Good news! The Narrative podcast is returning next week for a fifth volume, and this time we're doing it a little bit differently. Listen to this teaser episode with Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer to get the inside scoop on the exciting changes to come!



To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Good news! The Narrative podcast is returning next week for a fifth volume, and this time we're doing it a little bit differently. Listen to this teaser episode with Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer to get the inside scoop on the exciting changes to come!
 
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit <a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>

The Narrative breaks away from the script to reveal the driving forces behind the most important and divisive issues facing our culture today.

Visit CCV.org to learn more.

The Narrative breaks away from the script to reveal the driving forces behind the most important and divisive issues facing our culture today.
Visit <a href="https://www.ccv.org/">CCV.org</a> to learn more.

The Narrative

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and engaging. Have a guest suggestion, a topic you're curious about, or a question you want answered? Let us know! We host “Ask Us Anything” episodes where we respond to your questions on the show.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives, and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture, and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Visit CCV.org/TheNarrative to learn more.

Produced by Wessler Media.

🔊 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and engaging. Have a guest suggestion, a topic you're curious about, or a question you want answered? Let us know! We host &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episodes where we respond to your questions on the show.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a voicemail or text at <a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email us at <a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
<hr>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of The Narrative to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
<hr>
🔎 About The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media&nbsp;narratives, and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture, and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.
Visit <a href="CCV.org/TheNarrative">CCV.org/TheNarrative</a> to learn more.
Produced by <a href="https://www.wesslermedia.com/">Wessler Media</a>.

Volume 5 Coming Soon...

Does "neutral secularism" exist? Why are some beliefs welcomed in the public square, but Christianity is disqualified?

In this final episode of The Narrative before Christmas, Aaron, David, and Mike react to the Cincinnati Enquirer investigative profile that called CCV "relentless" for turning Christian beliefs into public policy. Marketed as an objective report, the article instead exposes a familiar assumption: Christian beliefs are inherently biased and therefore unwelcome in the public square, while non-Christian belief systems are presumed neutral and free to shape law, culture, and power.

After the news, Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana exposes what’s really happening behind the scenes with legalized marijuana. An early Christmas gift to Big Weed, President Trump's executive order hands the marijuana industry a massive $2 billion tax break, turbocharges advertising to kids, and further normalizes a drug that is more potent, more addictive, and more destructive than most Americans realize.

The conversation is a glaring reminder that policies shape behavior. Christians cannot afford to sit this one out while the profit-driven drug industry destroys America.

More About Luke Niforatos

Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives the strategy behind SAM’s federal, state, and educational initiatives. Luke has testified in state capitols across America.

He is a sought-after guest on major media outlets, including ABC, Fox News, NBC, CNBC, CSPAN, Newsmax, and network affiliates, as well as syndicated and local radio shows in markets coast to coast. Luke has been featured in Time Magazine and as a speaker at drug policy events held by The Economist, the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and hundreds of town halls.

Prior to joining SAM, he was the co-founder of a successful healthcare company. Luke attended the University of Denver and has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.

Want to Go Deeper?

Early-bird ticket sales are still available for the 2026 Essential Summit!  Believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather on Friday, October 23, to be equipped for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 

From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off by using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout.

