Episode 5

Sympathy for the Devil? The Gospel and the Modern Joker

Published on: 25th September, 2023

Modern narratives have shifted (at least since we started watching cartoons). Rather than defined by evil and chaos ("some people just want to watch the world burn"), the Joker, most recently played by Joaquin Phoenix, is depicted as a victim of mental illness discarded by society. So who can blame him for his uncontrollable laughter and murderous outbursts? In this episode we dive into the shift toward what Michael as called "the sympathy for the devil" narrative and what it means for the gospel.

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About the Podcast

The Fire and Bones Podcast
Developing a fire for the message and application of the gospel
A weekly conversation connecting God’s word to everyday life with pastors Nathan Loudin and Michael Crosswhite.

About your hosts

Michael Crosswhite

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I've been the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama since 2017. I am the husband to Andrea, and the father of 3. I am also the cultivator of the finest chili recipe this side of the Mississippi.

Nathan Loudin

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I grew up in the Piney Woods of East Texas as a pastor's son. Being on the inside, I saw the worst of the church. But the Lord has brought me to see the glory of the gospel and the worth of the church. My wife and I have four wonderful children and an average dog. I love good BBQ and there is a lot of it in Austin, Tx.

The joys in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 are what make me want to wake up and preach another day.