David French & Russell Moore: Superman Isn't Just a Movie, He's a Mirror of America
Is Superman Woke—or Just Wonderfully Human? Can a superhero cut through the world’s chaos better than a political debate or another sermon? New York Times columnist David French and Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore explore why Superman still strikes a cultural nerve—especially in the age of outrage and “wokeness” debates. From his immigrant origins to the often-overlooked theme of adoption, they unpack how James Gunn’s 2025 reboot revives timeless questions about identity, belonging, moral courage, and kindness. This conversation is more than capes and kryptonite—it’s a surprising, thoughtful, and even fun look at the stories shaping who we are. (00:00) - Exploring the Resonance of Superhero Myths (07:24) - Fun That Connects To Deeper Needs (10:10) - A Jewish Immigrant’s Myth (15:40) - Exploring James Gunn’s Superman 2025 (23:06) - Is Superman Woke? (27:04) - Kindness as a Countercultural Value (34:11) - Parenting With Superheroes and Morals (51:09) - Credits Donate to Redeeming Babel Resources mentioned in this episode: Russell Moore’s article Why Superman Matters David French’s column Kindness Is MAGA Kryptonite J.R.R. Tolkien’s On Fairy Stories J.R.R. Tolkien’s eucatastrophe (an essay) C.S. Lewis’ “True Myth”: The Myth That Became Fact C.S. Lewis’ Reviews of Lord of the Rings (veil of familiarity) Grant Morrison’s Super Gods Official Trailer: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Sonny Bunch’s article How to Decide If You Want to Watch ‘Superman’ A short interview with Superman’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (video) Übermensch Explained: the Meaning of Nietzsche’s ‘Superman’ The Times interview James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman Read Deuteronomy 17:16-17 (NLT) Social Commentary in The Office Wonder Woman vol. 5 Annual #1 Batman & Superman share their real names (video) Relevant Magazine: What the Superman Backlash Says About American Masculinity More From David French: David French’s New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads More From Russell Moore: Sign up for Russell Moore’s weekly newsletter Moore to the Point Listen to The Russell Moore Show (podcast) Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
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David French: Jordan Peterson, Young Men, & Virtuous Masculinity
What Role Does Jordan Peterson Play in Shaping Young Men's Views on Masculinity? Host Curtis Chang teams up with “founding friend” and New York Times columnist David French to unpack David’s recent conversation with Jordan Peterson—and the crisis facing young men today. From mental health struggles to educational decline, David and Curtis take a hard look at what’s shaping young male identity in modern America, including the outsized influence of figures like Peterson. They explore how political polarization, digital culture, and a loss of purpose are driving young men to extremes. Most importantly, they offer a redemptive vision: practical ways to cultivate virtuous masculinity through mentorship, community, and spiritual formation. Donate to Redeeming Babel Resources mentioned in this episode: David’s column What’s the Matter With Men? David French appears on Jordan Peterson’s podcast Urban and Rural numbers on "Deaths of Despair" (NIH) The Widening Gender Gap Reflections: Men Without Chests (from C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man) Admiral William H. McRaven’s 2014 Commencement Address Of Boys and Men: A Conversation with Richard Reeves Richard Reeves’ Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It More From David French: David French’s New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
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Dr. Kara Powell: Hope For Hurting Teens
Teen Anxiety Is Skyrocketing—How Can Parents and Churches Help? Anxiety is overwhelming today’s teens—and Curtis Chang knows the struggle firsthand. Joined by “founding friend” David French and Dr. Kara Powell of the Fuller Youth Institute, this deep dive into the mental health crisis facing our youth, exposes the pressure-cooker of social media, why parenting style matters, and why anxiety and depression continue to rise. If you're tired of hand-wringing and ready for hope-filled action, this conversation delivers clarity, challenge, and compassion. Drawing upon material from a past conversation, this episode seeks to empower parents to help the next generation to navigate anxiety with faith and community. Donate to Redeeming Babel Resources mentioned in this episode: The work of the Fuller Youth Institute The Fuller Youth Institute’s Sticky Faith Fuller Youth Institute’s Faith in an Anxious World Jonathan Haidt: The Dangerous Experiment on Teen Girls CDC: Depression Prevalence in Adolescents and Adults: U.S., Aug '21–Aug '23 New York times: What Social Media Does to the Teen Brain Angela Duckworth’s The Good Life Project Angela Duckworth’s Research Lisa DaMour’s work and books Scott Cormode profile at Fuller Seminary Springtide Research Institute More From Kara Powell: Dr. Powell’s TheoED Talk: 3 Big Questions that Change Every Young Person Dr. Powell on instagram Dr. Powell on X (formerly Twitter) More From David French: David French’s New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
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Beth Moore: Spiritual Resets in a Chaotic World
Navigating Spiritual Disruption, Denominational Shifts, and Starting Over What happens when your spiritual home no longer fits—and life threatens to spiral? Curtis Chang and bestselling author and speaker Beth Moore get real about the realities of spiritual resets, mental health struggles, and finding gospel-centered hope in unexpected places. This timely episode explores how disruption can open the door to renewal, even when a spiritual reset is unwelcome. Donate to Redeeming Babel Resources mentioned in this episode: Barna: Five Trends Defining Americans’ Relationship to Churches (2020) ChurchTrac: The State of Church Attendance: Trends and Statistics (2025) Millennial Church Attendance and Trends According to Barna Research Medical News Today: What to know about PTSD and bipolar disorder 1 Corinthians 13 (NLT & AMP) Philippians 2 (NLT & AMP) More From Beth Moore: Living Proof Ministries Beth Moore’s All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir Beth Moore’s catalog of books Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
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Andy Crouch: Radical Loyalty In Our Fractured World
Finding the Biblical Ruth and Boaz In Today’s Culture of Confusion What does an ancient love story have to say about modern chaos? Host Curtis Chang and Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch dive into the Book of Ruth to uncover radical lessons on redemption, loyalty, and faithfulness that challenge today’s culture of individualism and spiritual mobility. From Naomi’s grief to Ruth’s fierce commitment and Boaz’s redemptive actions, Andy and Curtis explore how acts of devotion can disrupt systems of power and reshape community. Discover how an old story can offer fresh vision for navigating displacement, hospitality, and purpose in our fractured world. Donate to Redeeming Babel Resources mentioned in this episode: Book of Ruth (ESV) Rachael Starke’s Boys will be Boaz (TGC article) Judges 19-20 (ESV) - the Levite’s concubine N.T. Wright explains Scripture as narrative (video) Understanding the Hebrew word hesed Understanding gleaning in the story of Ruth The role of and the ultimate kinsman-redeemer More From Andy Crouch: Interact with Andy’s website Check out Andy’s work at Praxis Read Andy’s book: The Life We're Looking For Read Andy’s book: The Tech-Wise Family Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
Join host Curtis Chang and his friends as they follow Jesus and make sense of the world. With expertise, thoughtfulness, and humor, they discuss how Christian faith intersects with culture, politics, work, entertainment, and other aspects of life. Good Faith is produced by Redeeming Babel. Good Faith is ranked in the top .5 percent of all podcasts.
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