Kaitlyn Schiess: America's Bible-haunted history and the way ahead
Aug 1, 2024
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Kaitlyn Schiess, an author and political theology expert from Duke Divinity School, dives into the complex ties between the Bible and American politics. She discusses how historical misuses of scripture are prompting young Christians to rethink their faith’s role in politics. Schiess advocates for viewing the Bible as a tool for community and inclusion rather than exclusion. She also emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and hospitality in political discourse, aligning shared values to foster understanding in a diverse society.
Younger Christians are increasingly reassessing the intersection of their faith and politics, leading to a more nuanced understanding of scripture's role in public life.
Kaitlyn Schiess advocates for prioritizing hospitality in political discussions to foster open dialogue and strengthen community bonds despite differing views.
Deep dives
Reevaluating the Bible's Role in Politics
Many Americans have historically used the Bible to justify political stances, but a growing number of Christians, particularly younger ones, are reassessing this practice. They are questioning the link between their faith and public policy, moving away from the extremes of complete biblical endorsement of politics or the belief that the Bible should have no say in public life. This reassessment emphasizes the Bible as a valuable resource for fostering communities rather than a tool for political manipulation. As this generation navigates their relationship to politics, they seek to explore what parts of scripture are relevant to contemporary societal issues.
Historical Context of Scriptural Use
The historical use of scripture in American politics reveals a complex evolving relationship, with many scriptural passages often misapplied or taken out of context. Caitlin Chess points to the phrase 'city on a hill,' originally coined by John Winthrop, as an example of how biblical references have transformed over time and are now mainly associated with political ideals rather than their original intent. Modern leaders, like Joe Biden, also draw on biblical language, creating a connection between scripture and contemporary political actions. This tendency to twist scriptural interpretations underlines the need for deeper self-reflection among believers regarding their motivations when employing the Bible in political discussions.
Building Community through Hospitality
A proposed solution to the current disconnect in religious and political dialogues is to embrace the concept of hospitality in discussions surrounding scripture and politics. This entails approaching conversations with an open heart, recognizing the different gifts each tradition brings, and fostering relationships characterized by openness rather than defensiveness. Caitlin Chess argues that the spirit of hospitality can strengthen community bonds despite differences, encouraging dialogue rather than division. By prioritizing relationship-building over political disputes, individuals can create an environment where shared values and mutual respect can flourish, even in a polarized society.
Americans have long used the Bible to justify their politics. That's in part why today, younger Christians are rethinking their relationship to their faith, and the Bible's place in American political life. Kaitlyn Schiess says that's a good thing. She's the author of "The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here." For the second installment in our series about faith in American today, Schiess makes the case for how Christianity can play a healthier role in framing our politics.
Guest: Kaitlyn Schiess, author of "The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here"; studies political theology at Duke Divinity School; and is co-host of the Holy Post podcast.
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.