the Proclaim & Defend Podcast

Beware the lies of theological liberalism — or, as they like to call themselves today, progressive Christianity.While most theologically conservative pastors would prefer to focus on teaching the Word faithfully and avoid directly addressing political controversies from the pulpit, there are times when the discussion is unavoidable. This is one of those times.Andrew Daugherty, a pastor writing for Salon, took on the Christian right in a defense of Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Talarico is the openly gay Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas who claims to be a Christian and often quotes Scripture as part of his defense of progressive political views. What we have here is a case of theological liberalism defending political progressivism and condemning conservative Christians to do so. …Read the whole article here:The Lies of Theological Liberalism in American Politics - Proclaim & Defend… or just listen to the podcast. Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe

We begin this week to look at our latest edition of FrontLine, the March/April issue focused on the topic, “Is Conservativism Enough?”The topic we are addressing is Christian political philosophy. Should Christians be involved in politics, trying to effect political change, and if yes, how and how much should we be involved? Should churches be involved?I had intended to interview our Associate Editor for this edition to kick things off, but we were thwarted by events outside of our control, the last straw being a massive power outage that kicked me off the internet for over twelve hours. I am still getting over the shock! (Just kidding.)We will record that interview next week. In the meantime I talked to David Saxon, who is a professor at Maranatha Baptist University. Dave has been on the podcast before and always brings a depth of historical insight into the understanding and application of Biblical teaching.His article is called: “Purpose or Result? Is the Moral Transformation of Society a Current Goal of the Church?” He is really taking on the idea that the goal of the church as an organization should be to take in hand political power to effect social change. This is distinct from individual Christians exercising political liberty to achieve political ends through political activity. I hope as we discuss this you will grasp the subtle distinction between these complementary ideas and find help in informing or adjusting your own political philosophy biblically.As always, Dave’s article is available on our substack right away for paying subscribers. We have previews for everyone else. I hope you will join with us and support the ministry of the FBFI by becoming a paying subscriber.The Contents & Editorial for the March/April FrontLine:Is Conservatism Enough? – Proclaim & DefendThe Article:Purpose or Result? Is the Moral Transformation of Society a Current Goal of the Church? Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe

This, Judge Phil Ginn wrote for Realclearreligion.com on the subject of Christians and culture. He was addressing an upcoming (March 8, 2026) feature on CNN entitled The Rise of Christian Nationalism. In the article, he includes CNN’s definition of Christian Nationalism as follows:CNN is ostensibly defining Christian Nationalism as “an ideology rooted in the belief that our country was founded as a Christian nation, and that our laws and institutions should reflect Christian values.” Ms. Brown goes further to assert that the assassination of Charlie Kirk “radicalized” Christians into a feeling of being persecuted.As with almost everything, the key to everything is not in what they say, but what they mean by what they say.Was the U.S. founded as a Christian nation? …Read the rest of the post here, or just listen to the podcast. Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe

Entertainment disguised as worship isn’t worship. It’s idolatry. Ignorant worship is not worship at all. The ultimate authority on worship is Jesus, and He explained Himself very clearly in John 4. Let’s consider it.SituationJesus is in Samaria by choice. The Jews did not have dealings with the Samaritans. The Samaritans were the remaining vestiges of the Israelites who remained in the land of Israel during the Babylonian exile. They had intermarried with the occupying nations and were considered half-breeds and outcasts by the Jews who returned from the exile. They had continued the Samaritan form of worship begun by Jeroboam when he rebelled against Rehoboam after the death of Solomon. One significant aspect of the deviant worship of Jeroboam was the new location of worship. Jesus is next to a historical site. It is Jacob’s well. A well built by the patriarch Jacob, a common ancestor to the Jews and Samaritans.Jesus waited for the disciples to return from the city with food. While He waited, a woman of the city comes to draw water. This is not a significant issue except that it was midday, the wrong time of day for the women to draw water. She was asocial outcast because of her many sins. When Jesus began to talk with the lady, she was at first startled, then intrigued by His words. He began to reveal Himself to her. The woman then brings up the subject of worship. …Read the rest of this post here or just listen to the podcast. Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe