Weeks ago Russell Moore and I planned to discuss his new book, The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear Without Losing Your Soul. I think the book was overlooked in 2020, probably because the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission hasn’t been as outspoken in the last couple years as he was in 2018 and before. While I’d love to read a tell-all memoir from him, this book is even better. It’s a grace-infused reflection on where and how to stand tall when it feels like the world is going to crush you.

I did not know how timely our conversation would turn out to be.

I see this book and Moore’s overall work as seeking to reclaim Jesus, or at least his reputation and authority, among evangelicals. Moore observes, “An entire generation is watching what goes on under the name of American religion, wondering if there is something real to it, or if it is just another useful tool to herd people, to elect allies, to make money.” Elsewhere he writes, “I’m not surprised now when I see Jesus used as a mascot to prop up some identity politics or power agenda, or even to cover up private immorality or public injustice.”

As we’ve seen recently with the Jericho March, and then the protests-turned-attack at the Capitol, church leaders cannot afford not to speak the truth and to speak with courage in this moment. Moore joined me on Gospelbound to to discuss why he’s willing to lose his job, how to lead when it seems no one is following, and how to tell when your conviction is just ambition in disguise.

I think you’ll be especially interested in his answer about why he doesn’t trust in theological reform to bring cultural change inside and outside the church today.