Send us a text In this New Year’s grab bag episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian look back on 2025 and talk through the moments that shaped it—personally, politically, and spiritually. From dogs at Barnes & Noble and surfing lessons to sports rivalries, holiday traditions, AI anxiety, and the ongoing unraveling of American evangelical politics, this conversation moves where real life tends to move: between the meaningful and the mundane. Along the way, they reflect on:...

Send us a text What do people actually mean when they talk about “deconstruction”? In this laid-back, unscripted conversation, James and Brian sit down to talk honestly about doubt, faith, abuse, certainty, and why so many people feel like the version of Christianity they inherited no longer works. They trace how “deconstruction” has shifted over time—from backsliding, to honest questioning, to full-blown internet industry—and ask what healthy deconstruction might actually l...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian talk with pastor and theologian Gino Curcuruto—co-founder of The Table Philly, prison theology instructor, doctoral student, and co-owner of Habitat Coffee Roasters. Gino shares his journey through suburban evangelicalism, church-plant trauma, and the slow, relational, deeply human work of rebuilding Christian community from the ground up. Together, we explore: Why speed, scale, and performance shape most A...

Send us a text https://buymeacoffee.com/faithfuldissent?new=1 In this off-the-cuff episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian take a break from theology to talk about the strange, collapsing circus of American politics. From Tucker Carlson’s platforming of white nationalists to the generational weirdness fueling Gen-Z extremism, they walk through the coalitions, catastrophes, and casual bigotry shaping the moment we’re all stuck in. This is not a formal analysis — it’s two frien...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian sit down with author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior to trace the story of American evangelicalism—from its idealistic roots to its current identity crisis. Drawing on her own journey through fundamentalism, academia, and activism, Karen reflects on how the movement that once shaped her faith has fractured under the weight of politics, celebrity, and cultural power. Together, they explore: Karen’s early life...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian explore what it really takes to build peace after violence. Drawing from Brian’s recent study trip to Northern Ireland and Scotland, they revisit the story of The Troubles—a decades-long conflict marked by division, loss, and fragile hope—and ask what the church can learn from those who chose reconciliation over revenge. Together, they discuss: The hidden costs of peace and why reconciliation always begins ...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian begin a new series exploring one of the most debated and fascinating corners of Christian faith — the charismatic gifts. From speaking in tongues to miraculous healings, from holy laughter to dreams and visions, they trace how Christians have wrestled with the Holy Spirit’s power through history and in their own lives. Together, they explore: What Scripture means by “spiritual gifts” and how different traditions understand th...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James, Brian, and James’s father take on one of the most complicated forms of love — the love of country. Patriotism can inspire courage, service, and unity — but it can also slide into pride, denial, or even idolatry. So what does it mean to love a nation honestly? Together, they explore: Whether patriotism is a virtue or a temptation in Christian life.How love of country can both strengthen and distort our moral vision.T...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian explore how the digital revolution has reshaped church life—from livestream services during the pandemic to the ongoing debate about what counts as real worship. Is online church an extension of embodied faith, or does it diminish the communal and physical nature of Christian life? Together, they discuss: The history of televised and streamed services before and after COVID-19.The creativity and strain of le...

Send us a text https://buymeacoffee.com/faithfuldissent?new=1 In this episode of Faithful Dissent, we explore how the assassination of Charlie Kirk became more than a news story — it became a mirror. Everyone sees it differently: as evidence of cultural decay, political hatred, or spiritual warfare. But what does that say about us? And what does it mean to seek truth when our own desires shape the stories we tell? Together, we discuss: How perception is shaped by ideology, f...

Send us a text Leave a tip and buy us coffee In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian are joined by author and speaker Justin Lee to unpack the complex legacy of Dr. James Dobson. For decades, Dobson’s Focus on the Family shaped evangelical households with resources on parenting, sexuality, and faith. His warm voice and practical advice influenced millions — but so did his forays into the culture wars, funding of ex-gay ministries, and eventual role as a political powerbroker. Tog...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, we explore what it means to live in a world where truth often takes a back seat to ideology, certainty, and spectacle. From social media echo chambers to cultural figures who speak with authority regardless of accuracy, our public discourse increasingly rewards performance over honesty. But what happens to our communities, churches, and relationships when truth is treated as optional? Together, we discuss: How ideological labels and attacks ...

Send us a text In this episode of Faithful Dissent, we sit down with Tommy Givens to explore the lasting influence of John MacArthur—one of the most prominent evangelical voices of the past half-century. Known for his uncompromising teaching and strong positions on scripture, authority, and culture, MacArthur has shaped generations of pastors, churches, and theological debates. But what has his legacy meant for the broader church? Together, we discuss: How MacArthur’s ministry defined certain...

Send us a text Politics and faith have always been uneasy neighbors — but what happens when a pastor crosses the line and tells you who to vote for? In this episode of Faithful Dissent, James and Brian explore: The history of the Johnson Amendment and why the IRS has rules about politics in churchThe risks pastors face when they endorse candidates from the pulpitHow politics and faith intertwine — for better or worse — in American ChristianityWhy spiritual authority can be corrupted when it’s...

Send us a text What happens when you walk 500 miles across Spain with nothing but a backpack, a pair of shoes, and an open heart? In this episode, James and Brian dive into the surprising, funny, and deeply moving lessons learned from walking the Camino de Santiago—a centuries-old Christian pilgrimage. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about unexpected friendships, the beauty of simplicity, and why the journey matters more than the destination. Whether you’re curious about the Camino ...

Send us a text After 30 years, our church home, Raleigh Vineyard, left Vineyard USA to become Rivertree Church. This move was in response to a reorganization of the Vineyard by denominational leaders that left churches unrepresented in the church polity. We unpack this move, discuss the history of the Vineyard, explain what makes the Vineyard special, and talk about what it's like to reluctantly leave your home. Join us for a lively discussion and leave feedback if you have ...

Send us a text Today on a Faithful Dissent, James Farlow and Brian Metzger talk about why people have left the church, and why they (might) be ready to start coming back. If you're a part or not a part of a church, we'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment! If you like our podcast, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts!

Send us a text Welcome to Faithful Dissent! In our debut episode, hosts James Farlow and Brian Metzger talk about what is means to make friends across political divides, and how social media is poisoning our souls. They also discuss their backgrounds and how the church life is affected by our deep political divide. Thoughts? Comment below! If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform.