When Paul Pelosi, husband of speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, was attacked, social media erupted with jokes. Why? What is at the heart of such a calloused response to violence? On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore welcomes Elizabeth Neumann to discuss online radicalization, loneliness, and how Christians can navigate an era of political hatred. Formerly the assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention at the Department of Homeland Security, Neumann is now a commentator on ABC News and the chief strategy officer at Moonshot, a social enterprise working to end online harms ranging from child sexual exploitation to political extremism. Neumann and Moore talk about the environmental factors that are creating the right conditions for political violence in America. They consider the role of online communities in radicalization, the power of rhetoric, and how to build resilience in children and teens. And they candidly address the ways the church has negatively contributed to the modern state of affairs, while also expressing hope and sharing ideas for a better way forward.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
- Ben Sasse, Them
- Alan Noble, You Are Not Your Own
- Life After Hate
- Parents for Peace
- SCREEN Hate (McCain Institute)
- Moonshot's Monthly Bulletin
- Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism
- Center for Strategic and International Studies Report: Pushed to Extremes: Domestic Terrorism amid Polarization and Protest
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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps CT Administration: Christine Kolb Social Media: Kate Lucky Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Production Assistance: coreMEDIA Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort Video Producer: John Roland Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton
