The Moral & Ethical Inconsistencies of Evangelicals | Randall Balmer

David's guest today is Randall Balmer… Balmer is a leading scholar and a distinguished American historian. He has written numerous books and articles, and they frequently spotlight the moral & ethical inconsistencies within evangelicalism, and question Big Eva’s fidelity to the actual teachings of Jesus. Balmer is a challenging figure. His penetrating critiques of evangelicalism and the religious right, has drawn their sharp rebuke, but despite—or perhaps because of—his analysis, Balmer is both celebrated and polarizing, yet his work continues to spark important conversations about faith, power, and religious identity and the complex role religion plays in American life. Balmer earned his PhD at Princeton and he currently is a professor of religion at Dartmouth College. * * * * David Moses Perez is a religious leader, podcaster, and minister known for his evolving approach to Christianity. He is the host of the Iconoclast Podcast on YouTube, which features conversations with thought leaders, theologians, artists, and academics. This podcast aims to foster intellectual and meaningful discussions about faith, spirituality, and human existence. Perez's background includes a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a Master's degree in Religion from Harvard University. He also did additional seminary work at Trinity in Chicago​. Perez is also the lead minister at Spero Dei, a church he founded with others in 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee, which emphasizes an evolving and reimagined Christian spirituality for the 21st century. Perez promotes a faith centered on love, a deep connection to God, a Christian spirituality that is generous, and makes sense in the 21st century, while moving away from traditional evangelical doctrines​. Perez's work often challenges conventional beliefs and traditions in Christianity, reflecting his journey away from evangelical norms towards a more inclusive and evolving faith. He has been involved in ministry for over three decades, serving in various locations across the United States before settling in Nashville.​ davidmosesperez.org