Become New with John Ortberg 51. Why We're Addicted to Outrage
Apr 7, 2026
A direct call-out to the harsh, sarcastic voices we all know and the inward mirror they reveal. A look at how outrage, echo chambers, and social media fuel condemning speech. A scriptural spotlight on “unwholesome talk” and why words can rot or restore relationships. A challenge to replace bitterness with kindness and ask before we share: is this me?
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Speaking Directly To Uncle Billy The Outrage Addict
- Ortberg addresses 'Uncle Billy,' a caricature of a family member who posts harsh, sarcastic, condemning content online.
- He recounts a listener's complaint and directly tells 'Uncle Billy' to stop, calling out addiction to outrage.
Outrage Reshapes How We See Opponents
- Addiction to outrage reshapes perception so people caricature opponents, distort positions, and impugn motives without evidence.
- Ortberg notes social algorithms and echo chambers reinforce desire to believe bad things about others.
Make A Daily Covenant Against Unwholesome Talk
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth as a deliberate daily commitment.
- John Ortberg cites Ephesians 4:29 and urges replacing rotten, corrosive speech with words that build others up according to their needs.
