complex creator David Milch. We talk about grief, addiction, recovery, certainty, Terrence Malick, and Matt shares his changing thoughts on spirituality and faith while having experienced unimaginable loss. Toward the end, Matt talks a bit about encountering Wes Anderson at the beginning of his career, including being on set during the filming of Bottle Rocket.
Buy "The...2022-08-231h 44
Veterans of Culture Wars060: Hillsong of Trumpet the Bloodhound: Roxanne StoneManaging editor of Religion News Service and co-host of the award-winning podcast Saved By the City, Roxanne Stone joins the VCW to talk about her Evangelical story, how the last 5 years have affected her faith, the urban/rural divide in America including on faith issues, how she broke the news about Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz's resignation because of an affair, and her experience going from writing about religion at Christian publications to writing about it at a secular news outlet. Also, we talk a bit about the Seven Mountains Mandate, the New Apostolic Reformation, and the Passion translation...2022-07-051h 08Veterans of Culture Wars059: Stumbling Cracks: George Azar on His Gay Church DaysAuthor George Azar joins the VCW hall to talk about "My Gay Church Days", his self-published memoir of converting to evangelicalism as a teenager, becoming a pastor and thinking of himself as "struggling with same-sex attraction", his experience at Exodus International (the most notorious gay conversion organization in the world before it disbanded in 2012), and eventual acceptance of himself as a gay man and exit from evangelicalism.
Connect with George Azar:
Twitter: @mygaychurchdays
Instagram: @mygaychurchdays
Website: (Where you can order the book) https://www.mygaychurchdays.com/
-C...2022-06-281h 15
Veterans of Culture Wars058: Evangelicalism and Right-Wing Populism: Dr. Marcia PallyOur first international interview with guest Dr. Marcia Pally as we talk about her book "White Evangelicalism and Right Wing Populism: How Did We Get Here?". We discuss the duresses that white Evangelicals perceive themselves to be under, a history of how those perceived stressors and "us vs them" thinking inflames right wing populism. We also discuss how some Evangelicals at the end of the 1800s and beginning of the 1900s were socialists and/or supported more social programs. Toward the end, we talk briefly about her book on Leonard Cohen. Professor Pally teaches at New York University, at...2022-06-211h 10Veterans of Culture Wars057: Rise of the Religious Left?: Matthew SitmanFrom the popular leftist podcast "Know Your Enemy", Matt Sitman joins the VCW hall to share his story about being raised in fundamentalist Christianity and experiencing culture shock when he attended Grove City College while moving into an Evangelical culture. He discusses being a part of the historic Falls Church in Virginia in 2006 when there was an ugly church split over the appointing of an openly gay bishop. Moving from the conservative right to the left, he talks about how his faith has changed and remained constant while talking about the prospects for a religious left.
...2022-06-141h 13Veterans of Culture Wars051: Holding One Elbow with Joel Heng HartseThe return of author and professor Joel Heng Hartse to the VCW Hall! He talks about his new book Dancing About Architecture is a Reasonable Thing to Do, the process of writing about music, discussing Hillsong with a punk icon, and the joy of "fucking shit up for the Lord". Plus, Weezer.
Get Joel's book Dancing About Architecture is a Reasonable Thing to Do here:
https://wipfandstock.com/9781498293822/dancing-about-architecture-is-a-reasonable-thing-to-do/
Connect with Joel Heng Hartse:
Twitter: @joelhenghartse
Website: www.joelhenghartse.com
...2022-04-1957 minVeterans of Culture Wars050: Why Wham: Jon SmartVCW listener Jon Smart joins us to discuss his Evangelical story including his time in YWAM. Zach and Dave conducted an experiment when a guest had to postpone a returning appearance on our show. We tweeted out an invitation for someone who has been listening to the show to come on and talk to us. Our new friend, Jon Smart, answered that call.
Follow Jon Smart on Twitter: @tssbro
-Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
Twitter:
@vcwpod
2022-04-121h 08Veterans of Culture Wars049: Salty Not Psalty: Alissa Wilkinson on Food, Film, and Revolutionary WomenWriter, film critic and professor Alissa Wilkinson joins the VCW pod to talk about her new book "Salty: Lessons on Eating, Drinking, and Living from Revolutionary Women"! She shares her Evangelical story, discusses her jobs which include being a professor at King's College, a film critic at Vox and an author. Finally, we talk about her favorite film from last year "Bergman Island", Ingmar Bergman, and the Columbine martyrdom fantasy that came out of the horrific late 90s school shooting.
Pre-order Alissa's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Salty-Lessons-Eating-Drinking-Revolutionary-ebook/dp/B0992WT625
...2022-04-051h 19Veterans of Culture Wars048: A Call to End Homelessness: Kevin NyeNo relation to Bill Nye the Science Guy, Kevin Nye joins the VCW podcast to talk about his new book "Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness" (out on August 9th, 2022). We discuss the causes of homelessness, the myths about people without homes, some solutions to this crisis in our society, safe injection sites and more.
Pre-order Kevin Nye's forthcoming book (out August 9th, 2022) by going here: https://kevinmnye.com/grace-can-lead-us-home-book/
Follow Kevin Nye on Social Media:
@kevinmnye1 (on Twitter and Instagram)
K...2022-03-291h 14Veterans of Culture Wars047: Christofascism on the Road to Idaho: Bradley OnishiProfessor, writer, and podcaster (Straight White American Jesus) Bradley Onishi joins us to talk about White Christian Nationalism, Christofascism, purity culture and how those things relate to current events in Russia and Ukraine.
Follow Bradley on Twitter: @bradleyonishi
Listen to Bradley on Straight White American Jesus: https://straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/
Mentioned on the pod:
Eric Metaxes portraying Putin as a strong leader: https://currentpub.com/2022/02/25/the-eric-metaxas-show-pushes-pro-putin-propaganda-his-show-is-little-more-than-an-outlet-to-promote-conspiracy-theories/
-Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
Twitter:
@vc...2022-03-151h 22Veterans of Culture Wars046: Flooding the Zone with Empathy: Josh Lieuallen of the Ravel PodcastFrom the Ravel podcast, fellow Seattle-ite Josh Lieuallen joins the VCW hall to talk about his Evangelical story, his work on the Ravel Podcast, and deconstructing/reconstructing faith.
Check out the Ravel Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ravel/id1528109104
Follow Josh Lieuallen on Twitter: @joshlieuallen
-Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
Twitter:
@vcwpod
Zach- @muzach
Dave- @Davejlester
Podcast music by Zach Malm
Log...2022-03-081h 14Veterans of Culture Wars045: Purity Culture: Meghan CrozierCo-host of the Thereafter podcast, Meghan Crozier visits the VCW hall to talk about her evangelical story, purity culture, purity culture 2.0, exvangelical CCM karaoke, and more.
Mentioned on the pod:
"The Djembe Thread" - https://twitter.com/thepursuinglife/status/1486759817565794307
Resources Meghan Crozier recommends on the topic of Purity Culture:
Talk Purity to Me - https://www.instagram.com/talkpuritytome/?hl=en
Erica Smith - https://www.instagram.com/ericasmith.sex.ed/?hl=en
Meg Cowan - https://www.instagram.com/megccowan...2022-03-011h 18Veterans of Culture Wars044: The Best Films of 2021 with Jeffrey OverstreetFor this episode, we took a break from talking about Evangelicalism. Jeffrey Overstreet returns to the VCW hall to talk movies from 2021, which we all agreed was a diverse and eclectic year at the cinema, despite the year starting with theaters still closed. We talk about the Oscar nominees, our own personal top 10 films of the year, what he's been showing his students and what has resonated with them, some comedies in a year with very little comedy, and in keeping with Roger Ebert's axiom "the movies are a machine that generates empathy", some of the year's best empathy ge...2022-02-151h 55Veterans of Culture Wars043: Attached to God: Krispin MayfieldAuthor and Podcaster Krispin Mayfield joined the VCW hall to discuss his new book "Attached to God: A Practical Guide to Deeper Spiritual Experience" (out on 2/22/2022 from Zondervan). He writes (and talks on the show) about people being able to have a more secure attachment with God by recognizing their own styles based on Attachment Theory. Krispin also talks about his Evangelical story and his time in a Christian hardcore band called Sanctified Viscosity.
Get a copy of Krispin Mayfield's book by going to the website: https://www.zondervan.com/p/attached-to-god/
Fol...2022-02-011h 05Veterans of Culture Wars042: Jazz Robertson is Not ToxicJazz Robertson (co-host of Multiple Sources Podcast) joins the VCW hall for a wide ranging discussion about playing music in and outside of church, letting go of certainty, Alan Watts, Britney Spears' conservatorship, the problem of white supremacy in evangelicalism, and her 5 favorite drummers of all time.
Listen to Multiple Sources Podcast: https://www.multiplesourcespod.com/
Follow Jazz on Twitter: @jazzrobertson
Her website: https://jazzrobertson.com/
-Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
Twitter:
@vcwp...2022-01-251h 24Veterans of Culture Wars041: Shoutin' in the Fire: Danté StewartAuthor and speaker Danté Stewart joins the VCW hall to discuss his excellent new book "Shoutin in the Fire: An American Epistle" as well as his experiences in Evangelicalism being a black consultant including with The Gospel Coalition (TGC). He describes the effects on him being in white spaces and the tension in his work of capturing the painful realities of the culture around him but also having hope in the here and now. We recorded on the anniversary of James Baldwin's death (December 1, 1987) and Dante also reflects on the importance of Baldwin's work in his life.
...2021-12-071h 03Veterans of Culture Wars040: International Christmas Folklore with Benito CerenoWell there's Santa and Jack Frost and Krampus and Rudolph. Egg nog and stockings and tree lights and strudel. But do you recall Christmas werewolves, Christmas witches, the Catalonian pooping log, Ded Moroz, hallucinogenic reindeer pee, and the Icelandic Yule Lads? Benito Cereno does, and he's here to tell us all about them. All of them. Seriously, the man is an absolute encyclopedia of international Christmas folklore and traditions. If all you know about Christmas is Jesus and Santa, prepare to have your mind blown. We also talk a bit about Christmas ghost stories and left-of-center Christmas movie recommendations.2021-11-301h 44Veterans of Culture Wars039: Empty Tombs and Dragons: Ian Adams (Wizards of the Coast) on Christian Video Games, Gamergate, Gaming Charity Work, and Duck TalesIan Adams has worked at various game companies, on games such as State of Decay, and currently is at Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons). He walks us through some of the notable history of Christian video games, with sidequests about our childhood exposure to Dungeons and Dragons, the rise of video game-based charity organizations, and his perspective on the proto-MAGA Gamergate movement as someone working in the industry at the time it occurred.
Follow Ian on Twitter:
@ianwadams
Charities Ian Mentions on t...2021-11-231h 32Veterans of Culture Wars038: Death and the Afterlife with Comedian Dave MaherWhat do you believe happens after you die? What do you hope happens after you die? Dave Maher died. Well, sort of. Host of the "This is Your Afterlife" podcast and the subject of a memorable story on NPR's This American Life, comedian Dave Maher joins the VCW to talk about his near death experience and evolving thoughts about death, his Evangelical upbringing, and how his creative process has changed.
Find Dave Maher:
On his website: https://www.thisisdavemaher.com/
On Twitter: @ThisisDaveMaher
On Instragram: @ThisisDaveMaher
2021-11-161h 31Veterans of Culture Wars037: Religious Journalism and Post-Trump Evangelicalism with Katelyn BeatyAuthor Katelyn Beaty, former Christianity Today managing editor, current co-host of the Saved By the City podcast, and no relation to Warren "Two T's" Beatty, joins the podcast to talk about her time as the youngest and first female managing editor of Christianity Today, the state of religious journalism, evangelicalism and disinformation in a post-Trump (and potentially pre-Trump) world, and Mark "No T's" Driscoll. Plus, she gives us some details on her forthcoming book "Celebrities for Jesus".
Visit Katelyn's website: https://www.katelynbeaty.com/
Follow Katelyn on Twitter: @katelynbeaty
...2021-11-091h 03Veterans of Culture Wars036: Harvest Horror: Sarah Welch-Larson on Midnight Mass and Horror FilmsWelcome to our one year podcast anniversary! Spooky terror lies within! Sarah Welch-Larson returns to the VCW hall to discuss horror movies and how Evangelicals approach that genre. In the second half, we have a spoiler-filled discussion about the thought-provoking new Netflix horror miniseries Midnight Mass.
Follow Sarah Welch-Larson on Twitter: @dodgyboffin
Pick up a copy of Sarah Welch-Larson's book "Becoming Alien" about the Alien film franchise seen through the lens of Dr. Catherine Keller's theology: https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/
Sarah's recent writing:
https://www.br...2021-10-261h 26Veterans of Culture Wars035: The Age of the Exvangelical: Blake ChastainBlake Chastain, host of the popular podcast Exvangelical, joins us to discuss his faith story and what Evangelicals (and others) get wrong about Exvangelicals, how faith shifts impact identity, relationships, parenting, and more. Plus, Blake and Zach discuss the music of Dave Bazan, and what it's meant to them during their faith journeys.
Follow Blake Chastain on Twitter: @brchastain
Listen to the Exvangelical podcast: https://www.exvangelicalpodcast.com/
Further Reading:
Marlene Winnell - Leaving the Fold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD5ILAW/ref=dp...2021-10-191h 34Veterans of Culture Wars034: Critical Driscoll Theory: Dr. Jessica Johnson on The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill PodcastDr. Jessica Johnson (author of Biblical Porn: Affect, Labor, and Pastor Mark Driscoll's Evangelical Empire) returns to talk about her new piece in Religion Dispatches critiquing Christianity Today's "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast. We also discuss Driscoll's recent pamphlet "Christian Theology Vs Critical Theory".
Read her article here: https://religiondispatches.org/sharing-many-of-the-same-flaws-as-its-subject-the-rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill-podcast-puts-blame-anywhere-but-where-it-belongs/
Follow Dr. Jessica Johnson on Twitter: @dr_jessjohnson
Order Dr. Jessica Johnson's book "Biblical Porn" here: https://www.dukeupress.edu/biblical-porn
Mentioned on the Pod:
Book: Richard Delgado "Crit...2021-10-121h 34Veterans of Culture WarsEPISODE REPLAY: Jeffrey Overstreet on Evangelicals and the MoviesRoger Ebert said, "The movies are like a machine that generates empathy." Film critic and author Jeffrey Overstreet joins the pod to talk about how Evangelicals approach movies, cinematic art, transcendence, and empathy, as well as spiritually based themes in the films by the Coen Bros. He also shares some of his favorite films from 2020.
