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The City of God podcast, hosted by Dr. Rob Pacienza—President and CEO of Coral Ridge Ministries—explores today’s cultural and political issues through a biblical lens. Each week, Dr. Pacienza interviews leading voices in theology, politics, and public life to help Christians engage the world without compromising truth. Produced in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture, City of God equips believers to live faithfully and stand boldly in an upside down world. Episodes are available in both video and audio formats and offer clear, gospel-centered insight on the most pressing issues of our day.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
18 min
For years, we've been told that religion is declining and that faith holds society back. But what if the data tells a completely different story?
In this episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza welcomes Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor at Baylor University and one of the world's leading researchers on faith and human flourishing. Drawing on decades of research and one of the largest global flourishing studies ever conducted, Dr. Johnson explains why faith consistently produces stronger families, healthier communities, greater purpose, and better mental health.
You'll hear about:
- Why the "death of religion" narrative is misleading
● How faith strengthens marriages, families, and communities
● The surprising connection between church attendance and human flourishing
● Why loneliness and isolation are fueling today's mental health crisis
● What the research reveals about living a meaningful and flourishing life
Dr. Johnson's message is clear: faith transforms individuals, strengthens communities, and helps people flourish. His research offers powerful evidence that biblical principles are not only spiritually true but also produce measurable benefits for society.
👉 Watch now and discover why the evidence increasingly points to the same truth Scripture has proclaimed all along.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod
#ByronJohnson
#HumanFlourishing
#FaithAndScience
#MentalHealth
#ChristianResearch
#BiblicalWorldview
#Bible
#BiblicalWorldview
#CoralRidge
#CRM
#IFC
Aug 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
15 min
Anxiety is rising. Depression is soaring. Fear seems to define an entire generation. So what's really driving America's mental health crisis?
In this episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, to explore why our culture is becoming more anxious even as it moves further from biblical truth. Together they discuss the connection between faith, mental health, cultural decline, and the hope found only in Christ.
You'll hear about:
- Why anxiety and depression continue to rise in America
● The spiritual roots of today's mental health crisis
● How secular culture has failed to provide lasting hope
● Why the Church must boldly proclaim truth in this cultural moment
● New research showing that faith leads to human flourishing
Dr. Clinton reminds us that while fear may define our culture, it doesn't have to define God's people. Lasting peace isn't found in self-help or politics, but in Jesus Christ, the Light who overcomes the darkness.
👉 Watch now and discover the foundation for true hope, healing, and human flourishing.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod
#TimClinton
#MentalHealth
#HumanFlourishing
#Anxiety
#Depression
#ChristianCounseling
#BiblicalWorldview
#Bible
#BiblicalWorldview
#CoralRidge
#CRM
#IFC
Jul 29, 2026
Jul 29, 2026
17 min
What happens when women's prisons stop being exclusively for women?
In this sobering episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Amie Ichikawa — a formerly incarcerated woman and founder of Woman II Woman — for a firsthand look at one of the least reported human rights issues in America today. Drawing from her own experience and years of advocacy, Amie exposes the devastating consequences of policies allowing biological men to enter women's prisons based solely on gender self-identification.
Amie shares heartbreaking stories from women living behind bars, many of whom are survivors of abuse and now find themselves housed alongside biological males, leaving them vulnerable to fear, trauma, assault, and even pregnancy. She argues that these policies have stripped incarcerated women of the dignity, privacy, and protection they deserve.
You'll hear about:
- How biological men are being transferred into women's prisons
● The real stories of women affected by these policies
● Why incarcerated women have become one of America's most overlooked populations
● How faith in Christ transformed Amie's life and inspired her advocacy
● The work of Woman II Woman to restore dignity, hope, and justice to incarcerated women
Amie reminds us that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity, while calling Christians to speak up for those whose voices are too often ignored. Her message is both sobering and hopeful: justice and compassion are never opposing values — they belong together.
