What would the Russell Moore and David French of 2026 say to their 2016 selves? Our friend David French joins for a look back on what has changed since 2016 in American politics and American evangelicalism. Russell and David examine the influence of Pentecostalism, prosperity theology, church-growth culture, the missional movement, and New Calvinism, and how Donald Trump was emboldened by the culture they’ve cultivated. They wrestle with questions of power, certainty, leadership, gender, and why political identity has increasingly become a defining force within many Christian communities.
At risk of living only in the past, Russell and David also consider the future. They debate the coming impact of artificial intelligence on law, politics, and society, reflect on whether America’s current culture of cynicism and tribalism can correct itself, and share what they hope future generations will say about this era.
Ultimately, the two ask whether renewal is still possible—for the church, for the country, and for a public life. Can we engage in building a culture shaped less by power and fear, but rather character, truth, and neighborly love?
Plus: What if David French had run for president in 2016?
Watch this conversation on YouTube
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