When Politics Divides Us

Kuyper, Calling, and the Common Good

In this episode, Caleb Campbell talks with Vincent Bacote and Jordan Ballor about how Christians can faithfully engage politics without falling into either political escapism or Christian nationalism. Drawing on the thought of Abraham Kuyper, they explore vocation, public discipleship, neighbor love, and what it means to pursue the common good in a pluralistic society. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Applying Old Testament Law Today

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson challenges pastors and leaders to rethink how they engage the Old Testament in a politically polarized world. He explains how biblical law was never meant to be a blueprint for modern legislation but a formational guide to shape a wise and just people. Johnson explores the difference between Western legal systems and the Torah’s narrative and casuistic structure, emphasizing that the law invites discernment, not domination. He calls the church to recover a posture of patient, communal reflection on Scripture, especially when facing culture war pressures to weaponize the Bible in public life.About DruDru Johnson is the Templeton senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall (University of Oxford), adjunct professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, MI (previously a professor at The King’s College [http://tkc.edu/] in New York City), director of the Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought [http://hebraicthought.org/], editor at The Biblical Mind [https://thebiblicalmind.org/], host of The Biblical Mind podcast [https://centerforhebraicthought.podbean.com/], and co-host of the OnScript Podcast [http://onscript.study/]. Before that, he was a high-school dropout, skinhead, punk rock drummer, combat veteran [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-skinhead-punk-rocker-to-the-air-force-and/id1513100783?i=1000499661736], IT supervisor, and pastor—all things that he hopes none of his children ever become.His books include Human Rites, Biblical Philosophy, and Understanding Biblical Law. Johnson speaks widely on the intersection of biblical theology, justice, and public ethics, helping church leaders engage Scripture with clarity, nuance, and theological depth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

When Politics Divides Us

David Ritchie, a pastor in Amarillo, Texas, discusses the challenges of navigating political polarization within the church. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between healthy political engagement and political idolatry, urging pastors to guide their congregations towards a Christ-centered perspective. Ritchie highlights the need for reconciliation amidst divisions and offers practical tools for pastors to foster healthy discourse and unity within their communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Context 03:30 Navigating Political Polarization in the Church 06:27 Understanding Political Idolatry 09:38 The Role of Patriotism vs. Nationalism 12:26 Discerning Healthy Political Engagement 15:20 The Fruits of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh 17:33 Practical Tools for Pastors 20:28 The Power of the Gospel in Reconciliation 23:34 Resources for Understanding Political Idolatry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

When Social Media Divides Us

Chris Martin discusses the inherent flaws in the design of the social internet, emphasizing that it is not a neutral technology but rather a set of tools created by individuals with their own brokenness. He highlights how algorithms and the content we engage with shape our desires and behaviors in fundamentally flawed ways. Check out Chris Martin’s Mending Division Academy course, “When Social Media Divides Us: Confronting Our Internet Habits,” at MendingDivisionAcademy.com [https://www.mendingdivisionacademy.com/]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Confronting Our Media Consumption Habits

Caleb Campbell and Bonnie Kristian explore the landscape of journalism, discussing the distinction between news and opinion, the ideological perspectives of various media outlets, and the historical context of news consumption. They delve into the shift towards digital media and its implications for how people consume news today. Bonnie offers insights for pastors on encouraging healthy media consumption habits and provides resources for finding quality news. Resources Mending Division Academy [https://www.mendingdivisionacademy.com/] Bonnie Kristian Substack Newsletter [https://bonniekristian.substack.com/] Chapters 00:00 Understanding Journalism: News vs. Opinion 02:42 The Role of Media Outlets: Perspectives and Bias 05:28 The Evolution of News Consumption: From Print to Digital 07:53 The Impact of Social Media on News Consumption 10:45 Navigating Information Overload: Healthy Media Consumption 13:28 Encouraging Healthy Media Habits in Congregations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]