Obey God, Defy Tyrants – A Grassroots Theology of Politics with Derin Stidd
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 (https://ctkcincy.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3143542)
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
26 Jun 2025
Debunking the Myth of MLK: A Biblical Perspective on Race and Unity
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://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCmHJSSgDtlBbD3B1AMgsrew)
https://www.youtube.com/ @InformedTakes (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCFQ2psRY-yk1Jz0yiI9Q1Aw)
https://www.youtube.com/ @centerforbiblicalunity (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCks4V3eoZ0RPI3PXYjbjdTQ)
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 (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCLCDVjcVgfydwmymevviKUw)
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
21 Apr 2025
C.R. Wiley's Guide to the Coming A.I. Apocalypse
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
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
34,898
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
22 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
65
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
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