America's Most Controversial Religious Movement (with Thomas Kidd)

Evangelicalism is arguably America’s most controversial religious movement. Non-evangelicals often have a variety of impressions about what “evangelical” means. But one certain association they make with evangelicals is white Republicans. Thomas Kidd draws on his expertise in American religious history to tell the story of Evangelicals today and why they still matter greatly for American and beyond.
READ: Who Is an Evangelical?: The History of a Movement in Crisis by Thomas Kidd (a.co/d/017a4eJB)
WATCH: Is Evangelicalism A Wayward Movement? ( • Is Evangelicalism a Wa... )
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[@kathleencassel1350]

You must be born again. A perfect start to the conversation about who is evangelical.

[@lindajohnson4204]

Amen. Religious Right's response to that in the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, is the daily repetition on so-called Christian radio, to "(don't) be so heavenly-minded that you're no earthly good". How has that affected the understanding that we must be born again? "Born agains" became the people to hate, typically, but wrongly-called "evangelicals", who weren't so heavenly-minded, became the image of the big voting bloc that took over the name evangelical, and took it away from its meaningful description of our belief in the gospel of the salvation Jesus came into the world to give us.

[@eugenetswong]

And everybody calling himself Christian will agree...and my response is "I disagree that you agree.". It's too easy to slip under the radar with only positive affirmation.

[@JonHuhnMedical]

I attended church with this brother back in the early 2000s, even had the privilege of being in his life group. I chose that particular life group because it had several Notre Dame PhD students, of which he was one, and even though I couldn't keep up with the intellectual discussions, I still gleaned what I could. He was always gracious with my questions in spite of the intelligence gap between us.

[@JonJaeden]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I just spent 40 minutes listening to an expert on the history of American evangelicalism, with considerable focus on its politicization and the tensions -- internally and externally -- that has caused, and never once was the word, "abortion," spoken. The life issue is what swept so many evangelicals into activism. It's corollary is the slavery issue of an earlier generation. We didn't become "political" without cause.

[@bradrushing5959]

...and the LGBTQ agenda!

[@hondotheology]

mcdowell is incredibly effeminate and none of the anti christian nationalists anti christians in politics want to risk their privileged position as christian moderates for the sake of all the people being destroyed around them

[@paulacoyle5685]

True, but the same truly pro life people are being lumped in (rightly or wrongly) with those who want to deny access to our country to people in need who are trying to seek refuge here, and a lot of racist terminology and behavior is used by a loud faction of those people.

[@Anabee3]

I believe ur correct. Idkh one can POSSIBLY separate their ethics from politics,.

[@lindajohnson4204]

However I believe that we have been deceived into thinking that it is acceptable as a replacement for the gospel and salvation. "Don't be so heavenly-minded, you're no earthly good" was the daily reminder on 1980s & '90's "Christian" radio, herding us into a greater identification with Right Wing politics, and actually demoting the importance of the gospel and salvation. But evangelical is by definition about the gospel and salvation. If we agree that the heavenly-mindedness of evangelical faith makes us "no earthly good", how can that not make us apostate? No one was more heavenly-minded than Jesus. He did not give His life for a political gospel, to save the world through politics or reform. That is a false hope and a false gospel.

[@list1726]

Thanks for posting

[@greatfilmmaker]

Notice he says WHITE!!! Evangelicals

[@danjohnson887]

As it should be...

[@paulacoyle5685]

@@danjohnson887???

[@eugenetswong]

I didn't notice, because I was hating him after he said "evangelical(s)". Notice how he spent so much time studying the so called most controversial group...and never mentioned communists, Jews, BLM, Democrats, or LGBTQ?? [Sarcasm] Oh, it's those horrible evangelicals infesting and infecting God's beloved government of LGBTQ communists. God wants more of them and not us!

[@JonJaeden]

Christians have as much right as any other group to exert pressure on public schools -- Christians are part of the public. The problem is not Christians opposing the teaching of evolution (or anything else). The problem is the institution of public school.

[@chadmccoy8032]

There’s a difference between putting pressure on someone and forcing people to do things by force of law.

[@RLBays]

I'm confused by this response...are you saying public schools should not be teaching science?

[@JonJaeden]

@@RLBays I'm saying public schools should not exist

[@RLBays]

@@JonJaeden Why on earth would you think that?

[@JonJaeden]

@@RLBaysYou might want to start by looking at what you get for your tax dollar. The institution is not working and, at the local level, it's generally the biggest consumer of tax dollars. It is an epic fail. But that aside, education is indoctrination and the ones who should be determining what children are being indoctrinated are the parents of those children, not government functionaries who are empowered to compel both attendence and their particular brand of indoctrination to the exclusion of others..

[@jrhemmerich]

At the outset, I object to the framing of the meaning of evangelical against the political backdrop as defined by the media. Primarily it is a theological concept. If the political implications of that commitment to scripture end up characterizing Christians along party lines because of the choices of those political parties then so be it. The political interest in evangelicals simply reflects the conflict with the gods of this age. If we run from this characterization by the unbeliever, then we will simply abandon the offense of the cross at the place where the battle is culturally the hottest. We do have the responsibility to make clear to the political media that our allegiance is to Jesus and his teaching first. We are not a political movement first and foremost. But for us Jesus is King of kings, so we are going to rain on the political gods’ party in this age. That is just unavoidable, and if anyone wants to apologize for this, then they need to find a new Lord. Jesus won’t allow us to make such an apology. Render unto Caesar the limited space in civil justice that he is appointed to by God, but everything else is the Lords, even Caesar’s justice.

[@chiakum]

You're so right (pun intended). Why are we so ashamed to be afflicted with a political party that do the right thing in God's eye? In the Bible, "political" parties appeared in the form of Noah vs crowd; Israel vs Canaanites; David vs King Saul; King David vs other kings etc. The church cannot live in a vacuum or an ivory tower. If we don't speak up and stand up against evil because of fear to be labeled, we are truly a salt that is tasteless, and light that does not shine.

[@paulacoyle5685]

@@chiakum because there isn’t a political party that does the right thing and the eyes of God, at least not consistently. God is not a fan of those who honor him with their lips when their heart is actually far from him.

[@lindajohnson4204]

Which we have not been given the power to administer.

[@lindajohnson4204]

​@@paulacoyle5685Amen!!!

[@eugenetswong]

@@paulacoyle5685 Okay. Tell the LGBT to be less politically active.

[@andre0baskin]

As Ryan Burge noted, half of Muslims who “attend services at a mosque more than once a week and align with the G.O.P. self-identify as evangelical.” The term has become political in 2024 America, whether people like it or not.

[@rgmrtn]

I spent almost four years trying to make it work at the Calvary Bible Fellowship. The people there would complain and complain and express resentment for the culture, the media, LGBTQ, liberals. Never once heard them pray about these people. What does that tell me?

[@moomin8251]

I must be too dim to understand, I thought evangelical meant someone who evangelises.

[@pembridgehouse]

or maybe also prosletyses.

[@kathleenvitello6233]

Not dumb, just mistaken. "Evangelist" is one who evangelizes.

[@joanarnold4343]

Thank you for the podcast. I appreciate this guest. One point- Our country was founded on evangelical principles. I am puzzled by the omission in this discussion.

[@lindiharris-axon8167]

Yes and no - mostly no.

[@greatfilmmaker]

You definitely need to talk about Christianity. And trump, because people think that they blend and they don't, so yes, talk about that at another time. PLEASE

[@paulacoyle5685]

He needs to talk to David French Tim Alberta and Russell Moore.

[@Anabee3]

​@@paulacoyle5685🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️. Okay...🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️Then make your request. It certainly doesnt take away from the request made by "greatfilmmaker". Be sure to make your request to Sean McDowell- the host of this show- instead of clapping back at other commenters making THEIR request. I, too, would like to hear what they have to say about evangelicalism has become blended (synonymous, imo) with Trumpism. I'd ALSO be interested in what they have to say about Tim Albert, David French & Russel Moore. I don't think YOU will like it. though. I think you'll regret that you even asked.

[@justin10292000]

​@Anabee3 Many evangelical Christians cannot STAND Trump. I worship Jesus Christ, not that monster.

