Greed, Racism, Violence, and Empire - Malcolm Foley

Dr. Malcolm Foley, pastor, historian, and author of The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Move Forward, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to expose greed as the spiritual force behind racism, empire, and violence. Malcolm traces the invention of race as a tool for economic exploitation, showing how systems of racial violence—like slavery, segregation, and lynching—have always been fueled by the desire for wealth and power. He explains how greed functions as a rival god, how the early church modeled economic solidarity, and why Christian discipleship demands active resistance to lies, exploitation, and violence. With insights from Revelation, the church fathers, and the Sermon on the Mount, Malcolm casts a compelling vision for the church to live as an alternative kingdom defined by truth-telling, creative anti-violence, and material sharing. This episode is essential for Christians grappling with systemic sin, leaders rethinking social engagement, and anyone wondering how to resist empire without losing hope.Key takeaways from this episode:Greed invented race to justify exploitation. Racism isn’t just about hate or ignorance—it began as a strategy to protect economic interests and continues to serve the logic of profit.Empire depends on violence, propaganda, and wealth. The book of Revelation unveils how earthly kingdoms use coercive power to oppose God’s reign—and why Christians can’t rely on government to do the church’s work.Telling the truth resists dehumanization. Race thrives on lies that distort who we are and what others deserve. The church must be a place where those lies are exposed and replaced with God’s truth.Important LinksThe Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward by Malcolm FoleyGod’s Reign & the End of Empires by Antonio GonzálezTwitter: MalcomBFoleyThreads: RevDocMalcBlueSky: MalcolmBFoleyTheology in Pieces PodcastMalcolm Foley (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor, historian, and speaker who serves as special adviser to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He has written for Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy. Foley co-pastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, Texas, co-hosts the Theology in Pieces podcast, and writes on public theology and justice.Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.