Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comMany people struggle with reconciling their faith with the institutional church. In this episode, we sit down with Regina V. Cates, author of The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have: A Call to Bravery, Peace, and Love, to explore the tensions between Jesus' teachings and modern Christianity. Regina shares her personal journey growing up in a fundamentalist church, wrestling with messages of exclusion, and ultimately redefining her understanding of faith, love, and God. We discuss the historical context of scripture, the challenges of questioning religious authority, and why Jesus' core message of love remains a radical call to action. Whether you're deconstructing your faith or simply looking for a deeper conversation about spirituality, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on love, integrity, and justice.Guest Bio:Regina V. Cates is an author, activist, and speaker dedicated to guiding individuals toward leading heart-centered lives. She co-founded Romancing Your Soul, an organization that encourages people to live with love, compassion, and purpose. Regina also hosted the Lead With Your Heart podcast, offering practical advice on relationships, boundaries, and communication. Her latest book, The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have, is set for release in March 2025.Resources & Links:📖 The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have  – https://a.co/d/aCiDVPd🌍 Regina V. Cates’ Website – reginavcates.com📷 Follow Regina on Instagram – @reginavcates📘 Follow Regina on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ReginaVCates Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comImmigration remains one of the most contentious issues in American politics, often shrouded in misinformation and political rhetoric. In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Dr. Ernesto Castañeda, sociologist and director of the Immigration Lab at American University, to explore the realities of immigration in the U.S.Castañeda, co-author of Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions, provides a data-driven perspective on widespread myths about immigration, covering topics such as crime, economic impact, and border security. He explains why undocumented immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens, why the border wall is largely ineffective, and how mass deportations could devastate the economy.The conversation also touches on the political discourse surrounding immigration, highlighting how anti-immigrant rhetoric affects elections and how Democrats and Republicans alike misunderstand voter attitudes on the issue. If you want to separate fact from fiction and better understand the real effects of immigration, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Guest Bio:Dr. Ernesto Castañeda is a sociologist, professor, and director of the Immigration Lab at American University. He specializes in migration, urban issues, health disparities, and political mobilization, with a focus on Latino and immigrant communities in the U.S. and Western Europe. He is the co-author of Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions, which takes a data-driven approach to debunking common myths about immigration.Resources & Links:📖 Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions – Columbia University Press: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/immigration-realities/9780231203753🔗 Ernesto Castañeda’s Immigration Lab – American University: https://theimmigrationlab.org/📊 Follow Ernesto Castañeda on Bluesky Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comThe New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is reshaping the intersection of faith and politics in America. But what exactly is it? In this episode of Faithful Politics, award-winning journalist Stephanie McCrummen joins hosts Will Wright and Josh Burtram to discuss her recent Atlantic article on the NAR and its growing political influence.They explore the movement’s theological roots, its dominionist ideology, and its alignment with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Stephanie shares her firsthand reporting from prayer meetings and church gatherings where believers view political victories as spiritual warfare. The conversation also covers the Seven Mountains Mandate, the role of apostles and prophets in modern Christian nationalism, and the broader implications for democracy and religious pluralism.Join us as we unpack this powerful movement and its potential impact on policies, education, and the future of American governance.Guest Bio:Stephanie McCrummen is an award-winning journalist known for her in-depth reporting on the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has covered the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian nationalism, and radical religious movements in the U.S. She is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and formerly worked at The Washington Post.Resources & Links:Stephanie McCrummen’s Articles in The Atlantic: THE ARMY OF GOD COMES OUT OF THE SHADOWS: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/new-apostolic-reformation-christian-movement-trump/681092/ The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart: https://a.co/d/5MinU5nShadow Network by Anne Nelson: https://a.co/d/aFLPI0vPaul Djupe’s Research on Christian Nationalism: https://religioninpublic.blog/2025/01/27/do-people-know-that-the-seven-mountains-of-society-entails-christian-dominion/This episode provides a deep dive into a religious movement that is often misunderstood but has a significant impact on American politics. Subscribe, rate, and share to help us keep these important conversations going! Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comAs the Trump administration reshapes America's role in global politics, what does it mean for human rights at home and abroad? Dr. Bill Armaline, professor of sociology and founder of the Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University, returns to Faithful Politics to unpack the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy, the ICC’s role in holding world leaders accountable, and the economic and political implications of America's retreat from global leadership. We also dive into China's rise, the power of international labor movements, and what the next four years could mean for climate change, nuclear policy, and working-class Americans.Guest Bio:Dr. Bill Armaline is a professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at San Jose State University, where he founded the Human Rights Institute. His research focuses on social justice, human rights, and global power structures. He is an advocate for labor movements and has written extensively on class struggle, state power, and human rights violations. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright welcomes back Katherine Stewart, a leading investigative journalist on religious nationalism, to discuss her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. Katherine unpacks the growing influence of the Christian Right in American politics, showing how religious leaders and billionaire donors are strategically using faith to push an anti-democratic agenda. She explores the historical roots of this movement, its ties to major think tanks like the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation, and how policies from Project 2025 aim to reshape the government. From abortion and immigration to the growing war on expertise, Katherine sheds light on how the Christian nationalist movement is shaping elections and policy in ways most Americans don’t realize. If you want to understand the intersection of faith and power in today’s political landscape, this episode is a must-listen.Guest Bio: Katherine StewartKatherine Stewart is an award-winning investigative journalist and author specializing in the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, The Guardian, and many other major publications. She is the author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism and her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, offers a deep dive into the financial and ideological forces behind the rise of the Christian nationalist movement. With over 16 years of research in this field, Katherine is a leading voice on how faith is weaponized for political power. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Doug Burleigh, a longtime Christian leader, speaker, and former National President of Young Life. Doug has been deeply involved in global faith diplomacy, notably through the National Prayer Breakfast and extensive ministry in Russia and former Soviet states. The conversation covers Doug’s personal faith journey, his experiences working with political and religious leaders worldwide, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of faith, rather than institutional religion. He also addresses the Netflix documentary "The Family", offering insight into misconceptions about the Fellowship. This episode is packed with wisdom on discipleship, leadership, and the power of faith-based relationships across cultural and political divides.Guest Bio: Doug BurleyDoug Burley is a Christian leader, author, and global faith diplomat who has dedicated decades to ministry and mentorship. He served as the National President of Young Life for 25+ years before becoming a key figure in the Fellowship (The Family), the group behind the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. His work has taken him across the world, including extensive faith-building efforts in Russia and post-Soviet states. Doug’s book, Jesus Changes Everything, emphasizes personal faith over institutional religion, guiding readers toward a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, co-hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright sit down with Dr. Malcolm Foley, a historian, pastor, and advisor at Baylor University, to discuss his latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward. Dr. Foley unpacks the historical and theological connections between greed, economic exploitation, and racial violence, challenging the conventional narratives about race and capitalism. He explores how the desire for profit fueled the transatlantic slave trade, sustained Jim Crow laws, and continues to shape modern economic and political inequalities. Through a compelling discussion of history, theology, and practical application, this episode invites listeners to examine how greed operates in their own lives and communities—and what the church must do to counteract it.Guest Bio: Dr. Malcolm FoleyDr. Malcolm Foley is a historian, pastor, and special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He earned his PhD in religion from Baylor, specializing in African-American Protestant responses to lynching from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. He serves as the director of Black Church Studies at Truett Theological Seminary and co-pastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, Texas. Dr. Foley has been featured in Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy, where he addresses racial violence, economic injustice, and the church’s role in promoting equity and inclusion. His latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel, provides a bold theological critique of capitalism, calling for a reformation of Christian priorities away from wealth accumulation and toward communal care. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, host Will Wright sits down with Professor Henry Chambers from the University of Richmond School of Law to unravel the complexities of birthright citizenship, constitutional law, and executive power. From the origins of the 14th Amendment to modern challenges posed by Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, Professor Chambers provides a deep legal analysis on what it means to be an American. The discussion explores how birthright citizenship has evolved, Supreme Court cases that have defined it, and the unitary executive theory that shapes presidential authority. Along the way, they discuss Trump's recent actions, the impoundment of funds, and the broader implications of unchecked presidential power. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the legal and political battles shaping America's future.Guest Bio:Professor Henry L. Chambers Jr. is a distinguished scholar and professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, specializing in constitutional law, criminal law, employment discrimination, and the intersection of religion and law. With decades of experience in academia and legal analysis, he has contributed to major legal debates and provided expert commentary on Supreme Court rulings and executive authority. His work has been widely recognized for its clarity and depth in explaining complex constitutional issues. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright sits down with investigative journalist Alec MacGillis from ProPublica to discuss his latest exposé, "On a Mission from God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Religious Schools." Alec provides a deep dive into the rapid expansion of private school voucher programs, particularly in Ohio, and how they are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of public education. He details how these programs, originally marketed as a means to provide alternatives for struggling students, are overwhelmingly subsidizing families who were already enrolled in private schools—predominantly religious institutions. The conversation also explores the historical roots of the voucher movement, its ties to Christian education, and the political strategies that have driven its success. Will and Alec discuss the broader implications for public schools, the constitutional concerns over church-state separation, and the potential for further expansion under a second Trump administration. If you care about the future of education in America, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Read the article 'On a Mission From God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Private Religious Schools': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-vouchers-ohio-church-state-tax-dollars-private-religiousRead Alec's latest follow up report 'In the Wild West of School Voucher Expansions, States Rely on Untested Companies, With Mixed Results': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-voucher-management-classwallet-odyssey-merit-student-firstGuest Bio: Alec MacGillisAlec MacGillis is an award-winning investigative journalist with ProPublica, focusing on issues like economic inequality, gun violence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Before joining ProPublica, he reported for The New Republic, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His work has won numerous national journalism awards, and his reporting consistently sheds light on undercovered but crucial topics shaping American society. His latest investigative piece, "On a Mission from God," examines the political and religious forces driving the rise of school vouchers in the U.S. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this enlightening episode, Josh Burtram welcomes David W. Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and author of Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. They explore the interconnected nature of racial and environmental injustice, framed through a Christian theological lens. Swanson shares his journey from aspiring outdoor educator to urban pastor, where he discovered the shared root of greed underlying systemic racism and environmental exploitation. Together, they discuss how Christians can reclaim their identity as "priestly caretakers," promoting justice and sustainability within their communities. Packed with thought-provoking insights, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink their roles in fostering flourishing for all of creation.Buy the Book: "Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice" https://a.co/d/dKUMScsGuest Bio:David W. Swanson is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church, a multicultural congregation in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. He also leads New Community Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing trauma in the community. David speaks nationally on racial justice and reconciliation and has written for outlets such as Christianity Today, The Englewood Review of Books, and The Covenant Companion. His books include the acclaimed Rediscipling the White Church and his latest, Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. David lives in Chicago with his wife and two sons. Support the showPlease Help Support the showhttps://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcastTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/ Join our next event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/faithful-politics-podcast-107664696981