[@kathleencassel1350]

I can see that involvement in politics because we were recognized as a substantial voting block turned out to be more of a stumbling block. And too many are presently reluctant to let go of that power in order to follow Christ and work for the Kingdom of God. Surely it is possible to allow for different opinions about political policies and still be brothers and sisters in Christ.

[@johntobey1558]

Evangelicals voted for Jimmy Carter in the 1970's.

[@HonestlyNow4Real]

Yes, we did. Not exclusively, but as a new babe in Christ, I figured if Jimma was also in the Lord's grip then he would submit to His will. I was wrong.

[@benvastine257]

Yes

[@mimilong3817]

The people will heal and accept God once politics is removed entirely from Christianity. It’s the only way. You can never force religion on others. God doesn’t operate that way. We are all chosen to spread the word but never by fear, hate or force. I’m a born again Christian who knows and loves Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I have my own personal relationship with Him which has developed naturally over the years through my own life experiences. I came from many years into my mid 50s of being agnostic. Growing up, my family never went to church. We didn’t own a bible and we didn’t pray but Jesus Christ came to me through a miraculous Near Death Experience when He saved me and Miraculously Healed me. The cross in my avatar is a beautiful symbol of Jesus Christ which He showed to me in my twilight sky and I photographed it. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus Christ who is so peaceful and accepting people, no matter their politics.

[@charliedontsurf334]

How do you separate Christianity from politics? I’m all for not forcing conversions, but I am all for the Pro-Life Movement as modern Abolitionism.

[@jrhemmerich]

I would encourage you to think about the idea that you can remove Jesus from politics. I agree that we should have religious liberty in politics. But that is because I think thats’s what Jesus wants. If someone wants something else politically, I say no, Jesus doesn’t want that. So in my view, your views about religious freedom in politics and politics not forcing religious belief or non-belief (like atheist communism did, or Muslims do) is actually an example of a Christian type of politics. There will be some sort of god in the state. Either it will be Jesus (implicitly or explicitly) or it will be another god (maybe the state itself). For too long we in the west have forgotten that religious liberty is the product of Christian political principles. I would encourage you to consider this angle.

[@chiakum]

Have you ever asked why did Jesus used a political term "King", "rule", "govern" to describe His reign over all the earth? We have learned from history when we as a Church remove ourselves from any political involvement the consequence was devastating.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

I went to Bryan College for a year.

[@mimilong3817]

You absolutely cannot mix a chosen political ideology with Christianity! God forces no one to believe in Him. I am a born again Christian who knows Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He definitely is not either Republican nor Democrat. You start carrying the United States flag into your church and your heart and you are worshipping something or someone other than Jesus. It doesn’t matter whether evangelical or fundamentalist it’s all the same when you blend politics with religion.

[@KM-zn3lx]

The only thing is is that certain issues are now called political that are definitely moral issues (i.e. abortion, lgbtq+ stuff, infiltration of trans agenda, etc.) . The Christian church has abdicated its role saying they're political when they're not and then we act surprised we have no infkuence on culture and then it eradicates Christianity and threatens our freedom. I have no problem with churches that have their nation's flag and certainly tell ppl to vote their conscience. If you don't have a free nation you will have no freedom to be a christian and then furure generations will be secular.

[@jrhemmerich]

That is correct, we can’t mix Jesus with our politics. We need to submit our politics to him and over time learn to be wise about it. We learn how to share civil power with unbelievers while forming coalitions which support moral standards that are consistent with with God’s standard for all humans, believer or unbeliever alike. This is the goal of Christ’s justice under law. It’s not about imposition, it’s about persuasion concerning God’s justice in the public square. That includes the freedom to not be a Christian. It doesn’t include the right to murder or make human sacrifices (even in the name of religious liberty). There is freedom for the believer and unbeliever, but within a godly/just civil order. That is the Christian political goal as I would put it. Something to consider.

[@lindajohnson4204]

AMEN!!! !! !!

[@Outrider74]

The title of this video suggests the problem. Christianity is not a movement; it is an institution ordained by God. There is all the difference in the world in that understanding. The church is too fad-driven, especially here in America. Contrast this with the Historical church of old, and it is night and day. There is a reason why people are leaving Evangelicalism and going to Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, eastern orthodoxy, and Lutheranism. Even though those four confessions, I mentioned have differences, they all have a strong understanding of historical continuity, and generally do not try to jump on the latest trends or clever innovations. People want some thing that does not change with the times, and traditional confessional Christianity is supposed to be that way.

[@foodforthought8308]

Completely agree!

[@foodforthought8308]

Actually maybe not totally agree - I think Christianity began as a "movement" with institutional structure with the Apostles. But Christ is not limited to that particular structure persay

[@MrsJenny-xl3fz]

I see those Mainline denominations swaying wildly with cultural trends. They open wide the paths that lead to destruction and approve of sinful practices in order to get more people in. Scripture is clear that the way is narrow that leads to life. With that in mind, can you really say that the more people that join those churches the clearer it is that they have the truth? I think the opposite is more likely, that is, that they are on a broad destructive road. It is my prayer that God will reach into these denominations and call them back to the truth. Thankfully, there is some evidence that He is at work. Make no mistake, there will only be a remnant of them who do not bend the knee to the cultural pressure.

[@Outrider74]

@@MrsJenny-xl3fz Well, as a Confessional Lutheran, I can pretty much attest to Lutheranism's alignment with the Word of God. Yes, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy have their issues. But the modern evangelical movement isn't doing that much better.

[@foodforthought8308]

@@MrsJenny-xl3fz There is so much we should learn from the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions!

[@markwarne5049]

Are Baptists,Pentecostals,Charismatics Evangelicals?

[@SeanMcDowell]

Generally yes

[@MichaelBump]

For the most part, yes

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Nice succulents on your round table.

[@scottsmith4178]

It would be helpful for evangelicals who display a flag to replace it with the Kingdom of God flag.

[@gr8god4u]

Many people consider me to be among evangelicals but that is quite far from the truth. How you describe people from the outside is almost exactly how I perceive evangelicalism. It definitely has some very good roots but roots are not the only thing that matters. And I also see that many people who are considered in that movement especially several denominations are in great decline. I have always considered myself pre-denominational, non-denominational or undenominational

[@kathymolnar8507]

Evangelism. Didn't Jesus Christ say Go into all the world and share the good news?

[@lindiharris-axon8167]

As long as you don't also spread political party idealogue-ism, that's fine. And as long as the "good news" remains what Jesus did (and does) for us and what that means in our lives, yes. If you add American Exceptionalism, former President Trump as Cyrus, and that God wants us to creat a theocracy, whether we should kick back against BLM, etc. then, no.

[@josevalverde7431]

Porque muitos academicos estudioso da Biblia estao abondonando a fé, ? Seria o.materialismo.pos mideri, a avareza, ?

[@josevalverde7431]

Muitos parece seguir o caminho do ateista Bart Erhman, me sinto triste com essa gente, qual o fenomeno de abondonarem a fé,o racionalismo, ou é incredulidade mesmo, também pastores abondonando para se tornarem ateus.? Tenho alguns livros do Josh Macdowel acho muito bons.

[@BigMamou367]

​@josevalverde7431 I have seen KZbin videos titled about that also. I don't want to watch it. I do watch one Atheist channel of ex Muslims that got out of their countries, and they defend the Christians because they know they are persecuted.

[@chadmccoy8032]

No.

[@josevalverde7431]

@@BigMamou367 👍❤️🤝🤝🤝

[@kathleencassel1350]

I love the recognition of appropriate affection response to the truth of God. That is truly a mark of evangelicals. It is the mark of the early Christians too.