-Jeffrey Overstreet's website: lookingcloser.org
-"The Theology of the Coen Brothers? A Conversation Between Matt Zoller Seitz and Jeffrey Overstreet"
https://www.lookingcloser.org/blog/2018/04/20/the-theology-of-the-coen-brothers-a-conversation-between-matt-zoller-seitz-and-jeffrey-overstreet/
-Buy Jeffrey's memoir of moviegoing and fa...2021-10-051h 32Veterans of Culture WarsEPISODE REPLAY: Dr. Kristin Du Mez on Jesus and John WayneRevisiting our wonderful conversation with New York Times Bestselling author of "Jesus and John Wayne", Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez.
Author of the book "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation", Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins the pod to talk about how white evangelicals redefined Biblical masculinity to fit the militant masculinity of secular icons like John Wayne, Teddy Roosevelt, and William Wallace. We talk about Mark Driscoll, Donald Trump, Beth Moore, egalitarianism and complementarianism in the church, Explo '72, Hal Lindsey's "Countdown to Armageddon", Kristin's favorite John Wayne fi...2021-09-281h 02Veterans of Culture WarsEPISODE REPLAY: Biblical Porn- Jessica Johnson on Mars Hill Church and Mark DriscollRevisiting our conversation with Jessica Johnson, a professor (at William and Mary College) and author of "Biblical Porn: Affect, Labor and Pastor Mark Driscoll's Evangelical Empire". We talk about her anthropology work at Mars Hill Church in Seattle (from 2006-2008) which resulted in the definitive book about that megachurch. Zach and Dave have shared their stories about being a part of Mars Hill Church in past episodes so this is an exploration of the megachurch's history, teachings and culture. Jessica also shares about her current work on Jerry Falwell Jr and explains her developing thoughts on the culture war.
2021-09-211h 35Veterans of Culture WarsEPISODE REPLAY: Shane Claiborne Conversation on Guns and the Death PenaltyEPISODE REPLAY: We were honored to talk with Christian activist Shane Claiborne earlier this year about America's epidemic of gun violence. We recorded this episode on March 24th - a few days after mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, and the 3rd anniversary of the March For Our Lives. The conversation includes why gun violence is both a heart problem and a law/legislation problem, why Americans make idols of guns and rugged individualism, and Virginia becoming the 23rd state to outlaw the death penalty. The problem of gun violence can certainly look bleak, but Shane has an infectious hop...2021-09-141h 02Veterans of Culture Wars033: Driscoll's Spiritual Father Grift: Jolie Monea and Tiffany Eneas from Trinity ChurchJolie Monea and Tiffany Eneas, formerly members of The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, AZ, join the pod to talk about their experiences at Mark Driscoll's desert church, where Mark and Grace Driscoll present themselves as spiritual "father" and "mother" in front of the church while congregants are the "family". Jolie also shares about how her long-term friendship with the Driscolls (one of her daughters is married to one of the Driscoll sons) led to her family being part of a small home group with them after Mark resigned from Mars Hill, then ultimately moving with the Driscolls from Seattle...2021-09-091h 54Veterans of Culture Wars032: Gregory Thornbury on Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman and Critical Kayfabe TheoryLarry Norman biographer Gregory Alan Thornbury (Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music) joins the podcast to talk about the godfather of Christian rock music and the larger Jesus Movement that he inspired and later disavowed. He also talks about Critical Kayfabe Theory, a way of interpreting the actions of public figures like Mark Driscoll through the lens of professional wrestlers, who have a strict code of staying in character, and what happens when things go off script.
Get a copy of "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music: Larry N...2021-08-311h 37Veterans of Culture Wars031: Stephanie Drury and The Rise and Fall of "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill"Our first official return guest, Stephanie Drury from Stuff Christian Culture Likes, comes back on the pod. We talk about a variety of things related to the Christianity Today podcast "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill". In what ways did Mark Driscoll shape Mars Hill into a rape culture and teach about sex in specific ways that re-traumatized victims of sexual violence? Why did so many women at Mars Hill reach out to Stephanie, and what were their stories like? Is the Christianity Today podcast doing a better job of centering victims or protecting institutions?
2021-08-241h 26Veterans of Culture Wars030: All Christian. All Gay. All the Time: Pastor Matt NightingaleMatt Nightingale joins us to discuss the new Netflix documentary Pray Away, his own experience with gay conversion therapy, and his subsequent journey to acceptance, involving coming out as a married dad in his 40s. We also talk about 2 major figures in evangelicalism and what they meant to him: author Rachel Held Evans, and Jesus Movement hippie preacher Lonnie Frisbee, a gay man who claimed to meet Jesus during an LSD trip in the desert and was instrumental in the founding of the Calvary Chapel and Vineyard denominations.
Connect with Matt Nightingale:
...2021-08-171h 41Veterans of Culture Wars029: Inside Mark Driscoll's Castle: Former Security Director Chad Freese and Volunteer Ben EneasStories of control and paranoia from The Trinity Church, where at least one leader believes Mark Driscoll is the closest thing to Jesus on earth. Chad and Ben talk about how they ended up there, why they left, and why they feel Mark Driscoll should not be leading a church.
