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Faithful Politics

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Apr 9, 2024 • 1h

Sanctions, Solidarity, and the Soul of Russia: Navigating the Navalny Aftermath w/Leon Aron, AEI Senior Fellow

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode, the hosts delve into the complex world of Russian domestic and foreign policy with the return of Dr. Leon Aaron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Dr. Aaron provides an expert analysis on the late Alexei Navalny, a figure who evolved from an anti-corruption crusader to a symbol of resistance against the Putin regime, culminating in his judicial murder. The discussion explores Navalny's impact, the conditions of his imprisonment, the boldness of his return to Russia, and the chilling environment of Russian prisons.The episode also touches on the broader implications of Navalny's activism, including the political climate in Russia, the use of sanctions, and the strategic maneuverings of Vladimir Putin on the international stage. Dr. Aaron offers a detailed examination of the current state of U.S.-Russia relations, the strategic importance of Ukraine, and the potential future scenarios that could unfold from this geopolitical chess game. Listeners will gain insight into the motivations behind Putin's actions, the impact of international sanctions, and the significance of supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.Join us for a profound discussion that not only honors the memory of Alexei Navalny but also illuminates the stark realities of political opposition in Putin's Russia, the heroism of standing for truth, and the global importance of defending democratic values.Guest Bio:Leon Aron, who was born in Moscow and came to the United States as a refugee in 1978, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He studies Russian domestic and foreign policy, US-Russia relations, and the economic, social, and cultural aspects of Russia’s post-Soviet evolution.From 2014 to 2020, Dr. Aron was a governor of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the operations of several international broadcasting outlets, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. From 1990 to 2004, he was a panelist on Looking from America (Gliadya iz Ameriki), a weekly Voice of America Russian-language radio and television show. Dr. Ar 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...
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Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 3min

You Are Not the Crazy One w/Charlie Sykes, Author & MSNBC Contributor

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 Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Charlie Sykes, a conservative MSNBC contributor, and founder of the Bulwrkl. They discuss various topics, including the commodification of the Bible by Donald Trump, the transformation of the Republican Party, and the challenges faced by conservatives in the current political landscape. They also explore the termination of Ronna McDaniel and the role of conservative voices in the media. Sykes reflects on his own career and the shifts he has witnessed in the conservative movement. In this conversation, Charlie Sykes discusses the dysfunction and tolerance within conservative politics, the rise of tribalism and the abandonment of policy discussions, the role of faith and Christian nationalism, the lack of understanding of Christianity in the media, the importance of religious freedom, and the future of conservative politics. He emphasizes the need for respect and understanding in media and offers hope for the future of America. Sykes also advises consuming less politics to retain sanity.Guest Bio:Charlie Sykes was  the founder The Bulwark, and former host of The Bulwark Podcast, and an NBC/ MSNBC contributor. He is also author of nine books, including A Nation of Victims, Dumbing Down Our Kids, Profscam, The Hollow Men, The End of Privacy, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School,  A Nation of Moochers, and Fail U. The False Promise of Higher Education. He was co-editor of the National Review College Guide. His most recent book, How the Right Lost Its Mind, published by St. Martin’s Press, was released in October 2017. An updated paperback edition was released in October, 2018.Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic,  The Weekly Standard, The Washington Post, Commentary, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Time.com, USA Today, National Review, The New York Review of Books, the New York Daily News,  and other national publications. He has appeared on Meet the Press, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, State of the Union with Jake Tap 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...
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Mar 30, 2024 • 41min

Heavenly Homeland, Episode 5: The Greatest of These is Love

Christian author Shane Claiborne, theologian Greg Boyd, journalist Tim Alberta, and theologian Curtis Chang discuss the power of forgiveness, love, and unity in Christianity. They challenge misconceptions, emphasize diversity, and highlight the transformative impact of genuine Christian faith in politics and society.
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Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 3min

"Baptizing America" with co-authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comThe conversation explores the book 'Baptizing America' and the role of mainline Protestantism in shaping Christian nationalism in the United States. It discusses the January 6th event and the connection to Christian nationalism. The concept of civil religion and its influence on American society is also examined. The conversation explores the critique of civil religion and its connection to Christian nationalism. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing Christian nationalism in the current political climate. The speakers discuss the need to detach faith from nationalist identity and emphasize the role of the church in combating Christian nationalism. They also provide insights on how to approach voting as Christians and the urgency of addressing Christian nationalism in society. The conversation concludes with details about the book and where to purchase it.Takeaways:Mainline Protestantism played a significant role in the development of Christian nationalism in the United States.The book 'Baptizing America' explores the history and impact of mainline Protestantism on American society.The January 6th event highlighted the presence of Christian nationalism in both conservative and liberal circles.Understanding civil religion is crucial to comprehending the influence of Christianity on American culture and politics.Buy the book from Chalice Press: https://chalicepress.com/collections/new-releases/products/baptizing-america (Use Promo Code BApodcast and receive a 33% discount!)About our guests:Brian Kaylor is an award-winning writer and sought-after expert on issues of religion, politics, and communication. He also hosts the award-winning podcast “Baptist Without An Adjective.” Coauthor of Unsettling Lent: A Devotional, Word&Way Editor & President since 2016, 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...
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Mar 23, 2024 • 41min

Heavenly Homeland, Episode 4: Choosing Barabbas

Delving into parallels between Trump and biblical figures, exploring idolatry and Christian nationalism. Analyzing gaslighting techniques, racist conspiracies, and the intersection of Christianity and politics. Experts discuss evangelical support for Trump, intertwining faith and nationalism in today's political landscape.
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Mar 19, 2024 • 60min

From Faith to Freethought with Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02)

