Episode 222: WHAT IS RAGE BAIT?

Episode 222: WHAT IS RAGE BAIT?

From Pod Have Mercy by John Stephens/Matt Russell

February 13, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode explores the implications of 'rage bait' in the context of faith and culture, questioning the authenticity of spiritual practices in a divisive digital age.

From the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year (“rage bait”) to Super Bowl halftime controversy, from Ten Commandments legislation to immigration theology, from Christian influencers to monetized faith — this episode wrestles with what it means to follow Jesus in a world driven by outrage, clicks, and cultural division. Along the way, we explore: Why “rage bait” may define our digital ageWhether Bad Bunny is “un-American” (and what that even means) The performative spirituality behind posting the Ten Commandments in schools A theological showdown between Speaker Mike Johnson and Rev. Dr. William Barber III The tension Christian influencers face when monetization collides with compassion Paul’s call to kenosis — self-emptying — in a culture obsessed with self-securing At its heart, this conversation asks: Are we pursuing faithfulness… or just managing anxiety? Are we building the Kingdom… or protecting our own? It’s thoughtful. It’s honest. It’s occasionally sarcastic.

People in this episode

Guests: Rev Dr William Barber Iii, Speaker Mike Johnson

Topics covered

  • rage bait
  • digital age
  • performative spirituality
  • Christian influencers
  • monetization
  • theology
  • faithfulness
  • cultural division

Keywords

  • Super Bowl halftime controversy
  • Ten Commandments legislation
  • immigration theology
  • Bad Bunny
  • kenosis
  • self-emptying

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: the Ten Commandments

Places: Kingdom

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