The Smith and Rowland Show

What happens when Christianity centers on feeling good and doing good, but leaves out the call to be born again? Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland continue their discussion of moralistic therapeutic deism and the state of the church.

In Episode 984 of The Smith and Rowland Show, the hosts examine how a faith shaped around personal comfort can lose sight of the cross, biblical truth, and sharing the gospel. They discuss survey findings about biblical worldviews among Christians and pastors, the influence of moralistic therapeutic deism, and why churches may struggle to pass on a living faith to the next generation.

The conversation also looks at the effects of deconstructing Christian doctrine, the cost of following Jesus, and the difference between building on a foundation and tearing it down. Smith and Rowland connect those concerns to the church's responsibility to speak truth, live out the teachings of Christ, and keep sowing the gospel.

Watch Part 4 of "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: I Think We're in Trouble" for a direct conversation about discipleship, evangelism, repentance, and the need for a biblical worldview.

The Smith and Rowland Show, Episode 984

Monday, September 28, 2026

Find more from Kingdom Prophetic Society at kingdompropheticsociety.org

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What happens when churches make visitors comfortable by softening the message? In Part 3, Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland examine how Moralistic Therapeutic Deism can replace the gospel with the promise of feeling good and turning to God only in a crisis.

The conversation traces the seeker-sensitive movement's original concern: unfamiliar language and customs could make church hard for newcomers to follow. But as the hosts point out, removing barriers can also mean removing biblical teaching. They discuss what changes when churches avoid sin, repentance, hell, Christ's exclusive claims, and the cost of discipleship.

They also consider how generations learn faith through what churches teach and model. From the words used in sermons to the hymns sung in worship, the message matters. The hosts argue that new forms and styles can have a place, but they should never erase the cross, the blood of Christ, or the foundations laid by earlier believers.

This episode continues a candid discussion about biblical preaching, church culture, and the difference between the gospel and a message built around personal happiness. Watch as Alan and Jeff examine why repentance and the full counsel of Scripture must remain central to Christian faith.

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What happens when faith becomes a message about being good, feeling good, and calling on God only in a crisis? Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland examine why Moralistic Therapeutic Deism can replace the gospel in the church.

Building on their previous discussion, the hosts explain the five beliefs associated with Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, a term drawn from Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton's 2005 book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. They compare this belief system with the biblical call to repentance, holiness, daily devotion to God, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

The conversation covers why being "good, nice, and fair" cannot replace the gospel, how the pursuit of happiness can leave out the reality of suffering and cross-bearing, and what it means to treat God as an emergency contact rather than the center of everyday life. Allan and Jeff also discuss church attendance, the presence of God, and the difference between biblical joy and simply feeling happy.

Watch through the end, then test these claims against Scripture for yourself. The hosts encourage viewers to study the Bible and examine the ideas carefully.

The Smith and Rowland Show, Episode 982, September 24, 2026.

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Can people identify as Christian, attend church, and still miss the gospel? Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland examine the beliefs sociologist Christian Smith called Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, and why they believe these ideas deserve serious attention.

Drawing on Christian Smith's research into the religious lives of American teenagers, the hosts explain the five-belief pattern that shaped the term: religion centered on being good, feeling good, and treating God as distant until help is needed. They connect that pattern to a wider concern in churches today: people may know Christian language without understanding sin, repentance, the purpose of Jesus' death, or the need to be born again.

The conversation also considers how preaching that focuses only on encouragement can leave the gospel out, why church attendance and Bible knowledge don't automatically make someone a Christian, and what Scripture says about trusting Christ for salvation. This episode introduces the topic and sets up a closer look at the five beliefs that, according to the analysis, can replace the gospel.

Watch Episode 981 of The Smith and Rowland Show for a Bible-centered discussion of Christian identity, salvation, discipleship, and the beliefs shaping church life.

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What happens when a church closes and its building becomes a mosque? Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland discuss a report from Warren, Michigan, and ask what the change says about the church in America.

In this episode of The Smith and Rowland Show, they examine reports of former Christian church buildings becoming Islamic centers, along with the growth of mosques in the area. Their conversation turns to church closures, immigration, evangelism, and the responsibility to pass faith on to the next generation.

They also consider whether churches have left their first love and lost sight of the practices that once sustained them. Smith and Rowland make the case for returning to Scripture, repentance, soul-winning, old-time preaching, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Along the way, they debate what churches gain or lose when they trade familiar traditions for newer styles, from worship music and smoke machines to Bible translations.

Watch for a candid conversation about religious change in American communities, the condition of the church, and why Smith and Rowland believe some things that work shouldn't be replaced just because something new is available.

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What does Socrates' critique of democracy have to say about voting today? The Smith and Rowland Show examines why informed judgment matters in politics and the church.

