Future Christian

What happens when the church’s desire for growth becomes a form of idolatry?

Andrew Root returns to Future Christian to discuss his new book, Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry. Root argues that churches across the theological spectrum have become captured by a logic of escalation: more people, more resources, more innovation, more relevance, more affirmation. The problem is that there is never a point when we can finally say, “Enough.”

Drawing connections between the worship of Baal in the Old Testament, modern capitalism, and contemporary church growth, Loren and Andy explore what churches believe will actually save them. They discuss Root’s categories of “techno-optimists” and “identitarians”—two groups that may appear opposed but can share the assumption that the church will survive if it can simply accumulate enough of the right kind of capital.

Together they explore:

• When church growth becomes a form of idolatry
• Why churches struggle to ever say “enough”
• Techno-optimists, identitarians, and competing visions of church renewal
• Why money can function as more “real” than God in church decision-making
• The relationship between economic prosperity and American Protestantism
• Why the church keeps trying to recover its golden age
• Prayer, confession, and discerning where God is actually at work

 

Mentioned Resources:

📖 His Book:  Baal and the gods of more

🌐 The Iowa Preachers Project: iapreachers.org

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root

 

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🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/

 

Supporting Sponsors:

Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now!

Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order!

Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.

 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Dennis Sanders – Producer

 

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