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  and Pastor Josh  invited  Congressman Jared Huffman to explore themes of religious liberty, Christian nationalism, and the role of religion in politics. Congressman Huffman, representing California's second congressional district, delves into his work with the Congressional Freethought Caucus (not forethought, lol), emphasizing its dedication to upholding the separation of church and state and combating discrimination against religious minorities and non-believers. The discussion illuminates the challenges posed by Christian nationalism, highlighting its influence on events like the Jan. 6 insurrection and its implications for religious liberty in the United States.Huffman shares his personal journey from growing up in the Reorganized Latter-day Saints to becoming a secular humanist, offering insights into the importance of defending a secular, pluralistic republic. The episode also touches on the complexities of legislating morality, the nuances of religious liberty versus civil rights, and the potential impacts of the upcoming presidential election on religious freedom and democracy.Hope you take the time to listen to this episode as we reflect on the delicate balance between religious beliefs and the principles of a democratic society, the power of youth and diversity to shape the future, and the critical importance of dialogue and tolerance in navigating the intersections of faith and politics. This episode promises to enrich the understanding of the intricate relationship between faith and governance, encouraging a thoughtful consideration of how to move conversations and actions not right, not left, but up.Guest Bio:Jared Huffman represents California's 2nd Congressional District which spans the North Coast of the state, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, and includes Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties. He was first elected to Congress in Nov. 2012 and currently serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In the 118th Congress, he serves as the Ra 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...
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Mar 16, 2024 • 35min

Heavenly Homeland, Episode 3: The Bible as a Booster Seat

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the third episode of Heavenly Homeland, a five-part audio documentary from Faithful Politics, we explore the profound and often contentious relationship between Christian nationalism and American history. Host Will Wright takes us on a thought-provoking journey through instances where Biblical scripture has been wielded as a tool for both oppression and liberation, reflecting deeply on the ethical and spiritual dilemmas faced by those at the intersection of faith and governance.We start the episode with a particularly harrowing story of George Stinney, the youngest person sentenced to death in the U.S. who was too small to fit in the electric chair and was propped up by the use of a Bible where he was electrocuted. Professor Corinna Lain, a constitutional law scholar, provides insight into Stinney's case, shedding light on broader issues of racial injustice and the death penalty.The episode also features Mark Charles, a Native American activist, who discusses the Doctrine of Discovery's devastating impact on indigenous peoples, framing it within the broader context of America's historical amnesia regarding its founding and the ongoing struggles for racial and social justice.We hear again from Robby Jones, president of PRRI, who revisits the roots of white supremacy in American Christianity, connecting the historical dots between religious splits over slavery and modern racial divisions. This historical perspective is enriched by Professor Anthea Butler's exploration of polygenesis and the misuse of biblical interpretations to support racist ideologies.The episode ends with a brief look at Christian Nationalism influences at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and we hear from Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn to get his thoughts on what it all means.Listen to the full interviews with each of our guest:"Executing Virginia" w/Professor Corinna Lain 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...
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5 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 3min

Decoding Christian Nationalism: A Conversation with Samuel Perry

Explore the intricate world of Christian Nationalism with scholar Samuel Perry as he unravels its definitions, historical roots, and impact on American society. Delve into the intersection of religion and politics, challenging misconceptions and prompting reflection on the intertwining of faith and power in the United States.
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Mar 9, 2024 • 44min

Heavenly Homeland, Episode 2: Church & State - You Gotta Keep 'Em Separated

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the second installment of "Heavenly Homeland" from the Faithful Politics podcast, we continue our discussion of Christian nationalism with a special focus on the separation of church and state in America. This episode  aims to explore how the belief in America as a Christian nation affects politics and laws, especially when it comes to maintaining the boundary between church and state. The discussion highlights historical references, including Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, where he articulated the principle of a "wall of separation" between church and state, a concept not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied in the First Amendment.The episode also brings in perspectives from various experts, including Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Eric Berger and Caroline Mala Corbin,  law professor specializing in U.S. constitutional law. They discuss the importance of the separation as a means to protect religious freedoms and prevent the government from favoring one religion over others or over non-religion. The discussion is further enriched by Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) for Religious Liberty, emphasizing the necessity of both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to safeguard religious liberty for all.Listen to the full episodes of each of the guests:"Separation in the Middle" w/Rachel Laser, CEO/President Americans United"Religion, Rights, and Wrongs" w/Caroline Corbin, Professor of Law"Kennedy v. Bremerton: Ruling 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...
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Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 13min

Giving Birth to Christian Supremacy w/Matthew Taylor, Ph.D

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Matthew D. Taylor, a senior Protestant scholar, to discuss the recent IVF ruling in Alabama and its ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Christian nationalism. They explore the background of the NAR and its influence on American politics, particularly in relation to abortion. The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, Tom Parker, is examined, highlighting his use of biblical and theological arguments in his concurring opinion. The conversation sheds light on the NAR's extreme views on abortion and their belief in spiritual warfare. This conversation explores the IVF politics and disagreements among right-wing and conservative politicians. It delves into the implications of IVF politics and the preservation of embryos. The desire for radical change and the theological treatise in Tom Parker's ruling is discussed, along with the extrapolation of the ruling and the desire for societal transformation. The NAR's approach to biblical interpretation and prophecy is examined, as well as the impact of rulings on different religious communities. The conversation also explores the implications of the ruling on democracy and religious freedom, and the tectonic shift in the religious right and the threat to democracy.Learn more: Alabama justice's ties with far-right Christian movement raise concernHow the Alabama IVF Ruling Was Influenced by Christian NationalismThe Right to a Private Life Is Under AttackGuest Bio:Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Protestant Scholar at ICJS, focusing on Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, U.S. religious politics, and American Islam. He previously taught 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...

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