[@JonJaeden]

There's something we fail to be grateful for and that is the fact Africans forcibly brought to America, by and large, historically adopted Christianity as their faith. Whether regenerated or not, I'll leave that question to the Holy Spirit, but their conversion to the faith of the larger white society (with variations of orthodoxy) created common cultural ground. Had they retained a faith hostile to Christianity, American history could have been a lot uglier (Indeed, the growing ugliness today is being fed by a growing hostility to Christianity). That has implications for what the church of the slavery era should have done, in my view (with the benefit of hindsight). The evangelization of African slaves made them Christian brothers to their white Christian owners. Biblical law did not permit keeping a fellow Hebrew -- a brother -- in perpetuity (unless he volunteered to remain). He had to be released in the seventh year of service. Consistent application of the Bible would have led to regular emancipations -- perhaps after seven years service -- thus making the trade in African flesh, based as it was on perpetual and generational slavery, financially unviable and causing it to collapse. The issue is not whether slavery, per se, was or is sinful. The issue is whether Christians holding Christians as slaves in perpetuity is forbidden by biblical law and whether a converted slave has the right to freedom after seven years service. I also note some evidence of that law in Paul's letter to Philemon. Excerpted: "I COULD be bold and ORDER YOU TO DO WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO, yet I prefer to APPEAL TO YOU ON THE BASIS OF LOVE. ... any favor you do would not seem forced but would be VOLUNTARY. ... NO LONGER AS A SLAVE, but better than a slave, as a DEAR BROTHER. ... both as a FELLOW MAN and as a BROTHER IN THE LORD. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him AS YOU WOULD WELCOME ME. ... not to mention that YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SELF. ... refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your OBEDIENCE, I write to you, knowing that YOU WILL DO EVEN MORE THAN I ASK." The letter virtually drips with pointed "hints" as to what is the right thing to do. It would be disingenuous to say Paul not explicitly saying to free Onesimus means Paul was saying it was neither here nor there for Philemon to continue enslaving a "dear brother." Silence is not automatically compliance. The LGBTQs have long falsely used the silence of Jesus on homosexuality to imply their acts are permitted or at least condoned. An earlier generation of American Christians missed the boat (no pun intended) by not applying biblical law to a problem that was just going to grow. Historic opportunities were lost. And I say that as member of this generation which is infinitely more sinful.

[@paulacoyle5685]

Kidnapping was always sinful. Selling oneself into servitude to pay debts was akin to taking a menial job on a long (Less than 7 year) contract. Everyone was forgiven and set free every 7th year, if they wanted to leave.

[@CCiPencil]

I no longer consider my self an evangelical. This should be an interesting video

[@lindiharris-axon8167]

I'm looking for a new title. I think many of us are. I am not a "New Evangelical" - too angry and too much emphasis on the social gospel (although I do believe Christianity has something to say about justice for the poor and oppressed and things re: that for us to say and do). I'm not a liberal Christian. I still believe the bible is true -although I believe we often misunderstand it (or why would there already be so many denominations?). So, what term do people like me use?

[@CCiPencil]

@@lindiharris-axon8167 great post! I have no idea. Pre Augustinianism? Way too dull and no one would get it. Pre empire Christianity?

[@kathleenvitello6233]

​@@lindiharris-axon8167when meeting people I don't know, and briefly mentioning my faith, I typically say I am a born-again Christian. If they don't know what that means I can then explain. I think it's the simplest most biblical way to explain who I am.😊

[@Jesus_Lied_ReadTheBible]

When your religion wants to legislate their religious beliefs over everyone else its a religion not worth saving especially when your “messiah” can’t get his promises and prophecies right (Matthew chapter 10, 16, and 24 to start). Deuteronomy 18:20-22 warn us against people like David Koresh and Jesus who fail to get their words right!

[@DrewS777]

How can any Christian vote for a pro abortion candidate?

[@paulacoyle5685]

I agree it seems impossible. Also, How can any Christian vote for an anti migrant candidate?

[@chadmccoy8032]

Pro Choice.

[@K_d_-dz6ps]

@@paulacoyle5685 Migrants are fine. But there is a process to entering the country and becoming citizens. That process is being circumvented. This is the concern

[@peterfox7663]

​@@paulacoyle5685 What candidate is anti-migrant?

[@CATHYKNOTT]

The elders cannot lay on hands in the prayer of faith digitally

[@PaulP-kz4rj]

Perhaps he should reflect on his own words, for there is the key of how secular people view evangelicalism : "I grew up in a mainline family, so got saved out of all of that..." at the 7:40 minute mark. As a mainline Christian, I find this statement repugnant, really judgmental. Herein lies the problem with evangelicalism and the understanding of the faith of literalism. While speaking to secular humanists, I can tell you the many many times I have heard people say "I believe in the teachings' of Jesus, just not in his followers..." Evangelicalism needs to understand that ancient greek work "metanoia", "turn their thinking," on what it means to see that the Kingdom of God has come near" ... THE gospel of Jesus (Mark 1.15) Perhaps the modern evangelical movement should examine the teachings of Jesus on non-judgmentalism, perhaps most importantly the parable, and teaching of Jesus on "who is my neighbor." (see Luke 10.29) Unfortunately, when I have talked to evangelicals, they do not understand this teaching, and how it relates to judgmentalism.

[@kathleenvitello6233]

As a Christian we shouldn't "carry the United States flag into your church", but we SHOULD carry Jesus into our local state and national government by expressing godly opinions, voting, and taking appropriate actions in any way we can.

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

“Deep Love on offer.” That is the way one of Sean's recent KZbin guests, Rebecca McLaughlin, described the atmosphere her church strives to create. Unfortunately, with their emphasis on dogma and orthodoxy, many Evangelicals are more accurately represented by the phrase, “Correct doctrine on display.”

[@charliedontsurf334]

The point of Evangelizing is so that people get the important parts of Christianity in order to be saved. If someone gets that wrong, then…Matthew 7:21-23.

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

@@charliedontsurf334 I hear you! I think the doctrine-centered Evangelicals I'm criticizing are acting with the best of intentions. But it seems to me that they are so focused on curating and promulgating immaculate doctrine, that they forget about the messy business of loving people - all kinds of people. I see the issue in light of I Corinthians 13.

[@HonestlyNow4Real]

​@@user-bz2wm4ks6yYou're likely referring to one of the faithful local church pastors who is spending his sermons building up his flock, equipping them to navigate life under the direction of the Holy Scriptures. That's his primary job, not evangelizing the lost. Evangelism needs to be the primary thrust of every evangelical church, even as the focus of every evangelical sermon would be worship of the Lord and the equipping of the saints. Amen?

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

@@HonestlyNow4Real My opinion is based on hearing sermons from a few pastors, having conversations with a number of family members, friends and acquaintances, and watching KZbin videos by Evangelical influencers. I find a clear inclination to prefer principle to people. An example of what I'm talking about can be seen in the response to Andy Stanley's Unconditional Conference (held some 8 or 9 months ago) which had programming meant to help/guide families of LGBTQ+ people. I did not attend, but apparently the conference invited some people whose theology didn't come up to snuff or used language which most Evangelicals found too affirming. As near as I can tell, the Evangelical response on KZbin was unanimous in its condemnation. Some KZbinrs went so far as to question Mr. Stanley's salvation. How many of these same KZbinrs addressed ways in which these families could be helped by the church? As near as I can tell, one. I am not accusing every Evangelical of hard-heartedness, but my experience tells me that, as a rule, Evangelicals would rather hold forth on doctrine than reach out in love to someone.

[@HonestlyNow4Real]

@@user-bz2wm4ks6y That's a fair concern. Every Evangelical brother or sister of mine will need to see to his or her own heart in the midst of their standing on truth, but ALL of a genuine Christian's lovingkindness must be rooted and anchored in truth, or we are unhelpful - even harmful - to whoever we imagine ourselves helping with our loving attitudes. Love is not mere empathy or sympathy. It is an invitation to come out of danger and into safety. It is a healing balm, not a band-aid. It is a clear light to one's path - not mere paving of a dead end. The so-called "Side B" approach to dealing with sexual sin is built on the notion that you cannot properly love your "queer" child unless you affirm their "same-sex attraction" as an essential part of your child's soul, and not simply a sinful desire that needs to be denounced and daily killed. The clarity of the stance will seem "authoritarian" to someone who is convinced that there's nothing essentially wrong with his/her badly bent desires. Andy Stanley just wants everyone to come to his church and feel good about being there - that's an anti-Biblical mindset, destined to consign thousands to sins that they misunderstand God to be "chill about." The church is a community in which all help one another to kill besetting sins - to that end, we cannot attend your faux "weddings" where there's two "brides" or two "grooms." Because of our insistence that we will not celebrate what God condemns, we know that there will be children who call us unloving, and community groups that insist that we are the worst type of bigots. Let God be true and every man a liar - we love all of you, but we're not playin' at all! See what I mean? Do I come across as loving or "hard-hearted?" I can't love a junkie by buying him drugs; in the same way, I can't love a sexually confused person by affirming his/her confusion.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Baptist and evangelicals sound like fundamentalists to me. Especially since I was in both of them and even more denominations.

