10/28/2025
Journalist and author Scott Latta joins Amy Fritz to discuss Scott’s new book, Gods of the Smoke Machine: Power, Pain, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Megachurch, sharing stories of power, accountability, and the changing landscape of American megachurches.
In this episode we talk about:
⭐Why megachurches are growing even as overall church attendance in America declines.
⭐The impact of megachurch growth on small churches, including the cannibalization of congregations and properties.
⭐ Firsthand stories from those harmed by toxic church systems and why amplifying survivor voices is critical.
⭐The phenomenon of faux accountability and restoration processes for fallen pastors in megachurch networks.
⭐Boz Tchividjian’s insights on the legal landscape, the role of financial consequences in church accountability, and why civil litigation is sometimes the only path to justice.
⭐How megachurches cultivate soft political power, their influence on Christian nationalism, and the increasing willingness of pastors to openly engage in politics.
You can find this episode by searching for Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts.