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 hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram delve into a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jacob Wright, a distinguished professor at Emory University. Dr. Wright, renowned for his interdisciplinary approach to biblical studies, brings to light the origins and enduring influence of the Bible through his book, "Why the Bible Began." The conversation navigates through the political and theological dimensions embedded within biblical texts, providing an in-depth understanding of how these ancient scriptures were compiled and have evolved over time.The episode not only examines the historical significance of the Bible but also its impact on contemporary religious and scholarly discourse. Dr. Wright's expertise offers a unique perspective on the interpretation of biblical texts, shedding light on the intricate relationship between religion and politics. The dialogue is rich with insights into how the Bible continues to shape modern society and thought. Buy "Why the Bible Began": https://a.co/d/7T4OkqzGuest bio:Dr. Jacob L. Wright is a professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament at Emory University, which boasts one of the world's leading doctoral programs in biblical studies. Before coming to Emory, he taught at the University of Heidelberg in Germany.As an American with a European education, he is widely known for his ability to blend a wide range of historical, religious, and geographical perspectives on the Bible. His writing and teaching are thoroughly interdisciplinary, demonstrating how the ideas of the Bible and other ancient writings bear directly on central problems that face our societies in modern times. He brings to his work first-hand acquaintance with archeological finds and primary sources from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. As a testimony to his distinctive interdisciplinary approach to biblical studies, he recently received a full Faculty Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which had not been awarded in biblical studies for many years prior.  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 replay Christmas episode, we're diving into a light-hearted but intriguing legal exploration: prosecuting Santa Claus. Yes, you heard that right! We're putting Chris Cringle, aka Saint Nicholas, on the metaphorical stand. Known as the head of a global operation, Santa's actions raise numerous legal questions, from aviation law violations to potential animal welfare concerns.Corinna, with her background as a prosecutor and constitutional scholar, brings a playful yet insightful angle to the discussion. We'll delve into the hypothetical legal ramifications of Santa's global travels, his entry methods into homes, and even the employment practices at his North Pole workshop. Is Santa's operation a case of breaking and entering on a global scale? What about the FAA regulations for his sleigh and reindeer? And let's not forget the potential labor law violations with those hardworking elves!As we unpack these questions, we also touch on the lighter side of the law. How would Santa defend himself in court? Could he claim any legal immunities or special considerations given his unique role in society? And most importantly, what would a jury trial for Santa Claus look like?This episode is a blend of legal theory, festive fun, and a dash of holiday spirit. So, whether you've been naughty or nice, join us for an hour of entertaining legal debate that's sure to add a new dimension to your holiday musings. Remember, this is all in good fun, and no actual Santas were prosecuted in the making of this episode!Guest Bio:Professor Corinna Barrett Lain is a constitutional law scholar who writes about the influence of extralegal norms on Supreme Court decisionmaking, with a particular focus on the field of capital punishment. Her scholarship, which often uses the lens of legal history, has appeared in the Stanford Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Duke Law Journal, UCLA Law Review, and Georgetown Law Journal, among other venues. Professor Lain is an elected member of the American Law Institute, and received the University of Richmond’s Disting 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 thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Bertram and Will Wright engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Chuck Mingo and Troy Jackson, co-authors of "Living Undivided." The discussion revolves around the themes of racial healing, justice, and the role of empathy in leadership.Guests and Their Backgrounds: Chuck Mingo, founder and CEO of Undivided, and Troy Jackson, co-founder of Undivided, share their personal journeys and experiences in addressing racial injustice and healing. Chuck's background as a pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati and Troy's work in community organizing offer a rich perspective on their mission.The Essence of Undivided: The conversation delves into the goals and programs of Undivided, emphasizing its focus on racial healing and cultivating equitable systems. The guests discuss their vision for the future, aiming to inspire the church in the U.S. to reject Christian nationalism and embrace a path aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.Empathy in Leadership: Both Chuck and Troy emphasize the importance of empathy in leadership, especially in the context of racial healing. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how leaders can effectively engage with their communities on sensitive topics like race and justice.Personal Stories and Reflections: Josh shares his personal journey of understanding racism, highlighting the transformative power of relationships and empathy. The guests respond with encouraging words for leaders facing similar challenges in their congregations.Call to Action: Chuck Mingo invites listeners to visit undivided.us to learn more about their work and explore opportunities for collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of challenges.Closing Thoughts: The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion on the power of hope, even in seemingly hopeless situations, as illustrated by the success of the Cincinnati Bengals. The hosts remind listeners to keep their conversations focused on uplifting and constructive themes.This episode provides v 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.comOur latest episode features a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Nathan Empsall, a prominent voice against the surge of white Christian nationalism and MAGA's Christofascism. As the leader of Faithful America, the largest online community of grassroots Christians, Reverend Empsall is at the forefront of advocating for love, social justice, and true Christian values in the face of growing political and religious extremism .In this episode, we explore the recent victory over cultural stereotypes in children's toys, a testament to the power of collective action rooted in faith and love. This discussion leads us into the deeper waters of Christian Nationalism, a movement that seeks to merge American and conservative Christian identities, often at the expense of other faiths and minorities. This ideology poses not just a threat to democracy but also to the very essence of the church, challenging the core Christian teachings of love and peace . Our conversation with Reverend Empsall sheds light on the historical and theological misconceptions that fuel Christian Nationalism. We examine how this movement diverges sharply from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christians, who strove to build a counterculture separate from state power and influence .This episode is not just an exploration of the dangers posed by Christian Nationalism; it's a call to return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ. It's about choosing love over division, peace over violence, and truth over misinformation. As Christian Nationalism spreads harmful ideologies and distorts the message of Christ, our discussion emphasizes the need for love, understanding, and true Christian fellowship in our communities and politics .To learn more about Faithful America, visit: https://faithfulamerica.orgAbout Rev. NathanThe Rev. Nathan Empsall is the executive director of Faithful America, the largest online community of grassroots Christians putting faith into action for love and social justice — and against white Christian nationalism. Rev. Nathan’s motto is “God loves you. Accept it, and spread it!” He is an Episco 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.comDive into an enlightening conversation with Tim Alberta, renowned journalist and author of "The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory, American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism," on this week's Faithful Politics Podcast. Hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Bertram engage with Alberta in a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of faith, politics, and evangelicalism in contemporary America.In this episode, Alberta shares his personal journey, shedding light on the complexities and challenges within the American evangelical community. From the impact of political figures like Donald Trump to the role of the church during COVID-19, Alberta offers a nuanced perspective on how politics and faith intertwine and sometimes clash in today's society.Discover insights into:The evolution of evangelical Christians' pursuit of power in American politics.The internal struggles and external perceptions of the evangelical church.Alberta's experiences and interviews that shaped his views and his book.Tune in for an episode that's not just informative but also a mirror to the current state of American evangelicalism. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode with Tim Alberta promises to be a compelling addition to your podcast library.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/bNPR3iZGuest Bio:Tim Alberta is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and staff writer for The Atlantic magazine. He formerly served as chief political correspondent for POLITICO. In 2019, he published the critically acclaimed book, "American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump" and co-moderated the year's final Democratic presidential debate aired by PBS Newshour.Hailing from Brighton, Michigan, Tim attended Schoolcraft College and later Michigan State University, where his plans to become a baseball writer were changed by a stint covering the legislature in Lansing. He went on to spend more th 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 thought-provoking episode of the Faithful Politics Podcast, hosts Josh and Will engage in a deep and moving conversation with Kyle Duncan, shedding light on the complex interplay of faith, altruism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of war. Duncan shares riveting stories from his experiences and insights into the Ukrainian conflict, revealing the stark realities of war and the indomitable spirit of those affected. The discussion delves into the nuances of human suffering and the paradox of witnessing both horrific atrocities and miraculous acts of kindness. The episode challenges listeners to consider the broader implications of global conflicts, urging a perspective that transcends simple binaries and embraces the complexity of these issues. With a focus on the power of prayer, the necessity of diverse news sources, and the overarching battle between darkness and light, this episode is a compelling invitation to reflect on our roles as world citizens in fostering peace and understanding in a troubled world. 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 a story that isn't getting much media attention, we explore the often-veiled world of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and their impact on democracy and individual freedom. On this episode Will and Josh speak with Jessica Denson, a former Trump campaign staffer with a background in acting, known for roles in "Show Me a Hero," "Person of Interest," and "Kimchi Warrior," and John Langford, a legal expert from Protect Democracy. Together, they dive into the story of Jessica's transformation from an actress to a central figure in Trump's 2016 campaign and how challenging the Trump campaign's NDAs ended up in court. Jessica opens up about the immense personal and emotional challenges she faced while fighting against the NDAs, detailing her experiences of how these agreements were used to suppress and control. Her story is not just a personal account, but also a larger commentary on the threats NDAs pose to individual freedoms and democratic principles. Complementing Jessica's powerful testimony, John Langford from Protect Democracy offers expert legal insights into the class action settlement that liberated 2016 Trump campaign workers from their NDAs, highlighting the broader implications of this case for future NDAs in political and corporate environments, and also opening the door for other high-profile former employees of Trump, like Omarosa Manigault Newman.This episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of personal struggle, legal battles, and political discourse. It is an essential listen for anyone interested in understanding the real-life impact of NDAs, the resilience of individuals in the face of daunting legal