Sacred Shenanigans

Ben and Bon answer listener questions, talk MAGA Christen responsibility, what happens to Evangelicalism after Trump, the limits of charity, how propagandists like Allie Stuckey use children to manipulate others. Finally we talk Karp, Thiel, and technofascism in bed with Evangelicalism.

Ben and Bon talk Iran, Pro-War Christians, the coming economic damage, Trump's return to demonizing immigrants, the homogenization of the Evangelical Church, and what happens when the Gospel we preach doesn't focus on saving us from our sins ... but instead is about saving us from people we hate.

Ben and Bon talk about the Trump/Iran war, how war changes Christians, and the cracks appearing on the MAGA shield.

Ben and Bon sit down for a sobering and reflective discussion, with Jon Musserman of World Relief, about immigration, the status of the MN crackdowns, what Christians can do to help migrants and their community, and the cost to the soul of choosing division over a helping hand. Plus, we get to laugh a little about haircuts.

In this double-length episode Bon and Ben interview Pastor Joe Rigney about "toxic" empathy. Afterwards, Ben and Bon hold a postmortem discussion on Rigney's words and discuss what can happen when we gate-keep sacrificial Christian love for others. Bonus: Bon and Ben take some time to discuss new revelations about Meg Basham.

Ben and Bon talk about the murder of Alex Pretti, the crumbling of walls between information ecosystems, the Holocaust, consistency as witness, and what happens when one’s entire identity is built upon the image another person.

Ben and Bon are joined by veteran and academic Jay Mallow to discuss democratic transactional authority.

Ben and Bon talk with John Musser about refugees, and then John teaches us a strong Christian ethic on how to respond to newcomers in our community.

Ben and Bon talk about Daniel Heimbach’s take on Just War Theory and how it applies to current events, the normalization and rationalization of violence by Christians, and the hope for mankind found in Advent.

Ben and Bon talk about Epstein and how deep the tendrils of evil go, along with why evil is often excused within the Church due to a lack of an identity centered on Christ, and they talk about how better formation can keep the Church/Believer from being complicit in evil.

Bon and Ben talk about the war on the poor, Allie Stuckey's Islamophobia, the practice of Christian witness, and the best Presbyterian joke, ever.

In this episode Bon and Ben talk about Josh Howerton's dive into critical theory, church growth, what the Gospel DOESN'T depend on, how "Biblical" can be a weapon, the national drop in church attendance. Plus, Ben offers his sincere Billy Graham impersonation, and shows off his Sociology and PoliSci skills.

Bon and Ben talk again with historian Dr. Holly Fletcher about her just released book "The Missionary Kids" and discuss the cost of personal discipleship, what happens when discipleship costs something of others, and how to navigate the divide hurt can cause in families, countries, and congregations.

Bon and Ben sit down with Marissa Burt to talk about her new book The Myth of Christian Parenting and how we often make false idols that we call the Gospel.

Ben and Bon sit down with Sarah Stiltner to talk about her time in the Local Church movement/cult and discuss what a high-control structure looks like and what it does to those within it.

In this episode, Bon and Ben talk Dobson's legacy, Gaza, Trump's afterlife, the "Good Christian," the value of a person, and Ben teaches us about shame culture.

Ben and Bon sit down with Dr. Barr as she discusses her latest book "Becoming the Pastor's Wife" and how a specific role has been used to hold women back, and what we can do to change the role, free the bound, and make communities of faith better.

In this episode Ben and Bon talk the Trump/Epstein Pedophile Ring, Ryan Walters, the ending of PEPFAR, deporting non-criminals, and the Paxton divorce.

In this episode, Bon and Ben talk about the Big Bad Bill, the newly built Alligator Alcatraz, and what we as believers can do to lessen the effects of both.

In this episode Bon and Ben talk about Bishop Pham and immigration courts, the exposure of Michael Tait and complicit ministers, the problem of Evangelical causes, and Ben gives us some great examples on how we can be practical emulators of Christ.

In this episode, Bon is joined by guest host Johnna Harris of Bodies Behind the Bus, as Ben enjoys vacation! Johnna and Bon discuss the current culture of grift and the conspiracies of control within the Evangelical church. Johnna brings her unique voice and knowledge of the ecosystem and its abuses to the discussion.