👉 Watch now and share this episode with someone who believes every woman deserves safety, dignity, and justice.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod #AmieIchikawa #WomensRights #PrisonReform #ProtectWomen #GenderIdeology #GenderIdentity #Transgender #TruthMatters #BiblicalWorldview #Bible #BiblicalWorldview #CoralRidge #CRM #IFC
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
6 min
Where did we come from? The answer shapes everything about who we are.
In this episode of City of God Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza helps families explore the biblical doctrine of creation and why it is the foundation for understanding our identity, purpose, and value. While the world often teaches that life is the result of chance, God's Word tells a better story: we were created by God, on purpose, for a purpose.
You'll discover:
- Why the doctrine of creation matters
● What it means to be made in God's image
● How God's design gives every person purpose and value
● Why Christians can confidently trust the truth of Scripture
This episode also includes family discussion questions to help parents continue the conversation and equip children with a strong biblical worldview.
👉 Listen now and remind your family of this life-changing truth: You are not an accident — you are God's creation.
📲 Subscribe and listen with your whole family!
🔗 cityofgodpodcast.com
City of God: Families is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
https://www.crm.tv/
Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
https://institutefc.org/
🎙️ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📲 Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/coralridgeminyofgodpodcast/
🌐 Visit our website
http://cityofgodpodcast.com/
#CityOfGod #ChristianParenting #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianKids #FaithAndFamily #RaisingGodlyKids #Creation #Genesis #ImagoDei #IdentityInChrist
Jul 15, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
20 min
Most Christians think work is part of the curse.
David Bahnsen says that's one of the biggest theological mistakes the Church has made.
In this fascinating episode of The City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with nationally recognized investor, economist, and bestselling author David Bahnsen for a biblical conversation about work, economics, artificial intelligence, and why every Christian needs a Genesis 1 vision of vocation—not a Genesis 3 one.
Drawing from Scripture, economics, and decades of experience in the marketplace, Bahnsen argues that work existed before sin entered the world because God Himself is a worker. Rather than viewing our jobs as something to simply endure until heaven, Christians should see their daily work as part of God's original design for human flourishing.
You'll hear about:
- Why work is part of God's good creation—not the result of the Fall
● How the sacred-secular divide has harmed the Church's understanding of vocation
● A biblical perspective on AI, technology, and innovation
● Why free enterprise better reflects God's design than socialism or central planning
● How faith should shape the way Christians think about economics, investing, and the marketplace
● Why every vocation—from stay-at-home moms to plumbers to CEOs—has eternal significance
Whether you're a business owner, teacher, student, investor, parent, or simply wondering how your faith connects to Monday morning, this conversation offers a refreshing biblical vision of work as worship and service.
👉 Watch now and discover why your everyday work matters far more than you may realize.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod #DavidBahnsen #ChristianEconomics #FreeEnterprise #AI #Calling #Vocation #FaithAndWork #ChristianLeadership #ChurchLeadership #TruthMatters #BiblicalWorldview #Bible #BiblicalWorldview #CoralRidge #CRM #IFC
Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
18 min
How did progressive ideology make its way into evangelical churches?
In this eye-opening episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with investigative journalist, Daily Wire reporter, and bestselling author Megan Basham for a candid conversation about the cultural battles reshaping the evangelical church. Recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB), this discussion explores the reporting behind her bestselling book Shepherds for Sale and the growing influence of progressive ideology within Christian institutions.
Drawing from years of investigative journalism, Megan explains how movements like DEI, critical race theory, progressive politics, and modern feminism found their way into churches, ministries, and Christian organizations — often under the language of compassion, justice, or "loving your neighbor." She also shares practical wisdom for discerning truth, recognizing theological drift, and finding churches that faithfully preach God's Word.
You'll hear about:
- The reporting that led to Shepherds for Sale and why it struck such a nerve within evangelicalism
● Common warning signs that a church is drifting from biblical truth
● Why many pastors remained silent during the rise of woke ideology
● The influence of modern feminism on the Church and Christian leadership
● How Christians can respond with both courage and biblical conviction instead of fear or outrage
● Megan's challenge for pastors
Throughout the conversation, Megan encourages believers to pursue churches that faithfully teach Scripture, equip Christians with a biblical worldview, and boldly proclaim truth regardless of cultural pressure.