Follow Chad Freese on Twitter: @deardriscoll
Mentioned on the podcast:
-Former security director Chad Freese's website: https://www.deardriscoll.com/
-Tiffany Eneas (Ben's wife) wrote about her experiences on Warren Throckmorton's blog: https://www.wthrockmorton.com...2021-08-101h 50Veterans of Culture Wars028: The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill Podcast: Reactions and Thoughts On Episodes 1-4Zach and Dave discuss the first three episodes of Christianity Today's new podcast "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" by Mike Cosper, and Zach gives his thoughts on the fourth episode (which was released after our initial recording).
Mentioned in this episode:
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/
Raft of Dead Monkeys: https://raftofdeadmonkeys.bandcamp.com/
Ninety Pound Wuss: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VOvF0kfqCTRe37XzWQdvH
Suffering and the Hideous Thieves: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7...2021-07-201h 15Veterans of Culture Wars027: When Swamp Thing Met Jesus: Sam Thielman on Jack Chick and Christian Comic BooksEvangelical subculture has a habit of copying different art forms from the wider culture. In the era of superhero movies developed from long running Marvel and DC comic books, what were Christian comic books like? Cultural critic and co-host of the podcast Young Adult Movie Ministry, Sam Thielman joins the pod to discuss Christian comic books and committed Christian personalities who have worked in the comic industry. He also shares his story with Evangelical Christianity including his family's connection to Billy Graham and Franklin Graham.
Connect with Sam Thielman:
@samthielman on Twitter
2021-07-061h 30Veterans of Culture Wars026: Companions in Suffering: Wendy AlsupAuthor, mom, and math teacher Wendy Alsup joins the podcast to talk about masculinity (farmers vs warriors), her excellent book "Companions in Suffering", and her thoughts on forgiveness (which will be in a forthcoming book released in January 2022).
Connect with Wendy Alsup:
Website featuring her ministry and work: https://theologyforwomen.org/
Email: theologyforwomen@gmail.com
Twitter: @wendyalsup
Mentioned on the pod:
-Wendy's article on masculinity (farmers vs warriors): https://modernreformation.org/resource-library/web-exclusive-articles/the-model-for-christian-manhood/
-Wendy's book "Companions in Suffering: Comfo...2021-06-291h 22Veterans of Culture Wars025: First Church of Driscoll in Scottsdale: Professor Warren ThrockmortonDo evangelicals want to know the truth about abusive pastors? American history? Conversion therapy? In this wide ranging interview, Professor Warren Throckmorton talks about his Baptist background and journey with Evangelical Christianity. He discusses being a psychology professor and studying gender and sexuality, learning and changing his mind on LGBTQ issues and opposing an anti-gay law in Uganda. We also discuss his reporting on Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church continuing on with Driscoll's current organization, The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Read Professor Throckmorton's reporting (including about Mark Driscoll and Trinity Church) here:2021-06-221h 37Veterans of Culture Wars024: Dave is Wrong. Shrek is Not a Good Movie.Zach and Dave are back from a break! Zach presses Dave on whether he is still an Evangelical. Zach discusses what he has been learning about religious trauma. Both hosts talk about their favorites movies of 2020 and argue about whether "Shrek" is a good movie (this is still not a debate show, but there are some assertions that require a response, evidence that demands a verdict). The latest with the Southern Baptist Denomination is discussed as well.
Topics mentioned on the Pod:
-Dr. Russell Moore's leaked letter addressed to SBC executives: https://relig...2021-06-151h 17Veterans of Culture Wars023: A Reckoning for Evangelicalism: Pastor Paul SwearenginFrom the Non-Partisan Evangelical Podcast, Pastor Paul Swearengin joins us to talk about the reasons people are leaving the Evangelical church based on polling information given in a recent Gallup religion survey. We discuss the toxic mixture of faith and political power, racism in the church, marginalization of LGBTQ people and people not believing they find Jesus in the general church anymore. We also discuss the article "Losing Our Religion" by Russell Moore, the president of Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Find Pastor Paul online:
-The Non-Partisan Ev...2021-04-271h 06Veterans of Culture Wars022: Hospital Chaplaincy in the time of COVID: Lindsey DuBoisLindsey DuBois joins the pod to talk about her experiences in the Evangelical church and her work as a clinical hospital chaplain especially in the time of COVID. Lindsey is doing incredibly courageous work helping and praying with people walking through experiences of traumatic loss and grief.
-Check out Zach's music by going to: https://muzach.bandcamp.com
-Read Dave's occasional blogging at: www.dangeroushope.wordpress.com.
