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

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] 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  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. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast