"For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God." Romans 10:2-3
Russell Moore, who leads Christianity Today, opens up about the hurdles the Evangelical Church in the US is navigating amidst today's political climate. Moore, an author on this very subject, dives deep into issues of faith with Michelle Martin, starting with his impactful role at the Southern Baptist Convention. There, he didn't shy away from tough topics like Trump, racial justice, and the church's handling of sexual abuse. Moore shares his dismay over the dismissive and sometimes hostile reactions to his efforts to address sexual abuse, noting that such attitudes came from a loud but small part of the church.
Moore's book aims to be a beacon for those teetering on the edge of their faith, feeling disillusioned by a church they see as manipulating Jesus for its own ends. He wants to dispel the cynicism and guide people through the tricky terrain of faith and politics, steering clear of extremism. The interview also sheds light on the worries about young adults watching their parents get swept up in the whirlwind of radical social media and conspiracy theories. Moore stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open, focusing on meaningful dialogue rather than arguments.
Diving into the bigger picture, Moore talks about how the Evangelical Church in the US seems to have lost its way, getting too cozy with political rhetoric and losing sight of Jesus' teachings. He points to a long-standing secularization, driven by political ties and social media, that muddies the waters between truth and fiction.
Moore also tackles the complex relationship between Evangelical Christians and Donald Trump, noting that Trump's appeal lies in his portrayed strength and promise-keeping, especially regarding judicial appointments. Yet, Moore believes that a deep-seated resentment and defiance against perceived threats fuel Trump's support among some Evangelicals.
The conversation wraps up with Moore touching on the internal divisions within Evangelical Christianity. He's troubled by the trend of people identifying as Evangelical for political reasons rather than faith-based ones and the distancing of those with traditional beliefs from the term. Despite these issues, Moore is uplifted by the transformative power of the gospel he sees in individuals, keeping his faith alive.
Highlighting a hopeful shift, Moore notes a trend among young Christians prioritizing their walk with Christ over political affiliations, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, now the heartlands of Evangelical growth.
Moore introduces his book, "Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America," using the concept of an altar call to symbolize a moment of reckoning and hope for renewal. He speaks to the seismic shifts within Christianity, advocating for a return to its roots, away from imposing beliefs on others.
Acknowledging the West's growing secularism, Moore argues for the crucial role of a vibrant Evangelical Christianity in national well-being, cautioning against the misuse of religion for authoritarian ends.
Moore invites everyone, regardless of their stance on Evangelical Christianity, to explore the gospel's truth and the positive impact of a healthy religious community, underscoring the perils of religion's misuse.
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