Podcast

Viral Jesus

Courtesy of Karen Swallow Prior

‘The Work Is the Platform’

Karen Swallow Prior urges Christian writers to focus on doing good work, not attracting more followers.

Author, literary scholar, and social media dynamo Karen Swallow Prior joins Heather for an engrossing discussion on what it means to build a “platform.” They dive right into the debate that is taking over much of Christian influencer culture—is a huge social media platform a byproduct of pursuing one’s call, or is it the call itself? Karen explains what she believes it means to be truly “called” and questions the unhealthy desperation to be published that she sees among some writers. Warning: This episode may ruffle a few feathers, but it will also stir conviction!

Karen Swallow Prior is a research professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her books include Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books. She is co-editor of Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues and has written articles for Christianity Today, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Relevant, The Gospel Coalition, and many others.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Madison Hart. Madi is a lover of Jesus, books, and the great outdoors, and has created a blog that she hopes will make you feel less alone. You can find Madi and her blog on Instagram @M’s Inklings.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Our Latest

News

Mobile Food Ministries Adapt to High Gas Prices

Despite soaring costs, two Christian groups in California persevere—and trust for God’s provision

Review

How Can You Live with Yourself After Doing Evil?

Michael Valdovinos’s book offers coping strategies, which are a start. But what we truly need is forgiveness.

Excerpt

How to Debate Faith Around the Table

Louis Markos

An excerpt from My Apologetics Dinner Party.

The Bulletin

Military Rescue in Iran, Pam Bondi, Artemis II, and Social Media Addiction Trial

US military rescues airman in Iran, Pam Bondi fired, Artemis II mission circles moon, and landmark case against Meta and Google.

News

The Anglican Priest Preaching in Kenya’s Nightclubs

Pius Sawa

As hard-partying culture steals youth from the church, one pastor seeks to bring them back.

Being Human

Why Family Patterns Still Run Your Life with Steve Cuss & Clarissa Moll

The gospel of your family vs. the gospel of Jesus

The Russell Moore Show

Am I Sinning by Feeling Anxious?

Russell answers a listener question about trusting God when your anxiety won’t go away.

The Rebellious Act of Rolling Back the Stone

Richard Mouw

From Jesus to angels to the apostles, Resurrection Day instructs us on earthly and heavenly authority.

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