After a humorous opening about emojis and a visit to a truck-parts shop, Alan and Jeff turn to public opinion, political loyalty, and the risks of voting without understanding the issues. They discuss Socrates' warning that democracy can be vulnerable to uninformed voters and persuasive politicians, using his ship-of-state and doctor-versus-candy-seller examples to explain the argument.

The conversation also considers political news, party allegiance, Christian responsibility, and the need to weigh candidates and policies against personal convictions. The hosts urge viewers to study the issues before voting, rather than relying only on party labels or slogans.

Watch Episode 979 for a candid discussion of Socrates and democracy, political participation, media bias, and the role of informed decision-making in public life.

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What does it mean to recognize, ordain, and equip the ministry God has placed within every believer?

In Episode 978 of The Smith and Rowland Show, Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland introduce the next chapter for Kingdom Prophetic Society and discuss the biblical purpose of ordination. They examine how believers can identify their spiritual gifts, respond to God's call, and take their place in the work of the ministry.

The conversation covers:

 * The founding and future direction of Kingdom Prophetic Society
 * The role of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists in equipping the saints
 * Why every believer has a ministry and a spiritual gift
 * The connection between calling, recognition, ordination, and spiritual empowerment
 * Biblical examples of ordination in Exodus, Acts, John, Numbers, and Mark
 * The importance of prayer, fasting, public recognition, and the laying on of hands
 * How the church can recognize and support ministries of preaching, teaching, worship, intercession, helps, and discipleship
 * The planned fellowship of ministries within Kingdom Prophetic Society

Alan and Jeff also discuss the difference between claiming a ministry for yourself and allowing the body of Christ to recognize the work God has placed in your life. They share why ordination should be treated with reverence and how it can help believers become more aware of their assignment and responsibility in the Kingdom.

Learn more, access teachings and articles, or contact the Smith and Rowland Show through Kingdom Prophetic Society at:

https://kingdompropheticsociety.org

Email: smithandrowland@gmail.com

Watch, share, and join the conversation about spiritual gifts, Christian ministry, prophetic calling, and Kingdom ordination.

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What does Acts 20 teach us about false teachers, Christian ministry, and the growing discussion around Noahide laws?

In Part 2 of his commentary, Alan Smith examines Paul's warning to the elders at Ephesus and explains why every believer has a place in ministry. Service isn't limited to pastors, evangelists, or well-known Christian leaders. Practical help, encouragement, hospitality, and faithful support are all ways to serve the body of Christ.

The discussion then turns to false teaching, including the danger of voices that rise within the church and draw disciples after themselves. Alan considers how motive, pride, and claims of secret spiritual knowledge can distort the gospel. He also addresses Gnosticism and explains why spiritual maturity comes through knowing Christ and responding to the Holy Spirit, not through exclusive revelation or hidden knowledge.

A major focus of this episode is the Noahide laws. Alan reviews their traditional connection to Jewish writings, the moral requirements often associated with them, and the role of courts in enforcing those laws. He raises concerns about how these teachings may affect the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, while making a clear distinction between criticism of a doctrine and opposition to Jewish people or Israel.

The central message remains the cross of Christ. Moral laws cannot replace the blood atonement, and no system of rules can provide the forgiveness and acceptance found in Jesus. Watch this episode for a careful biblical commentary on Acts 20, Christian service, false teaching, Gnosticism, Noahide laws, grace, and the gospel.

Presented by The Smith and Rowland Show.

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What happens when religious teaching places believers under fear, control, or burdens that Christ never intended? Alan Smith examines false teachers, spiritual freedom, and the Noahide laws through the lens of Scripture.

In this September 16, 2026 episode of Opinion & Commentary's, Alan focuses on Jesus' words in John 8:31-32: those who continue in His word will know the truth, and the truth will make them free. He explains why freedom from sin comes through Christ, not through religious systems or human traditions.

The discussion also covers:

 * The difference between a relationship with God and religious bondage
 * The new birth and the Holy Spirit's guidance
 * Paul's warning in Acts 20 about false teachers and "grievous wolves"
 * How Gnosticism shifts attention from Christ's atoning sacrifice toward secret knowledge
 * The Noahide laws, their connection to Talmudic tradition, and why definitions and penalties matter
 * The importance of testing every teaching, private revelation, and religious claim against Scripture
 * Why the blood atonement of Jesus Christ remains central to the gospel

Alan's central argument is that believers must examine teachings carefully, especially when added traditions claim authority equal to or greater than the Bible. He encourages viewers to study the sources, compare claims with Scripture, and keep Jesus Christ and His sacrifice at the center of faith.

Learn more and find additional materials at:

kingdompropheticsociety.org

This program presents Alan Smith's opinion and commentary. Viewers are encouraged to examine the biblical passages and historical claims discussed for themselves.

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