Ben and Bon talk about the Mike Johnson/Greg Laurie interview, believers in Congress, the mutation of the SBC and how it's original roots are still showing, Christian inconsistency, and the lack of moral boundaries.

In this special episode we examine one pastor's personal experiences, turmoil, crash, and devotion to mission during our hyper-politically polarized era.

Ben and Bon are joined by Caleb Campbell, the author of Disarming Leviathan. Together, the three talk Christian Nationalism, how to disarm Leviathan, the perils of relationship/leadership without communion, how to bridge the divide, and Kindergarten Cop.

In this episode Bon and Ben talk injustice against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Kristi Noem's Goebbels Cosplay, MAGA's new religion, how to talk to "them," the currency of hope ... and end up preaching each other happy.

Bon and Ben drop a short, encouraging message for Easter. May your Easter be blessed and joyous.

In this very illuminating episode Ben and Bon are joined by Johnna Harris of Bodies Behind the Bus, and she opens up about abuse within the Church, how it happens, and what people can do to avoid it or process it.

Bon and Ben talk Aaron Renn's Negative World, Al Mohler, Robert Morris being held accountable, How we should disciple others, and the excellence of Beth Allison Barr's new book.

Ben and Bon are joined by Dr. Matthew Boedy to discuss Charlie Kirk, what happens after Trump, Christian Nationalism, and Dr. Boedy's upcoming book "The 7 Mountain Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy."

In this episode, Bon and Ben are joined by the inestimable Josiah Hawthorne. Josiah talks praying for our enemies and the connections between Christian Nationalist groups, along with current events in Ukraine.

Bon and Ben are joined, today, by guest Ephraim Stone. Ephraim dives into the issue of antisemitism, the cycles of persecution, how Christianity has been complicit, and how it (and the believers within) can stand against antisemitism.

In this episode, Ben and Bon take a dive into Elon Musk's psyche, discuss the damage souls suffer, and about those who love people enough to use them, but not care for them. Bonus: We talk about Ben's matchmaking abilities!

Ben and Bon talk refugees, JD Vance and Ordo Amoris, Meme Culture, the Smirk ... and how people use it to deflect from their Christian duty.

Ben and Bon talk with Dr. Holly Fletcher about her upcoming book, missionary culture, missionary kids ( along with a few of the wild things they do,) and where we can go wrong in how we relate to peoples and places abroad.

Today we talk about the First Felon, the cruelty of SB484, the lie of blaming the LA fires on DEI, Karen Pence, answer questions from listeners, and talk Rambo!

In this episode, Ben and Bon talk about congregational shift, what could happen if MAGA got everything they want, 2025 predictions, and WHAT is Elon Musk.

In this episode, Ben and Bon talk Luigi Mangione, Healthcare, FDR, the French Revolution, the value of life, and grace.

Ben and Bon do an ersatz (and slightly late) post-mortem on the election, and talk about the Christian Nationalist Appalachian boltholes, moral inconsistency, and the nature of propaganda, truth ... and how it relates to the Church.

In today's unedited episode, Ben and Bon talk about the election, pop faith, the torrid affair betwixt American Christianity and Caesar, and what comes next for the American Church.

If you've ever wondered what NAR, Madison Square Gardens, and the movie Civil War have in common, this is the episode for you! Join Ben Marsh, Bonhoeffer's Child and guest Matthew Taylor as they dive into the week's events and talk about Matthew's book "The Violent Take It By Force."

In today's episode, Ben and Bon discuss what politicians in pulpits have in common with a photo-op at an empty McDonalds, the nature of political lying, and ideological prostitution.

In today's episode we find out what voting, Russell Brand's wifi amulet, FEMA hunters, and the political gender divide all have to do with one another.

Ben and Bon discuss what Russell Brand, Steve Lawson, Wotanism, Mike Lindell, and the disinformation about Hurricane Helene relief all have in common.

Two ministers discuss the heinous attacks on Haitian immigrants, the kinky side of the Right, the sacralization of deception, and the NN of Moscow, Idaho.