Jason Kirk, Hell Is a World Without You

·46 min·4 clips

A sports writer and his wife started a podcast treating the Bible like a pop culture artifact, uncovering what they never discussed in their marriage.

The episode begins with host Andy Hale introducing Jason Kirk, who is the senior editor for The Athletic and co-host of the Vacation Bible School podcast. Kirk shares how his love for sports and religion intersects in his work. He explains that the Vacation Bible School podcast started during the 2020 quarantine as a creative outlet, initially intended to make jokes about the Bible but evolving into a deeper exploration with his wife Emily. They contrast different interpretations of biblical stories, from conservative churches to pop culture and scholarly views. Kirk's novel, 'Hell Is a World Without You', fills a gap in fiction about evangelicalism and deconstruction. He discusses the publishing industry's reluctance, with some labeling it as 'too niche' or assuming it's propaganda. Kirk reflects on his own evangelical upbringing in a megachurch, noting how it allowed 'oddballs' to find each other and have formative experiences, such as making his first gay friend. He emphasizes the importance of portraying both the good and harmful aspects of youth groups. Kirk details his approach to writing diverse characters, ensuring they are fully formed and consulting with a diverse group of readers. The conversation shifts to the fusion of evangelicalism with right-wing politics, with Kirk noting that 30% of evangelicals did not vote for Trump and questioning if disentanglement is possible. He suggests that ex-evangelicals can engage productively by meeting evangelicals on common ground, such as through Bible discussions. The episode includes sponsor messages from various theological institutions and ends with Hale thanking Kirk for the conversation.

As heard by us

A measured conversation about the belonging and harm that can sit side by side in youth group and white evangelical life.

This CBF Podcast Conversation follows a teenage boy's experience of youth group as both a source of deep belonging and a place capable of real hurt.

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Why you'd press play

For a thoughtful listen on faith, doubt, youth-group belonging, and the gray after leaving white evangelicalism.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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