Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn a time when LGBTQ Christians still face rejection from many pulpits, author and theologian Brandan Robertson is helping them reclaim their place at the table. In this episode, we talk with Brandan about his new book Queer Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table. He shares his personal journey from fundamentalist roots to becoming an openly gay pastor, and explains why many traditional interpretations of Scripture—especially on sexuality—fail to hold up under scholarly scrutiny.We unpack the meaning behind the word “queer,” the dangers of biblical literalism, and how Brandan’s experience at Moody Bible Institute helped him realize the fear-based theology he was taught didn't reflect the God of love. He also offers advice for LGBTQ individuals navigating their own faith and identity—and makes the case for a more expansive, inclusive Christianity rooted in honesty, history, and hope.👤 Guest Bio:Brandan Robertson is an author, pastor, and activist working at the intersection of faith, sexuality, and justice. He is the pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in NYC and founder of the Devout Foundation. Known widely as the "TikTok Pastor," his digital reach spans nearly 300,000 followers. His latest book is Queer Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table.🔗 Resources & Links:📘 Queer Christian by Brandan Robertson: QueerChristian.org🌐 Brandan Robertson’s Website: brandanrobertson.com📍 Tour Info & Events: QueerChristian.org/tour 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.comHow should we read the Old Testament today? In this episode, Faithful Politics dives deep with Dr. John H. Walton, a leading Old Testament scholar and professor emeritus at Wheaton College. With decades of research on ancient Near Eastern contexts, Walton discusses why understanding the cultural river of the Bible’s original audience is crucial for accurate interpretation. From Genesis to the Pentateuch, he challenges us to rethink common assumptions about creation, divine community, and moral frameworks in the Hebrew Scriptures. Tune in as we explore how cultural backgrounds shape biblical authority and what it means to read the Old Testament as its ancient readers would have.Guest Bio:Dr. John H. Walton is a distinguished Old Testament scholar and professor emeritus at Wheaton College. He has authored numerous influential works, including "The Lost World of Genesis 1," "The Lost World of Adam and Eve," and "The Lost World of Scripture," which explore the Bible through its ancient Near Eastern context. Walton’s work emphasizes understanding Scripture as its original audience would have, encouraging modern readers to grapple with its historical and cultural frameworks. 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 episode, former federal prosecutor Kristy Parker returns to Faithful Politics to discuss the drastic shifts in the Department of Justice under Donald Trump. With nearly two decades of experience in the DOJ, Parker offers a rare insider’s perspective on the erosion of institutional norms, the consequences of mass firings, and the implications for civil rights enforcement. From the establishment of a controversial anti-Christian bias task force to unprecedented executive orders affecting legal representation, Parker outlines how the DOJ has become a tool for political retribution rather than a defender of the rule of law. Listen in as she explains the ripple effects on American democracy and why Protect Democracy is working to hold the line.Guest Bio:Kristy Parker is a senior counsel at Protect Democracy, where she focuses on safeguarding democratic institutions and the rule of law. A former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, she has extensive experience in civil rights litigation, police misconduct cases, and election integrity enforcement. Parker served under four presidential administrations, witnessing firsthand the transformation of the DOJ from a nonpartisan legal body to a political weapon under Donald Trump.Resources:Protect Democracy: https://protectdemocracy.org 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 role does the church play in supporting vulnerable children and families in marginalized communities? In this episode, Faithful Politics sits down with Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and ordained AME minister, and Rev. Thomas Brackeen Jr., Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church, to discuss their latest report on strengthening early childhood development in Black and Latin faith communities. From access to healthcare to the impact of economic policies, they delve into the systems affecting the youngest and most vulnerable and how faith-based organizations can step up to advocate for justice.Metropolitan AME Church, founded in 1838, continues to stand against hate and fight for justice. In December 2020, the Proud Boys vandalized the church’s property, tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner. Metropolitan fought back, securing $2.8 million in damages and winning the exclusive rights to the Proud Boys’ trademark — a historic legal victory for a Black institution. Today, the church continues its legacy of advocacy through initiatives such as the Community Justice Fund, food insecurity programs, and the Sankofa Project, which equips families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded resources.Guest Bios:Rev. Moya Harris is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, serving at the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. She is also the Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and a retired registered nurse. Rev. Harris is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on faith, justice, and community development.Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen Jr. is the Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. With over 30 years of experience in youth ministry, he has worked with young people throughout the DC metropolitan area and is committed to advocating for vulnerable children and families through faith-based initiatives.Resources & Links:Sojourners: sojo.netMetropolitan AME Church: metropolitaname.orgReport on Early Childhood Development in Black and 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 episode, Faithful Politics welcomes back Kiera Butler, senior editor at Mother Jones, to discuss her latest reporting on a group of Christian nationalists aiming to build a secluded community in Appalachia. Butler unpacks how this network of self-identified "Theo Bros," led by figures like Andrew Isker and supported by investment firm New Founding, is attempting to create a crypto-fueled, autonomy-driven enclave in Tennessee. We explore the ideological motivations behind this project, the connections to Silicon Valley's "network state" movement, and the potential implications for local communities already established in the region. Tune in to hear Butler's insights on the intersections of faith, real estate, and the radical vision for a "Christian nation" in the American heartland.Guest Bio:Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones, where she covers politics, culture, and the intersection of religion and power in America. She is known for her investigative reporting on Christian nationalism and emerging political movements and has written extensively on the rise of "Theo Bros" and their efforts to create autonomous Christian enclaves.Resources & Links:The Christian Theobros are Building a Tech Utopia in Appalachia: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/christian-theobros-are-building-a-tech-utopia-in-appalachia/ 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 a thought-provoking discussion, Amy Hawk, author of 'The Judas Effect', shares her journey from a fervent evangelical leader to a critic of the manipulation of faith for political gain. She recounts her disillusionment during the 2016 election, reflecting on the emotional struggles of reconciling her beliefs with Trumpism. Hawk draws powerful parallels between Judas’ betrayal and the compromises made by evangelical leaders. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for integrity in faith communities and her renewed spiritual path rooted in the teachings of Jesus and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn an era of rising polarization, what does religious liberty really mean—and why does it matter today? Dr. Owen Anderson, professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University, joins Will and Josh to unpack the philosophical roots of religious freedom, natural theology, and the moral principles that shaped the American founding. Together, they explore tough questions: How do we define religious liberty in a pluralistic society? Are the ideals in the Declaration of Independence grounded in Protestant theology? What does it mean to protect religious freedom without weaponizing faith for political gain? The conversation also touches on hot-button issues like Christian nationalism, DEI programs, transgender rights, and the complex relationship between church and state. Whether you're curious about the faith of the Founders or wrestling with modern debates about freedom of conscience, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the intersection of faith, philosophy, and democracy.Guest Bio:Dr. Owen Anderson is a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University and the pastor of Christ the King Church in Phoenix. His work focuses on natural theology, constitutional principles, and moral philosophy, with a particular interest in how religious liberty and moral truth shape democratic societies. He is the author of several books, including Reason, Faith and Faithfulness, The Declaration of God, and a philosophical commentary on the Book of Job.Resources & Links:Dr. Owen Anderson’s Website: https://drowenanderson.comThe Declaration of God by Owen Anderson: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781107459045 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.comWhy is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong—even when the evidence is right in front of us? Cognitive bias isn’t just a problem for “other people”—it affects all of us, shaping how we think, vote, and even practice our faith. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erin Devers, social psychologist and professor, to talk about her new book The Unbiased Self (InterVarsity Press), where she draws on decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and theology. Together, we explore why biases are baked into the way we process information, how these mental shortcuts affect our politics and faith, and what it actually takes to move toward greater humility and intellectual honesty. We also discuss the “bias blind spot,” confirmation bias, belief perseverance, and the surprising power of dialogue—even across deep disagreements.Guest Bio:Dr. Erin Elizabeth Devers is a social psychologist and professor whose work focuses on cognitive and emotional processes underlying human behavior, particularly around self-perception, social bias, and faith. She has taught social psychology since 2007 and is known for blending psychological science with spiritual insight. She is the author of The Unbiased Self, published by InterVarsity Press.Resources & Links:The Unbiased Self by Erin Devers (InterVarsity Press): https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781514009765Indiana Wesleyan University Faculty Page: https://www.indwes.edu/  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.comThe Seven Mountain Mandate—a concept calling for Christian dominance over key spheres of American life like government, education, media, and family—has quietly gained traction in right-wing political and religious circles. But what does this strategy really entail, and why should it concern us today?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Boedy, professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia, to unpack the origins, theology, and political aspirations behind the Seven Mountain Mandate. Drawing connections between this fringe theology and mainstream conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA, Boedy explains how the language of spiritual warfare has morphed into a battle plan for cultural and political takeover.We explore how this movement intersects with Christian nationalism, its ties to authoritarianism, and the implications for LGBTQ rights, religious minorities, and American democracy itself. Whether you’ve heard of the Seven Mountain Mandate or not, this conversation sheds light on a growing influence shaping faith and politics in America.Guest Bio:Dr. Matthew Boedy is a professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia and a leading voice analyzing the intersection of religion, politics, and extremism in the United States. He is the author of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy, where he traces the history and influence of dominion theology across modern conservative movements.Resources & Links:📖 The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy — Available from Westminster John Knox Press (40% off code: 7MCAST): https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664269214/the-seven-mountains-mandate.aspxFollow Matthew Boedy on X (Twitter): @MatthewBoedy 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.comPlease join us on May 2nd for our Beyond the Echo Chamber event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1320567174969?aff=oddtdtcreatorAs Donald Trump ramps up executive actions targeting law firms, student protestors, and immigrant communities, constitutional experts are sounding the alarm. Are we witnessing a slow erosion of the rule of law—or a full-blown constitutional crisis? In this episode of Faithful Politics, political host Will Wright and faithful host Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Professor Eric Berger, a constitutional law scholar at the University of Nebraska College of Law, to unpack the legal and constitutional stakes of Trump’s latest moves.Berger, who signed on to an amicus brief alongside hundreds of law professors opposing Trump’s executive orders against disfavored law firms, explains how these actions violate First Amendment protections and threaten access to the courts. The conversation dives into the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the legal rights of non-citizens under due process, and the broader implications of ignoring judicial orders. Berger also addresses the deportation of graduate students for political speech and how these developments echo authoritarian strategies seen around the world.BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE 676 LAW PROFESSORS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND FOR DECLARATORY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEFGuest Bio:Eric Berger is a professor of constitutional law at the University of Nebraska College of Law, specializing in the U.S. Supreme Court, executive power, and judicial interpretation. His scholarship focuses on constitutional structure and procedural fairness, and his work has appeared in leading law reviews and media outlets. Berger has also contributed to The Great Courses series, making complex legal issues access 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...