Faithful Politics

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 interview Greg Jarrell, author of "Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods." Greg, a community leader and storyteller from Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses the impact of urban renewal on Black neighborhoods and the role of white churches in this process. He delves into the historical context of urban renewal, its consequences, and how these policies were justified and perpetuated by the theological narratives of white churches. The conversation explores the lingering effects of these policies, the concept of social hauntings, and the need for reparative justice and structural change. Greg also touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic racism embedded in urban development and housing policies.Buy Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods: https://a.co/d/aXOdWJZGuest Bio:Greg is a cultural organizer with QC Family Tree in the Enderly Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. He works with words and music to impact housing and neighborhood justice issues. Jarrell writes about theology and history and co-leads Carolina Social Music Club, a popular jazz band. He and his wife, Helms, are ordained ministers and are raising two sons.Greg is the author of two books. His book Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods (Fortress Press), has won wide acclaim for its lucid storytelling and new research. He has written widely, including for Sojourners, The Bitter Southerner, and The Charlotte Observer. Greg is a regular contributor at Baptist News Global. He frequently speaks, teaches, and preaches on place, race, and faith. 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, Will Wright interviews Phoebe Petrovic, an investigative reporter with ProPublica's Local Reporting Network. The discussion centers around  her latest story on Pastor Matthew Trewhella. Trewhella, who was once an extremist anti-abortion activist, has gained influence within certain GOP circles through his book "The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates." This doctrine, rooted in 16th-century Protestant resistance theory, advocates for local officials to defy laws they deem unjust based on their interpretation of God's law.Phoebe explains Trewhella's transformation from a militant activist to a thought leader embraced by some mainstream Republicans. She highlights how his ideas have permeated various political and social arenas, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his doctrine provided a framework for resisting government mandates. The episode delves into Trewhella's influence on Second Amendment sanctuaries, local governance, and his broader impact on the far-right movement.Read Phoebe's Report: https://www.propublica.org/article/matthew-trewhella-pastor-activist-republican-politicsGuest Bio:Phoebe is a radio journalist whose work has aired on “Reveal,” NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Here & Now.” In the past year, she served as a general assignment reporter at Wisconsin Public Radio through the Lee Ester News Fellowship and editorial radio intern at “Reveal,” where she helped cover family separation and other immigration stories. She earned her B.A. from Yale University, where she founded and led audio projects including Herald Audio, the first-ever audio section of an undergraduate publication, and “Small-Great Objects,” the first-ever podcast series installed at Yale University Art Gallery.Phoebe covers criminal justice, in particular, the issues revolving around prosecutorial misconduct and unethical conduct in Wisconsin. Her first major project is a podcast and multimedia exploration of the myriad obstacles facing defendants when the prosecution is tainted by misconduct — and how that system could be improved. 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.comDr. Greg Garrett, a professor, theologian, author, and cultural observer, discusses the life and work of James Baldwin. He shares his personal journey and the influence of storytelling and personal experiences on his work. Dr. Garrett explores Baldwin's education, faith journey, and his role as a prophetic witness. He highlights the importance of understanding Baldwin's humanity and the impact of his writings on American literature and culture. Dr. Garrett also discusses Baylor University's approach to difficult conversations and the potential of Baldwin's unfinished play. He emphasizes the power of movies in promoting racial reconciliation and the need to analyze films while celebrating progress. Finally, Dr. Garrett addresses the importance of understanding and engaging with Black lives. In this conversation, Greg Garrett discusses the role of white people in racial reconciliation and allyship. He shares a conversation he had with Kelly Brown Douglas, where she challenged the idea of being an ally and emphasized the need for white people to go into white spaces and talk honestly about racism. Greg also highlights the importance of understanding and loving people who are different from us. He hopes that his book, 'The Gospel according to James Baldwin,' will inspire readers to lean into big questions and love big, even in difficult times.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/9qLAmCEGuest Bio:Dr. Greg Garrett is a professional writer who teaches creative writing, film, literature, and theology classes at Baylor University. He is the author of over twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation, including the critically-acclaimed novels Free Bird, Cycling, Shame, and The Prodigal.Dr. Garrett is best-known as one of America's leading voices on religion and culture (BBC Radio), and he has written nonfiction books including The Gospel According to Hollywood, Stories from the Edge: A Theology of Grief, and One Fine Potion: The Literary Magic of Harry Potter (named a 2011 Best Theological Book by the Association of Theological Booksellers). His most recent nonfiction books are Living with the Living Dead 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 special episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright (D) and Pastor Josh Burtram (R) engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Chase Oliver, the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee. Dubbed the most influential libertarian in America by Rolling Stone, Chase Oliver brings a fresh perspective on politics, emphasizing individual rights and minimal government intervention.Oliver, an on-the-streets activist known for his grassroots approach, shares his journey from opposing the Iraq War to becoming a leading voice in the Libertarian Party after a pivotal encounter at the Atlanta Pride Festival in 2010. He offers deep insights into his political philosophy and outlines his vision for a more libertarian America.Throughout the episode, Oliver discusses the necessity of a balanced budget and reducing government redundancy, offering strategies to cut the national debt without compromising essential public services. He delves into healthcare reform, proposing ways to make healthcare more accessible and affordable by removing government barriers and promoting competition in the healthcare market.Addressing the southern border crisis, Oliver advocates for a 21st-century Ellis Island approach and shares his views on DACA and integrating undocumented immigrants into society. He also tackles the topic of religious liberty, balancing personal religious beliefs with First Amendment rights, and offers his opinions on recent legislative actions, such as the Ten Commandments bill in Louisiana.Oliver's economic policies focus on tackling inflation and economic inequality through free-market principles, addressing corporate favoritism, and promoting small business growth. He also speaks candidly about his personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual, advocating for equal rights and ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy the same rights and privileges as other Americans.On the topic of abortion rights, Oliver discusses his views on bodily autonomy and the right to choose, while proposing measures to reduce elective abortions through accessible contraception and adoption reforms. He evaluates his political op Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com*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 show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com**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 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...

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.

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 show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com 📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore ❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn the 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 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 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 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...