
Faithful Politics
Dive into the profound world of Faithful Politics, a compelling podcast where the spheres of faith and politics converge in meaningful dialogues. Guided by Pastor Josh Burtram (Faithful Host) and Will Wright (Political Host), this unique platform invites listeners to delve into the complex impact of political choices on both the faithful and faithless.Join our hosts, Josh and Will, as they engage with world-renowned experts, scholars, theologians, politicians, journalists, and ordinary folks. Their objective? To deepen our collective understanding of the intersection between faith and politics.Faithful Politics sets itself apart by refusing to subscribe to any single political ideology or religious conviction. This approach is mirrored in the diverse backgrounds of our hosts. Will Wright, a disabled Veteran and African-Asian American, is a former atheist and a liberal progressive with a lifelong intrigue in politics. On the other hand, Josh Burtram, a Conservative Republican and devoted Pastor, brings a passion for theology that resonates throughout the discourse.Yet, in the face of their contrasting outlooks, Josh and Will display a remarkable ability to facilitate respectful and civil dialogue on challenging topics. This opens up a space where listeners of various political and religious leanings can find value and deepen their understanding.So, regardless if you're a Democrat or Republican, a believer or an atheist, we assure you that Faithful Politics has insightful conversations that will appeal to you and stimulate your intellectual curiosity. Come join us in this enthralling exploration of the intricate nexus of faith and politics. Add us to your regular podcast stream and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Let's navigate this fascinating realm together! Not Right. Not Left. UP.
Latest episodes

Jul 27, 2024 β’ 53min
Replay: How to Pick a President: Contingent, Contested, & Complex Election Scenarios w/Dr. John Fortier
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com*Given all the election related news this week, we thought we'd re-up this conversation we had with John Fortier, Election Expert from AEI. Hope you enjoy the show! In this conversation, Will Wright interviews John Fortier, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the mechanics of elections and the potential scenarios that could arise in the 2024 US presidential election. They discuss the process of electing a president, including the role of the Electoral College and the possibility of a contingent election in the House of Representatives. They also touch on the timing dynamics and potential outcomes in the Senate's vote for the vice president. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of the election process and the potential scenarios that could unfold. The conversation explores the process of electing electors and the potential scenarios that could disrupt the Electoral College. It delves into historical examples, such as the 1876 election, where two sets of electors were sent to Washington, causing a contentious and controversial issue. The conversation also discusses the role of the court in settling election disputes and the potential permutations that could occur, such as the death of a candidate. It touches on the Commission on Presidential Debates and the recent decision by the candidates to bypass the commission for the debates.TakeawaysThe process of electing a president involves voting for presidential electors who then cast their ballots for president and vice president in December.If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538), a contingent election is held in the House of Representatives, where each state delegation has one vote.The Senate votes for the vice president, with each senator having one vote.The timing of the election and the resolution of the presidency and vice presidency can vary, but it is expected to be resolved by January 20th, the inauguration day.The 20th Amendment changed the dates for the start of the presidency and Congress, ensuring that the new Con Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jul 23, 2024 β’ 1h 7min
Inside the 2024 Elections: Security, Voter ID, and Biden w/Jessica Huseman
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com**We recorded this episode on Friday, July 19th prior to President Biden making his decision to drop out of the race. We were expecting the announcement hence the reason we asked Jessica Huseman to come the show and discuss what the impact might mean for voters.**In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome back election expert Jessica Huseman, the editorial director for VoteBeat and former lead elections reporter for ProPublica. Jessica, an award-winning educator with extensive experience in teaching FOIA classes, brings her wealth of knowledge to discuss the current landscape of voting and elections in the United States.Key topics include the logistics and implications of President Biden potentially stepping down before the convention, the challenges and misconceptions around voter ID laws, and the real issues facing election security in the U.S.Jessica provides a detailed analysis of the current state of election security, emphasizing that voting technology is more advanced and reliable than ever. She also addresses the persistent myths about non-citizen voting, explaining the legal and practical realities that make such claims largely unfounded. The conversation touches on the importance of local reporting on election issues and the invaluable work done by VoteBeat in providing informed, local perspectives on voting and election integrity.Make sure you check out all the great content Votebeat provides and sign up for their newsletter: https://www.votebeat.org/Guest Bio:Jessica Huseman was previously the lead elections reporter for ProPublica, and helped manage the Electionland project for three federal election cycles, sharing information and tips with hundreds of newsrooms across the United States. She is an award-winning educator, and has taught at Columbia Journalism School, New York University, and wrote a high school investigative journalism curriculum in use by more than 200 high schools. Jessica is a graduate of Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where she graduated wi Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jul 20, 2024 β’ 1h 17min
Ministers of Propaganda: Unveiling the Ideology of the Religious Right with Scott M. Coley
Philosophy lecturer Scott M. Coley discusses his book on evangelicalism and right-wing politics, delving into ideology, motivated reasoning, the use of scripture, and the impact of authoritarianism on democratic institutions. The conversation explores interpretations of sacred texts, the paradigm of authority and submission, and the need for critical thinking in religious and political ideologies.

