Dr. Russell Moore shares a deeply personal journey of faith, from his upbringing in a Southern Baptist church to a spiritual crisis as a teenager, which led him to question the authenticity of cultural Christianity. Influenced by C.S. Lewis, Moore found reassurance in a faith that wasn’t merely a tool for political gain.

He reflects on the dangers of conflating Christian identity with political ideology, warning against the “politics of fear” and a catastrophic mindset that manipulates believers and compromises their moral and spiritual integrity. He emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize the Kingdom of God over partisanship, resisting emotional extremism—whether of triumph or despair—based on political outcomes.

Moore defines Christian nationalism as the use of Christian identity to serve ethnic or nationalistic goals, rather than the Gospel. He argues that it is a serious theological error, turning faith into a tribal marker rather than a transformative relationship with Christ. He likens it to a “prosperity gospel for nations,” leading not only to threats to democracy but also to eternal spiritual consequences.

Regarding principled political engagement, Moore encourages believers to bring a conscience shaped by Christian values into civic life, comparing it to ethical behavior in one’s profession. He insists on clarity about Jesus, moral principles, and justice, while recognizing the complexity of policy application and the necessity of grace in disagreements.

He also addresses the changing face of evangelicalism, noting its internal disarray but also the potential for renewal through new alliances that transcend old tribal divisions. This reshuffling, he suggests, is a divine opportunity to form more authentic communities grounded in mutual respect and the pursuit of the Gospel.

On gender and ministry, Moore critiques rigid camps (complementarian vs. egalitarian), urging dialogue and mutual understanding. He highlights that people can disagree on interpretations while still valuing each other’s faith and calling.

He acknowledges the global rise of Christian nationalism, emphasizing its use by political leaders (often secular) to rally identity around religion in opposition to perceived outsiders. This, he argues, is driven by a loss of true authority and an embrace of raw power and authoritarianism.

Moore concludes with a vision of the church as a community of trust and accountability, rejecting the need to project perfection and instead embracing repentance and reconciliation as its witness to the world.

Recording of the American Evangelicalism Theology Lab session from November 11, 2022 with guest, Rev. Dr. Russell Moore (Christianity Today).