What’s Wrong With Religion?: Reclaiming Identity from Fear, Control, and Missionalism - w/ Skye Jethani

Episode • Oct 2, 2017 • 1h 1m

How the fear-fueled foundations of religion lead us away from the radical freedom and hope Jesus offers. Mike Erre and Andy sit down for a compelling conversation with author, podcaster, and former Christianity Today editor Skye Jethani to explore the core message behind his book, What’s Wrong With Religion, and to reflect on how the American church’s pursuit of cultural power has distorted the gospel.

This lively episode journeys through evangelicalism’s obsession with relevance, the illusion of control through religion and politics, and the subtle idolatries of “celebrity Christianity” and mission without intimacy with Jesus. From deconstructing megachurch culture to reimagining what it means to live free in a “God-bathed world,” this is an essential listen for anyone disillusioned with the church but captivated by Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Fear as the Foundation of Religion – Religion often arises as a human attempt to control an uncontrollable, fearful world—ultimately making life even more dangerous by replacing fear of the world with fear of God. • The Trap of “Missionalism” – When being on mission for God becomes more important than knowing God, we lose sight of our true identity and worth. • Celebrity, Cultural Relevance, and Megachurch Decline – Why the personality-driven model of the megachurch isn't sustainable, and how generational shifts in trust toward institutions are reshaping the future of the church. • Evangelicals and Politics – A sobering look at the global and local fallout of white evangelical political alliances, especially post-2016. • The World Is Safe in God – Drawing from Dallas Willard and the Sermon on the Mount, Skye offers a vision of the world where we can truly live without fear, embracing our identity as deeply loved children of God rather than religious performers.

Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Author of What’s Wrong With Religion, co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, former Christianity Today editor, and a thought leader critiquing the toxic marriage of evangelicalism, consumerism, and celebrity. Skye challenges us to move beyond fear-based faith and toward rootedness in Christ.

Resources Mentioned: • What’s Wrong With Religion by Skye Jethani – Available here • The Holy Post Podcast – Skye’s show with Phil Vischer • The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard – influencing the idea that "the world is a perfectly safe place for us to be" • Movie Proposal Podcast – Skye's movie review show • Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon • Sky Jethani’s Site and Articles – skyejethani.com

Discover how freedom from fear leads to a more authentic relationship with God and others. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to stay part of this ongoing conversation on faith, culture, and Jesus’s radical call to love.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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