Twitter:
@vcwpod
Zach- @muzach
Dave- @Davejlester
Podcast music by Zac...2021-04-131h 08Veterans of Culture Wars021: Beating Guns: Shane ClaiborneEvangelical activist Shane Claiborne joins the podcast to talk about America's epidemic of gun violence. We recorded this episode on March 24th - a few days after mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, and the 3rd anniversary of the March For Our Lives. The conversation includes why gun violence is both a heart problem and a law/legislation problem, why Americans make idols of guns and rugged individualism, and Virginia becoming the 23rd state to outlaw the death penalty. The problem of gun violence can certainly look bleak, but Shane has an infectious hope that meaningful change is possible, an...2021-04-061h 02Veterans of Culture Wars020: Becoming Alien: Sarah Welch-Larson on Creation and EvilAuthor Sarah Welch-Larson (Becoming Alien: The Beginning and End of Evil in Science Fiction's Most Idiosyncratic Film Franchise) joins the pod to talk about evil and creation/discreation in the Alien film franchise, and her interpretation of the series through the lens of Dr. Catherine Keller's "The Face of the Deep: A Theology of Becoming".
Get a copy of Sarah Welch-Larson's book by going here: https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/
Follow Sarah on Twitter: @dodgyboffin
Read her film writing at Bright Wall Dark Room: https://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/author/sarahwelch/
M...2021-03-301h 07Veterans of Culture Wars019: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Andrew Larsen and Cari Conklin-LarsenPeacemakers Andrew Larsen and Cari Conklin-Larsen join the pod to talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and some of the Evangelical theological beliefs that shape America's approach to this ongoing crisis.
Mentioned on the pod:
Jewish Voice for Peace- Video: Israel Palestine Conflict 101. https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/israeli-palestinian-conflict-101/?fbclid=IwAR1Y0n21BelyVv6sibgKPpFWOLmWOBB6-XsMiPjcN0gBm7d787-OMtPBKNE
Video: Reporting on the Vaccine rollout in Palestine. https://www.democracynow.org/2021/3/4/vaccine_rollout_palestinian_territories_israel?fbclid=IwAR3Jm_dKLWElNIpiytdv-Xvlx0AlBhk0k-BzJvF-aWZ99Bqtx0f3xK0J8vs
Article: International Criminal Court opens...2021-03-241h 13Veterans of Culture Wars018: Jesus and John Wayne: Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez on Militant Evangelical MasculinityAuthor of the book "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation", Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins the pod to talk about how white evangelicals redefined Biblical masculinity to fit the militant masculinity of secular icons like John Wayne, Teddy Roosevelt, and William Wallace. We talk about Mark Driscoll, Donald Trump, Beth Moore, egalitarianism and complementarianism in the church, Explo '72, Hal Lindsey's "Countdown to Armageddon", Kristin's favorite John Wayne film and more.
For more information on "Jesus and John Wayne" and Dr. Kristin Du Mez and to get a c...2021-03-161h 02Veterans of Culture Wars017: Hologram Jesus? Canonicity and Extra Gospels with Benito CerenoBenito Cereno, co-host of the Apocrypals podcast and comics writer (Invincible, The Tick) joins the pod to discuss the Biblical canon and extra-Biblical literature. Spoiler alert: it's weird! He also talks about his upbringing in the Southern Baptist Church and his life as a comic book writer. Dave plays trivia host as Zach and Benito face off in a game of "God-Breathed or Not-Breathed".
Check out Benito's work and podcast:
https://benito-cereno.tumblr.com/
https://apocrypals.libsyn.com/
-Check out Zach's music by going to: htt...2021-03-091h 34Veterans of Culture Wars016: Jesus' Kingdom Vs Nationalism: Pastor Ryan Egli on his Evangelical JourneyPastor of Renewal Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Ryan Egli, joins the podcast to talk about his multi-denomination life journey in Evangelical Christianity. From Charismatic roots to Cornerstone Music Festival to the Mennonite Faith to a Grace Brethren College and beyond, he describes his experiences through different expressions of Evangelicalism. He also talks about his commitment to pacifism and non-violence inspired by the influence of the Mennonite faith, Jesus' Kingdom vs Evangelical Nationalism and what it is like to be a pastor during the age of COVID and racial unrest.
-Check out Zach's music by go...2021-03-021h 25Veterans of Culture Wars015: Looking Closer at Evangelicals and the Movies: Film Critic Jeffrey OverstreetRoger Ebert said, "The movies are like a machine that generates empathy." Film critic and author Jeffrey Overstreet joins the pod to talk about how Evangelicals approach movies, cinematic art, transcendence, and empathy, as well as spiritually based themes in the films by the Coen Bros. He also shares some of his favorite films from 2020.
-Jeffrey Overstreet's website: lookingcloser.org
-"The Theology of the Coen Brothers? A Conversation Between Matt Zoller Seitz and Jeffrey Overstreet"
https://www.lookingcloser.org/blog/2018/04/20/the-theology-of-the-coen-brothers-a-conversation-between-matt-zoller-seitz-and-jeffrey-overstreet/
-Buy Jeffrey's memoir of moviegoing and fa...2021-02-231h 32Veterans of Culture Wars014: The Late, Great World of Qanon: Kait DuganManaging director of the Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, Kait Dugan joins the pod to talk about Evangelicals and Qanon as well as share her story with Evangelical Christianity. We chat about why Evangelicals seem susceptible to belief in conspiracy theories and more.
Articles on Evangelicals and Qanon:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-faqs-what-christians-should-know-about-qanon/
https://religionnews.com/2021/02/11/survey-more-than-a-quarter-of-white-evangelicals-believe-core-qanon-conspiracy-theory/
https://religionnews.com/2020/12/01/eric-metaxas-and-the-losing-of-the-evangelical-mind/
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/26/1007611/how-qanon-is-targeting-evangelicals/
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2020/10/13/an-evangelicals-guide-to-qanon
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/17/opinion/evangelicals-qanon.html2021-02-161h 16Veterans of Culture Wars013: The 'Fun' of Fundamentalism: Author Christy Rood on Fundamentalism and IdentityAuthor Christy Rood comes on the podcast to discuss her faith story involving fundamentalism and her book on identity "Tracing the Threads: Examining the Story of Self for Lasting Change". We discuss the different strands of fundamentalism and talk about how Evangelicals approach identity.
Pick up a copy of her book here: https://gcdiscipleship.com/books/tracing-the-thread
Mentioned on the podcast:
-Phil Vischer's video on "what is Evangelicalism?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiiRnO7UTTk
-Phil Vischer podcast (with Phil Vischer) explaining the difference between Bob Jones-style fun...2021-02-091h 14Veterans of Culture Wars012: "I'll Fire Your Butt" Dave Ramsey's Empire and the Demonic Danger of Christian VentroliquismZach and Dave chat about Dave Ramsey's financial guru empire that grew out of the Evangelical Church with a syncretistic blend of faith and American capitalism. Also Zach shares a warning about the inherent demonic danger of Christian ventriloquial performance.
On Ventriloquism:
-Liberty Gospel Tracts - "What does the Bible say about ventriloquism?" - http://www.libertygospeltracts.com/question/prequest/ventriloquism.htm?fbclid=IwAR0iBlt5vDPhjhghnVNXFVisXy1NXc1FMIYFAd2-XvKq-YCyo3CqpmBZvxE
Articles on Dave Ramsey mentioned or used as source material on the pod:
-Matthew Paul T...2021-02-021h 19Veterans of Culture Wars011: Toque and Nail: Joel Heng Hartse on Christian Indie Music and Canadian EvangelicalismAuthor and Professor (at Simon Fraser University) Joel Heng Hartse joins the pod to talk about the world of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) with highlights into the indie CCM music scene in the 1990s when many of us came of age. We also discuss the differences between Canadian Evangelicalism and American Evangelicalism.
Joel is the author of "Sects, Love and Rock & Roll: My Life on Record (Experiences in Evangelicalism)" which you can get a copy of here: https://wipfandstock.com/sects-love-and-rock-roll.html. His work has also been featured in Image, Christianity Today, Beliefnet, Paste, Christ & Pop Culture an...2021-01-261h 27Veterans of Culture Wars010: Rethinking Hell: Chris Date and Nate Jacobson (SEASON ONE FINALE)Adjunct professor of Bible and Theology at Trinity College Chris Date and Nate Jacobson join the pod to talk about the Evangelical belief in the negative hereafter. An eternal Hell where unbelievers are tortured forever is a common belief in Evangelical circles but does the Bible actually teach about eternal conscious torment in a fiery pit?
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Check out Chris Date's website: rethinkinghell.com and theopologetics.com.
You can get a copy of Chris Date's book (with Phil Fernandes): "Is Hell Forever: Does the Bible Teach that Hell will be Annihilation or Eternal Torment?"
2020-12-151h 28Veterans of Culture Wars009: The Mars Hill Church Episode: Interview with Author and Professor Jessica JohnsonJessica Johnson, a professor (at William and Mary College) and author of "Biblical Porn: Affect, Labor and Pastor Mark Driscoll's Evangelical Empire", joins the pod to talk about her anthropology work at Mars Hill Church in Seattle (from 2006-2008) which resulted in the definitive book about that megachurch. Zach and Dave have shared their stories about being a part of Mars Hill Church in past episodes so this is an exploration of the megachurch's history, teachings and culture. Jessica also shares about her current work on Jerry Falwell Jr and explains her developing thoughts on the culture war.
2020-12-081h 35Veterans of Culture WarsBONUS EPISODE: VCW Interviewed by Non-Partisan Evangelical PodcastZach and Dave were interviewed by Paul Swearengin of the "Non-Partisan Evangelical" Podcast. This was recorded the night before our very first episode launched. Thank you to Paul for having us on! The conversation is in regards to the current status of the Evangelical church and what we think the future holds for this branch of American Christianity.
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-Check out the Non-Partisan Evangelical website here which includes podcasts, YouTube videos and more: https://nonpartisanevangelical.com/
-You can get a copy of Paul Swearengin's debut novel: "Joseph Comes to Town" by going here: https://nonpar...2020-12-041h 01Veterans of Culture Wars008: The Darkest Time of Year: Christmas Music for the Trump EraThis episode is dedicated to the memory of Jeremy Cooper.
