Highest Power: Church + State
Baptist News Global
A podcast from Baptist News Global examining the intersection of faith and politics at the highest levels of power. Hosted by Rick Pidcock.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 26, 2025 • 25min
Ep86: How the Incarnation Informs Conversations about Salvation & Sexuality
Friday, December 26, 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.
Dec 22, 2025 • 13min
Ep85: The Willful Ignorance of Our "Christian Nation" Claims & the Violence They Cover Up
Monday, December 22, 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.
Dec 18, 2025 • 25min
Ep84: How Trump & Hegseth's Speeches Blame Others & Solve Problems that Aren't Real
The discussion kicks off with a critique of Trump's loud primetime address, highlighting misleading claims about immigration and job creation. Fact-checkers expose false economic assertions while exploring how rhetoric often clashes with the public’s lived experiences. Attention shifts to Pete Hegseth's controversial plans for military chaplains, which include removing secular elements and simplifying faith codes. The conversation reveals a troubling trend among some white evangelicals towards non-reality, prompting a call for a theology grounded in truth and transformation.
9 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 34min
Ep83: How Evangelical Theologies of Hell Produce the Fruit of Sexual Abuse
Ben Cole, a conservative commentator and contributor to Baptist News Global, dives deep into the unsettling connections between evangelical theologies of hell and patterns of sexual abuse in church settings. He discusses why loyal congregants often cling to troubled ministries, despite abuse allegations. The conversation reveals how a fear of disrupting evangelistic efforts drives silence around these issues, and explores the traumatic impact of eternal conscious torment teachings on children. Cole also critiques traditional atonement theories that can normalize victimization.
Dec 11, 2025 • 30min
Ep82: Should Journalists Write from a Place of Anger? with Wendell Griffen
Thursday, December 11, 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.
Dec 8, 2025 • 18min
Ep81: The Advent Candle of Peace & the U.S. Government's Bombing of Defenseless People
Monday, December 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.
Dec 4, 2025 • 36min
Ep80: How Advent Helps Us Process the Darkness in the News Today, with Marc Schelske
Mark Schelsky, Pastor of Bridge City Community Church, explores how Advent can help process today's troubling news. He discusses the appeal of liturgy and how ancient Christian voices can reshape modern faith. Mark connects the Advent theme of hope with recognizing systemic darkness while honoring marginalized voices. He redefines Advent as a period of honest reflection rather than just a countdown to Christmas, advocating for compassion and transformation inspired by Isaiah's call to care. This conversation is a timely reminder of hope amidst societal challenges.
Dec 1, 2025 • 25min
Ep79: Immigration Hypocrisy, Demonic Puppetry, & How We Respond to Family Members Who are Okay with Violence Against Us
Monday, December 1, 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.
Nov 28, 2025 • 10min
Ep78: Thankfulness in Light of Hierarchy
Friday, November 28, 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.
Nov 24, 2025 • 23min
Ep77: Trump's Threats to Execute Democratic Lawmakers by Hanging
Monday, November 24, 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.
