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  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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com"Heavenly Homeland: The Myth of a Christian Nation" kicks off a five-part audio series by the Faithful Politics Podcast. This series dives into Christian Nationalism in America, a blend of faith and politics that's been a part of the country's history since its founding . Brian Kaylor, a seasoned journalist at Word&Way, initiates the dialogue, focusing on Christian Nationalism's faith-politics intersection. Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) follows, discussing Christian Nationalism's effects on American democracy and culture, especially its fusion of Christian beliefs with national identity.Kate Carté, history professor, explores the claim of America as a Christian nation, a notion intensified in the 20th century amidst societal shifts. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, a NYT bestselling author, analyzes the Christian right's rise and its impact on American culture and policy.Theologian Tremper Longman delves into biblical hermeneutics' role in Christian Nationalism, showing how Bible interpretations can back nationalist ideologies. The discussion concludes with Isaac Sharp, spotlighting evangelicalism's diversity and the perspectives of marginalized groups within the evangelical community.Must listen:"We Are Not A Christian Nation" w/Brian Kaylor, President of Word & Way"Religion, White Supremacy, and the American Future" w/Robert P. Jones, President of PRRI"Religion and the American Revolution" w/Kate Carté, Ph.D."Jesus & John Wayne" w/author Kristin Du Mez 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 gripping episode of Faithful Politics, political host Will Wright and faithful host Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Jordan Green,  investigative correspondent for Raw Story. Green brings his extensive experience covering right-wing extremism  to the table, along with insights from his work featured in renowned publications like the Washington Post, Daily Beast, and The Nation. The episode takes a deep dive into the resurgence of neo-Nazi movements and their impact on contemporary society, shedding light on an uncomfortable truth: the ideology of the Nazis, far from being a relic of the past, continues to influence extremist groups today.The discussion ventures into the history and evolution of white supremacist movements in the United States, tracing their roots from the aftermath of World War II to their transformation into violent, revolutionary factions post-Vietnam War. Green highlights the Greensboro Massacre as a pivotal moment, revealing how these groups shifted from vigilante extensions of state power to entities bent on overthrowing the U.S. government. The conversation also explores the modern incarnation of these movements, particularly focusing on the 2119 Blood and Soil crew, a neo-Nazi group that exemplifies the dangerous ideologies and tactics of these extremist factions.Jordan Green’s detailed account of the radicalization process, facilitated by the internet, offers a stark warning about the ease with which young individuals can be drawn into these hate-fueled ideologies. The episode also delves into the challenges faced by law enforcement and society in countering these movements, highlighting the complex interplay between online radicalization, the spread of extremist ideologies, and the need for effective countermeasures.Article: Inside the neo-Nazi hate network grooming children for a race war Washington Post: https://ww 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 engaging episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Bertram and Will Wright welcome back Dr. Nijay Gupta, a respected professor at Northern Seminary and a prolific author known for his contributions to New Testament studies. Dr. Gupta, who also hosts the Slow Theology podcast and founded the CruxSola blog, has recently published several influential books, further solidifying his reputation in the field. The discussion prominently features Dr. Gupta's latest book, "Strange Religion," which aims to make early Christianity relatable to modern audiences by exploring its counter-cultural beginnings and how it starkly differed from Roman religious practices and societal norms. Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of love, community, and authenticity in early Christian practices, advocating for a return to these core principles to address contemporary challenges within the church and society at large. The episode concludes with encouragements to engage with Dr. Gupta’s work for a deeper understanding of Christianity's roots and its relevance today, making it a valuable resource for individuals and church groups seeking meaningful insights into their faith.Buy the book: Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and CompellingGuest Bio:Nijay Gupta (DPhil, University of Durham) has written several academic books including A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, 15 New Testament Words of Life, and Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies. Nijay co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research and serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation.  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 features a conversation with Carlos Lozada, a renowned book critic and opinion columnist, discussing the inspiration behind his book which delves into the political landscape of Washington through the analysis of political books, essays, and other significant documents. Lozada shares insights into his method of understanding politicians by reading their works and analyzing their language, acknowledging his unique approach to capturing the essence of political figures. He also reflects on his journey as a reader and critic, emphasizing the depth and breadth of his reading list which spans across various forms of political literature.The dialogue offers a glimpse into Lozada's meticulous process of reviewing and critiquing books, highlighting his strategy of multiple readings and note-taking to extract meaningful insights. The conversation further explores the significance of political books in shaping our understanding of politicians' intentions and the broader political discourse. Lozada's perspectives on the role of ghostwriters in the political literary scene and the nuanced interpretation of political language provide a rich analysis of the complexity of political communication. 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 talks with Professor Henry L. Chambers Jr. about the significant Supreme Court oral arguments in Trump v. Anderson, centering on whether former President Trump should be allowed on the ballot in Colorado. The discussion illuminates the legal pathways for cases to reach the Supreme Court, the intricacies of the 14th Amendment, and the specific constitutional arguments impacting the eligibility of candidates. They dissect the legal and constitutional frameworks guiding the Court's decision-making process, focusing on how this particular case could set precedents for future electoral and constitutional interpretations.The episode provides a deep dive into the broader implications of the Court's potential ruling, examining how it might influence the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law in the United States. Chambers offers his expert insights into the dynamics of the Supreme Court's deliberations, the importance of precedent, and the complex relationship between state and federal electoral laws. Through their conversation, Wright and Chambers engage listeners in a nuanced discussion about the balance of powers, the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution, and the critical importance of this case in shaping the landscape of American electoral politics.Guest Bio:Professor Henry L. Chambers, Jr., teaches and writes in the areas of constitutional law, criminal law, law and religion, and employment discrimination. He is active in the Virginia State Bar, including serving as chair of its Section on the Education of Lawyers from 2007-2009, and has been a member of the American Law Institute since 2002. Professor Chambers served as Special Assistant Attorney General for redistricting matters for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2011-2013. He also frequently lectures on constitutional law through the We The People program, which provides civic education instruction to school teachers and the public; at James Madison’s Montpelier; and at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville. 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...