Journalist and author Scott Latta joins Amy Fritz to discuss Scott's new book, Gods of the Smoke Machine: Power, Pain, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Megachurch, sharing stories of power, accountability, and the changing landscape of American megachurches.

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In this episode we:

• Explore why megachurches are growing even as overall church attendance in America declines.

• Examine the evolution from traditional "big box" churches to franchise-style, multi-site megachurch models.

• Discuss the impact of megachurch growth on small churches, including the cannibalization of congregations and properties.

• Explore the profound loss experienced by members when megachurch scandals or abusive leaders come to light, and how that pain is multiplied by scale.

• Hear firsthand stories from those harmed by toxic church systems and why amplifying survivor voices is critical.

• Unpack the phenomenon of faux accountability and restoration processes for fallen pastors in megachurch networks.

• Discuss Boz Tchividjian's insights on the legal landscape, the role of financial consequences in church accountability, and why civil litigation is sometimes the only path to justice.

• Investigate how megachurches cultivate soft political power, their influence on Christian nationalism, and the increasing willingness of pastors to openly engage in politics.

• Offer practical wisdom for those seeking healthy faith communities, what real accountability looks like, and how to rethink church engagement after disillusionment.

Featured Guest

• Scott Latta Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack

Resources mentioned

• Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

• Scott Latta's Substack Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack

• Scott Latta on Bluesky Scott Latta (@scottlatta.bsky.social) — Bluesky

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Author and speaker Mary DeMuth joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about the practice of surrender, what it looks like in the midst of personal trials, and the story behind her newest devotional book, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ.

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In this episode we:

• Hear the origin story behind Mary's newest book, including how she combined her writing and original art in a 40-day devotional on surrender.

• Discuss what it means to surrender reputation, finances, relationships, aging, and even inner cynicism—and how Mary has personally wrestled with these themes.

• Talk honestly about vulnerability, church hurt, and the ongoing journey of healing from trauma and moral injury.

• Explore the tension between discernment and cynicism, especially when coming out of abusive faith communities.

• Share practical encouragement for those feeling isolated or stuck in their faith, and ways we can invite Jesus into our everyday struggles.

• Reflect on the power of community and honesty in the process of spiritual growth.

Featured Guest

• Mary DeMuth

Resources mentioned

• Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

• Church Hurt Checklist

• Bookstore - Mary DeMuth

• The Freedom of Surrender: https://amzn.to/4q8Nn63

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If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.

Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts

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Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com

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This episode contains content that may be difficult for those who have experienced violence or who are sensitive to mentions of abuse or intimate partner violence. Please take care when listening.

In 2007, Pastor Neil Schori sat down with a woman who had come to him for marriage counseling. You probably recognize her name: Stacy Peterson.

Not long after that conversation, Stacy when missing and still has not been found.

Her husband, Drew Peterson, is serving time in prison for being convicted of murdering his previous wife.

Pastor Neil joins the Untangled Faith podcast to share his thoughts on the Steven Crowder video, what he wishes he had known about intimate partner violence and what friends and faith community leaders need to know to be safe places for those who may not even know they are in danger.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The multiple facets of abuse go beyond bodily injury.

• The necessity of pastors to possess the right skills to manage abusive scenarios.

• Red flags the signal abuse situations.

• Empowering victims

• How incorrect theology is harming those being abused.

Links:

Document the Abuse website: https://documenttheabuse.com

Neil Schori on Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilschori

Neil Schori coaching: https://www.facebook.com/SchoriCoaching

Sign up for Amy's email list and get her weekly podcast updates and monthly newsletter: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com

Related Episodes:

https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/05/11/43-what-weve-gotten-wrong-about-divorce-guest-gretchen-baskerville/

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Where you can find me:

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