Culture, Faith and Politics with Pat Kahnke

Tihomir Kukolja, a Balkan conflict survivor and reconciliation minister, shares profound insights on political violence and Christian responses, drawing from his experiences during the Yugoslav wars. He highlights alarming parallels between the past and current U.S. tensions, cautioning against incendiary rhetoric. Kukolja critiques the dangers of Christian nationalism, media manipulation, and collective guilt. Emphasizing love, justice, and truth, he urges Christians to engage meaningfully and advocate for mercy while navigating today’s polarized landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Karen Johnson, a historian and professor at Wheaton College, dives into her book, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice. She explores the tension between individual prejudice and systemic racism, revealing how housing policies like redlining still affect American life today. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the gospel must incorporate justice along with personal salvation. With stirring stories of ordinary heroes, she highlights the complex relationship between faith, race, and American history, urging listeners to embrace a broader understanding of the gospel.

Dr. Benjamin Park, a historian of Mormonism and professor at Sam Houston State University, dives into the surprising embrace of Christian nationalism by Latter-day Saints. He explores the unexpected historical ties between these two movements, from the Kingdom of Nauvoo's political ambitions to the influence of Cleon Skousen's writings. Park examines the evolution of LDS political identity, the rise of support for Trump, and dissenting voices within the community, revealing a complex landscape of faith and politics.

In this insightful discussion, Adam Swenson, a Substack writer and podcaster, delves into the term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' and its implications for moral and spiritual discourse. He shares personal experiences that highlight the emotional toll of political engagement. Adam and Pat Kahnke explore how the Trump movement is reshaping Christian ethics, advocating for compassion over cynicism. They argue that true discipleship involves caring deeply about social issues, countering the cultural pressure to suppress empathy in a polarized climate.

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Pat Kahnke speaks with Reverend Tihomir Kukolja—a Christian leader shaped by war, steeped in reconciliation work, and unafraid to speak hard truths. Kukolja reflects on the collapse of Yugoslavia, the rise of Donald Trump, the horrors of Gaza, and the dangerous theology driving evangelical silence and complicity. Drawing from decades of international ministry and firsthand experience in Sarajevo, he warns that the same forces that tore apart the Balkans are at work in America—and in the church. Together, they explore: • The emotional and political costs of evangelical eschatology • How Christian nationalism mirrors religious extremism • Why “criticizing Israel” is not antisemitism • The model of Jesus vs. the model of Trump • How truth-telling, not niceness, heals division This is not abstract theology. It’s about how we lead, how we love, and whether our faith contributes to peace—or war. “Christian nationalism and Islamic jihadism are two sides of the same coin—when faith is used to justify violence, it's no longer the faith of Jesus.” – Tihomir Kukolja If you’ve been searching for faithful resistance and global Christian perspective, this episode is a must-listen.

Rev. Tihomir Kukolja, a global Christian leader shaped by the Balkans war, joins the conversation to tackle the challenging topic of Gaza. He shares his journey from silence to dialogue, emphasizing the need for Christians to express their views without fostering anti-Semitism. Kukolja distinguishes between critique of Israeli policy and hatred, criticizing harmful dispensationalist theology that influences evangelical support. He recounts personal encounters with Palestinian Christians that have reshaped his perspective, urging a nuanced approach to these urgent issues.

Join Josh Burtram, a pastor and church planter, and Will Wright, a progressive co-host and Army veteran, as they share their intriguing journey of friendship across political divides. They discuss how a conservative pastor and a progressive Christian manage to model civil disagreement while navigating tough topics like theology and civic engagement. Hear about their personal transformations, the unexpected agreements with diverse guests, and the practical rules they’ve developed for respectful political conversations. This thoughtful dialogue promotes understanding and hope!

Corey Nathan is the host of "Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other." In this episode, Corey and Pat talk about Corey's faith journey from an Orthodox Jewish upbringing to Christianity. We also talk about his political background, and what led him to start his podcast. We talk about the difficulty - and the necessity - of having real conversations during the Trump years.

Chris Volpe's Website: http://www.volpeforamerica.com Pat Kahnke interviews Chris Volpe, Democratic candidate for the 2026 special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by JD Vance in Ohio. Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ In this episode, Chris Volpe discusses his candidacy for the Senate seat in Ohio, sharing his unique background in healthcare and technology. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the disconnect between young voters and political messaging, and the need for a focus on healthcare as a fundamental right. Volpe also addresses the implications of AI on the workforce and the importance of a social contract in society. He advocates for a vision of a better future that prioritizes stability and imagination in political discourse. In this conversation, Chris Volpe and Pat Kahnke explore the complexities of modern politics, emphasizing the need for empathy, trust, and serious leadership. They discuss the exploitation of vulnerable communities, the role of government in economic progress, and the importance of restoring trust in institutions. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by young men and the necessity of finding common ground in faith and politics.

Amy Hawk's book: "The Judas Effect" https://a.co/d/3H0y3sB Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Amy Hawk and Pat Kahnke discuss Adam Serwer's key 2018 Atlantic article "The Cruelty Is the Point" now that the second Trump term is proving to be even more cruel than the first. We discuss Kristi Noem as the "face" of MAGA cruelty, selling the twisted and demented ideas of Stephen Miller. We analyze these issues through the lens of scripture, and call followers of Jesus to something better.