We expect evil to appear in obvious forms: malice, cruelty, and contempt. We also expect to find villains at the helm of evil movements and organizations, leaders with dark impulses and motivations. But all too often, malevolence is more subtle, hiding behind our own best intentions.

In The Church in Dark Times, cultural critic Mike Cosper unveils this dynamic in the growing crisis of abuse and other failures in modern evangelical churches. Drawing on the work of twentieth-century political theorist Hannah Arendt, Cosper explores what we can learn from her theory of the banality of evil--the thoughtlessness that allows ordinary people to become complicit in all manner of corruption. He uncovers the underlying causes of the breakdowns of the church and offers practices that foster healing and renewal.

This book will engage Christian leaders and all followers who want to better understand how church crises keep happening--and how we can resist them and move forward.

Library Journal's Best Nonfiction of 2024

At some point in every Christian's life, God intervenes to show us that what we thought to be our home isn't―and sometimes, only a lifetime later does one see that this was actually good news. [...] If you've ever felt the pain of losing home―and if you want to learn how to long for something better―this is the book for you. -- Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today

Mike Cosper writes, In the years since leaving local church ministry, I've devoted an enormous amount of time and resources to examining the church's often troubled witness, its ongoing crisis of leadership, and the epidemic of narcissism, abuse, and cover-up that has continued to emerge year after year. This book is about my journey both before and undergirding that work--the shattering of dreams and the grace that restored a broken faith in the aftermath. It's a story about grace leading me home when I thought all was lost.

Taken together, my encounters with Peter, Elijah, and Jesus connected to indelible images from my time in Israel and formed a new spiritual landscape in my mind, one with enough gravity to draw my feet back to solid ground. My hope is that as I tell this story you might find echoes of your own. I pray if you're in the wilderness, you might find that though the territory is a mystery, you are far from alone. Most of all, I pray that you rediscover that Jesus is chasing you like a lover . . . right through heaven's gates.

When we're young, it's easy to believe in the supernatural. But as we grow older, even as Christians who believe in the resurrection, we live as if reality is merely what we can see. Mike Cosper has discovered disciplines that awaken the possibility of living again in an enchanted world. With thoughtful practices woven throughout, this book will feed your soul and help you recapture the wonder of your Christian walk.

Is it singing? A church service? All of life? Helping Christians think more theologically about the nature of true worship, Rhythms of Grace shows how the gospel is all about worship and worship is all about the gospel. Mike Cosper ultimately answers the question: What is worship?

The average American watches 5 hours of TV every day.
Collectively, we spend roughly $30 billion on movies each year.

Simply put, we're entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our insatiable addiction to stories? Mike Cosper thinks so.

From horror flicks to rom-coms, the tales we tell and the myths we weave inevitably echo the narrative underlying all of history: the story of humanity's tragic sin and God's triumphant salvation. This entertaining book connects the dots between the stories we tell and the one great Story--helping us better understand the longings of the human heart and thoughtfully engage with the movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations.

Do you find yourself wondering how to keep your faith strong in these uncertain and turbulent times? You are not alone.

Faith Among the Faithless by Mike Cosper is your guide to living without compromise in a society that often feels adrift. With his unique perspective, Cosper brings Esther's heroic journey to the forefront, offering invaluable lessons on faithful Christian witness amidst today's cultural chaos.

Known as the renowned podcast host of viral sensation The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and a cultural commentator at Christianity Today, Mike Cosper is no stranger to navigating the complexities of modern faith and culture. In this book, he seamlessly blends cultural analysis with Biblical insights, creating a vivid tapestry that resonates deeply with Christians, the politically homeless, and leaders seeking guidance. Discover how Esther's courage and dedication to her faith can inspire and empower you to stand firm, even when the world around you is in turmoil.

In Faith Among the Faithless, Cosper tackles profound questions:

• Can Christianity thrive in a secular age?
• Can Christians stand firm in their beliefs despite societal pressures to conform?
• Where can I turn when I feel politically and culturally homeless?

Esther's story is not just a gentle Sunday school lesson but a brutal saga of survival and spiritual awakening in a pluralistic world. Faith Among the Faithless serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that God's presence is unwavering, even when it feels like He's absent.