PostEverything

Neil Shenvi on Wokeness, Truth, and the Church What does it mean to respond to wokeness without panic, caricature, or reactionary tribalism? In this episode of Post Everything, Brad Edwards and John Houmes sit down with Neil Shenvi, co-author of Post-Woke, to talk about the cultural position of Christianity in 2026, the power of contemporary critical theory, and how churches can form people who are neither ideologically captured nor politically naive. The conversation explores the complexity of our current moment: Are we in a “negative world,” an apathetic world, or something even more fragmented? How should Christians think about “woke natives,” younger generations shaped by DEI frameworks, oppressor/oppressed binaries, and moral urgency? And how do pastors offer both compassion and clarity when so much of the culture is driven by polarization, fear, and identity conflict? Shenvi argues that critical theory is not merely a tool or political lens, but a worldview with its own account of identity, justice, truth, and righteousness. But he also warns Christians against responding with simplistic anti-woke rhetoric or drifting toward equally unbiblical reactionary movements on the right. Together they discuss: Christianity’s changing cultural position Why “woke” ideas appeal to younger generations The importance of reading primary sources and steelmanning arguments The danger of raising kids with no immunity to bad ideas How critical theory reshapes identity, justice, and moral authority Why worship is essential for resisting all totalizing worldviews How the Church can remain biblical without becoming reactionary This is a conversation about formation, truth, and the future of the Church in a deeply contested cultural moment. Key Themes Negative world, apatheism, and cultural fragmentation Compassionate clarity as a Christian posture Critical theory as a worldview, not just a method The formation of Gen Z and “woke natives” Identity, social binaries, and hegemonic power Reading primary sources instead of caricatures The danger of anti-woke overreaction Worship as resistance to ideological capture Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:37 Christianity’s Cultural Position 07:03 Clarity Without Dismissal 13:36 Dialogue, Sources, Truth 18:45 Theory Becomes Religion 25:29 Four Pillars Explained 30:48 When Theory Corrupts 33:41 Poison, Not Meat 35:34 The Woke Right 40:20 Gen Z's Tension 43:39 Can't Split Jesus 47:51 Formation Without God 52:10 Trust Replaces Power 57:23 Love and Truth 01:00:40 Worship Reorients Everything 01:05:33 Pillars as Religion 01:12:44 Justice Without King 01:19:23 God First Vertically 01:28:29 Get to Church

Stefan Paas, Dutch theologian and missiologist who studies church planting in post-Christian contexts. He discusses apatheism and why indifference matters more than hostility. He reframes secularization as exile, explores worship as countercultural practice, and imagines mission as creating small niches of hope and faithful witness from the margins.

They wrestle with how to live holy and hospitable amid cultural exile and escalating polarization. They trace how alienation on both sides fuels entitlement, outrage, and a destructive feedback loop. They contrast dramatic revival chasing with patient remnant building and argue small communities can model steady spiritual formation. Loving enemies and letting the Kingdom set the table are central themes.

George A. Yancey, Baylor sociology professor who studies identity, race, and religion, discusses identity politics, rising polarization, and moral persuasion. He explores how oppressor/oppressed framing reshapes public life. Conversations cover racial dynamics since 2020, Tim Keller’s Third Way, the church’s role in formation, and what virtues leaders need in a fractured culture.

Peter W. Singer, renowned political scientist and ethicist focused on 21st century warfare and tech. He discusses rapid AI shifts since 2023 and the economy versus job stability. He explores drone innovation in Ukraine, military competition with China and Taiwan risks. He also touches on AI’s effects on meaning, work, and a personal story about his son’s Cancer Kicks charity.

Michael Graham, the Program Director at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, dives into the fascinating interplay between artificial intelligence and theology. He discusses the AI Christian Benchmark report, the challenges of ensuring theological accuracy in AI outputs, and the church's role in embracing technology thoughtfully. Graham advocates for a nuanced approach amid fears surrounding AI, while emphasizing the need for redemptive engagement and robust discipleship resources. Explore how AI might shape the future of the church and society!

Alan Noble, an Associate Professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and author, dives into the intersection of AI and higher education. He critiques the current state of academia, arguing for a return to holistic formation and the importance of mentorship. Noble emphasizes the ethical challenges posed by AI, warning against its potential to undermine traditional learning. He advocates for a virtues-driven approach to education, asserting that moral excellence is vital for students navigating today's chaotic world, all while introducing insights from his upcoming book.

Brad and John return to unpack the complexities of our current liminal age. They dive into how social media algorithms shape perceptions and the anxiety that arises from uncertainty in a rapidly changing world. The duo explores storytelling's influence on truth and the church's essential role in providing community during these times. They also discuss artificial intelligence's cultural implications and argue for asking questions about the future rather than making predictions, all while hinting at an exciting new season ahead.

Brad and John delve into the recent vibe shift and its effect on cultural narratives, especially for Christians. They explore how social media has transformed storytelling, impacting individual and communal identities. The discussion also touches on Gnosticism and the allure of digital transcendence, questioning what true fulfillment means in a technology-driven world. Finally, the hosts reveal their excitement for upcoming topics and changes as they prepare for a brief hiatus, inviting listeners to stay tuned for more insights.

Today, Brad joins the Truth Over Tribe podcast to discuss his recent book, "The Reason For Church."He and Patrick Miller discuss why Christian culture has been stuck in an anti-vision mindset and why a negative perception around institutions as a whole is partly to blame. Brad details why the Church is so necessary and explains how many Christians have forgotten the Church’s role as a source of healing and community. But what about people who have experienced spiritual abuse at the hands of the Church? We hope this episode offers an honest-yet-hopeful vision for church as a necessary institution.Was this episode helpful or encouraging in some way? Great! Then you won't want to miss what's next so SUBSCRIBE now and send this episode to a friend! We appreciate it! 🙏You can also leave a review (it really helps)Follow UsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PostEverythingPodcastInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/_posteverythingX: https://twitter.com/_PostEverything