Christians Stopped Whispering. Is That Revival?

For a long time, I edited myself before I ever opened my mouth. Not lying. Edited. The true thing would rise up in me about God, about right and wrong, about my kids, and somewhere between my heart and my mouth it got sanded down until nobody could be offended. Lately, I’ve watched people stop doing that, me included. Christians are saying what they believe out loud, and I’m glad. But some of what’s being called revival looks a lot like the culture’s anger with a cross hung around its neck. Both are happening at once, so I went down the rabbit hole. In this episode: * Why so many of us are done censoring ourselves, and why I’m glad * Barna’s data on young adults returning to church, and the widest gender gap in church attendance in 25 years * Louder identity, thinner formation: the trend underneath the headlines * Two kinds of boldness: the one aimed at winning and the one that comes from being with Jesus * The “Christian nationalist” label and the pendulum swing on both sides * Acts 4: what Peter and John prayed after they were threatened * Three questions to test your own boldness, and the one I’m asking myself this season Timestamps 01:10 Today’s rabbit hole: where is the new boldness coming from?01:20 Why so many of us are done censoring ourselves03:05 Men now outpace women in church attendance05:00 Two kinds of boldness05:55 The “Christian nationalist” label07:45 Acts 4: Peter and John before the council08:35 The prayer nobody expects (Acts 4:29–30)10:15 So is this revival? Scripture in this episode: Acts 4:13, 29–32 and Romans 12:2 Read along with us: We’re reading Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund together in October, and it’s not too late to jump in. Join the Book Club on The Bold Life The Thought Vault is the inside of a faith-rooted, relentlessly curious mind, with everything on the table. Faith at the foundation. Curiosity about everything else. 📬 Get every episode and essay in your inbox: Subscribe to The Bold Life 📖 Read The Bold Life on Substack: emilyvermillion.substack.com 📚 Read Gentle and Lowly with us: Paid subscribers get the five-week Book Club, the Support Map with twelve word-for-word scripts for asking for help, a paid-only coaching Live, the full Toolbox, and a private community where nobody builds alone. The annual plan saves you more than half. Become a paid subscriber ▶️ Watch on YouTube: The Thought Vault 🔗 Share the show with a friend: emilyvermillion.substack.com/?r=30szvz ✉️ Say hi: [email protected] “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2. Go live with bold intention. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emilyvermillion.substack.com/subscribe