challenges, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard democratic values. Tune into Faithful Politics for this enlightening discussion, where personal narratives meet the larger quest for justice and transparency in politics.To learn more about this case here are some useful links: Denson v. Trump Campaign: https://protectdemocracy.org/wor 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.comThis episode, hosted by Josh Burtram and Will Wright, welcomes Professor Nancy Piercy, a distinguished author and scholar, to discuss the complex nature of masculinity in the context of faith and culture. In the episode "Redefining Strength: A Deep Dive into True Masculinity and Faith," Piercy shares her journey from enduring abuse to critically examining feminism, shaping her understanding of masculinity.Piercy delves into the historical shifts in perceptions of masculinity, tracing their evolution since the Industrial Revolution and Darwinian thought. She articulates how these shifts have led to varying, often conflicting views of what it means to be masculine, especially in a secular context versus a faith-based one.Significantly, the conversation sheds light on the stark contrast between 'committed Christian men' and 'nominal Christians.' Piercy references sociological studies to demonstrate how actively practicing Christian men often exhibit more positive familial and marital behaviors than their secular counterparts. This observation challenges prevalent stereotypes about the Christian doctrine of male headship, which is often misinterpreted as oppressive.The podcast also addresses the misconceptions about headship in Christian families. Piercy underscores that true Christian headship, when understood and practiced correctly, fosters loving, respectful, and nurturing family environments, contradicting the allegations of it breeding abuse.Throughout the discussion, Piercy emphasizes the need to appreciate the inherent strengths of masculinity, guided by faith and moral principles. The episode encourages listeners to rethink traditional views of masculinity, advocating for a balanced understanding that values strength and sensitivity, leadership and compassion, in line with Christian teachings.This "Faithful Politics" episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, urging a redefinition that combines strength with moral integrity, deeply rooted in faith. It calls for a nuanced understanding of gender roles, challenging societal and religious stereotypes to reveal a more empatheti 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.comThis is an episode we released back in February of 2023. There's been a lot in the news around the Pope Firing an Anti-LGBTQ Texas Bishop. So we thought it would be fitting to replay this amazing conversation we had with Father James Martin! Enjoy the show!From Feb/2023:Let's face it, most people in the LGBTQ+ world know exactly how members of the faith community feel about their lifestyle. So when a prominent Priest in the Catholic faith chooses to extend love, not hate, to this marginalized group you would expect that would be met with praise from other believers. Well unfortunately that's not the story you'll hear on this episode, where Pastor Josh and Will speak with Jesuit Priest, Father James Martin. We start off the episode laying down the foundation of what is Catholicism, structural hierarchy and definition of terms. Will (Political Host) ask Father Martin about the letter he received from Pope Francis regarding the criminality of being gay. This letter came after the most recent AP article stating that the "Pope says homosexuality not a crime. . Then the topic shifts to the long running ministry of Father Martin, that involves his journey to make the Catholic Church more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, despite loud opposition from both inside and outside the Church. We then talk about child abuse within the Catholic Church and finally end talking about the Super Bowl?Guest Bio:Fr. James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest, editor-at-large of America magazine and bestselling author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, and Between Heaven and Mirth.Father Martin has written for many publications, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular commentator in the national and international mediaBefore entering the Jesuits in 1988, Father Martin graduated from the Wharton School of Business and worked for General Electric for six years. In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him to be a Consultor for the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication.He has appeared on all the major radio and television networks, 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 enlightening episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Bertram and Will Wright engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Scott McKnight, a renowned New Testament scholar. Titled "Decoding Revelation: A Modern Take on Ancient Wisdom," the episode delves into the complexities and contemporary relevance of the Book of Revelation.Dr. McKnight sheds light on Revelation's historical context, emphasizing its original intent as a narrative of justice and the defeat of evil, rather than a manual for speculative end-time theories. He clarifies common misinterpretations, particularly dispelling notions of identifying modern-day figures as antichrists or beasts. Instead, he encourages readers to view Revelation as a template for discerning the presence of 'Babylon' or corrupt power in both ecclesiastical and secular realms.The discussion pivots to how Revelation's imagery, particularly of Babylon, resonates with modern issues of political corruption and moral decay, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and contemporary societies. Dr. McKnight underlines the importance of wisdom, witness, and worship in understanding and applying the teachings of Revelation to modern Christian life.Furthermore, the episode touches upon the broader role of the Bible in shaping moral decisions and the church's responsibility in contemporary society. Dr. McKnight addresses the need for Christians to adopt a comprehensive and faithful approach to biblical teachings, steering clear of distortions and cultural influences that diverge from the core Christian message.This episode is a compelling blend of historical insights, theological exploration, and practical guidance, offering listeners a fresh perspective on one of the Bible's most mystifying books. It's an essential listen for those seeking to navigate the complex relationship between faith, politics, and modern society through the lens of ancient wisdom. 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...