Libsyn Directory

Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal: Through the Darkness Toward Redemption

Release Date: 04/21/2025

Trump, Faith, and the First 100 Days with David French and Russell Moore

Good Faith

Is there a Christian response to our divided country? Host Curtis Chang is joined by David French and Russell Moore to unpack what Trump’s agenda and executive actions demand from people of faith. From foreign policy chaos and attacks on democratic institutions to political fatigue and Christian witness, this conversation gets real about the cost of following Jesus in a divided America. Curtis, David, and Russell confront the pull of fear and apathy—and offer a better path rooted in truth, hope, courage, and acts of worship. Resources mentioned in this episode: New...

Andy Crouch: Political Crisis, Contempt, & the Fruit of the Spirit

Good Faith

How should Christians engage with political power in a divided world? Contributor Andy Crouch joins Curtis Chang to trace a path from the courage of the early believers under Caesar to today’s crisis-driven politics and the ruling class. Together, they dive into the rise of emergency powers, growing contempt, and the breakdown of civil discourse—and offer a hopeful vision for how the Fruit of the Spirit can reshape both Christian posture and a public life rooted in love, gentleness, and faithfulness. Resources mentioned in this episode: Explaining (multiple...

Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal: Through the Darkness Toward Redemption

Good Faith

Can Literary Wisdom Counter Despair and Deepen Your Faith? In this episode of Good Faith Presents: Reading to Make Sense of the World, Curtis Chang and author-professor Jessica Hooten Wilson explore the spiritual insights of Flannery O’Connor’s prayer journal. They examine how O’Connor’s raw honesty, humility, and startling imagery confront the modern obsession with self and offer a radical vision of divine grace. Jessica helps listeners see why O’Connor’s work is more than provocative—it’s prophetic. Resources or references mentioned in this episode: (printed in The...

Douglas McKelvey Uncovers the Divine in Everyday Moments

Good Faith

How Can Mundane Moments Become Sacred Acts? Host Curtis Chang welcomes Every Moment Holy author Douglas McKelvey for a special Holy Week conversation about how liturgical prayer can transform daily routines into sacred encounters. What if folding laundry or doing dishes could become moments of divine connection? As Easter approaches, Curtis and Douglas invite you to step into a deeper spiritual rhythm—where every moment pulses with holy meaning. Douglas also leads listeners in some liturgical prayers from his books. Resources mentioned in this episode: James K.A. Smith: (video...

The Spiritual Renaissance of Monastic Practices with Jared Patrick Boyd

Good Faith

Could modern monasticism and its role in today's church revitalize your faith? Host Curtis Chang welcomes pastor and modern-day monastic Jared Boyd to explore the transformative power of modern monasticism. Discover how ancient spiritual practices are being revived through the Order of Common Life to renew the Church, strengthen clergy integrity, and address challenges that have led many toward deconstruction. Learn how intentional community and contemplative rhythms can foster deep spiritual growth and vibrant faith—offering a vision for the future of church renewal through...

Foreign Aid Cuts and Innovative Stewardship with Dana & Bill Wichterman

Good Faith

How Can We Create Faith-Driven Solutions for a World in Need? Host Curtis Chang sits down with Dana Wichterman, a former USAID and Department of Commerce development expert, and Bill Wichterman, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush, to explore how faith-driven impact investing can help fill the gap left by reduced U.S. government aid to the poor and vulnerable. They unpack practical ways Jesus followers can align their financial resources with their values, support global humanitarian efforts, and drive lasting change. Discover how people of all income levels can...

Curtis Chang Answers Your Questions: Deconstruction, Worship Across Divides, and Life After Death

Good Faith

Thanks to your questions, Good Faith listeners are the guests of this episode that’s meant to spark spiritual insights and challenge church norms. From queries about navigating belief in a politically toxic climate to finding community after deconstruction, Curtis answers your questions with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Whether you’re wrestling with faith, curious about theology, or just want to know what’s on Curtis’ playlist, this episode delivers the answers that inquiring minds wanted to know. Curtis addresses: How can someone who has...

Navigating Anxiety in Political Storms with Steve Cuss

Good Faith

How can we stay grounded in an anxious political climate? Leadership anxiety expert Steve Cuss joins the Good Faith Podcast to help us navigate Trump’s turbulent second term without becoming overwhelmed. We explore how chronic anxiety spreads through reactivity, why political leaders and their followers often amplify fear through straw man arguments, and how we can break free from the cycle. Drawing from his experience as a trauma chaplain and beyond, Steve shares practical tools for maintaining spiritual and emotional balance. If political division is making your mind race,...

David French: Has America’s Role in the World Changed Forever? and Your Questions

Good Faith

Radical shifts in the United States are sending shockwaves abroad. Host Curtis Chang welcomes back “founding friend” David French to examine how Trump’s foreign policy is reshaping America’s global standing. From strained alliances with Canada to shifting U.S. support for Ukraine, and the dismantling of USAID, David and Curtis explore whether the nation has abandoned its long-standing commitment to liberal democracy. Drawing from scripture, historical Christianity, and even the Declaration of Independence, they discuss the deeper implications of the current moment for...

Pete Wehner: Navigating Political Exile, Faith, and Identity

Good Faith

Everyone wants love and community in a fractured world. What happens when they are lost? Host Curtis Chang and Pete Wehner, a columnist for The Atlantic and former White House staffer, explore the deep sense of political, cultural, and spiritual exile felt by many Americans. Reflecting on Pete’s journey from shaping policy during 9/11 to breaking from the Republican Party over Donald Trump, they discuss the challenges of shifting identities while staying true to one’s convictions. Drawing from the Psalms, cognitive psychology, and Christian history, they offer a vision for...

More Episodes

Can Literary Wisdom Counter Despair and Deepen Your Faith?

In this episode of Good Faith Presents: Reading to Make Sense of the World, Curtis Chang and author-professor Jessica Hooten Wilson explore the spiritual insights of Flannery O’Connor’s prayer journal. They examine how O’Connor’s raw honesty, humility, and startling imagery confront the modern obsession with self and offer a radical vision of divine grace. Jessica helps listeners see why O’Connor’s work is more than provocative—it’s prophetic.

Resources or references mentioned in this episode:

Flannery O’Connor at 100
Excerpts from Flannery O'Connor's journal (printed in The New Yorker)
Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal
Jessica Hooten wilson’s Flannery O'Connor's Why Do the Heathen Rage?: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Work in Progress
A Life in Psychiatry and Literature: (an interview with Robert Coles)
Good Faith episode featuring Amy Low (Facing Cancer with Humor and Hope)
Good Faith episode featuring Nancy French (Ghosted: an American Story)
What Is Kafkaesque? - The 'Philosophy' of Franz Kafka (video explainer)

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