Kids and Tech: What Do We Do?

Why does so much of modern evangelicalism seem conditioned to apologize, shrink, andlose? Michael Clary walks through the argument of his forthcoming Canon Press book, Loser Theology — how a pietistic, winsome-at-all-costs impulse took root in the church and taught a generation of Christians to equate faithfulness with weakness. The back half turns to the remedy Michael calls high-agency Christianity. Listeners get both the diagnosis and the path out.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Cold open — Ryan Gosling and Mickey Mouse Club tangent[03:23] Introducing the book: Loser Theology from Canon Press[04:08] Where the title and the material came from[06:48] Origin of the phrase "the poison of loser theology"[09:20] Defining loser theology and the pietistic impulse[10:02] Roots in the winsomeness era and church planting[13:01] When Bible-speech clashes with cultural respectability[15:00] A church conditioned to lose and feel shame[20:00] Political correspondence and appeasing sins[24:06] "Do not offend women" and the loser mindset[29:02] Jesus with tax collectors — misreading meekness[31:08] Big names: Tim Keller and Russell Moore's Onward[34:00] Lampooning conservative doctrine in urban ministry[37:04] Guilt over success, privilege, and unequal gifts[40:49] John MacArthur and holding the line[42:04] The "straight white man as oppressor" framing[45:04] How not to become the next David French[55:00] The fear of God as the anchor[56:00] The remedy — high-agency Christianity[61:05] Where to get the book and closingFor questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected] church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KYThe Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's DomainResources mentioned in this episodeAPA Academic Article on Kids, Screen Use, and Socioemotional ProblemsPew Research (2025) on Screen TimeFamily Medicine and Community Health on Porn Use StatisticsPsychology Today on Teen Porn UsePew Research on Teen GamingAcademic Paper in Cureus on Teen GamingWorld News: France Bans Social Media for Those Under 15 Follow us on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/dmichaelclaryhttps://twitter.com/wadethomasjr Michael's BooksGod's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human SexualityLoser Theology: Why the Weak Will Not Inherit the EarthFollow Michael’s writings www.dmichaelclary.com