What do true faith and forgiveness look like in the face of wrongful conviction?

Host Curtis Chang is joined by award-winning journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty and Ben Spencer, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 34 years. They share Ben’s powerful story of faith, resilience, and redemption in the face of wrongful incarceration. Curtis and Barbara explore the systemic failures of the American justice system and reveal how the innocence movement and investigative journalism were crucial in securing Ben’s exoneration. Ben reflects on how his belief in truth and forgiveness transformed his life, offering hope to others facing adversity.

Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org

Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

Resources from this episode:

• Barbara Bradley Hagerty’s Bringing Ben Home: A Murder, a Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice
• Jim McCloskey and Centurion Ministries
• Read about Ben at The National registry of Exonerations
• Read the news of Ben's exoneration
• Listen to Barbara’s early reporting on Ben's case
• Read about Judge Rick Magnis’ belief in Ben's innocence
• Read about Ross Perot’s secret witness payout
• Read John 16:33

More From Barbara Bradley Hagerty:

• Read Barbara’s work in The Atlantic
• Check out Barb's website
• Buy Babara’s books

Contact Ben Spencer & Barbara Bradley Hagerty about speaking engagements: https://www.barbarabradleyhagerty.com/contact

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What Is the Faithful Response to Rising Authoritarianism?

New York Times columnist and “founding friend” David French joins host Curtis Chang to explore the shifting dynamics of American governance under the Trump administration. They explore the growing concentration of executive power and the MAGA-driven erosion of the checks and balances envisioned by the Founders. Curtis and David also discuss the weakening influence of both the legislative and judicial branches, while reflecting on the crucial role of strong family ties, community, and inspired worship for Christians confronting rising authoritarianism.

Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org

Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

Resources or references mentioned in this episode:

• What is DOGE?
• Limiting DOGE’s access and reach
• 1787 Constitution
• I Kings 19:9-18 (Elijah and God’s promise to spare those who do not bend knee to Baal)
• The executive branch taking power from the legislative branch
• Carl Scmidt's Friend-Enemy Distinction
• Media and allies fear Kash Patel's retribution
• Pew Research: How the faithful voted
• The psychology of Trumpism identity fusion
• Can the Insurrection Act be used on American soil?
• Trump supporters trust him more than family & friends
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Praising God is an act of political defiance
• Worship and the Civil Rights Movement

Explore The After Party with Russell Moore, David French, & Curtis Chang

More From David French:

• Read David French’s opinion pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

Learn more about Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission's Advocacy Day

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Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter)

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