Zach has a Christmas record out on vinyl! Dave interviews his co-host about his Christmas album while chatting about how Evangelicals approach Christmas, how the message of Christmas is the opposite of the pursuit of political power and Zach's influences in recording his album.
Make sure you get your copy of Zach Malm's "The Darkest TIme of Year" by going here: https://muzach.bandcamp.com/album/the-darkest-time-of-year
Check out music videos for some of the songs on "The Darkest Time of Year" by goi...2020-12-011h 06Veterans of Culture Wars007: Ambiguous Grief and Faith with Stephanie DruryStephanie Drury, from Stuff Christian Culture Likes, joins the pod to talk about ambiguous grief, her love of high church Catholicism mixed with charismatic Christianity, the November 3rd election, Henri Nouwen and more.
Find Stephanie:
Twitter: @Stuffcclikes
Facebook: Stuff Christian Culture Likes
Website: www.stuffchristianculturelikes.com
Podcasts: "Dongtini", "Hard Feelings"
Some Podcasts where she was a guest on the show: https://www.owltail.com/people/yNFHA-stephanie-drury/appearances
Mentioned on the Podcast:
Article: Sara Billups opinion piece in the Ne...2020-11-241h 03Veterans of Culture Wars006: Queer Theology: Interview with Shannon KearnsWriter and playwright Shannon Kearns talks to Zach and Dave about his story as a transgender Christian coming out of a more conservative upbringing. Transgender theology is discussed as well as queer theology which Shannon helped co-found with Brian G. Murphy. Shannon is currently writing a book for Eerdman's Publishing. Be on the lookout for that in the next year or so.
Follow Shannon Kearns on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shannontlkearns/
Visit Queer Theology by going to: https://www.queertheology.com/listen/
Check out Uprising Theater Company at: ...2020-11-171h 10Veterans of Culture Wars005: Adventures in Odyssey and Ableism with Randall ChrismanDedicated to the memory of Paul Malm.
Randall Chrisman joins Zach and Dave to discuss Ableism, his experiences in Evangelical Christianity, and his story of faith. They also analyze an episode of Focus on the Family's "Adventures in Odyssey" which was co-written by Zach's dad, Paul Malm, back in the 1990s.
Mentioned on the pod:
Book: "Companions in Suffering" by Wendy Alsup. Order here: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/companions-in-suffering-P008013447
TV Show: "Away" Streaming on Netflix. Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f_REapPwio
TV Show...2020-11-101h 06Veterans of Culture Wars004: Focus on the DobsonZach and Dave analyze the October newsletter sent out by Dr. James Dobson, one of the most prominent members of the Religious Right and founder of Focus on the Family who is supporting Donald Trump for president again. We also talk about other Evangelicals supporting the Donald and preach a mini sermon about Christianity and political power.
Mentioned on the show:
Alissa Wilkinson on the Columbine tragedy: https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/4/20/15369442/columbine-anniversary-cassie-bernall-rachel-scott-martyrdom
Dare to Discipline by Dr. James Dobson
Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson
...2020-11-0344 minVeterans of Culture Wars003: Wayne Grudem's Systematic TrumpologyZach and Dave discuss Donald John Trump's relationship with Evangelicals via a letter supporting his re-election written by Dr. Wayne Grudem on Townhall.com. Note: This is not the recent letter that Grudem wrote responding to former Pastor John Piper's thoughts on the election as we recorded this episode before Grudem wrote his most recent piece. Here is the Piper article which was written after we recorded this episode: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/policies-persons-and-paths-to-ruin
Mentioned on the show:
Article, featuring a survey, on Evangelicals and morality in public leaders. https://www.broo...2020-11-021h 15Veterans of Culture Wars002: Cassettes and Testimonies: The Origin storiesZach and Dave share their testimonies related to their experiences in Evangelical Christianity.
Purchase a vinyl copy of Zach Malm's Christmas album "The Darkest Night of the Year" by going here: https://muzach.bandcamp.com/album/the-darkest-time-of-year
Read Dave's occasional blogging at: www.dangeroushope.wordpress.com.
Twitter:
Zach- @muzach
Dave- @Davejlester
Email:
vocwpod@gmail.com
Podcast music by Zach Malm
Logo by Zach Malm2020-10-291h 07Veterans of Culture Wars001: In the Beginning...Defining EvangelicalismZach and Dave discuss the definition of Evangelicalism in the inaugural episode of the Evangelical explainer podcast. They also discuss their experiences with Halloween related to the faith growing up.
-Mentioned on the show:
Jonathan Merritt's "The Atlantic Article from December 7, 2015 entitled "Defining Evangelical": https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/12/evangelical-christian/418236/
"The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian and the Risk of Commitment" by Daniel Taylor. Order a copy here: https://www.ivpress.com/the-myth-of-certainty
-Purchase a vinyl copy of Zach Malm's Christmas album "The Darkes...2020-10-2742 min