The Church Politics Podcast

Justin, Chris, and Michael unpack the ongoing culture wars and explore how Christians can engage faithfully—balancing conviction with compassion in a divided world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hannah Heck, an attorney and founder of a public policy advocacy firm, joins the hosts to unpack David Brooks' insights on K–12 education. They dive into how red states are surpassing blue states in educational outcomes and examine the effects of screens and gamified learning on children's character development. The conversation also highlights the disconnect between rising graduation rates and poor literacy, while discussing the need for inclusive educational programs. Finally, Hannah touches on the intersection of faith and political implications in educational policy.

The hosts dive into how a post-literate culture is evolving, discussing its effects on Christian discernment and the broader implications for society. They explore the impact of AI data centers on rising energy costs, raising questions of economic justice. Insights on the Gaza conflict reveal debates over peace efforts and U.S. negotiation strategies. Through thoughtful dialogue, they encourage proactive engagement and careful judgment, emphasizing the need for literacy and moral clarity in a rapidly changing world.

Discussing the value of taking unpopular positions for the sake of principle, the hosts delve into the recent Jimmy Kimmel controversy and its implications for free speech. They highlight Memphis Mayor Paul Young's commendable approach to governance, emphasizing cross-party collaboration over political grandstanding. The conversation also touches on the need for Christians to prioritize their faith above societal pressures, advocating for accountability in political commentary and action.

The discussion centers around the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for political discourse. It emphasizes a Christlike response to political violence, urging compassion and reflection. The speakers highlight the need for empathy in a divided society, calling for moral teachings over divisive rhetoric. They tackle the rise of political violence and the importance of moderated discourse, while also encouraging Christians to be 'salt and light' in turbulent times. Overall, a call for constructive dialogue amidst challenging political landscapes.

Justin, Cory, and Dr. Howard discuss the fact that President Obama deported far more people than President Trump and the differences in their immigration approaches. They also talk about the latest Job's Report and Cory's appearance on CNN.Show Notes:https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-americans-oppose-political-parties-drawing-election-lines-rcna229257https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/us/politics/trump-jobs-report-tariffs-deportations.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleSharehttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56491941 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rising drug costs, persistent shortages, and a maze of middlemen—how do we fix America’s medicine market without losing innovation or access? In this episode, Justin Giboney sits down with Emily Lampkin of thePharmaceutical Reform Alliance to unpack practical, bipartisan pathways for pharmaceutical reform and what faithful civic engagement can look like for churches and communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jaha, and Cory discuss the pressure people are under to act more progressive in academia and professional class circles. They also discuss mandatory mental health screenings for kids and Meta chatbots flirting with children.   Show Notes:  https://thehill.com/opinion/education/5446702-performative-virtue-signaling-has-become-a-threat-to-higher-ed/ https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/gov-pritzker-signs-requiring-mental-health-screenings-schools/ https://www.thefp.com/p/abigail-shrier-stop-asking-kids-if https://mchb.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/mchb/data-research/nsch-data-brief-adolescent-mental-behavioral-health-2023.pdf   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Dr. Jaha Howard discuss Pete Buttigieg's dismal numbers in the Black community. They also discuss why Christians must critique their own party and lab-grown meat. Show Notes:https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5444990-zelensky-trump-putin-possible-alaska-meeting/https://stateline.org/2025/06/30/texas-becomes-seventh-state-to-ban-lab-grown-meat/https://youtu.be/qQKNjhq29qI?si=VYD0PVzeNi6tLI5z Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just talks to Cory and Jaha about eight political tribes in the American electorate. They also discuss Michael Wear's new article in UnHerd and Charlie Kirk's answer to a question about Trump and the fruit of the spirit. ShowNotes:https://echeloninsights.com/tribes/https://hiddentribes.us/https://unherd.com/2025/07/will-democrats-defend-society/?lang=ushttps://x.com/aprilspark1890/status/1950278328184619011?s=46&t=QIXD2eZx9xXe5eDxKKUDPg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices