Piety and Politics

Oct 4, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Samuel Kimbriel, a philosopher-in-residence, and Shadi Hamid, a political analyst, delve into the complex interplay between Christianity and politics. Kimbriel explores the tensions of aligning faith with political success, while Hamid critiques the use of religion in American political narratives. They examine the implications of forgiveness in politics, question the existence of a 'true' Christianity, and reflect on how faith shapes public life. Together, they challenge conventional views, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

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INSIGHT

Jesus's Message Inverts Power

Shadi highlights Jesus's ethic as a power inversion elevating the weak over the strong.
That ethic conflicts with political movements that weaponize Christianity for domination.

ANECDOTE

Contrasting Kirk's Forgiveness And Martial Piety

Shadi contrasts Erika Kirk's forgiveness at Charlie Kirk's memorial with a martial recruitment video reciting the Lord's Prayer.
He uses these examples to ask how the same faith yields such divergent political expressions.

INSIGHT

Cult Versus Court Shapes Politics

Samuel argues religions create a tension between cult (sacred) and court (political) that reshapes societies.
That tension explains how sacred language can be repurposed to legitimize power and violence.

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Last week, Wisdom of Crowds philosopher-in-residence Samuel Kimbriel wrote an essay about the political use of Christianity within MAGA, contrasting the sincerity of Erika Kirk’s piety with the propagandistic use of the Lord’s Prayer in a recent military recruitment video. Shadi Hamid reflected on Samuel’s piece and more, writing a column about it for the Washington Post. Today, we bring both men together to discuss the central questions of both articles: do Christianity and politics mix?

Damir Marusic adds his own take on the debate, trying to dissuade both Samuel and Shadi from thinking that there is a “true” Christianity that can be saved from the corrupting influence of political power. Shadi says that he does not care whether there is a true version of Christianity: what he wants is a healthy, forgiveness-centered version of Christianity to triumph politically, that is what is good for America. Meanwhile, Samuel talks about the inherent tension between living a radical faith while also being politically successful.

In our bonus section for paid subscribers, Shadi discusses the Islamic idea of politics as a “site of imperfection”; Samuel explains why he is “especially attracted to acts that happen under conditions of scarcity”; Damir explains why he would not want any of his Christian friends to become powerful politicians; the three discuss the difference between the politics of conviction and the politics of responsibility; and more!

Reading and Watching:

* Shadi, “Two Versions of Christianity Battle for America’s Soul” (Washington Post).

* Sam, “What Christianity Isn’t” (WoC).

* Military recruitment video w/Our Father (X).

* Erika Kirk speech at Charlie Kirk memorial (YouTube).

* Matthew Rose, A World After Liberalism: Philosophers of the Radical Right (Amazon).

* Max Weber, “Politics As A Vocation” (Internet Archive).

* Ezra Klein interviews Ta Nehisi Coates (New York Times).

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