Veterans of Culture Wars

Talia Lavin joins the VCW to talk about her new book Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America. We talk about the Satanic Panic, Dr. Dobson's influence in creating generations of evangelical families built on ritualized violence, and how that has led to so many Americans embracing authoritarianism.Follow her on Bluesky: @swordsjew.bsky.socialBluesky: @vcwpod.bsky.socialZach: @muzach.bsky.socialDave: @davelester80.bsky.socialCheck out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Katherine Stewart (The Power Worshippers) returns to discuss her latest book Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, which details the rise and increasing influence of anti-democratic forces on the right - who they are, who's funding them, and what they are doing to fundamentally reshape America. We talk about "cultural Christian" Elon Musk and nazi salutes, the Claremont Institute, Opus Dei, and more.Buy Katherine's book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/money-lies-and-god-9781635578546/Follow her on Bluesky: @katherinestewart.bsky.socialBluesky: @vcwpod.bsky.socialZach: @muzach.bsky.socialDave: @davelester80.bsky.socialCheck out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Our 5th annual pre-Oscars look at at our favorite films of the past year is back and we managed to cover them all in only one (long) episode this time. Film critic, professor, and author Jeffrey Overstreet joins as usual, and we also have first-time VCW guest, film critic and programming director of The Pickford Film Center, Melissa Tamminga. We discuss the Oscars briefly, then get into each of our top ten lists and some favorite memories of the year in movies.Follow Jeffrey: @overstreet.bsky.socialFollow Melissa: @oneaprilday.bsky.socialDave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4QBluesky: @vcwpod.bsky.socialZach: @muzach.bsky.socialDave: @davelester80.bsky.socialCheck out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

In our first episode since November, Tori Williams Douglass returns to the VCW hall to talk about *gestures wildly* allllll that, with a particular emphasis on the stated goal of the Trump administration to destroy Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and their efforts thus far to do that.Follow Tori on Bluesky: @toriglass.bsky.socialListen to her podcasts:White Homework - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-homework/id1481083774Go Home Bible, You're Drunk - https://www.irreverent.fm/show/go-home-bible-youre-drunk/Support the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/vcwpodDave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4QBluesky: @vcwpod.bsky.socialZach: @muzach.bsky.socialDave: @davelester80.bsky.socialCheck out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Sergio Gonzalez and Lloyd Barba stop by the VCW to talk about their new podcast series Sanctuary: On the Border Between Church and State, which is part of the Axis Mundi network. We talk about the immigration crisis and how the US government has, historically, been a contributing factor. We discuss Sanctuary cities as well as religious sanctuary. Finally, we explore some of the factors for why Trump grew his vote share with Latino voters. Listen to the podcasts series "Sanctuary": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sanctuary-on-the-border-between-church-and-state/id1767030116 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Come find us on the Blue Sky App! Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Award-winning author Liz Charlotte Grant joins the VCW hall to discuss her new book "Knock at the Sky" (out January 7, 2025 from Eerdmans). We talk about her faith journey, Biblical inerrancy including the 1978 Chicago Statement of Inerrancy and why she wanted to write a book about Genesis. You can order the book by Liz Charlotte Grant right here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802883759/knock-at-the-sky/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Come find us on the Blue Sky App! Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Returning guests Dr. Paul Hoard and Billie Hoard share with us their thoughts and feelings on the recent presidential election and our serious concerns regarding the future of the country, in particular the existential threat to trans people and other marginalized people. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

