Culture, Faith and Politics with Pat Kahnke

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.

Robert Jeffress is only one of many "pastors" who've gained power for themselves by supporting Trump and his unchristian policies. But he's a good case study. 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  

Angela Denker, a journalist, Lutheran pastor, and author, delves into her book on the radicalization of American boyhood. She highlights the importance of storytelling and empathy in bridging divides, sharing strategies for de-radicalization rooted in community and boundaries. Denker explores the historical context of 'White Jesus' and its ties to current political discourse. She also addresses the impact of online radicalization and recommends biblical texts to challenge Christian nationalism, advocating for a more compassionate masculinity.

Amy Hawk is a writer, a Bible teacher, and a YouTuber. She discusses why she chose to stand up to Donald Trump's corruption of the White Evangelical church. Purchase Amy Hawk's books: The Judas Effect: https://a.co/d/9xXOWnp Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton: https://a.co/d/4VKIKdp Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.subst... 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

Subscribe to Culture, Faith, and Politics on Substack at 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