”Tents Before Temples” Michael Sartori’s new book | building a Meta-Vangelical Culture That lasts

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Link to Michael's Book "Tents Before Temples": https://www.amazon.com/Tents-Before-Temples-Building-Culture/dp/B0DP576HCH

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In this episode of *Yours Truly Podcast*, Christian Baxter welcomes Michael Sartori@mlts9984 to discuss his newly released book, *Tents Before Temples: Rough Draft on Building a Temple That Lasts*. Michael, a prominent figure in this online community, reflects on his journey of faith, the impact of the COVID era on his spiritual rethinking, and his exploration of ideas surrounding fear, spiritual resilience, and theology. He shares how deconstructing certain eschatological beliefs and studying figures like Michael Heiser, C.S. Lewis, and Francis Schaeffer deepened his understanding. The conversation highlights the role of community, creativity, and courage in combating a culture of fear and contributing to spiritual growth. Michael also describes how his involvement in the online "little corner" space, including interactions with @PaulVanderKlay and others, has influenced his personal and intellectual journey. The episode offers insights into faith-based resilience and the creative process behind Michael's thought-provoking book.

This video transcript discusses a conversation with Michael Sartori, who shares his journey of faith, personal growth, and creative endeavors. He reflects on seeking truth through diverse lenses, such as psychology and theology, and how this search has shaped his perspective. He mentions his admiration for figures like @JordanBPeterson Paul VanderKlay for their substantive approaches to faith and philosophy. Sartori explains his interest in building a brand with a unique niche, combining ministry, writing, and video content creation. He also discusses his tectonic school initiative, which combines discipleship with practical skills training, emphasizing the spiritual significance of hands-on work. The conversation touches on theological frameworks, deconstruction, and the broader challenges of meaning in contemporary society, with Sartori connecting these themes to his experiences and his book, *Tents Before Temples*. The discussion concludes with reflections on Francis Schaeffer’s philosophical insights into how beliefs shape actions and trust in the Bible as a personal, meaningful framework.

The conversation explores themes of practical theology, meaningful living, and building a lasting culture. It highlights the importance of balancing intellectual discussions with actionable life principles, using examples like reformed theology addressing historical corruptions and the enduring wisdom of tent-dwelling cultures compared to pyramid-building civilizations. The speaker emphasizes three key pillars for a sustainable culture: family and procreation, meaningful work, and community mentorship. They argue that simplicity, practicality, and intergenerational mentorship are crucial for personal growth and societal stability, contrasting these with modern tendencies toward perfectionism and over-reliance on polished representations in media.

This segment of the conversation explores the deep connection between traditional rhythms of life, church practices, and the need to reintegrate meaningful relationships and values into modern society. The speakers critique the superficiality of some modern church programs, like megachurch internships, which often lack substance and fail to provide participants with practical skills or meaningful mentorship. They discuss how traditional aspects of faith, such as communal meals and living, carry a sacredness often lost in today’s commodified and digitalized culture.

Additionally, they touch on how economic priorities, such as profit maximization, overshadow spiritual and relational values, advocating for a shift toward growth and cultivation over scale. They also delve into architecture’s impact on human flourishing, emphasizing that poorly designed spaces can hinder spiritual and emotional well-being. The conversation underscores the importance of creating holistic environments—whether through mentorship, architecture, or culture—that align with deeper human and spiritual needs.