Why does it feel like no one agrees on reality anymore?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I speak with veteran religion reporter Terry Mattingly. He writes the nationally syndicated On Religion weekly column and he's joined me to unpack the collapse of objective media—and how the rise of the subscription economy is reshaping truth itself.

We explore how the old model of journalism, which was built on fairness, accuracy and reaching broad audiences, has been replaced by a system that rewards bias, outrage and "preaching to the choir."

The result? A fragmented culture where people live in completely different information worlds.

We also dive into what Terry calls the "religion ghost"—the media's inability to accurately report on faith—and why this blind spot is fueling deeper cultural division between those who believe in absolute truth and those who see truth as subjective and evolving.

This isn't just about news bias. It's about the future of truth, culture and how we understand reality itself.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Am I seeking truth—or just consuming content that confirms what I already believe?

• How has my information diet shaped the way I see the world?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why objective journalism is disappearing

✅ The shift from advertising to subscription-driven media

✅ How media now profits from reinforcing bias

✅ What "information silos" are doing to our culture

✅ The rise of alternative media voices like podcasts

✅ The "religion ghost" and why faith is misrepresented in news

✅ The deeper cultural divide over the definition of truth

✅ How elite media frames "good" vs. "bad" religion

✅ The role of Big Tech in controlling visibility and influence

✅ How AI and technology are shaping the next generation

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧠 Evaluate your information sources—are they forming or informing you?

📖 Seek out perspectives that challenge your assumptions

🗣 Have real conversations with people outside your "information bubble"

📱 Be intentional about how technology shapes your family and worldview

🔗 Connect with Terry Mattingly:

On Religion column: https://tmatt.net

Rational Sheep Substack: https://tmattingly.substack.com

Acton Institute article, Evolving Religion of Journalism - https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/volume-33-number-1/evolving-religion-journalism

GetReligion: https://www.getreligion.org

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

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#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #MediaCrisis #TruthMatters #TerryMattingly #Journalism #MediaBias #FaithAndCulture #InformationWar #BoldNotBelligerent

Can the media be trusted anymore? And what happens when news is replaced with camouflaged opinions?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I sit down with Jennifer Nohelty of the Washington Policy Institute to talk about the growing crisis in modern media—and what it will take to restore truth in journalism.

We unpack how media has shifted from factual reporting to opinion-driven narratives, the role of advertisers and consolidation in shaping what stories get told and how alternative voices—like podcasters and independent journalists—are stepping in to fill the gap.

Jenny shares how the Washington Policy Institute is working to create a "revolution of common sense" by bringing together lawmakers, media and firsthand experts to highlight stories the mainstream often ignores.

This conversation is about more than media. It's about truth, influence and the future of public discourse.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Where am I getting my information—and is it shaping my worldview more than truth?

• Am I consuming headlines… or actually seeking understanding?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why modern media has shifted from facts to opinion

✅ The impact of media consolidation and advertiser pressure

✅ How "clickbait culture" is shaping public perception

✅ What shadow banning is—and who it's affecting

✅ The role of Big Tech in controlling information flow

✅ Why independent media voices are rising

✅ How policy makers actually respond to public pressure

✅ The importance of hearing from firsthand sources

✅ The connection between media narratives and public policy

✅ What it will take to restore trust in journalism

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧠 Be intentional about where you get your news

📣 Engage with your elected officials—your voice matters more than you think

🔍 Look beyond headlines and seek primary sources

🤝 Support platforms and organizations committed to truth

🔗 Connect with Jenny Nohelty / Washington Policy Institute:

Website: https://washingtonpolicyinstitute.org

Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernohelty/

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdemosofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterdemosofficial

Twitter/X: https://x.com/peter_demos

🙌 SUBSCRIBE for bold conversations at the intersection of faith, freedom, and truth in a world gone mad.

#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #MediaBias #JournalismCrisis #TruthMatters #WashingtonPolicyInstitute #FreeSpeech #MediaReform #FaithAndCulture #BoldNotBelligerent

Is patriotism biblical? And what does it actually look like for Christians to engage the culture without compromising their faith?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I talk with Ryan Helfenbein, Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University, about faith, freedom and the responsibility Christians have in today's "negative world."

Loving your country is not in conflict with loving God—if it's rightly ordered. Ryan explains how patriotism can be an extension of loving your neighbor, why disengagement is no longer an option and how Christians can develop a "working apologetic" for civic and political involvement.

We also dive into the cultural shift from a neutral society to one increasingly hostile toward Christian values—and why this moment demands prepared boldness, not silence or retreat.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Have I confused comfort with faithfulness when it comes to engaging culture?

• Where is God calling me to show up—not just speak up—in my community?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Is patriotism biblical—or is it idolatry?

✅ The proper hierarchy: loving God first, then country

✅ Why Christians must engage—not withdraw—from culture

✅ The mission of Liberty University & the Standing for Freedom Center

✅ What it means to live in a "negative world" hostile to Christianity

✅ The danger of "low T" evangelicalism and cultural compromise

✅ How to develop boldness before pressure hits

✅ Why presence (not just opinion) shapes the next generation

✅ Discipleship vs. secular indoctrination

✅ The slow drift happening in Christian institutions

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🇺🇸 Get involved locally—school boards, city council, or community initiatives

📖 Build a biblical foundation for your political and cultural views

🧠 Equip yourself to think clearly about faith and public life

🙏 Pray for courage to stand firm without becoming combative

🔗 Follow Ryan Helfenbein / Standing for Freedom Center:

Website: https://standingforfreedom.com

Liberty University: https://www.liberty.edu

Twitter/X: https://x.com/RyanHelfenbein

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdemosofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterdemosofficial

Twitter/X: https://x.com/peter_demos

🙌 SUBSCRIBE for bold conversations at the intersection of faith, freedom, and truth in a world gone mad.

#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #FaithAndFreedom #ChristianWorldview #Patriotism #RyanHelfenbein #StandingForFreedom #BiblicalTruth #FaithInCulture #BoldNotBelligerent