Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comMost Christians have encountered phony posts on our feeds meant to rile us up. But not everything we see on social media is so obviously absurd. As online spaces increase in importance, we urgently need to consider how to love our neighbors on the internet—and this includes sharing the truth.  So that's why we wanted to talk with Rachel Wightman, author of the new book "Faith and Fake News: A Guide to Consuming Information Wisely" Rachel I. Wightman has seen this problem firsthand as a librarian with over a decade of experience instructing students in information literacy. In Faith and Fake News, she shares her expertise with average Christians. This timely and essential guide explains the information landscape and its tendency toward thought bubbles, discusses techniques for fact-checking and evaluating sources, and offers suggestions on ways to engage with our neighbors online while bearing witness to Christ and the truth.Bio from our guest:I am a librarian, an educator, and a believer in finding the integration of faith and fact-checking. I am passionate about giving people tools to evaluate information and teaching others to understand our current online culture and landscape. I teach skills to help others be wise consumers of information. I believe it is especially important for Christians to understand and mindfully engage in online platforms in order to love our neighbors well and to be peacemakers in our culture.I have a masters degree in library and information science and have been a librarian for over ten years, specializing in teaching students to find and evaluate information in ethical ways. Currently, I live in the Twin Cities, MN and have worked at both a community college and private university. Prior to moving to Minnesota in 2012, I spent two years as librarian and missionary in Kampala, Uganda.  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.comHow do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own?Our Guest this week Kaitlyn Schiess is the author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here,  where she explores these questions and more. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused. Schiess combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help readers faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues--and to their lives. Rather than prescribing what readers should think about specific hot-button issues, Schiess outlines core biblical themes around power, allegiance, national identity, and more.Our Guests Bio, written by Kaitlyn:I’m a writer, author, and a doctoral student at Duke Divinity School studying political theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation. I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021 with a ThM in systematic theology.I am the author of The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, released with InterVarsity Press in September 2020. My forthcoming book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here, will be released with Brazos Press in August 2023. I have written about theology, politics, and culture at places like Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, 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 today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting special guests Aubrie Howell, a devout Christian, and Kathleen Rawlinson, an atheist who have their own podcast called, "The Christian and The Atheist podcast". They join us to share their unique perspectives, personal journeys, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about faith and friendship.Aubrie, our Christian guest, provides insights into her beliefs and how they shape her perspective on faith and politics. She delves into her moral compass and the influence of her Christian faith in navigating political issues. Kathleen, our atheist guest, offers a contrasting viewpoint, exploring the absence of faith and the ethical frameworks she relies upon to guide her own decision-making.During the conversation, Aubrie and Kathleen open up about their friendship and the dynamics of their differing beliefs. They reflect on the mutual respect and understanding they have cultivated, despite their contrasting perspectives. Aubrie shares her thoughts on friendship with an atheist, while Kathleen provides her experiences as someone who maintains a close bond with a devout Christian.In addition to their personal experiences, the guests discuss broader topics related to faith and politics. They touch upon the significance of religious beliefs in political spheres and explore the complexities that arise when religious ideologies intersect with policy decisions. We also end up spending way too much time talking about underwear. Catch their show wherever you listen to podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-and-the-atheist-podcast/id1585725909 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.comNavin Nayak, President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, offers a  summary comparing the economic accomplishments and philosophy of the Biden and Trump administrations. Nayak highlights the stark differences in approach, noting that while Trump's major economic achievement was a tax cut benefiting the wealthy, Biden's focus lies in rebuilding and growing the middle class through targeted investments and cost reduction.Nayak acknowledges the challenge of inflation but recognizes the Biden administration's efforts to address it, including initiatives to lower gasoline prices and make essential services like childcare and healthcare more affordable. The core philosophy of the Biden administration centers on investing in the middle class and holding corporations accountable for consumer exploitation, ultimately aiming to ensure that hardworking individuals have a secure place in the middle class.Despite the impressive economic record of the Biden administration, Nayak acknowledges the need for improved communication to effectively convey the significance of these achievements to the American people. By bridging this communication gap, Nayak believes that individuals can better understand the progress made and how it directly impacts their lives. The Biden administration's focus on middle-class investments, job creation, and affordability positions it as a stark departure