👉 Watch now and share this episode with a pastor, church leader, or believer who wants to faithfully navigate today's cultural challenges.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod #ChristianApologetics #MeganBasham #ShepherdsForSale #DailyWire #woke #ChristianCitizenship #ChristianLeadership #ChurchLeadership #TruthMatters #BiblicalWorldview #Bible #BiblicalWorldview #CoralRidge #CRM #IFC
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
21 min
Before there was an American Revolution, there was a spiritual revival.
In this fascinating episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza welcomes bestselling author and historian Stephen Mansfield to discuss his book George Whitefield: America's Forgotten Founding Father and the remarkable story of the preacher who helped unite thirteen separate colonies into one nation.
Long before Washington commanded an army or Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, George Whitefield was traveling from Georgia to Maine preaching the gospel to tens of thousands of people. His message sparked the Great Awakening, shaped a shared American identity, and laid the spiritual foundation for the birth of the United States.
Together, Rob and Stephen explore the forgotten role revival played in America's founding and why Whitefield's influence extended far beyond the pulpit.
You'll hear about:
- Why some historians argue there may have been no American Revolution without the Great Awakening
● George Whitefield's extraordinary friendship with Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers
● How Whitefield's preaching united thirteen separate colonies before they became one nation
● Why pastors once spoke boldly about current events, liberty, and the future of society
● The legacy of the Black Robe Regiment and the Church's influence during America's founding
● What pastors and Christians can learn from Whitefield as America approaches its 250th anniversary
Stephen argues that America's story cannot be understood apart from the spiritual revival that preceded its political revolution. His challenge to today's Church is clear: recover the courage, conviction, and biblical vision that once helped shape a nation.
👉 Watch now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear the remarkable story behind our nation's founding.
🌐 Key Resources
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe
- YouTube: Hit subscribe for more faith-fueling episodes!
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📱 Follow for Daily Inspiration
- Instagram: @coralridgemin
- Facebook: Coral Ridge Ministries
- X (Twitter): @coralridgemin
👤 Connect with Dr. Rob Pacienza
- Instagram: @robpacienza
- Facebook: Rob Pacienza
- X (Twitter): @robpacienza
#CityOfGod #ChristianApologetics #StephenMansfield #America250 #Constitution #GeorgeWhitefield #GreatAwakening #ReligiousLiberty #FoundingFathers #ChristianCitizenship #AmericanHistory #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndFreedom #Biblical #Bible #BiblicalWorldview #CoralRidge #CRM #IFC
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
8 min
In this episode of City of God: Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza helps families prepare for a historic milestone — America’s 250th birthday. As our nation approaches this important anniversary, Christian families have an opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings, the gift of liberty, and the responsibility that comes with freedom.
You’ll learn:
- Why celebrations help us remember what is true, good, and worth celebrating
- How biblical principles influenced America’s founding ideals
- Why our rights come from God, not government
- How families can use freedom faithfully and live with gratitude
Pastor Rob reminds us that while America is not perfect, we can thank God for the freedoms we enjoy and commit ourselves to being people of truth, character, and faith. As we look toward America 250, the question is not just what kind of nation we have inherited, but what kind of people we will be for the next generation.
📲 Subscribe and listen with your whole family!
🔗 cityofgodpodcast.com
City of God: Families is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
https://www.crm.tv/
Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
https://institutefc.org/
🎙️ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363
📲 Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/coralridgeminyofgodpodcast/
🌐 Visit our website
http://cityofgodpodcast.com/
#CityOfGod #ChristianParenting #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianKids #FaithAndFamily #America250 #Freedom250 #BiblicalCitizenship #FaithAndFreedom #AmericanHeritage #RaisingGodlyKids #Patriotism #DeclarationOfIndependence