Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Christian nationalism promises a more Christian society—but is giving the government power to enforce Christianity actually biblical? Todd looks at what Scripture and history have to say before turning to a $17 million child sponsorship controversy and some troubling church news.

Segment 1

• Is it time for Christians to finally render a verdict on Christian nationalism?

• Where does the Bible actually tell the church to impose Christianity through the state?

• Why Todd believes Christian nationalism is creating real problems inside local churches.

Segment 2

• Christian nationalism has been tried before—what can we learn from the results?

• If the government enforces Christianity, who gets to decide which version of Christianity wins?

• Todd argues Christians should invest their energy in the Gospel rather than political power.

Segment 3

• A Christian band reportedly made $17 million promoting child sponsorships—but is that actually wrong?

• Would you accept a cut every time someone sponsored a child because of your endorsement?

• Before rushing to judgment, there may be another side to this controversial arrangement.

Segment 4

• When does a paid ministry endorsement cross the line from legitimate business to something unseemly?

• Thousands of persecuted Christians desperately need refuge—are we remembering our suffering brothers and sisters?

• Raves at St. Paul’s Cathedral—and another warning about mixing church and state.

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Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

The popular story of the Crusades says Christians were the aggressors—but is that what actually happened? Todd separates history from myth before turning to some of the biggest struggles Christians face today—and how you can become better equipped to help someone who is hurting.

Segment 1

• Were the Crusades really an unprovoked Christian attack on the Muslim world?

• Discover the centuries of history that often get left out of the story.

• The one fact about the Crusades worth remembering the next time someone brings them up.

Segment 2

• Were Crusaders really greedy opportunists looking to get rich?

• Why were men willing to risk bankruptcy—and face staggering casualty rates—to participate?

• Did the Crusades create Muslim hostility toward Christians? The timeline tells a different story.

Segment 3

• Assurance, anxiety, pornography, comparison, loneliness—are you equipped to help someone who is struggling?

• Learn how to address real problems without twisting Scripture to fit someone’s “felt needs.”

• Someone opens up to you about a serious struggle. Here’s what not to do first.

Segment 4

• Can genuine Christians struggle with doubt? Absolutely—and how you respond matters.

• What should you say when someone tells you they can’t “feel” God’s presence?

• Learn to ask better questions and point struggling Christians toward what will actually strengthen them.

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Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

• What is your opinion on the Book of Enoch? — Anonymous

Segment 2

• From what I’ve seen, a church evangelism program goes nowhere if the lead pastor isn’t actively involved. Do you agree? — Jay

• Should I stay at and get baptized in a Bible-believing church that sings Hillsong and sometimes lets women read Scripture, lead prayer, and welcome the congregation? — Ella

Segment 3

• Is reflexology a sin? — Nancy

• Is it a sin to clip your fingernails in the office? — James

Segment 4

• Would you consider “Make Evangelism Great Again” (MEGA) as a merch idea? — Brian

• How can I respond biblically when I feel overlooked, less valued, or less capable than someone else without becoming discouraged or obsessed with proving myself? — Tom

• What do you think about gospel tracts disguised as $5, $10, and $20 bills? As a former server, I loathe them. — Tristan

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Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Kids are being told transition will solve their distress—and sometimes that the alternative is suicide. Todd examines the stories of two young people who were swept into transgender ideology and later rejected it, revealing how schools, social media, peers, therapists, and doctors can influence vulnerable kids.

Segment 1

• Layla Jane began questioning her gender after years of emotional struggles.

• Social media helped convince her that transitioning could be the answer.

• At just 13, she underwent a mastectomy.

Segment 2

• What wasn’t Layla told before taking testosterone and having surgery?

• Transition promised happiness—but it didn't resolve her underlying struggles.

• Todd examines the evidence surrounding puberty blockers and youth mental health.

Segment 3

• Simon Amaya Price describes the brokenness that preceded his transgender identity.

• School and online influences gave him a new explanation for his struggles.

• How does transgender ideology spread among vulnerable teenagers?

Segment 4

• Simon says nearly every professional he encountered affirmed his transgender identity.

• His father said no to medical transition—and Simon is now grateful he did.

• What should parents and churches learn from these stories?

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Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday at Georgia Tech! Could you explain the gospel if someone put you on the spot? Todd talks with Christian students, tackles tough abortion questions, and challenges an atheist who thinks good people go to heaven.

Segment 1

• A Christian physics student sees evidence of a Creator everywhere—but can he clearly explain the gospel?

• Why understanding our sin is essential to understanding the love of Christ.

Segment 2

• Todd gives a group of Christian students 60 seconds to convince him to become a Christian.

• Is telling someone “God loves you” enough—or are we leaving out the very reason Jesus had to die?

Segment 3

• Is abortion ever justified because of rape, incest, disability, or difficult circumstances?

• Todd brings the debate back to one fundamental question: What is the unborn child?

Segment 4

• An atheist thinks Christianity is about being good enough to get into heaven. Is that actually the gospel?

• Todd challenges his claim to being a “good person” before explaining why salvation isn’t something we can earn.

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Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!