from the previous administration's trickle-down approach, signaling a renewed emphasis on shared prosperity and economic security for all Americans.Guest Bio:Navin Nayak serves as counselor at the Center for American Progress and President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund. He oversees day-to-day management of the Action Fund and helps create new programs and projects that will help the organization fulfill its mission.Nayak has more than 15 years of experience in advocacy and elections with several organizations. Most recently, Nayak served as the director of opinion research for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, where he oversaw all the campaign’s message research. Prior to that, he worked for eight 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, we are joined by special guest Matthew D. Taylor, PhD, as we delve into the intriguing world of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Together, we'll explore the beliefs, origins, and impact of the NAR, shedding light on its relevance to both religious and political spheres.Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, a respected expert in religious studies, brings his wealth of knowledge to guide us through the complexities of the NAR. We'll uncover the teachings of C. Peter Wagner, the seminary professor who coined the term "New Apostolic Reformation" in the 1990s, and explore the transformative influence he had on Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity.Join us as we examine the role of apostles and prophets in church leadership, as emphasized by the NAR. Together with Dr. Taylor, we'll discuss how this movement challenges established structures and fosters new perspectives on leadership within faith communities.Through engaging conversations, we'll explore the growth of the NAR and the rise of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets, as Dr. Taylor provides insights into their significance in shaping modern Christianity. We'll also delve into the unique structure of the NAR, which prioritizes personal connections over traditional denominational hierarchies.In addition, we'll tackle the concept of strategic spiritual warfare—a topic that sparks debate within the NAR. Dr. Taylor will shed light on the belief in territorial spirits and their supposed influence over physical regions, as well as their role in the NAR's approach to prayer and spiritual battles.Here's the series we reference on the program- Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/series/charismatic-revival-fury/Guest Bio:Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is the Protestant Scholar at ICJS, where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. Prior to coming to ICJS, Taylor served on the 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, we focus on the recent indictment and arraignment of former President Donald Trump. Joining us for this discussion is Robert L. Deitz, a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. With his extensive experience as the top lawyer for the director of the CIA and as the general counsel at the NSA, Deitz brings valuable insights into the legal and intelligence aspects of the case. We also have guest host, Professor Corinna Barrett Lain,  a constitutional law scholar who writes about the influence of extralegal norms on Supreme Court decision making.We begin by providing an overview of the indictment and the specific charges brought against Trump. Deitz guides us through the legal basis for the indictment and outlines the key allegations. We explore the potential implications and consequences for Trump if found guilty.Moving on to the arraignment process, we delve into its significance in the legal proceedings. Deitz explains the procedural aspects of the arraignment and its role in establishing the framework for the trial. We discuss the potential strategies that Trump's legal team might employ during the arraignment.Looking ahead, we consider the possible outcomes of the trial and their significance. Deitz shares insights into the legal strategies and arguments that might be presented during the trial. We discuss the timeline of the proceedings and anticipate future developments in the case, keeping an eye on how they might shape Trump's political landscape, and the potential prison sentences.Finally we answer listener questions and look at comparisons to the Clinton email server and the Airman Jack Teixeira Discord leaks. Helpful reads:Read the full 49-page indictmentRead the Court Transcripts during the arraig 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.comAlthough Christians are followers of the Truth, many find themselves tempted by the alternate “truths” offered by conspiracy theories. Christianity and conspiracy theories have had a long, complicated relationship. But today conspiracy theories are bringing our already polarized society to the brink of chaos. QAnon, the Big Lie, and anti-vaccination theories thrive online, disrupting faith communities. This timely essay collection explores the allure of conspiracy theories and their consequences—and ultimately offers gospel-based paths forward. Will and Josh speak with the two editors who endeavored to put this collection together! Buy the book: https://a.co/d/82C041uAccessible to all concerned believers, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross features scholars of religion, ethics, and public life on the following topics:     • evaluating evidence and forming beliefs      • the Satanic Panic of the 1960s–1990s      • understanding scientific methodology      • conspiracy theories’ appeal to those searching for meaning      • the consequences of social media and echo chambers      • productive dialog with people who hold different opinions      • intellectualism in the life of faith      • conspiracy theories in Scripture      • QAnon’s religious rhetoric Complete with a guide to reasoning, which outlines both logical fallacies and intellectual virtues, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross is an indispensable resource for all Christians seeking the truth. Contributors:Chase Andre, Michael W. Austin, Bradley Baurain, Daniel Bennett, Gregory L. Bock, Chad Bogosian, Kevin Carnahan, Jason Cook, Scott Culpepper, Stephen Davis, Garrett J. DeWeese, Marlena Graves, Shawn Graves, David Horner, Dru Johnson, Nathan King, Rick Langer, Christian Miller, Timothy Muehlhoff, Michelle Lynn Panchuk, Susan Peppers-Bates, Steven Porter, Kaitlyn Schiess, Aaron Simmons, Domonique Turnipseed, Rachel I. Wightman, Keith Wyma, Eric Yang  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 light of the recent indictment of former President Trump over classified documents, there has been no shortage of commentary about what all of it means. However, we thought it was important to address the big elephant in the room and that's, is this a politically motivated prosecution? In this episode, we explore the significance of impartiality in investigations and how organizations like Protect Democracy are leading the way in this area. We discuss recent politically motivated investigations, the role of journalism in upholding institutional honesty, and the release of the Special Counsel John Durham report.We begin by examining the weaponization of government investigations, particularly in relation to President Trump. We highlight Protect Democracy's article on identifying weaponized investigations and discuss examples such as James Comey's announcement on the Clinton investigation and Alvin Bragg's indictment in NY. Additionally, we analyze the Take Care Clause and its application to presidential oversight of the Justice Department. We also scrutinize the GOP House majority's Committee on the Weaponization of Government and suggest other crucial issues they should address.Next we assess the impartiality of Attorney General Merrick Garland and evaluate specific cases like Hunter Biden and the Trump-E. Jean Carrol case. We also discuss concerns about the Durham Report intentionally omitting relevant information. Furthermore, we explore the Durham Investigation's new findings and the assessment by DOJ IG Michael Horowitz. Lastly, we touch upon the Authoritarian Threat Index and compare the John Durham report with other investigations on Russia's interference in the 2016 election.Join us for an insightful discussion on investigations and the vital role of impartiality in preserving our democratic values.Articles referenced in the show:How to tell whether a government investigation or prosecution is “weaponized” 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, we sit down with Rachel Laser, President/CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to explore the importance of the separation of church and state in the United States. We dive into the reasons why this principle is crucial for the well-being of our society and discuss common misconceptions surrounding it. Rachel addresses these misconceptions and shares insights into the mission and goals of Americans United. We also examine the influence of Supreme Court composition on relevant cases and make predictions on how the justices may rule. Additionally, we explore the use of ADA and accommodations in arguments related to church-state separation. Join us as we recap the Groff v. DeJoy case and discuss the recent Kennedy v. Bremerton Supreme Court case, providing a comprehensive understanding of the importance of separation of church and state in our society.Guest Bio:Rachel Laser is the President and CEO at Americans United for Separation of Church and State.Rachel Laser is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. She has a proven track record of uniting both faith and secular leaders and advocacy organizations to make tangible progress on some of the most important issues of our time. Watch her introduction video!And as a religious minority – she was raised as a Reform Jew –  she understands personally how much it matters that our laws treat everyone fairly and equally. She is an advocate for racial justice and has led workshops, given speeches and worked with schools and universities to challenge racism and expose privilege.She knows the work of Americans United has never been more important than it is today. And she will work to continue our fight to defeat the many new and serious threats to religious freedom and the separation of church and state coming from the Trump-Pence Administration and across the country.As the deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC), Rachel 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.comJoin us as we delve into the fascinating and complex world of religion in American diplomacy as your Faithful Host chats with former diplomat, Shaun Casey, who created the first state department agency to explore the role of religion in American foreign policy. Casey, a seasoned diplomat, has been at the forefront of bridging the gap between diplomacy and religion. He offers recommendations based on his unique experiences and shares some of the key lessons and best practices he's gleaned over the years. Casey is known not only for his professional prowess but also for maintaining a fine balance between his personal faith and his role as a diplomat. We delve into the nuances of his approach and explore some of the ethical dilemmas or challenges that arise when engaging with religious actors and partners then we discuss the groundbreaking office that Casey created and directed at the US Department of State. We explore its mission, its achievements, and its potential future trajectory. One of the most enlightening parts of our conversation revolves around Casey's definition of religion and its critical role in diplomacy. He sheds light on the importance of understanding religious contexts in international relations, using concrete examples of how misinterpretations have led to tragic consequences."Decoding Diplomacy" is your passport to understanding the intertwined worlds of religion and diplomacy, providing a fresh perspective on international relations. Join us as we unpack the intricate dynamics at play in our increasingly interconnected world.If you're interested in the book that was discussed on the episode, "Chasing the Devil at Foggy Bottom: The Future of Religion in American Diplomacy" please visit https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/8170/chasing-the-devil-at-foggy-bottom.aspxGuest Bio:Shaun Casey is a senior fellow with the Luce Project on Religion and Its Publics at the University of Virginia and a Pulaski Institution non-resident fellow. He served as director of the Berkley Center for Religi 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...