Church & Culture Podcast
Dr. James Emery White
The Church & Culture podcast is a weekly discussion with Dr. James Emery White on the latest trends happening in culture, and where and how the church should respond. While this podcast reflects on the church's part in what may be going on in the world, it is very much a show that anyone, no matter what walk of life you may have come from or are currently in, can glean useful information. Some episodes may be an extended conversation based off one of Dr. White's bi-weekly blog posts, as he does not shy away from the controversial hot topics. So to be ready for full context, be sure to subscribe to the Church & Culture Blog at ChurchandCulture.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 29min
CCP188: On Cultural Attacks on Parental Authority
They unpack recent court rulings that spotlight parental notification and responsibility in school matters. They explore legal decisions tied to gender-related school policies and a criminal case linking parental inaction to violence. They discuss cultural trends reshaping ideas of safety, privacy, and parental authority. They outline practical parental roles: be informed, involved, and in charge.
12 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 37min
CCP187: On the War in Iran
A conversation about the U.S. entry into war with Iran and the immediate military and political fallout. A tour of Iran’s history, identity, and regional influence. Explanations of Sunni–Shia origins, nuclear fears, and why Jerusalem is a flashpoint. A look at just war principles and how conflict reshapes culture, conscience, and religious communities.
10 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 41min
CCP186: On Exorcism and Deliverance from Evil
Dr. James Emery White, founding pastor and theologian who writes on faith and culture. He unpacks rising cultural interest in exorcism, the biblical view of Satan, and distinctions between possession and oppression. He outlines signs to watch for, typical practices for deliverance, and why occult exposure is growing. Practical next steps and pastoral care are also discussed.
Feb 27, 2026 • 36min
CCP185: On Bad Bunny, Monks and Immigration
They talk about how leaders decide which news stories deserve a church response. They explore avoiding needless culture-war reactions while still offering biblical guidance. They discuss practical alternatives to full sermons and how to prepare teaching series on recurring cultural topics. They weigh prophetic warning against evangelistic grace when engaging public issues.
6 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 34min
CCP184: On Suicide
A careful conversation about rising suicide rates and the CDC data behind them. A clear discussion of whether taking one’s life is an unforgivable sin and how scripture treats such acts. Distinctions between intentional suicide and deaths driven by severe mental illness. Practical thoughts on how churches and communities can respond with both compassion and appropriate care.
Feb 13, 2026 • 26min
CCP183: On Counseling and Therapy
James Emery White, pastor, theologian, and author, speaks about the surge in therapy use and why more young adults are seeking help. He talks about anxiety, depression, gender differences in seeking care, and how faith relates to counseling. The conversation explores when therapy is medical, when spiritual care matters, and how to find qualified Christian-informed counselors.
Feb 6, 2026 • 24min
CCP182: On Telepathy
A lively discussion on telepathy and its rise in pop culture, sparked by Stranger Things. They examine scientific skepticism and the pitfalls of purported evidence like the Telepathy Tapes. The conversation contrasts supernatural claims with biblical perspective and warns about occult sources. They also touch on telekinesis, Scientology, and technological 'near telepathy' via brain‑computer interfaces.
Jan 30, 2026 • 43min
CCP181: On Money and Megachurches
James Emery White, founding pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church and author, weighs in on a viral parody about flashy preachers. He discusses theatrical megachurch moments, where money and spectacle cross lines. He clarifies what defines a megachurch, defends large congregations’ ministries, and urges humility, accountability, and sound financial practices.
Jan 23, 2026 • 23min
CCP180: On Magic
James Emery White, pastor, theologian, and author who studies culture and faith. He discusses a Baylor study showing rising interest in magical thinking, explains secular supernaturalism and why nonreligious people accept spiritual ideas, and distinguishes cultural fantasy from real occult practices while urging thoughtful engagement with popular spiritual longings.
10 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 37min
CCP179: On When a Beloved Leader Falls
In this engaging conversation, Dr. James Emery White, a seasoned pastor and author, dives into the troubling trend of moral failures among beloved Christian leaders. He discusses the heartbreak and confusion that ensue when such leaders fall from grace, citing recent cases like Philip Yancey's affair. Dr. White emphasizes the dangers of prioritizing charisma over character and critiques the use of NDAs to hide misconduct. He also offers insights on assessing leaders' true character and encourages faithfulness despite failures in ministry.