A special election day 2024 edition of the VCW Podcast! Podcaster and content creator April Ajoy joins us to discuss her brand new book "Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith". We talk about her personal faith story and how her faith has evolved over time. We also make election 2024 predictions! Buy April's book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/april-ajoy/star-spangled-jesus/9781546006701/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Scott Coley joins the show to talk about his book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right. We discuss the weaponization of the term "biblical", common sensism, the remarkable pivot of George Wallace, young earth creationism and more. Buy Scott's book: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466004/ministers-of-propaganda/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Justin Gentry joins the show to talk about his work as a former pastor and current co-podcaster (REVcovery Room, Scidentity Crisis, and Go Home Bible, You're Drunk), as well as helping organize the annual Content Warning event, coming to Atlanta next February. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Podcaster and originator of the exvangelical hashtag Blake Chastain returns to the VCW hall to talk about his new book Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That's Fighting Back. Buy Blake's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747796/exvangelical-and-beyond-by-blake-chastain/ Katelyn Beaty article on what "post-Evangelical" means to her: https://katelynbeaty.substack.com/p/what-it-means-to-be-post-evangelical-anxiety Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Dr. Matthew Taylor returns to the VCW hall to discuss his forthcoming book (out October 1, 2024) "The Violent Take it By Force: The Christian Movement That is Threatening Our Democracy". Dr. Taylor talks about some of the major figures within the independent Charismatic movement, what he sees as 4 quadrants of Evangelicalism, how independent Charismatics have taken over the Religious Right, and more. Pre-order the book right here: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506497785/The-Violent-Take-It-by-Force Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Alycea, who uses the pseudonym Transvangelical, and Wyld Violet are online sex workers who incorporate their evangelical experience into their work and have a new podcast called Not Safe for Worship. We talk about deconstruction, purity culture, ethics in porn consumption and production, and even touch on the current political climate regarding trans rights and safety. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Dr. Matt Warner joins the VCW to talk about being fired from Grace College in Winona Lake, IN for what he describes as unspoken political expectations. Outside activists found old social media posts by him (involving posts about LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter and criticism of Tucker Carlson) and they pressured college board members to let this professor go. We talk about education vs indoctrination, Implicit vs explicit boundaries as well as shifting grounds in the world of higher Christian education. Religion News Service article on Dr. Matt Warner being fired from Grace College: https://religionnews.com/2024/05/08/grace-college-professor-ousted-after-online-commentators-flag-woke-social-media-posts/ Christianity Today article on Dr. Matt Warner: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2024/may/grace-christian-college-professor-matthew-warner-fired-twee.html Conversation between Matt Nightingale and Dr. Matt Warner on Common Sanctuary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_95wah0Rsbk Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Meg Wise joins the VCW hall to talk about her experiences at John MacArthur's Church in Los Angeles County, CA. She talks about their response to the COVID pandemic and the scandal involving MacArthur publicly shaming a woman whose husband was sexually abusing their kids. Follow Meg Wise: On X/Twitter: _nomadic_soul Read A Deconstruction Chronicle here: https://thedeconstructionchronicles.substack.com/p/a-deconstruction-chronicle-meg-wise?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true Article on John MaArthur publicly shaming Eileen Gray: https://ministrywatch.com/former-member-of-john-macarthurs-megachurch-says-he-shamed-her-for-leaving-her-abusive-husband-against-church-counsel/ Christianity Today article on Hohn Cho challenging Elders of John MacArthur's Church to do justice in Eileen Gray case: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/february/grace-community-church-elder-biblical-counseling-abuse.html Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Burn this episode to the top blank CD on your spindle and throw it in your anti-skip discman, because writer and podcaster Jason Kirk joins the VCW hall to talk about his new novel, Hell is a World Without You, a coming-of-age story set in early 2000s evangelical youth group culture, and chock full of the rapture anxiety, purity culture, retreats, AIM chat logs, and Christian metalcore bands that bring that world to life, along with a few references to the movie Wild Things. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Co-Host of the Holy Post podcast, Kaitlyn Schiess stops by the VCW hall to talk about her new book, The Ballot and the Bible. She discusses points of American history and how the Bible was interpreted on multiple sides of an issue by Christians- sometimes for good, sometimes for bad, and sometimes for really ugly evil. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

