

When Grace and Drugs Share the Same Album
Jul 17, 2025
Justin Giboney, President of the AND Campaign and author, dives into the implications of new IRS regulations allowing churches to endorse political candidates. He and Esau McCaulley discuss whether this is a positive shift or a threat to religious integrity. They also explore the reunion of hip-hop duo The Clipse, examining the clash between faith and drug culture in music. The conversation flows into the significance of racial identifiers like 'Black' and 'African-American,' and they share summer plans filled with humor and musical recommendations.
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Risks of Church Political Endorsements
- Endorsing political candidates from the pulpit risks church division and potential corrupt money influence.
- Justin Giboney and Mike agree churches should avoid explicit endorsements to maintain unity and credibility.
Churches Should Focus on Principles
- Churches maintain stronger public witness by focusing on principles rather than endorsing politicians.
- Endorsements bring no post-election accountability and can compromise church integrity.
Context of Black Church Politics
- Black churches' political engagement historically stems from their leadership roles and independence amidst oppressive majority culture.
- Political involvement in black churches responds to legal and economic realities post-slavery, not mere preference.