Scott Latta

Scott Latta, an award-winning journalist and author of "Gods of the Smoke Machine," dives deep into the troubling connections between megachurch culture, Christian nationalism, and spiritual abuse. He reveals how successful evangelical churches perpetuate systemic misconduct and explores the personal stories of survivors. Latta highlights patterns of power consolidation, accountability gaps, and the impact of mega-pastors on vulnerable congregants. He calls for a normalization of discussions around spiritual abuse and envisions healing for survivors amidst a shifting landscape.

Scott Latta, a religion journalist and author of 'Gods of the Smoke Machine,' dives deep into the dynamics of megachurches. He discusses their surprising growth amid declining overall church attendance and the impact on smaller churches, including the troubling trend of cannibalization. Latta highlights the emotional toll scandals have on congregants and the importance of centering survivor voices. He unpacks issues of accountability in these massive institutions, critiquing faux systems while emphasizing how megachurches are increasingly engaging in politics, shaping the landscape of Christian nationalism.