[@BigMamou367]

I don't know what state you are in. But I occasionally attended a Baptist church out here in the Bay Area of California. It is a mixed bunch of nice people a little to layed back. I had wanted to be baptized for years. My daughter knew that and signed me up, and I finally got to be baptized. But they are different out here.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

@@BigMamou367 That sounds like California. I am from the east and the south so our fundamentalism is a bit more draconian. I moved to near Chicago but my Husband's family is from Michigan UP and they are also strict fundamentalists.

[@BigMamou367]

@mugglescakesniffer3943 My daughter left and is going to a different church now. The musical director kept changing the words on songs that changed the meaning to things. And when my daughter saw his Facebook it was so bad. He might as well been protesting at these colleges.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Slavery abuse is not owned by a few words in a podcast. How Obscene.

[@HisGraceAndMercy]

Evangelical is an American thing.. We are Christian only..

[@user-xf5gp2ro2x]

Be used by God. Not by a politician or political party.

[@lindiharris-axon8167]

Amen!

[@traceysanders719]

I have to say that it seems that you casually state that evangelicals should own their past affirmation of slavery, "and move on." It seems a bit callous because of all of the effects that slavery has had over the centuries, and evangelicals have been against righting some of those wrongs. Yes, ownership is needed, but more should be done by white evangelicals to promote ministry and programs that help those who are offspring of slaves. Maybe if that were done, reparations wouldn't be an issue.

[@barbarabrooks4747]

There's so much hostility to traditional religion in schools and the press, for example, the Republican party has been supportive. Secular universities have tried to bar religious clubs wut faith requirements, while evangelical students are ostracized for their belefs. Public schools have enacted numerous policies hostile to religious groups, and only Republicans have come to their defense. Thus, we ave seen over the past 60 years, the Democratic party become hostile to traditional values.

[@mimilong3817]

The people will heal and accept God once politics is removed entirely from Christianity. It’s the only way. You can never force religion on others. God doesn’t operate that way. We are all chosen to spread the word but never by fear, hate or force. I’m a born again Christian who knows and loves Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I have my own personal relationship with Him which has developed naturally over the years through my own life experiences. I came from many years into my mid 50s of being agnostic. Growing up, my family never went to church. We didn’t own a bible and we didn’t pray but Jesus Christ came to me through a miraculous Near Death Experience when He saved me and Miraculously Healed me. The cross in my avatar is a beautiful symbol of Jesus Christ which He showed to me in my twilight sky and I photographed it. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus Christ who is so peaceful and accepting people, no matter their politics.

[@calebsmith7179]

I see that persecution complex is going strong. There isn't hostility towards "traditional" religion in schools, it's called living in a secular society and respecting that separation of church and state. The first amendment that states we have freedom of religion (which also means freedom from religion) isn't just there for decoration. It is Enlightenment ideal that we try to uphold in our country. Stop trying to force your religion into public schools, it's that simple. Stop trying to strip LGBTQ+ people of their rights, it's that simple. Stop trying to strip women of their bodily autonomy, their reproductive rights, and just their rights in general (you guys are now trying to get rid of no-fault divorce), it's that simple. Stop trying to force creationism into science textbooks, it's that simple. Stop trying to remove evolution from public schools, it's that simple. Stop marrying yourself to political conservatism and in today's age, Trump, it's that simple. Stop trying to make Project 2025 a reality, it's that simple. We can coexist, we can be neighbors, we can be friends, we can be family, but stop shoving your religious beliefs down other people's throats.

[@charliedontsurf334]

If the LGBTQIA can push their beliefs in public schools why can’t Christians? Muslims have that right. To say otherwise gets you called a racist. Woman’s “bodily autonomy” is no different from slave owner’s property rights. At least the slaves could be freed. Dead babies aren’t coming back. I voted for Trump because Hillary is hostile to religious freedom as is Joe Biden.

