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Over the last few months (and years), "Christian nationalism" became a buzzword in both Christian and mainstream news media. A few years ago, barely anyone knew the term. Now it may be making its way into everyday conversations, if not the pews at local congregations.

But is Christian nationalism even worth talking about?

Dr. Brad East, associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University, thinks that "Christian nationalism" is not a helpful term and that Christians have better language available to talk about matters that are both important and urgent to the church as it sojourns in the United States.

This is not a conversation about politics or the popular culture at large, but about conversations that are happening among people in the pews. Sometimes, language from politics and popular culture becomes the language of the church. When that happens, how do we make our talk and thoughts biblical again?

Link to Dr. East's recent column, "How (Not) to Talk About Christian Nationalism" in Christianity Today

Link to Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross, Jr.'s, recent column on Christian nationalism (published in Religion Unplugged)

Link to Episode 62 interview with Dr. Greg Smith of the Pew Research Center, exploring what American Christians know and think about Christian nationalism

Go to christianchronicle.org for all coverage and stories by The Christian Chronicle

To donate to this ministry, please go to christianchronicle.org/donate

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This episode sponsored by Freed-Hardeman University, where you'll find encouragement, a plan, programs, scholarships, support, and whatever else you need to make your grad school dreams a reality. Apply for free at fhu.edu/chronicle.

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In this episode, The Christian Chronicle's CEO, Erik Tryggestad, interviews popular Christian author Philip Yancey, who recently co-wrote with John A. Bernbaum What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine.

Yancey was one of the first Western Christians that leaders of the former Soviet Union invited in soon after the fall of Communism in the early 1990s. Over the last 30 years, Yancey has formed deep relationships in both Russia and Ukraine, contributing to, and supporting the growth of Christian churches and ministries in those countries. Over that time, he also formed a deep understanding of how culture, current events, history, and powerful figures in both government and the Russian Orthodox Church influenced the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

In his book, Yancey looks at that crisis through the lens of Christianity and the church.

He expounds on that in his conversation with The Christian Chronicle and makes specific application to the Church of Christ community in both countries.

Link to What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine by Philip Yancey and John A. Bernbaum

Link to The Christian Chronicle's coverage of Christians, the Church of Christ, and ministry affiliates in Russia and Ukraine

Link to Mission Eurasia (referenced in the interview)

Visit christianchronicle.org for all coverage and stories

To donate to this ministry, please go to christianchronicle.org/donate

Please send your comments, ideas, and suggestions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

This episode sponsored by Freed-Hardeman University, where you'll find encouragement, a plan, programs, scholarships, support, and whatever else you need to make your grad school dreams a reality. Apply for free at fhu.edu/chronicle.

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After some time away from the studio (to finish and graduate from the Master of Religious Education in Missional Leadership program at Rochester Christian University), host BT Irwin returns with an episode chock full of information and insight on two timely topics (Christian nationalism and the mental health of LGBTQ+ students on Christian college campuses). Plus, one of the best true stories you'll ever hear (and it involves the most famous man in Rome, Italy).

Segment One: Are there Christian nationalists in Church of Christ pews? (Dr. Greg Smith, Pew Research Center)

Link to Pew Research Center's latest survey data on Christianity in politics

Link to Pew Research Center's report on views of the United States as a "Christian nation"

Link to Pew Research Center report on attitudes toward separation of church and state

Link to Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross, Jr.'s, column on Christian nationalism (from Religion Unplugged)

Segment Two: Are Christian colleges safe places for LGBTQ+ students? (Dr. Justin Dyer and Dr. Jenet Erickson, Brigham Young University)

Link to Dr. Dyer's and Dr. Erickson's research on mental health of LGBTQ+ students at religious colleges and universities

Link to Handbook of Religion and Health (referenced in the interview)

Link to research on the link between human flourishing and religious communities (referenced in the interview)

Segment Three: Who does a Church of Christ Sunday school teacher meet when he's deep inside the Vatican? (Dr. Tom Campbell, Spring Meadows Church of Christ, Spring Hill, Tennessee)

View all stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send your comments, ideas, and questions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

This episode sponsored by Freed-Hardeman University, where you'll find encouragement, a plan, programs, scholarships, support, and whatever else you need to make your grad school dreams a reality. Apply for free at fhu.edu/chronicle.