Jul 16, 2024 β’ 59min
Moving from the "What" to "How" in Politics w/Curtis Chang
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comThe conversation with Curtis Chang focuses on his book and curriculum called The Afterparty, which aims to help Christians navigate political differences and maintain relationships. The Afterparty includes a small group curriculum, a book, and a worship album. The feedback on The Afterparty has been positive, with many people sharing stories of how it has helped them heal and reconcile relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of hope and humility in politics and encourages Christians to prioritize reconciliation over winning disputes. The conversation also addresses criticisms of the book, highlighting the focus on navigating politics rather than pushing a specific agenda. The conversation explores the concept of the after party, which is the vision of a better Christian politics that transcends partisan loyalties. It emphasizes the importance of growing in humility and hope, and how these qualities can bridge the divide between different political viewpoints. The conversation also discusses the dangers of the big sort, where people sort themselves into social circles based on their political beliefs, leading to polarization and extremism. The ultimate vision is centered around the return of the King, the event that will make all things right, and calls for humility and hope in the midst of our current political landscape.Listen to the Worship Songs discussed: https://slinky.to/TheKingdomOfJesusTPGBuy the book: The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics (https://a.co/d/b7pcylp)Guest Bio:As a theologian, Curtis is on the faculty of Duke Divinity School and is a Senior Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. His ministry experience includes serving as a senior pastor of an Evangelical Covenant Church in California, a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and engaging in racial reconciliation work in Soweto, South Africa. He has authored or contributed to numerous books, including Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas (IVP). Curtis i Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jul 13, 2024 β’ 59min
Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Perspective with Matt Martens
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the latest episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome Matt Martens, a trial lawyer, former federal prosecutor, seminary graduate, legal ethics professor, and award-winning author. Martens discusses his new book, "Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal," which outlines a Christian ethical framework for criminal justice reform. He shares how his experiences, including being encouraged by pastors and reflecting on events like Ferguson and George Floyd's death, led him to write the book. Martens emphasizes that Christian justice is rooted in love for neighbors and accuracy in legal proceedings, highlighting the tragic impact of wrongful convictions. He also addresses the controversial topic of the death penalty, advocating for its reform due to issues of racial bias and inaccuracies in the justice system. Martens calls for Christians to engage with justice issues by voting, serving on juries, and understanding the true nature of biblical justice. The discussion underscores the importance of a fair legal process and the need for accountability in law enforcement and prosecution. Buy the book: Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal: https://a.co/d/6Ewme87Guest Bio:Matthew T. Martens graduated first in his class both in law school (University of North Carolina School of Law) and in seminary (Dallas Theological Seminary). He is a trial lawyer and partner at an international law firm in Washington, DC. He has spent the bulk of his more than twenty-five-year legal career practicing criminal law both as a federal prosecutor and as a defense attorney. He served as a law clerk to Chief Justice William Rehnquist at the US Supreme Court and also as a political appointee in the criminal division of the US Justice Department under Attorney General Ashcroft. Matt and his wife are members at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and have two sons and a daughter. Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jul 9, 2024 β’ 1h 12min
Understanding CRT in the Church: A Discussion with Ed Uszynski
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, we dive deep into the complexities of Critical Race Theory (CRT) with Dr. Ed Uszynski. Ed, who holds a PhD from Bowling Green State University, brings his extensive background as a content specialist and diversity consultant to our discussion. We explore his new book, "Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters," and delve into the nuances of race, sports culture, and marriage within the Christian context.Ed shares his journey from growing up in a diverse neighborhood to becoming an evangelical Christian and studying Marxism and critical theory. He emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and understanding different perspectives within the church, highlighting the historical and ongoing relevance of racial issues in America. Through this conversation, we aim to shed light on how Christians can engage with CRT thoughtfully and biblically, fostering unity and understanding.Join us as we tackle challenging questions about race, justice, and the gospel, and learn how to navigate these critical conversations within your own communities. Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jul 6, 2024 β’ 53min
Learning to Disagree: A Conversation with John Inazu
Law professor John Inazu discusses his book 'Learning to Disagree' on handling disagreements in a pluralistic society. He emphasizes empathy, patience, and forgiveness in managing conflicts, and criticizes media partisanship in political discourse. Inazu offers practical tips for diversifying news sources and engaging in constructive conversations.