[@jrhemmerich]

@@calebsmith7179, you are confusing religious liberty (which we agree with you about) with you being able to enforce your morality in schools while we don’t have a say. That’s not a fair system. You can’t say we are forcing something and then try and have your own standard in the schools. Don’t you see that is an inherent inconsistency in your position?

[@markrichard3364]

​@@jrhemmerichExactly

[@lcraver4797]

Gramatically the word "Christian" always meant "Christ's men" (which in medieval times definitely included wo,men. I am a Canadian and a member of a particular political party and know several Christians who agree both in faith and in our politics - and we keep the two separate (we know who we are) While my kids were young we went to an Anglican church as I really cherished the liturgy - and we had a priest whose views most would consider 'evangelical' though we later left when our bishop went hardcore into the gay/lesbian acceptance area. This hurt our kids as while we had several breakaway congregations most were too extreme for us - so while I treasure the Anglican liturgy (and authors like John Stott and CS Lewis) can't join with them now. Bottom line is God's will is done on earth despite the best efforts of human beings to do otherwise and what we personally do matters, both now and for eternity.

[@paulacoyle5685]

Christian is essentially “of Christ” just as Grecian would be “of Greece”

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Your identify with a slaver? WHAT THE ? Thomas Kidd?

[@carolinem1698]

Is that really the main idea you got from this discussion? Yikes.

[@hambam7533]

your pretty stupid it sounds like, sorry just being honest ,no bull about your dumb statement but stupid does what stupid is

[@justin10292000]

Too much Doctrine with too little Spirit, you SLOW up. Too much Spirit and too little Doctrine, you BLOW up. Spirit and Doctrine in the right balance, you GROW up.

[@lynnjamesallen1171]

I don't believe in any organized religion or church. The church is the body of Christ and religions, ALL, have distorted God's word.

[@charliedontsurf334]

How so?

[@KM-zn3lx]

As Christians we are told to not forsake the gathering of other believers especially in tumultuous times. I don't know about other religions though. If you don't believe un any religious organizations or gathering then why are you listening? And, glad you are!

[@4486johnboy]

I understand what u meant. The body of Christ is the Church not the facility. If 2 or 3 gather in my name I’m among them Matthew 18:20 I don’t believe this person was opposing the assembly of believers

[@peterfox7663]

Except for you, right?

[@lynnjamesallen1171]

@@peterfox7663 ?

[@chadmccoy8032]

Sean, I just saw an interview with you and Kirk Cameron. I thought you were intelligent enough to not associate yourself with the backwards ideas of Charlie Kirk. It’s gross Bro.

[@SeanMcDowell]

This is a strange comment. I was interviewed by Kirk Cameron. Charlie Kirk was interviewed separately by Kirk Cameron. If you look at my channel, it’s pretty obvious that I talk with a lot of people with a range of view.

[@chadmccoy8032]

@@SeanMcDowell Thank you for responding. You are right. I was unfair. But, Kirk Cameron did you no favors by splicing your interview in with Charlie Kirk. I apologize again for rushing to judgment.

[@jawneethecurious]

The only TRUE Christian is one who is born of His Spirit, everything else is humanity's version of Christianity that the Bible warns about--human tradition. Misleading interview....

[@RachelClaire-sg4fe]

Hallelujah!!! I’m blessed and favored with $60,000 every week! Now I can afford anything and support the work of God and the church. For Your glory, LORD! HALLELUJAH!

[@MichaelJames346]

Oh really? Tell me more! Always interested in hearing stories of successes.

[@RachelClaire-sg4fe]

This is what Ana Graciela Blackwelder does, she has changed my life.

[@RachelClaire-sg4fe]

After raising up to 60k trading with her, I bought a new house and car here in the US and also paid for my son’s (Oscar) surgery. Glory to God.shalom.

[@AmandaNicole-yw5wl]

I know Ana Graciela Blackwelder, and I have also had success...

[@AmandaNicole-yw5wl]

Absolutely! I have heard stories of people who started with little or no knowledge but managed to emerge victorious thanks to Ana Graciela Blackwelder.