With Israel's brutal war against Gaza still raging, Dr. Alice Rothchild and Abby Brockman join the VCW hall to talk about the horror of Israel's war, to talk about their interactions with Palestinian people and the hospitality they experienced as well as speaking about their perspectives on Jewish faith and values. Read Dr. Rothchild's articles: The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/in-israel-hamas-war-where-are-the-voices-of-the-healing-profession/ The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/opinion/children-mothers-pregnant-gaza.html Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Pastor Trey Ferguson joins the VCW hall to talk about Theologizin' Bigger, his new book out now. We talk about theology and imagination, Biblical inerrancy including the 1978 Chicago statement, an Ark in Kentucky and much more. Get Pastor Trey's book right here: https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/theologizin-bigger/ Listen to The New Living Treyslation right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-living-treyslation/id1576078435 Listen to Three Black Men podcast right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/three-black-men-theology-culture-and-the-world-around-us/id1535582503 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Part 2 of the big annual pre-Oscars dive into our favorite movies of the year and the Oscar nominees. Part 2 covers the top 7 films on each our our top 10 lists, which we'd started going through toward the end of Part 1. Jeffrey Overstreet returns and brings with him new VCW guest Dr Mary McCampbell, an author, professor, and speaker who focuses on the theological significance of popular music, film, and literature. Subscribe to Mary's Substack The Empathetic Imagination: https://marymccampbell.substack.com/ Subscribe to Jeffrey's Substack Give Me Some Light: https://jeffreyoverstreet.substack.com/ Read R. Scott Okamoto's blog on the Oppenheimer film right here (referenced in the episode): https://rscottokamoto.substack.com/p/ok-oppenheimer Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Our big annual pre-Oscars dive into our favorite movies of the year and the Oscar nominees is back! Jeffrey Overstreet returns and brings with him new VCW guest Dr Mary McCampbell, an author, professor, and speaker who focuses on the theological significance of popular music, film, and literature. Subscribe to Mary's Substack The Empathetic Imagination: https://marymccampbell.substack.com/ Subscribe to Jeffrey's Substack Give Me Some Light: https://jeffreyoverstreet.substack.com/ Read R. Scott Okamoto's blog on the Oppenheimer film right here (referenced in the episode): https://rscottokamoto.substack.com/p/ok-oppenheimer Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Warren 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: https://gettingjeffersonright.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Dave reveals that he has moved from "still an evangelical" to "committed Christian", and Mason Mennenga joins the show to talk about process theology, being funny online, heavy Christian music, purity culture, and of course, Veggie Tales. Follow Mason Mennenga and get into his work including podcasts, YouTube videos and more by going to his website: https://masonmennenga.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Dr Leah Payne joins the show to talk about the her brand new book God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music. Also, Zach reveals the results of his research into exactly when and where in Disneyland Carman became a Christian. Buy Leah's book: https://www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Rock-Roll-You/dp/0197555241 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com

Niche 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/ Subscribe to Holly Jolly X'masu here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holly-jolly-xmasu/id1506110098 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Dr. Marlene Winell is the author of the highly influential book Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion, and originated the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome", which she defined as "the condition experienced by people who are struggling with leaving an authoritarian, dogmatic religion and coping with the damage of indoctrination". We talk about that struggle, what it can be like for people experiencing it and why it can be a good thing for people to leave religion. Check out Dr Winell's work at https://www.journeyfree.org/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Dave 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://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Advocates 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 schools to campaign finance tracking in Texas. https://linktr.ee/cjtackett Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Podcast performer and producer Virginia Spotts (The Sheridan Tapes) stops by the VCW hall to talk about her Evangelical story, including her time at Mark Driscoll's Mars Hill Church, and Acts 29 church after that. She talks about realizing she was suffering from religious trauma as well as deep grief and loss (due to extremely painful life experiences) and how she navigated a path forward. Listen to The Sheridan Tapes podcast right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sheridan-tapes/id1508614133 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Rula 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 Palestine by Ilan Pappe *The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine by Miko Peled Other Podcasts regarding Palestine/Israel: *The New Evangelicals Podcast (Tim Whitaker) interviews Dr. Kevin Carnahan on the history of the conflict: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/176-understanding-israel-and-palestine-pt-1-blame/id1557794865?i=1000630800157 *The New Evangelicals Podcast (Tim Whitaker) interviews Palestinian-American Daniel Bannoura. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/178-understanding-israel-and-palestine-pt-3/id1557794865?i=1000631185579 *Saved by the City Podcast (Roxanne Stone and Katelyn Beaty) interview Greg Khalil. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-israel-gaza-and-the-hope-for-peace-greg-khalil/id1557930520?i=1000632651766 *The Ezra Klein Show Podcast on Israel declaring war in Gaza. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/israel-is-giving-hamas-what-it-wants/id1548604447?i=1000631712100 *The Ezra Klein Show Podcast interviewing a pollster who surveyed Gazans prior to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-polled-gazans-on-oct-6-heres-what-she-found/id1548604447?i=1000633572018 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Dr. 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 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Erin 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/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

