Faith, Politics, and Media: Rethinking Christian Political Involvement (Kaitlyn Schiess) Ep. #191
Mar 13, 2025
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Kaitlyn Schiess, an expert on the intersection of faith and politics, joins the discussion to challenge how Christians engage with political issues. She argues that scrolling social media or binge-watching political news is not true engagement. Instead, she advocates for knowing your neighbors and participating in local politics. They explore the overload of information affecting critical thinking and the need for discerning trustworthy voices within Christian media. Kaitlyn emphasizes building relationships over social outrage as a means for genuine advocacy.
Kaitlyn Schiess argues that consuming political media doesn't equate to real engagement and can hinder effective local advocacy.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community involvement over national political obsession, highlighting opportunities neglected by many Christians.
Discussions about conspiracy theories reveal the need for empathetic dialogues that address underlying fears and encourage constructive, faith-based perspectives.
Deep dives
Engagement with Scripture and Community
A workshop is announced that promotes in-depth engagement with Scripture, aiming to connect its teachings to contemporary issues. Scheduled for late April at Hope College, the event encourages participants to explore and discuss what the Bible has to say regarding their lives and concerns. The workshop emphasizes the value of communal reading and reflection on biblical texts rather than superficial consumption of media. This approach highlights the importance of understanding Scripture as a living document that speaks to current societal challenges.
The Misconception of Political Engagement
Many individuals mistakenly believe that merely consuming political media equates to active political engagement. The discussion points out that excessive media consumption, whether through social media or traditional news, can hinder one's ability to effectively participate in local politics. An anecdote about a church member obsessively following political media illustrates the futility of equating consumption with action. The reality is that true political involvement requires building relationships and understanding community needs rather than just reacting to media narratives.
The Influence of Political Media on Identity
Political media plays a significant role in shaping individuals' perceptions of their beliefs and communities, affecting how they view themselves and their social roles. The conversation suggests that while traditional media forms have always influenced political identities, the internet amplifies this experience through constant, often divisive, information streams. The adverse effects include a lack of focus, overwhelming frustration with current events, and a tendency to disengage due to feelings of helplessness. Ultimately, the media's narrative can create a distorted sense of agency within individuals, leading to either complete withdrawal or misguided activism.
Local Community Involvement
Amidst the chaos of national politics, there is a call to prioritize local community engagement, which often yields more meaningful contributions. The discussion points out that people frequently overlook opportunities within their neighborhoods to make a difference, such as attending city council meetings or helping neighbors. These local interactions can cultivate stronger relationships and allow individuals to feel more empowered and effective in their actions. Engaging in community work, particularly through church involvement, can help individuals find fulfillment and a sense of purpose that transcends the frustrations of larger political concerns.
Navigating Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation
The conversation delves into the challenges of addressing conspiracy theories within personal relationships and community dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying fears that drive individuals to embrace conspiracies, as these beliefs often provide comfort amid uncertainty. By fostering open dialogues and asking probing questions, individuals can identify the deeper needs behind these beliefs. This empathetic approach allows for the introduction of more grounded and hopeful perspectives, addressing fears while guiding conversations toward constructive faith-based resolutions.
Are we mistaking media consumption for political engagement? In this episode, Kaitlyn Schiess joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to challenge the way Christians think about politics, faith, and media. She explains why binge-watching C-SPAN or endlessly scrolling Twitter doesn’t make us politically engaged—but actually forms us into people less capable of real advocacy.
Dru and Kaitlyn discuss the modern obsession with national politics, why Christians ignore their local communities, and how the church provides a model of meaningful engagement. Instead of trying to "change the world" through social media outrage, Kaitlyn argues that real political involvement means knowing your neighbors, understanding local government, and prioritizing embodied relationships.
They also explore the role of Christian media consumption, asking whether 24-hour news, partisan social feeds, and political influencers have become a form of secular discipleship. How can Christians discern which voices are trustworthy? And how can the church offer a healthier alternative?
00:00 Misunderstandings in Political Engagement
03:45 The Impact of 24-Hour News Cycle
07:13 Agency and Exhaustion in Political Involvement
09:46 Local vs. National Political Engagement
13:52 The Role of Community and Church
16:17 Listening to Trustworthy Voices
25:02 Understanding Local Politics Through Community Engagement
26:14 The Importance of Recognizing Underlying Narratives
28:18 The Challenge of Political Discourse in Faith Communities
31:09 The Role of Stories in Shaping Political Beliefs
34:44 Navigating Conspiracy Theories in Faith Contexts
37:12 The Need for Meaningful Conversations in Churches
40:00 The Impact of Media Consumption on Relationships
41:51 Reality TV and Its Moral Implications
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