Podcast

Be Afraid

Illustration by Stephen Scheidler

This Is as Close to Hell as I Ever Wanna Get

It’s hard to be skeptical when you’re so incredibly scared.

This week on Be Afraid, we break the fourth wall, moving from the world of horror fiction to the world of nonfiction. As we do, we consider the real stuff, the stuff movies are made of, the stuff horror movies are made of. By examining the phenomenon of real-world exorcisms, we ask how it is that we can be both skeptical and scared.

Joining us this week: David Taylor is associate professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. Rob Clark is the minister to youth and children at University Place Presbyterian Church. Coltan Scrivner is a behavioral scientist and the author of a forthcoming book exploring our morbid sense of curiosity.

Resources referenced: Planet Weird’s YouTube video of Anneliese Michel, the real Emily Rose God’s Wider Presence, Robert K. Johnston Born Believers, Justin L. Barrett Washington Post article about the trial of Anneliese Michel’s parents and priests.

More from Kutter Callaway on theology and culture: https://www.kuttercallaway.com/

More from Uncommon Voices Collective: https://www.uncommonvoices.faith/

More from Qoheleth: https://qohelethnoise.bandcamp.com

“Be Afraid” is a production of Christianity Today, Fuller Seminary, and Uncommon Voices Collective Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer, Writer, and Editor: Kutter Callaway Producer, Editor, Graphic Design: Stephen Scheidler Producer: TJ Hester Music: Jeremy Hunt and Qoheleth

Our Latest

News

Washington Attack Suspect Sought to Justify Himself to Christians

In writings, Cole Tomas Allen thanked his church and argued that his attempt to assassinate Trump administration officials was compatible with his faith.

Being Human

Shame, Sexual Abuse, and Gaslighting with Christine Caine & Yana Jenay Conner

Can forgiveness meet reality when we navigate family trauma with truth?

The Revival That Wasn’t—and the One That May Be

Josh Packard and Raymond Chang

Young people remain deeply wary of large institutions, but they are undeniably interested in faith.

The Russell Moore Show

How Do I Teach My Children the Christian Faith?

Russell answers a listener question about how we can pass our Christian faith heritage to our children without making it weird.

News

Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban Isn’t Perfect. But It’s Helping Analog Families.

Amy Lewis in Geelong, Australia

Teens have workarounds to get on the apps, but parents have it easier delaying children’s introduction to social networks.

You Don’t Graduate from Discernment

Paul Gutacker

As you seek your vocation with diploma in hand, the way of the Cross must still shape your days.

The Bulletin

Attitudes Toward Israel, Kash Patel’s Lawsuit, and John Mark Comer’s Fame

Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Americans’ growing frustrations with Israel, Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million, and the popularity of John Mark Comer.

News

How a Kidnapping Changed a Theologian’s Mind

Interview by Emmanuel Nwachukwu

An interview with Sunday Bobai Agang about the lessons he learned from his abduction last month.

addApple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseellipseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squarefolderGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintremoveRSSRSSSaveSavesaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube