Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhy do so many Americans believe the U.S. is God’s chosen nation? And how did Protestant ideas of martyrdom, land ownership, and war shape the founding of our democracy?In this episode, Will and Josh sit down with Dr. John Fanestil, a United Methodist pastor, historian, and author of American Heresy, to explore the deep roots of white Christian nationalism in early English Protestant colonization. Fanestil traces how ideas about land, race, and theology became embedded in the American story—and how those ideas still echo today, particularly in the rhetoric of political leaders like Donald Trump.From George Washington’s land grabs to Jefferson’s complex faith, Fanestil offers a compelling look at how Protestant theology shaped America’s founding myths—and how nationalism, racism, and religious triumphalism became bitter fruits of that legacy.🧑‍🏫 Guest Bio:John Fanestil is an ordained United Methodist pastor, historian, and author of American Heresy: The Roots and Reach of White Christian Nationalism. A Rhodes Scholar, he holds degrees from Dartmouth College, Oxford University, Claremont School of Theology, and a PhD in history from the University of Southern California, specializing in religion and early American history. He currently works on cross-border reconciliation efforts through FriendshipPark.org.🔗 Resources & Links:Get a signed copy of American Heresy: johnfanestil.comLearn more about Friendship Park: friendshippark.orgBook Mentioned: American Heresy: The Roots and Reach of White Christian Nationalism (Fortress Press, 2021) Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this conversation, Will Wright and Josh Burtram interview Jemar Tisby, author of 'The Color of Compromise' and 'How to Fight Racism,' about his new book 'The Spirit of Justice.' They discuss the importance of Black theologians in the national conversation about faith and politics, the need to learn and understand history, and the stories of unsung heroes who resisted racism. Tisby shares the stories of Jarena Lee, the first woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a Union Navy captain and elected official. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving Black history and the dangers of suppressing it. In this conversation, Jemar Tisby discusses the historical and present-day challenges faced by Christians in addressing racism. He highlights the need for Christians to understand the history and culture of the communities they seek to serve, and the hypocrisy of advocating for justice abroad while ignoring injustice at home. Tisby also explores the personal sacrifices made by individuals who resisted racism and emphasizes the importance of honoring their legacy. He discusses the role of faith in promoting racial justice and the need for the church to take a bold stance against racism. Tisby also addresses the decline in affiliation among white evangelical Protestants and the potential for a shift in political allegiances within the evangelical community.Buy the book 'The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance': https://a.co/d/iYxC7JBGuest Bio:Jemar Tisby (BA, University of Notre Dame; MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass The Mic podcast. He has spoken nationwide at conferences, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and CNN. He is studying for a PhD in history at the University of Mississippi with a focus on race, religion, and social movements in the twentieth century. Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📝 Show Description:After publishing a critique of biblical gender roles, author Aimee Byrd faced an online smear campaign—led in part by leaders from her own church. In this episode, she joins Will Wright and Josh Burtram to discuss her new book Saving Face, a deeply personal reflection on faith, identity, and healing after religious trauma.Byrd unpacks how patriarchal church systems often silence women, what it means to rediscover yourself after betrayal, and how theology can be both liberating and weaponized. She also shares how poetry, the Song of Songs, and the face of Christ helped rebuild her spiritual life. From a sit-and-spin memory to misogynistic Facebook groups, this conversation explores the cost of speaking up—and the grace that can follow.👤 Guest Bio:Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, and former podcast co-host known for her work challenging complementarian theology in evangelical circles. Her books include Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, The Sexual Reformation, and Saving Face. A former café owner turned theologian, Byrd writes about women’s roles in the church, spiritual formation, and healing from religious trauma.📚 Resources & Links:Saving Face by Aimee Byrd – savingfacebook.comAimee Byrd’s Website – aimeebyrd.comAimee narrates the audiobook version of Saving FaceRelated book: Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Aimee Byrd Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the wake of rising authoritarianism and social unrest, Christian ethicist David P. Gushee returns to discuss how Christians should respond to the erosion of democracy and the assault on marginalized groups in America. With record-low approval ratings from outside the Republican base, Donald Trump’s return to power has raised alarm bells across university campuses, LGBTQ advocacy circles, and immigrant communities.In this episode, Gushee—one of the most respected voices in Christian moral theology—joins hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram to unpack how Christian ethics should inform public life. From LGBTQ dignity to democratic values, Gushee urges Christians to reject fear-based politics and embrace foundational biblical norms: love, justice, dignity, and truth. He also explains how Christians can ethically engage without sacrificing their values—or their compassion.👤 Guest Bio:David P. Gushee is a Christian ethicist and Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University. He’s the author of over 25 books, including Changing Our Mind, After Evangelicalism, and The Moral Teachings of Jesus. He is known for his work on democracy, LGBTQ inclusion, and moral leadership in the public square.📚 Resources & Links:David Gushee’s WebsiteDavid Gushee on SubstackThe Moral Teachings of Jesus by David Gushee Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies Will Wright’s article in Christian Ethics Today Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIs everything we think we know about the devil wrong? In this episode, author and filmmaker Jared Brock joins the Faithful Politics podcast to discuss his latest book, A Devil Named Lucifer. From the myth of the horned red figure to the misuse of the word “Lucifer,” Brock breaks down centuries of cultural and theological misconceptions. Drawing from biblical texts, he argues that Satan is not the all-powerful rival we’ve made him out to be—but a minor character in a much bigger story. Hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright explore how dualistic thinking has shaped theology and politics, and why fear-based rhetoric around evil distorts the gospel message. The conversation also touches on demon possession, mental health, spiritual warfare, and how Christians can “judo” the devil’s tactics to grow in faith.Guest Bio: Jared Brock is an award-winning author and filmmaker known for A God Named Josh and the PBS documentary Redeeming Uncle Tom, narrated by Danny Glover. His writing has appeared in Time, The Guardian, and Christianity Today. His latest book, A Devil Named Lucifer, challenges conventional Christian beliefs about Satan and spiritual warfare.Resources & Links:Read the first chapter: https://adevilnamedlucifer.comJared’s films and books: JaredBrock.comA Devil Named Lucifer on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gOtutw9 Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Greg Garrett, a Baylor University English professor and a leading voice on faith and social justice, tackles the alarming rise of white Christian nationalism and its impact on the church. He discusses how this ideology alienates younger generations and detracts from true Christian values. Highlighting the importance of listening to marginalized voices, Garrett advocates for a Gospel centered on love and justice, emphasizing the necessity of racial reconciliation within Christianity.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn recent years, American Christianity has undergone a profound transformation—and it's reshaping the foundations of our democracy. In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. A self-described atheist, Jew, and gay man, Rauch argues that liberal democracy has long depended on the moral framework Christianity provides—and that its collapse is fueling political dysfunction, extremism, and civic decay. Together with hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, Rauch explores the historical role of faith in sustaining democratic virtue, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and what it would take for the church to renew itself for the 21st century.Guest Bio:Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of several books, including The Constitution of Knowledge and Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. Rauch specializes in civil discourse, political philosophy, and the health of liberal democracy.Resources & Links:📘 Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch: jonathanrauch.com📰 Jonathan Rauch’s article in The Atlantic on “patrimonialism” and Trump (as referenced in the episode): https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/🌐 Braver Angels (bipartisan depolarization network): https://braverangels.org📖 Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711057/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comChristian nationalism has surged to new heights in American politics, raising urgent concerns about democracy, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) and lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign.We discuss her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, its reception, and why she sees this moment as a crucial turning point. Amanda breaks down the myths surrounding religious persecution in the U.S., the Supreme Court’s role in shaping religious liberty, and the dangers of government-endorsed Christianity. She also offers actionable steps for listeners who want to push back against the rise of Christian nationalism and defend religious pluralism in America.Guest Bio:Amanda Tyler is an attorney and the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), a leading voice on the intersection of faith, policy, and democracy. She is the co-host of the Respecting Religion podcast and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, a nationwide campaign addressing the threats posed by Christian nationalist ideology. Her latest book, How to End Christian Nationalism, serves as a practical guide for those seeking to resist the movement’s influence on American politics.Resources & Links:📖 How to End Christian Nationalism – EndChristianNationalism.com📝 Christians Against Christian Nationalism – ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org🏛️ Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty – BJCOnline.org🎙️ Respecting Religion Podcast – BJC Podcast: https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/ Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat does it mean to follow a "Migrant God"? In this episode, Pastor Josh Burtram and political host Will Wright sit down with Isaac Samuel Villegas, an ordained Mennonite minister and advocate for immigrant justice. His new book, Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice, offers a deeply theological and politically urgent perspective on faith and migration.Isaac shares his personal story of growing up in Los Angeles and Tucson as the son of immigrants, his journey into ministry, and his activism in immigrant justice. The conversation explores biblical themes of migration, the role of the church in advocacy, and the moral contradictions in how many Christians approach immigration policy. Isaac also recounts powerful personal stories—from organizing Holy Thursday vigils at ICE detention centers to witnessing communities offering sanctuary to migrants.Why do so many American churches struggle to engage in immigration justice? How do biblical teachings challenge modern political perspectives on migration? And how can pastors preach on this issue without alienating their congregations? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges theology, policy, and lived experience.Guest Bio:Isaac Samuel Villegas is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA and a passionate advocate for immigrant justice. He writes for The Christian Century and Anabaptist World, and his latest book, Migrant God, explores the intersection of faith, justice, and migration. Through his work in community organizing and activism, he challenges Christians to embrace a theology rooted in solidarity with migrants.Resources & Links:📖 Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice – https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884435/migrant-god/🌎 Follow Isaac Villegas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.villegas.581 Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat does it mean to be an atheist in a world where faith and politics are deeply intertwined? In this episode, we sit down with Hemant Mehta, author, speaker, and creator of The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta shares his journey from Jainism to atheism, his experiences visiting churches for his book I Sold My Soul on eBay, and his thoughts on the increasing political influence of religious groups in America.We also discuss why Christian nationalism is on the rise, how churches use community as a powerful tool, and what patterns he sees emerging in the fight for secularism. Plus, Mehta shares his surprising experience as a Jeopardy!champion and how it changed his perspective on cultural unity. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers insight into one of the most pressing cultural debates of our time.Guest Bio:Hemant Mehta is a writer, speaker, and content creator known for his work on atheism, religion, and politics. He is the author of I Sold My Soul on eBay and The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide and runs The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and other major media outlets, and he is also a Jeopardy! champion.Resources & Links:The Friendly Atheist Blog & Substack: FriendlyAtheist.comThe Friendly Atheist Podcast: FriendlyAtheistPodcast.comBooks by Hemant Mehta:I Sold My Soul on eBay - https://www.amazon.com/Sold-My-Soul-eBay-Atheists/dp/1400073472The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide - https://a.co/d/3soDfHg Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...