Far from the end of the world, apocalypse mostly means unveiling what’s been under the surface the whole time. In this episode of RTN Theology, Chris and Bob converse with writer Amy Peterson on what happens when the things you grew up taking for granted are revealed as less than reliable, true, or solid. Amy’s new book Where Goodness Still Grows: Reclaiming Virtue in an Age of Hypocrisy (W Publishing Group, 2020) artfully examines the virtues of her evangelical subcultural youth and crafts a way forward in a post-2016 world. While some deconstruct, “salt the fields,” or add to the increasing number of “nones,” Peterson chooses to instead reinvest in the soil of her youth. Starting with Lament and ending in Hope, she writes with a steadfast insistence that these reframed virtues might actually be compost for new creation.

Amy Peterson is a writer, teacher, and postulant living in Durham, NC. Her writing explores the intersections of faith, language, and culture. Amy believes that research is a form of love and that fiction can tell the truth. Her work has been featured in Image, The Millions, Washington Post, The Other Journal, Cresset, Christianity Today, River Teeth, Relief, Christian Century, and elsewhere.

As a teacher, Amy has worked in cross-cultural and honors-level academics and student development. She’s taught ESL for two years in Southeast Asia before returning stateside to teach in California, Arkansas, Washington, and Indiana. Most recently, she taught creative writing, intercultural communication, and interdisciplinary honors courses at a Christian college in the midwest.

During our interview, Amy mentions the Brandeis Study RE: the Racial Wealth Gap growing regardless of college attainment.

Download the free discussion guide to accompany Where Goodness Still Grows.

Featured music: Mission House is the creative delta formed by North Carolina artists Jess Rayand Taylor Leonhardt, lending their singer-songwriter sensibilities to a new expression of folk-rock worship. Born in 2015 out of a community of friends gathered in living rooms and basements, Mission House is now sharing the music they’ve written and recorded over the past few years, and bringing their unique worship experience to communities around the country.

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Episode theme music: Jesus Said by David Childers

Episode edited by Gary Fletcher.

Episode produced & hosted by Bob Crawford & Chris Breslin.

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RTN Theology #9 w/Miguel De La Torre

RTN Theology #11 w/Stanley Hauerwas

RTN Theology #17 w/Kendall Vanderslice

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