New Creation Conversations 098 - Kaitlyn Schiess on How the Bible Has Been Used (and Abused) in American Political History
Oct 10, 2023
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Guest Kaitlyn Schiess discusses her book on the connection between American politics and the Bible, exploring the historical misuse of biblical language, the co-opting of scripture to support Trump's presidency, and the dangers of proof texting. She emphasizes the importance of discernment, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and developing a coherent political theology.
American exceptionalism has evolved over time, with Presidents Kennedy and Reagan reshaping the concept to connect it with the country's moral and prosperous image.
The Cold War era led to the rise of dispensationalism and a fragmented interpretation of scripture, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and contextual approach to the end times.
The misuse of scripture in recent American presidencies emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of passages like 'Render unto Caesar' and a political theology rooted in scripture and Christian tradition.
Deep dives
The Shifting Perception of American Exceptionalism
The podcast episode delves into how the perception of American exceptionalism, specifically tied to the concept of a 'city on a hill,' has evolved over time. It highlights how Presidents Kennedy and Reagan reshaped and reframed the idea, connecting it to the country's moral and prosperous image. However, it also points out the dangers of this misinterpretation and the need for a more disciplined and imaginative approach to scripture when discussing America's role in God's plan.
The Influence of Cold War on Eschatology
The podcast explores how the Cold War era dramatically shaped eschatological beliefs in America. It discusses the rise of dispensationalism and its popularity during this period, rooted in fears of nuclear war and geopolitical tensions. This led to a more fragmented and isolated reading of scripture, driven by a desire for certainty and a literal interpretation of prophecies. The episode emphasizes the need for a more nuanced and contextual approach to the end times, grounded in a holistic understanding of scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Political Theology in Recent American Presidencies
The podcast also examines the use of scripture in recent American presidencies, including the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. It highlights the misuse of passages like 'Render unto Caesar' by evangelicals surrounding Trump, who often focused solely on the first part of the verse, 'given to Caesar what is Caesar's.' The episode emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive understanding of these passages, taking into account the entirety of Jesus' message and its implications for political life. It encourages a political theology rooted in scripture and Christian tradition, rather than selective interpretations driven by personal or political agendas.
Interpreting Scripture and Confusion
The podcast discusses the challenges and confusion that arise when interpreting scripture, particularly in relation to historical examples. It explores the importance of discipline and imagination when interpreting scripture, as well as the potential dangers of misinterpretation. The confusion around the 'we' in the text, especially in relation to the nation of Israel, is also highlighted.
The Use of Scripture in American Politics
The podcast explores how scripture has been used and abused in American politics throughout history. It discusses the attempts to equate Israel with America and create a special covenant with God. It also differentiates between the perspectives of marginalized and oppressed Christians, who see themselves as the people of God and draw on biblical examples for inspiration, and those who try to transfer the way God relates to Israel to a new nation. The podcast emphasizes the need for a coherent political theology that considers multiple passages of scripture, historical context, and the role of the people of God in shaping the world.
Welcome to episode ninety-eight of New Creation Conversations. This week’s conversation is with Kaitlyn Schiess. Kaitlyn is a writer, minister, and doctoral student at Duke Divinity School studying political theology and biblical interpretation. She has written about theology, politics, and culture for Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, Sojourners, and the Huffington Post. These days she may be best known for her participation on The Holy Post Podcast with Phil Vischer and Sky Jethani.
We spend our time discussing her most recent book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here (Brazos). In the book, Kaitlyn unpacks the history of America and how we have connected the Bible to politics in the past and explores what lessons and warnings we can glean from those moments. She combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help readers faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues – and to their lives.
It is a wonderful and important book, especially in the current moment. I’m really thankful for the work Kaitlyn is doing in this area, and am a little jealous of her ability (at such a young age) to reflect so insightfully on both our history and our moment. I’m a big fan of The Holy Post and was delighted to get a chance to meet Kaitlyn and have this rich conversation.
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