Jul 2, 2024 β’ 58min
Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor w/Caleb Campbell
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this conversation, Caleb Campbell discusses his book 'Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor' and the rise of Christian nationalism in America. He shares his personal experiences with Christian nationalism within his congregation and the broader Christian community. Campbell explains the metaphor of Leviathan and how it represents the chaotic and evil forces that work against the ordered ways of God. He also explores the reasons why people are drawn to Christian nationalism, including the fear of ethnic erasure and the desire for power and protection. Campbell highlights the role of pastors and politicians in perpetuating Christian nationalism and the need for deep biblical literacy and critical thinking. In this conversation, Caleb E. Campbell discusses his approach to engaging with Christian nationalism and offers practical techniques for having conversations with Christian nationalists. He emphasizes the importance of a pastoral approach, focusing on the heart rather than the head. Campbell suggests inviting Christian nationalists into a safe and hospitable environment, engaging in humble subversion, and asking questions that challenge the tension between their beliefs and the teachings of Jesus. He also highlights the need for humility and open-mindedness in these conversations, recognizing that both sides have something to learn from each other. Campbell's prayer for the upcoming election season is for the church to receive the unveiling of what's really going on and to work towards a fresh expression of the church that transcends Americanness.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/00jrMgz2Guest Bio:Pastor Campbell graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters of Arts in Ministry from Phoenix Seminary in 2015 and is currently a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary.He has served at Desert Springs Bible Church, in Phoenix, AZ since 2006, serving as Lead Pastor since 2015.He also serves on the board of United Pastors of Arizona and as the state-wide regional director of the Surge Network. He has spoken at events hosted by Acts 29, African American Christian Clergy Coalit Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jun 29, 2024 β’ 1h 8min
Finding Light in the Last Room: Amy Low's Journey with Stage Four Cancer
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, we sit down with Amy Lowe, author and managing director for fellowships and nonprofit journalism at the Emerson Collective. Amy recently released her memoir, "The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room," which candidly explores her journey with stage four metastatic colon cancer and her quest to balance joy and sorrow.Amy shares her deeply personal story, from her shocking diagnosis at age 48 to her immediate dive into treatments including chemotherapy and major surgeries. Her resilience and positive outlook, even in the face of grim statistics, are truly inspiring. Amy delves into the concept of the "last room"βa metaphor for facing lifeβs final stages with courage and graceβexplaining how her faith and the virtues from Philippians 4:8 have been guiding lights through her darkest times.She also opens up about her experiences with forgiveness, touching on personal challenges with infidelity and divorce, and her journey towards peace and reconciliation. Amy's reflections on finding beauty in the mundane and living fully, despite her terminal illness, provide a powerful testament to human resilience. This conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own challenges and the sources of strength they can draw upon in difficult times.Tune in for an emotional and inspiring discussion that will leave you with a renewed perspective on life, faith, and the power of resilience.Buy the book 'The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room': https://a.co/d/0hJMivyuAbout the AuthorAmy Low has been a storyteller all her life. She grew up in and continues to live life through parables and metaphors. She sees her life as an invitation to discovering the new every day and even records some of these discoveries in her Substack, Postcards from the Mountain. As the managing director for fellowships and nonprofit journalism at the Emerson Collective, she directs efforts to empower individuals and newsrooms to strengthen our shared conversation in the public square. Most important, Amy is mom to Connor and Lucy. Her proudest achievement is raising Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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Jun 25, 2024 β’ 41min
When God Became White w/Grace Ji-Sun Kim
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the recent episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor and ordained minister. The discussion centers on her new book, "When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity." Grace, who has an extensive background in theology and has written numerous books, shares her personal journey as a Korean immigrant in Canada and the U.S., and how her experiences with racism and sexism have shaped her theological views.She explains the concept of whiteness as a social construct used historically to maintain power and privilege among white people, beginning with colonialism and slavery. This construct has also permeated religious spaces, with the depiction of a white Jesus reinforcing white supremacy and marginalizing people of color. Grace emphasizes the importance of questioning and deconstructing these images and notions to promote a more inclusive and just understanding of Christianity.The conversation delves into the impact of these constructs on individual identities and the broader society, highlighting the need for education and reimagining religious symbols and language. Grace advocates for a deeper and more inclusive understanding of God that transcends racial and gender biases. Buy the book: https://a.co/d/h4XdxcMGuest Bio:Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a distinguished theologian, professor, and ordained minister. Currently teaching at the Earlham School of Religion, she holds both an MDiv and PhD from the University of Toronto. Grace is widely recognized for her insightful contributions to theology and social justice, frequently addressing issues of race, gender, and religion. She is the author of several influential books, including "Invisible," "Reimagining Spirit," "Healing Our Broken Humanity," and her latest work, "When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity."Her writings have been featured in prominent publications such as Time, Huffington Post, U.S. Catholic, and The Nation, and she has appeared on major media outlets including MSNBC, PBS, and C-SPAN. Grace is a sought-af Support the showπ§ Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?π Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com π Check out our Bookstore β Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore β€οΈ Support the show β Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast π© Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com π± Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics π° Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com π
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