In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, I sit down with Darin Stidd, a former pastor turned grassroots political activist with Young Americans for Liberty. Darin brings a rare combination of pastoral heart, sharp theology, and boots-on-the-ground political experience.

Together, we tackle some of the most pressing questions Christians are asking right now:

• Should Christians really care about politics if Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world”?

• What does Romans 13 actually teach about submission to government?

• How should we think about separation of church and state?

• Why “just preach the gospel” is a gnostic distortion of Christianity.

• What ordinary Christians can do to push back against tyranny without running for office.

• Why most politicians don’t care about right and wrong — and how Christians can still force them to do the right thing.

• How just 3% plus one of engaged citizens can change the course of politics in your state.

  
  

Derin is convinced that Christians must bring their theology into the public square and learn to wield power in ways that honor Christ. This conversation will challenge you to think biblically, act courageously, and refuse to sit on the Stiddelines.

If you’re in the Northern Kentucky / Greater Cincinnati area, join us Saturday, October 25, 2025 for a free seminar with Derin Stidd:

Obey God, Defy Tyrants: A Grassroots Theology of Politics

📍 Christ the King Church, Fort Thomas, KY

🕘 9 AM – 12 PM

💻 Register here

Subscribe to the podcast and share this episode if you believe Christians need to stop retreating and start standing boldly for truth in the public square.

00:00 The Reality of Political Motivations

00:49 Introduction to Derin Stidd

04:15 Christians and Political Involvement

14:10 The Misinterpretation of 'Separation of Church and State'

21:03 The Role of Christians in Government

31:51 Understanding Government and Citizen Power

32:56 Practical Steps for Political Engagement

34:49 Biblical Perspective on Government Authority

41:10 The Role of Christians in Politics

42:47 The Reality of Political Systems

49:33 Effective Political Strategies for Christians

56:23 Final Thoughts and Event Information

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, host Michael Clary sits down with Kevin Briggins, a Christian Reformed Baptist, military veteran, and co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity. Kevin hosts:

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@OffCodePodcast⁩

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@InformedTakes⁩

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@centerforbiblicalunity⁩

In this eye-opening episode, they dive deep into what many Christians get wrong about Martin Luther King Jr., challenging the narrative of his faith and legacy. From the social gospel to the civil rights movement’s hidden tactics, Kevin unpacks the complexities of race, culture, and biblical unity in today’s polarized world. They also discuss the dangers of critical race theory, the manipulation of language like "whiteness" and "blackness," and the hope for a church grounded in the true gospel.

Topics covered:

* Common misconceptions about Martin Luther King Jr.’s faith and the civil rights movement.

* The dangers of critical race theory and its impact on the church.

* How terms like "whiteness" and "blackness" are manipulated to push a Marxist worldview.

* The cultural pressures that divide Christians and how the gospel offers true unity.

* Kevin’s personal journey from a Democratic upbringing to conservative convictions.

* The future of the church in navigating racial and cultural challenges.

Resources Mentioned

Chad O. Jackson’s upcoming documentary on MLK: Follow Chad for updates https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ChadOJackson⁩

Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham https://a.co/d/aNnTnKu

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen https://a.co/d/0gVQtBP

https://x.com/KJBrigg

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Time Stamps

00:00 Debunking Myths About Martin Luther King

01:10 Introduction to the Plain Speech Podcast

01:19 Meet Kevin Brigans: Background and Beliefs

02:02 Navigating Race and Christianity

05:47 Kevin's Journey to Conservatism

06:39 Challenges of Being a Conservative Black Christian

08:22 The Impact of Social Justice on Church Unity

10:42 The Rise of Critical Race Theory in Churches

14:17 The Dangers of Activism in Christianity

26:22 Redefining Blackness and Whiteness

40:03 Embracing Ethnic Heritage and Identity in Christ

41:14 Navigating Racial Identity in America

43:10 The Woke Right and Its Implications

44:52 Challenges in Discussing Woke Ideologies

49:08 Reevaluating Martin Luther King's Legacy

53:36 The Civil Rights Movement: A Different Perspective

01:07:39 Cultural Influences and Social Dynamics

01:13:08 Future Challenges for Christians

In this conversation, Michael Clary and C. R. Wiley delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society, particularly from a Christian perspective. They explore the definition of AI, its rapid advancements, and the potential threats it poses to human vocation, dominion, and the risk of idolatry. Wiley emphasizes the need for establishing boundaries around AI and discusses the concept of transhumanism, where technology intersects with human existence. The conversation concludes with reflections on how Christians can prepare for the future in a world increasingly influenced by AI. In this conversation, C. R. Wiley and Michael Clary explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on spirituality, ethics, and pastoral ministry. They discuss the challenges posed by AI in prayer, the moral imperatives of technological progress, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding human enhancement technologies. The conversation also delves into the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in pastoral work, the integration of technology in the household, and the potential for AI to influence consciousness and spirituality, including concerns about demonic influence.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding AI: A New Era of Technology

07:34 Theological Concerns: Vocation, Dominion, and Idolatry

14:33 Navigating the AI Landscape: Living with Technology

20:23 Transhumanism: The Intersection of AI and Humanity

26:42 Preparing for the Future: Anticipating Change in Ministry

29:08 The Role of AI in Prayer and Spirituality

30:47 Technological Progress and Moral Imperatives

32:44 Human Enhancement Technologies and Ethical Dilemmas

36:53 AI in Pastoral Ministry: Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Uses

45:03 Integrating Technology in the Household

50:13 AI, Consciousness, and Potential Demonic Influence