Highest Power: Church + State

The discussion dives deep into the Epstein coverup and political complicity. Rick highlights MAGA figures pushing for the release of Epstein materials while examining links to Trump. A survivor recounts her chilling introduction to Trump, revealing trafficking dynamics. Political pressure from Trump on Republicans complicates the narrative further. The conversation also critiques Megyn Kelly's controversial remarks on Epstein's victims, sparking a powerful response from a 14-year-old. Finally, Krista Brown shares her personal story of abuse, calling for accountability and challenging child abuse minimization.

Internal party debates reveal deep-seated values affecting policies. Democrats grapple with reopening the government amid healthcare concerns, showcasing a split between pragmatists and progressives. Key figures like Bernie Sanders criticize compromises, highlighting the dangers of rising premiums. Meanwhile, Republicans engage in a civil war over extremism and the Epstein files, sidelining substantive policy discussions. The contrasting priorities between parties expose a significant ideological rift, where one focuses on social support and the other on internal scandals.

Monday, November 10, 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, November 6, 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, November 3, 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.

Explore the alarming intersection of government overreach and Christian biases in politics. Delve into how authoritarian tactics threaten media freedom and enable the normalization of political violence. Discover the implications of anti-porn rhetoric as a mask for theocratic ambitions. Learn about the chilling effect of meme arrests and the role of fear in consolidating power. Finally, consider the importance of restorative justice as a way to counter cycles of retribution and promote kindness in the face of authoritarianism.

Monday, October 27, 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, October 23, 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, October 20, 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 discussion, Lily Wood, a pastoral resident at Pelham Road Baptist Church, delves into the complex intersection of biblical interpretation and political ideology. She explores how differing hermeneutics can lead to varied Christian perspectives on discipleship. Lily challenges conventional proof-texting and advocates for reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus. The conversation also touches on the weaponization of the Bible throughout history, emphasizing the need for humility in theological discussions and encouraging communities to model reconciliation in today's divisive landscape.