Seven True-Crime Podcasts for Christian Listeners to Binge Today
Dive Into Guilt-Free True Crime: A Believer's Guide to Clean True-Crime Shows
Have you ever wished there were true-crime podcasts that tell real stories without all the profanity, darkness, or sensationalism? For Christian listeners, finding shows that engage the mind while honoring faith-based values can be a challenge.
But there are some truly binge-worthy options that do just that—offering gripping storytelling, moral reflection, and clean, respectful content.
These seven true-crime podcasts are ideal for believers who enjoy mystery, justice, and the triumph of truth. They look at crime through a thoughtful lens, highlighting themes of redemption, integrity, and God’s presence even in life’s hardest moments.
Whether you’re driving, exercising, or winding down at night, these shows remind us that even in stories of brokenness, grace and justice still shine through.
1. The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill from Christianity Today
Mars Hill was a thriving mega-church ... until it wasn't.
The podcast delves into the church's explosive growth, its charismatic yet controversial leader, Mark Driscoll, and the systemic issues that led to its downfall. In the process, host Mike Cosper from Christianity Today gives a voice to the many victims left reeling from the church and its pastor's abusive treatment.
Through interviews with former members, theologians, and cultural critics, Cosper explores themes of power, celebrity, and spiritual abuse, not only in Mars Hill but in the world of evangelical Christianity.
Our Take: Thought-Provoking and Provocative
Language: 🤬
No massive F-bombs or anything, but some of those interviewed use colorful language that isn't always bleeped out
Sexual Content: 🌶️🌶️
Discussion of alleged abuse as well as sound bites of some of Mark Driscoll's explicit instructions on how married couples should behave in the bedroom
Host: Mike Cosper, Christianity Today
Spiritual Content:
Produced by Christianity Today. Willing to hold Mark Driscoll and the Mars Hill leadership responsible for their actions.
What We Liked:
Well researched, raises many important questions about church abuse without flinging mud at Christianity in general
2. Christian True-Crime Junkies! (part of the Christian Books Today Podcast Network)
A squeaky-clean crime show for believers!
We love true crime but hate how hard it is to find shows that are free from gore, disturbing images, and explicit content.
So we created our own podcast. Each week, we're bringing you unforgettable testimonies of survival, stories of justice, tales of redemption, and yes sometimes plain old murder ... but always clean, and always from a Christian perspective.
Listeners Call Us: Inspiring, Clean, and Entertaining
Language: 🧼Squeaky Clean
We laugh a lot, but you probably won't ever even hear us say "heck."
Sexual Content: 🧼Squeaky Clean
We avoid cases that are too disturbing, and never dwell on explicit details.
Hosts: Alana Terry and Jaime Hampton
Violence: 🧼Squeaky Clean
No gore, and we don't cover cases simply for the graphic shock-value.
Listener Review:
"True crime with a Biblical worldview ... I love being able to listen with my older kids!"
3. The Unlovely Truth: A True Crime and Faith Podcast
Retired private investigator Lori Morrison explores the intersection of true crime and faith.
The podcast investigates real crime stories while also focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual safety issues, particularly within a church or ministry context.
Morrison works on a church staff and calls herself "a church-safety obsessed coach." Reviewers call The Unlovely Truth "fascinating and enlightening" and appreciate both her spiritual and practical insights.
Our Take: Timely, Bite-Sized Safety Stories
Language: Clean
No swearing or cursing, just bear in mind she is often discussing disturbing crimes
Sexual Content: Not Explicit
Just remember many crimes committed in churches are of a sexual and disturbing nature
Host: Private Investigator Lori Morrison
Violence: 🧼Squeaky Clean
Never gory or over-the-top
Listener Review:
"I love how the host shares stories of true crime with insight and sensitivity, bringing forth a spiritual truth as she does."
4. Cold-Case Christianity (A Homicide Detective Teaches Apologetics)
The Cold-Case Christianity Podcast is hosted by J. Warner Wallace. True-crime fanatics may recognize him as a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective.
Wallace is also a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and an apologetics professor at Biola University.
This podcast is apologetics-focused from the logical mind of a homicide detective who hungers for truth ... whether that's out on a case or diving deep into the truths of Scripture.
Timely Topics Covered on Cold-Case Christianity ...
5 Great Reasons to Trust Your Bible
Why Scripture is a reliable source
What Can We Do To Help Young People Remain in the Faith?
How to keep younger generations engaged with the church and the God of the Bible
Host: J. Warner Wallace, Homicide Detective
How Biological Evidence Points to the Existence of God
What does science have to say?
How to Evaluate Alleged Bible "Contradictions"
Can two verses say opposite things?
5. The Miracle Files (A Faith-Based Alternative to True-Crime Podcasts)
Sisters Emily and Holly got tired of the violence and gore of typical true-crime podcasts so decided to create a Christian alternative.
The Miracle Files features stories of miracles, harrowing survival tales, unbelievable brushes with death ... told in the style of your favorite true-crime shows but with stories that edify your soul and bring glory to God.
In addition to their podcast, they also have a very active YouTube channel.
Is The Miracle Files Right For You?
Language: Clean
No swearing, graphic violence, or sexual content
Critics Say:
Some argue that the content veers too far from mainstream Christian teaching, and others find the delivery overly-dramatic
A true-crime alternative for Christian listeners
Spiritual Content: ⚠️
Some episodes deal with angelic appearances, near-death experiences, and other content not all Christians will agree upon
Positive Review:
"Love these stories so much ... These stories help me to better see Gods hand in my own life!"
6. MrBallen's Medical Mysteries (Secular but Clean)
MrBallen is one of the internet's favorite story-tellers, and his delivery is clean and straightforward.
While some of the stories on his YouTube channel and other podcasts occasionally deal with dark and paranormal themes, his medical mysteries tend to be interesting and intriguing without much objectionable content (other than disturbing descriptions of bizarre medical symptoms).
While not a Christian show, many believers will enjoy the style, and may even find these mysteries drawing you closer to the God who created our fascinating bodies.
Is MrBallen's Medical Mysteries Right For You?
Language and Sexual Content: Clean
No swearing, no explicit sexual content
General Content: ⚠️
Due to the medical nature of the show, some of the issues or symptoms described are disturbing
Host: MrBallen aka John Allen, former U.S. Navy SEAL
Spiritual Content: ⚠️
You won't find many in his medical catalog, but other MrBallen shows sometimes deal with stories of the paranormal
YouTube Review:
"It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly good you are at telling stories."
Click now to grab your free Christian thriller! <<<----
7. Devil and the Deep Blue Sea from Christianity Today
Ever heard of the Satanic Panic? In the 1980s and '90s, American culture was fueled by fears that secret satanic cults were abusing children and engaging in widespread ritualistic crimes.
Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, a podcast by Christianity Today, seeks to uncover the roots, the impact, and the lasting effects of the Satanic Panic on American churches, culture, and its legal system.
A heavy listen, Devil in the Deep Blue Sea covers cases like the West-Memphis Three (teens falsely accused of murder) and the McMartin Preschool, whose staff was falsely accused of molesting children in the name of satanic worship.
Not for Everyone ... Use Discretion!⚠️
Language: Mostly Clean
Nothing that would be banned on cable television, probably not recommended to listen around kids
Sexual Content: 🌶️
Disturbing discussions about allegations of child sexual abuse
Host: Mike Cosper, Christianity Today
Violent Content: ⚠️
Crimes mentioned (both real and alleged) are disturbing and often include child harm
General Consensus:
A heavy listen that will be interesting to some but too disturbing to others
Binge-Worthy True Crime Podcasts for Believers Who Love Mysteries
True crime doesn’t have to glorify evil—it can point to the power of truth, justice, and redemption. These seven clean podcasts for Christian listeners remind us that even in the midst of human failure, God’s justice and mercy remain constant.
As you listen, take time to reflect and pray for those affected by the stories—the victims, the investigators, and even the offenders. Let these tales stir compassion and renew your sense of gratitude for God’s protection and grace.
For Christian podcast fans, this list is more than entertainment—it’s an opportunity to see the spiritual lessons hidden inside real-life mysteries.
May these stories encourage you to seek truth, extend grace, and trust that God’s hand is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.
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