Episode Summary

In this episode of Tearing Down High Places, Guest Pastors Eric Anderson and Pastor Seth Brickley, join our regular hosts Average Joe Gormley, Pastor Jeff Kliewer, and Pastor Tim Robinson to explore why Minnesota—known for its “Minnesota Nice” culture—has become a hotspot for chaos, from the 2020 George Floyd riots to recent anti-ICE protests and political extremism. They trace the roots to pietism in Scandinavian-influenced churches, which emphasizes personal spirituality over public authority and biblical confrontation, leading to moral paralysis, government overreach, and unchecked wickedness. Discussions cover figures like Tim Walz, John Piper, and Ilhan Omar; issues like immigration fraud, abortion laws, and feminism; and calls for church repentance and bold prophetic voices to restore righteousness.

CONTENTS

Introduction to Minnesota’s Paradox (00:00 – 00:10:00): Hosts introduce the shift from “Minnesota Nice” to chaos, highlighting political oddities like Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, and Tim Walz. They discuss how Scandinavian pietism created strong religious freedoms but weak public stands against evil.

Pietism’s Role in Cultural Decay (00:10:00 – 00:20:00): Pastor Eric explains how pietistic churches prioritize personal faith and “niceness” over doctrinal authority, leading to mega-churches, church-switching, and vulnerability to liberalism, CRT, feminism, and Marxism. Examples include churches taking PPP loans and avoiding controversy during COVID lockdowns.

2020 Riots and Government Ties (00:20:00 – 00:30:00): Analysis of George Floyd’s death, riots, and Governor Walz’s policies. Churches’ silence or complicity (e.g., Bethlehem Baptist under John Piper) fueled nihilism. Ties to Somali immigration via Lutheran charities and fraud scandals are highlighted.

Current Chaos: ICE Protests and Feminism (00:30:00 – 00:40:00): Discussion of recent deaths like Renee Good and Alex Preti during anti-ICE protests. Pastors critique “white knight” feminism in churches, weaponized empathy, and how pietism enables false guilt and moral equivalency.

Church Failures and Repentance (00:40:00 – 00:50:00): Critique of mega-churches like Eagle Brook and the Evangelical Free Church for therapeutic preaching and avoiding hard truths. Calls for rejecting personality tests, no-fault divorce, and embracing God’s law over pietistic slogans.

Historical and Political Ties (00:50:00 – 01:00:00): Reflections on failed marriage amendments, John Piper’s silence on key issues, and how pietism appeases the left. Emphasis on demonic influences in protests and the need for prophetic voices.

Closing Calls to Action (01:00:00 – End): Encouragement for churches to repent, stand firm, and disciple boldly. Praise for small, faithful churches and alliances across denominations to combat wickedness.

Hashtags

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