Highest Power: Church + State

Monday, September 15, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Janet Kellogg Ray, a biology professor and author known for her expertise in science denial, dives into crucial discussions surrounding vaccines and the CDC's turmoil. She examines the impact of misinformation on public trust, especially in light of political changes. The conversation dissects the debunked vaccine-autism connection and its societal ramifications, while highlighting the decline in trust during the pandemic compared to past vaccine responses. Ray emphasizes the importance of credible sources for vaccination guidance amid growing skepticism.

Monday, September 8, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Thursday, September 4, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bader, the majority owner of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast and advocate for survivors, dives deep into the struggles of women living under Doug Wilson's Christian nationalist ideology. She shares personal stories that reveal the emotional toll of authoritarian patriarchy. Bader emphasizes the importance of accountability and women's voices in overcoming these narratives. The conversation also critiques media misrepresentations, highlighting the resilience of women challenging the status quo. It's a powerful call for unity and action.

Delve into how authoritarian Christianity echoes ancient empires, shaping modern politics. Discover the roots of societal norms regarding gender roles and authority, questioning conservative biblical interpretations. The discussion navigates the ties between spiritual and earthly hierarchies, revealing how divine rule influences governance. Explore the relationship between Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, using familiar Disney narratives to highlight the urgency of awareness and engagement in countering these movements.

Thursday, August 21, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Monday, August 18, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.

Thursday, August 14, 2025 — You're listening to Highest Power: Church + State, a weekly podcast from Baptist News Global, hosted by Rick Pidcock. Support faith-based journalism at baptistnews.com.