This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer. Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. Register today, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Does "neutral secularism" exist? Why are some beliefs welcomed in the public square, but Christianity is disqualified?
In this final episode of&nbsp;The Narrative before Christmas, Aaron, David, and Mike react to the Cincinnati Enquirer <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/cincinnati-enquirer-how-ccv-turns-beliefs-into-bills">investigative profile</a> that called CCV "relentless" for turning Christian beliefs into public policy. Marketed as an objective report, the article instead exposes a familiar assumption:&nbsp;Christian beliefs are inherently biased and therefore&nbsp;unwelcome in the public square,&nbsp;while non-Christian belief systems are presumed neutral&nbsp;and free to shape law, culture, and power.
After the news, Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana exposes what&rsquo;s really happening behind the scenes with legalized marijuana. An early Christmas gift to Big Weed, President Trump's executive order hands the marijuana industry a massive $2 billion tax break, turbocharges advertising to kids, and further normalizes a drug that is more potent, more addictive, and more destructive than most Americans realize.
The conversation is a glaring reminder that policies shape behavior. Christians cannot afford to sit this one out while the profit-driven drug industry destroys America.
More About Luke Niforatos
Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of&nbsp;<a href="https://learnaboutsam.org/">Smart Approaches to Marijuana</a> (SAM) and is widely recognized as one of the nation&rsquo;s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives the strategy behind SAM&rsquo;s federal, state, and educational initiatives. Luke has testified in state capitols across America.
He is a sought-after guest on major media outlets, including&nbsp;ABC, Fox News, NBC, CNBC, CSPAN, Newsmax, and network affiliates, as well as syndicated and local radio shows in markets coast to coast. Luke has been featured in&nbsp;Time Magazine&nbsp;and as a speaker at drug policy events held by&nbsp;The Economist, the United Nations&rsquo; Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and hundreds of town halls.
Prior to joining SAM, he was the co-founder of a successful healthcare company. Luke attended the University of Denver and has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of Denver &ndash; Sturm College of Law.
Want to Go Deeper?
Early-bird ticket sales are still available for the 2026 Essential Summit! &nbsp;Believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather on Friday, October 23, to be equipped for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture.&nbsp;
From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout</a>.
This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer.&nbsp;Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">Register today</a>, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!
📢 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 About&nbsp;The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Big Weed’s Big Win: Trump, Marijuana, and the Hidden Costs of Schedule III with Luke Niforatos

This week on The Narrative, Aaron, David, and Mike break down the firestorm that erupted in Cleveland after the City Club’s January 16 event, featuring Aaron, became ground zero in a very public showdown.

LGBTQ activists penned an open letter to pressure the City Club to cancel or modify the event, drawing a response from Attorney General Dave Yost. The Board met on Wednesday, and the  City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop announced on Thursday that the event would proceed as planned.

After the news, stay tuned for the powerhouse keynote from Carl Trueman at the 2025 Essential Summit. Trueman brilliantly uncovers the root of every cultural battle we’re facing by exposing the deeper crisis behind debates on gender, tech, and identity: the fight over what it means to be human.

He shows how modern technology—from smartphones to AI—isn’t just changing how we live, but how we see ourselves. Our society has technology that is actively blurring the very boundaries of human nature. And in that confusion, movements like transgenderism and transhumanism gain ground by treating the human body as nothing more than raw material for reinvention.

Trueman delivers a gripping roadmap for Christians on how to respond with clarity, conviction, and courage in a culture being reshaped by forces most people don't even notice.

More About Carl Trueman

Born and raised in England, Carl R. Trueman is a graduate of the Universities of Cambridge (M.A., Classics) and Aberdeen (Ph.D, Church History), and has taught on the faculties of the Universities of Nottingham and Aberdeen. In 2017-18 he was the William E. Simon Visiting Fellow in Religion and Public Life in the James Madison Program at Princeton University. 

Since 2018, he has served as a professor at Grove City College in the Calderwood School of Arts and Humanities. Originally a specialist in Reformation and Post-Reformation Protestant thought, more recently his work has focused on identity, critical theory, and the impact of the sexual revolution.

He is a Contributing Editor at First Things and a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington DC. His most recent books are The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Expressive Individualism, Cultural Amnesia, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, (with Bruce Gordon) The Oxford Handbook to Calvin, and To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse (B and H). His writing has appeared in Deseret Journal, Wall Street Journal, National Review Online,American Mind, Claremont Review of Books, and Public Discourse. He and his wife, Catriona, a proud Gaelic Scot, have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.

Want to Go Deeper?

This week, ticket sales opened for the 2026 Essential Summit!  Each year, the momentum grows as believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families gather to equip themselves for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 2026 promises to be even better!

From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off by using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout.

