The Rise and Fall of the Evangelical Church: A Conversation with Mike Cosper

Join Faithful Politics as we host a compelling conversation with Mike Cosper, the director of podcasts at Christianity Today and creator of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. In this episode, we dive deep into his latest book, The Church in Dark Times: Understanding and Resisting the Evil That Seduced the Evangelical Movement. Explore the unsettling parallels between modern evangelicalism and Hannah Arendt's theories on totalitarianism, loneliness, and the dangers of charismatic leadership. From the rise of celebrity pastors to the politicization of faith, we unpack how cultural forces shape and sometimes distort the church's mission. Plus, hear Cosper’s take on Trump-era evangelicalism, the struggle for authenticity in faith communities, and his vision for a renewed church rooted in prayer, liturgy, and humility. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that blends theology, politics, and cultural critique.

Buy The Church in Dark Times: Understanding and Resisting the Evil That Seduced the Evangelical Movement https://a.co/d/3rgeSde

Guest Bio:
Mike Cosper is a journalist and podcaster, and the author most recently of Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found. His podcasts include The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and The Promised Land, both produced at Christianity Today, where he serves as the director of Media. His previous books include Rhythms of Grace, Recapturing the Wonder, and Faith Among the Faithless.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Cosper and His Work
02:02 The Role of Christianity Today and Its Podcasts
04:49 Exploring 'The Church in Dark Times'
09:01 The Exchange of Truth for Lies in Evangelicalism
14:07 Gradual Erosion of Church Integrity
17:57 The Dangers of Celebrity in Church Leadership
20:58 Navigating Success and Pressure in Ministry
23:45 The Messianic Longing and Its Implications
27:16 The Search for Meaning in the Church
28:32 The Corruption of Power in Leadership
29:51 Evangelicals and Political Allegiances
30:52 Understanding the Evangelical Support for Trump
38:02 The Complexity of Christian Identity
45:29 Hope and Concerns for the Future of the Church