Highest Power: Church + State

Thursday, July 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.

Monday, July 7, 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, July 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.

Monday, June 30, 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, June 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.

Liz Cooledge Jenkins, author of 'Nice Churchy Patriarchy' and Substack writer, dives deep into why women are leaving the church. She highlights the link between Christian Zionism and U.S. military actions, critiquing how evangelical beliefs shape foreign policy. Jenkins discusses the liberation from toxic faith, emphasizing the struggles women face in patriarchal environments. She advocates for new narratives recognizing individual worth and the importance of supportive spiritual communities that promote equality and reflection.

Explore the rise of conspiracy theories in the wake of a recent assassination in Minnesota, and how they shape public perception on immigration and war. Delve into the radicalization linked to the New Apostolic Reformation and its troubling effects on political discourse. Analyze the harsh rhetoric involving mental illness labels and military actions against Iran. Critique the false dichotomies created around immigration, urging compassion for immigrants while addressing citizens' needs. Challenge the media's role in oversimplifying complex political narratives.

Explore the impactful 'No Kings Day' protests, where millions united against the Trump administration with a focus on peaceful activism. Delve into the emotional narratives surrounding military oaths and their connection to democracy. The discussion also addresses the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, unraveling the web of misinformation and conspiracy theories that skew public perception. Lastly, examine the intersection of faith and politics, reflecting on the radical narratives shaping today's societal tensions.

Explore the rising tensions and community impacts of protests in Los Angeles, where the deployment of the National Guard raises constitutional concerns. Delve into the emotional turmoil faced by immigrant families amid fears of federal immigration tactics. Discover the unsettling link between military force and certain white evangelical theologies that celebrate violence as justice. Finally, unravel the complex alliance between Trump and white evangelicals, highlighting their shared grievances and strategic motivations.

Matt Tebbe, co-founder of Gravity Commons and an Episcopal priest, discusses the complexities of denominational institutions and their power dynamics. He sheds light on the need for transparency and accountability within churches, especially in light of past abuses. The conversation highlights the importance of empowering survivor voices and fostering solidarity among marginalized communities. Tebbe also explores the historical interplay of theology and power, advocating for love and liberation in faith practices.