The Church Politics Podcast

The podcast dives into the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, highlighting the tragedy while urging a focus on human grief over political rush. Justin discusses the implications of ICE's tactics and the need for better training to prevent such incidents. The conversation shifts to Congress, noting how some Republicans have defied Trump's stances, showcasing independence in political decision-making. With calls for principled engagement, the host emphasizes the importance of AI ethics and tackling issues like insider trading and affordability to inspire hope for future generations.

Justin explores the ideological drift among Christians in recent years and emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability. He celebrates the AND Campaign's 10-year milestone and discusses various political topics, including Trump’s influence and the critique of immigration policies from the right. The conversation touches on rejecting Christian nationalism and embracing earned influence instead. Justin also advocates for balancing family values with social justice, urging Christians to engage thoughtfully in politics.

Justin, Jaha, and Cory discuss the massive fraud that occurred in Minneapolis and the political and racial implications. They also discuss Rep. Jasmine Crockett getting into the Texas Senate primary and their favorite Christmas song and movie.   Show Notes: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/us/fraud-minnesota-somali.html https://www.notus.org/senate/jasmine-crockett-nrsc-texas-senate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Jaha, and Cory discuss Trump Derangement Syndrome and how it's affected their family and friends. They also talk about Michael Lind's article on how Trump has remade conservatism and political tribes.   Show Notes: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/is-trump-derangement-syndrome-real-a603e4a1?st=15Vz4N&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink   https://unherd.com/2025/11/how-trump-remade-conservatism/   https://yourpoliticaltribe.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the heated debate over the recent government shutdown and discover which political side comes out ahead. The hosts dissect the economic factors influencing voter concerns and the shifting Democratic base. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s clash with GOP leadership raises questions about party priorities and policy solutions. They explore whether economic populism can unite Democrats and how Republicans are responding to working-class needs. Tune in for lively insights on leadership, political strategy, and the future of American politics.

Michael Wear, a practitioner and writer on faith and public life, and Christopher Butler, a pastor and public theologian, dive into the complex landscape of culture wars. They discuss the dangers of conflict entrepreneurs and the impact of online algorithms on Christian engagement. Both guests emphasize the importance of balancing conviction with compassion and advocate for a more constructive approach to politics. They also explore how the church can positively influence party identities while encouraging courage and grace among believers.

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.