R.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 to include in the episode: https://rlstollar.com/ A Survival Guide for Homeschool Alumni https://rlstollar.com/2023/06/13/a-survival-guide-for-homeschool-alumni/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Founder 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 Robert P Jones on X (Twitter): @robertpjones Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Film 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.net Listen to Filmspotting: https://www.filmspotting.net/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Zach 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. Zach and Dave plan on releasing a Patreon-only episode once a month going forward. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does the Bible Say THAT?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a8CCeIvjiFn1lKwKmxNt6?si=H1UswE0VT3m2tmZNFuSC4Q Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

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 Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Religion 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://www.jackjenkins.me/ Read Jack's Religion News Service articles right here: https://religionnews.com/author/jackjenkins/ Follow Jack on twitter: @jackmjenkins Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

DL "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 out Krispin's book Attached to God: A Practical Guide to Deeper Spiritual Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Attached-God-Practical-Spiritual-Experience/dp/0310363799 Check out DL's latest book Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day's Radical Vision and its Challenge for Our Times: https://www.amazon.com/Unruly-Saint-Dorothy-Radical-Challenge/dp/1506473598/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Author 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 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Dr. 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 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Writer, 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 to The New Evangelicals Podcast interview of Billie Hoard and Dr. Paul Hoard on disgust theology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/133-wtf-is-disgust-theology-with-billie-and-paul-hoard/id1557794865?i=1000604934217 Mentioned on the podcast, "How a Campaign Against Transgender Rights Mobilized Conservatives": https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/16/us/politics/transgender-conservative-campaign.html Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Writer 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 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapel-probation/id1604103239 Go to Scott's website: https://www.rscottokamoto.com/ Follow Scott on Twitter: @RSokamoto Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Former 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- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Jeff 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 for the punks". He also talks about religious trauma and times he's experienced panic attacks as a result of his experience with Mars Hill.  Find out more about what's happening with Ninety Pound Wuss here: https://linktr.ee/ninetypoundwuss Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Religion 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: https://linktr.ee/JonathanMerritt Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

The 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/ Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

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/1138609607 Connect with Jeffrey Overstreet on Twitter: @overstweet Read Jeffrey Overstreet's Substack right here: https://substack.com/profile/8438708-jeffrey-overstreet Buy Jeffrey Overstreet's books including "Through a Screen Darkly" right here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780830743155 Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

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 them. 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/1138609607 Connect with Jeffrey Overstreet on Twitter: @overstweet Read Jeffrey Overstreet's Substack right here: https://substack.com/profile/8438708-jeffrey-overstreet Buy Jeffrey Overstreet's books including "Through a Screen Darkly" right here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780830743155 Check out Zach's music by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm

Podcast 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 by going to:  https://muzach.bandcamp.com Twitter: Twitter: @vcwpod Zach- @muzach Dave- @Davejlester Podcast music by Zach Malm Logo by Zach Malm