This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer. Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. Register today, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

This week on The Narrative, Aaron, David, and Mike break down the firestorm that erupted in Cleveland after the City Club&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2026/01/16/faith-policy-and-influence-a-conversation-with-the-president-of-the-center-for-christian-virtue">January 16 event</a>, featuring Aaron, became ground zero in a very public showdown.
LGBTQ activists penned an open letter to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/christian-free-speech-is-under-attack-in-ohio">pressure the City Club</a> to cancel or modify the event, drawing a <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/ag-yost-defends-ccv-as-lgbtq-group-continues-silencing-efforts">response from Attorney General Dave Yost</a>. The Board met on Wednesday, and the &nbsp;City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/free-speech-wins-city-club-of-cleveland-will-host-ccv-president-aaron-baer">announced on Thursday</a> that the event would proceed as planned.
After the news, stay tuned for the powerhouse keynote from Carl Trueman at the 2025 Essential Summit. Trueman brilliantly uncovers the root of every cultural battle we&rsquo;re facing by exposing the deeper crisis behind debates on gender, tech, and identity: the fight over&nbsp;what it means to be human.
He shows how modern technology&mdash;from smartphones to AI&mdash;isn&rsquo;t just changing how we live, but how we see ourselves. Our society has technology that is actively blurring the very boundaries of human nature. And in that confusion, movements like transgenderism and transhumanism gain ground by treating the human body as nothing more than raw material for reinvention.
Trueman delivers a gripping roadmap for Christians on how to respond with clarity, conviction, and courage in a culture being reshaped by forces most people don't even notice.
More About Carl Trueman
Born and raised in England, Carl R. Trueman is a graduate of the Universities of Cambridge (M.A., Classics) and Aberdeen (Ph.D, Church History), and has taught on the faculties of the Universities of Nottingham and Aberdeen. In 2017-18 he was the William E. Simon Visiting Fellow in Religion and Public Life in the James Madison Program at Princeton University. 
Since 2018, he has served as a professor at Grove City College in the Calderwood School of Arts and Humanities. Originally a specialist in Reformation and Post-Reformation Protestant thought, more recently his work has focused on identity, critical theory, and the impact of the sexual revolution.
He is a Contributing Editor at First Things and a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington DC. His most recent books are&nbsp;The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Expressive Individualism, Cultural Amnesia, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, (with Bruce Gordon) The Oxford Handbook to Calvin, and To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse (B and H). His writing has appeared in Deseret Journal, Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, American Mind, Claremont Review of Books, and Public Discourse. He and his wife, Catriona, a proud Gaelic Scot, have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.
Want to Go Deeper?
This week, ticket sales opened for the 2026 Essential Summit! &nbsp;Each year, the momentum grows as believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families gather to equip themselves for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 2026 promises to be even better!
From now until&nbsp;December 31, you can lock in $50 off&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout</a>.
This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer.&nbsp;Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">Register today</a>, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!
📢 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 About&nbsp;The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

How Technology Is Rewriting Humanity with Carl Trueman

This week on The Narrative, Aaron and Mike break down two major stories making headlines: the latest developments in the case of the Toledo doctor who forced abortion pills on his girlfriend, and the new peer-reviewed HHS report that uncovers the truth about pediatric gender dysphoria.

After the news, tune in for the powerful and uncompromising message from author and speaker Rosaria Butterfield, recorded live at CCV’s 2025 Essential Summit.

Known for her sharp clarity and bold testimony, Rosaria shares her journey from a tenured queer-theory professor and LGBTQ activist to a follower of Christ, and how the Gospel reshaped everything she believed about womanhood, identity, and truth.

With striking honesty, Rosaria opens up about the personal cost of her conversion, the pastors who discipled her with patience and Scripture, and why she believes today’s cultural pressures are discipling young women far more aggressively than the Church. She unpacks the roots of modern feminism and gender ideology, their impact on Gen Z, and why she says the Church must recover courage, conviction, and biblical clarity in this moment.

If you want a message that challenges, sharpens, and calls believers to contend for the faith with strength and love, you won’t want to miss this episode.

More About Rosaria Butterfield

Dr. Rosaria Butterfield is a former tenured professor of English and women’s studies at Syracuse University, who came to Christ in what she describes as a “train wreck” conversion.

Her journey is chronicled in her memoir, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Once an outspoken advocate for feminist philosophy and LGBTQ+ politics, Rosaria was drawn to faith through the hospitality of a local pastor and his wife.

