Send us a Text Message.

After some time away from the studio (to finish and graduate from the Master of Religious Education in Missional Leadership program at Rochester Christian University), host BT Irwin returns with an episode chock full of information and insight on two timely topics (Christian nationalism and the mental health of LGBTQ+ students on Christian college campuses). Plus, one of the best true stories you'll ever hear (and it involves the most famous man in Rome, Italy).

Segment One: Are there Christian nationalists in Church of Christ pews? (Dr. Greg Smith, Pew Research Center)

Link to Pew Research Center's latest survey data on Christianity in politics

Link to Pew Research Center's report on views of the United States as a "Christian nation"

Link to Pew Research Center report on attitudes toward separation of church and state

Link to Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross, Jr.'s, column on Christian nationalism (from Religion Unplugged)

Segment Two: Are Christian colleges safe places for LGBTQ+ students? (Dr. Justin Dyer and Dr. Jenet Erickson, Brigham Young University)

Link to Dr. Dyer's and Dr. Erickson's research on mental health of LGBTQ+ students at religious colleges and universities

Link to Handbook of Religion and Health (referenced in the interview)

Link to research on the link between human flourishing and religious communities (referenced in the interview)

Segment Three: Who does a Church of Christ Sunday school teacher meet when he's deep inside the Vatican? (Dr. Tom Campbell, Spring Meadows Church of Christ, Spring Hill, Tennessee)

View all stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send your comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected] 

This episode sponsored by Freed-Hardeman University, where you'll find encouragement, a plan, programs, scholarships, support, and whatever else you need to make your grad school dreams a reality. Apply for free at fhu.edu/chronicle.