Is American Christianity Losing the Plot?

Are we trading authentic faith for political tribalism and cultural war? In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins  sits down with renowned theologian and Christianity Today editor at large Dr. Russell Moore to explore a shift in American religion: The Casinofication of Church.

The conversation sparks from a recent Atlantic investigation where Coppins was given $10,000 to experiment with the addictive, transaction-based loops of online sports betting. But as Dr. Moore points out, these same dopamine-driven algorithms aren't just changing how we watch sports — they are hollowing out our congregations.

When the gospel and Christian fellowship are weaponized for institutional survival, brand-building, and partisan politics, church communities stop shaping our souls and start serving our anxieties. McKay and Dr. Moore discuss:

• The Casinofication Phenomenon: How the modern church is being turned into a vehicle for political outrage and self-image.

• The Trap of Political Homelessness: Why authentic Christianity should inherently place us outside the traditional left-right political spectrum.

• Algorithmic Faith: How modern technology isolates us from deep spiritual formation and real community.

• The Path to Renewal: Why external crises throughout history have forced the church to reckon with its true purpose.

Whether you are feeling politically fatigued, spiritually disconnected, or curious about the intersection of faith and modern culture, this episode offers a vital, grounding perspective on how to reclaim what matters most.

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“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).