After years of conversation and Scripture study, she gave her life to Christ in 1999. Today, Rosaria is married to a Reformed Presbyterian pastor. She is also a mother and grandmother, as well as a speaker and author.

Want to See Rosaria Butterfield Live?

Dr. Rosaria Butterfield will return to CCV's Essential Summit in 2026! Join Rosaria, along with nationally renowned apologist Frank Turek, for an event that is sure to challenge and equip you to speak out boldly in defense of God's truth.

From now until December 31, you can lock in the lowest ticket price available by using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout.

Don’t wait, this is your chance to guarantee the best rate. Register today, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!

Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship

The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at MinneryFellowship.org.

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

This week on The Narrative, Aaron and Mike break down two major stories making headlines: the latest developments in the case of the Toledo doctor who forced <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/ohio-doctor-allegedly-forces-mother-to-take-abortion-pill">abortion pills on his girlfriend</a>, and the new <a href="https://www.ccv.org/news/the-evidence-gap-in-pediatric-gender-medicine">peer-reviewed HHS report</a> that uncovers the truth about pediatric gender dysphoria.
After the news, tune in for the powerful and uncompromising message from author and speaker Rosaria Butterfield, recorded live at CCV&rsquo;s 2025 Essential Summit.
Known for her sharp clarity and bold testimony, Rosaria shares her journey from a tenured queer-theory professor and LGBTQ activist to a follower of Christ, and how the Gospel reshaped everything she believed about womanhood, identity, and truth.
With striking honesty, Rosaria opens up about the personal cost of her conversion, the pastors who discipled her with patience and Scripture, and why she believes today&rsquo;s cultural pressures are discipling young women far more aggressively than the Church. She unpacks the roots of modern feminism and gender ideology, their impact on Gen Z, and why she says the Church must recover courage, conviction, and biblical clarity in this moment.
If you want a message that challenges, sharpens, and calls believers to contend for the faith with strength and love, you won&rsquo;t want to miss this episode.
More About Rosaria Butterfield
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield is a former tenured professor of English and women&rsquo;s studies at Syracuse University, who came to Christ in what she describes as a &ldquo;train wreck&rdquo; conversion.
Her journey is chronicled in her memoir,&nbsp;The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Once an outspoken advocate for feminist philosophy and LGBTQ+ politics, Rosaria was drawn to faith through the hospitality of a local pastor and his wife.
After years of conversation and Scripture study, she gave her life to Christ in 1999. Today, Rosaria is married to a Reformed Presbyterian pastor. She is also a mother and grandmother, as well as a speaker and author.
Want to See Rosaria Butterfield Live?
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield will return to CCV's Essential Summit in 2026! Join Rosaria, along with nationally renowned apologist Frank Turek, for an event that is sure to challenge and equip you to speak out boldly in defense of God's truth.
From now until&nbsp;December 31, you can lock in the lowest ticket price available&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout</a>.
Don&rsquo;t wait, this is your chance to guarantee the best rate. <a href="https://www.essentialsummit.org/">Register today</a>, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!
Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship
The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at <a href="https://www.minneryfellowship.org">MinneryFellowship.org</a>.
📢 Talk to Us
We want to hear from you! As a valued listener,&nbsp;your feedback is critical&nbsp;for us to keep&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll answer your questions on an &ldquo;Ask Us Anything&rdquo; episode later, so send in your questions now.
👉&nbsp; Leave us a&nbsp;voicemail&nbsp;or&nbsp;text&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="tel:614-769-7077">614-769-7077.</a>
👉&nbsp; Email&nbsp;us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenarrative@ccv.org">thenarrative@ccv.org.</a>
To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccv.org/join">CCV.org.</a>
⭐️ How are we doing?
If you've found any episode of&nbsp;The Narrative&nbsp;insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying&nbsp;and&nbsp;brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning&nbsp;you're&nbsp;helping equip your neighbors&nbsp;to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!
🔎 About&nbsp;The Narrative
The&nbsp;Narrative&nbsp;breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today&rsquo;s culture and political controversies.
Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

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