True Crime is the most popular form of entertainment right now. There is no shortage of podcasts, documentaries, shows, movies, books, Facebook groups, TikTok communities, and subreddits dedicated to True Crime. What causes people (mostly women) to be so intrigued and infatuated with true crime content? In this episode, Kelly explains the cultural phenomenon of True Crime entertainment and provides cautionary examples as to how the content distorts honest curiosity into something more debased.
Can Christians engage with True Crime? Is it okay for teens? Kelly examines Scripture in light of the modern distortions of attraction and fandom of convicted perpetrators. The goal is to help believers have a biblical framework for thinking about and engaging with True Crime.
Articles referenced:
True Crime Podcast Listeners Triple in Five Years
Best True Crime Podcasts of 2026
Why the True Crime Audience Is Predominantly Female
The Psychological Reasons Why People Cannot Stop Watching True Crime
The Crash Isn’t About Murder. It’s About TikTok.
Marc Jacobs is Down to Style ‘Trendsetter’ Luigi Mangione
Cult Following for Cameron Herrin on TikTok Wants Him to be Free
The Lindsay Clancy Conspiracy Theories Are Hiding a Darker Truth
Scripture referenced:
Romans 12:9
1 Kings 16-18, 21:1-25
2 Kings 9:30-37
1 Corinthians 3:16
Proverbs 4:23
Philippians 4:8
1 Corinthians 10:23
Ephesians 5:8, 10-11, 15-17
Mark 12:30-31
Matthew 28:19-20
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