Faithful Politics

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 Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram tackle the timely and contentious intersections of religious liberty and government regulation. Joining them is Rachel Morrison, an attorney and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, whose expertise sheds light on how recent federal policies and Supreme Court decisions are impacting religious freedoms in healthcare, employment, and beyond.This episode dives into questions that resonate deeply in today’s polarized environment: What protections do healthcare professionals have if they object to certain procedures on moral or religious grounds? How does the recent Supreme Court Loper-Bright decision shift the power dynamics between government agencies and individuals? And, perhaps most importantly, what do these issues mean for the future of faith-based decision-making in a rapidly changing legal landscape?Morrison breaks down the implications of the Loper-Bright decision, explaining how it puts religious liberty on more stable footing by limiting the power of federal agencies to interpret laws in ways that might disregard religious or moral objections. The hosts and Morrison then explore real-world scenarios—such as COVID-19 mandates and the rise of gender-identity policies under the current administration—that illustrate how these legal shifts could play out in healthcare and workplace settings.Guest Bio:Rachel N. Morrison is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, leading EPPC’s HHS Accountability Project. An attorney specializing in religious liberty, healthcare conscience rights, life issues, and civil rights, she previously served as an Attorney Advisor at the EEOC, focusing on religious discrimination, and held roles at Americans United for Life and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Ms. Morrison’s work has appeared in prominent law reviews and media outlets. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from Pepperdine University School of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Whitworth University. She is a member of the D.C. and Washington State bars. 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 Halloween episode, Faithful Politics "defies gravity" by diving into the world of witches, supernatural beliefs, and the historical intersections between faith and witchcraft. Hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram chat with Stanford anthropologist Professor Tanya Luhrmann, renowned for her work on how people experience the supernatural in various religious contexts. Together, we cast a Revelio charm to unpack the evolution of witchcraft from ancient agricultural societies to modern-day practitioners, explore the role of folklore and cultural myths, and discuss how ideas of “good” and “bad” supernatural powers shape our understanding of spirituality and fear. The episode also sheds some Lumos on the Salem witch trials, Halloween traditions, and the modern revival of pagan practices. This conversation is packed with insights into humanity's complex relationship with the unseen, perfect for both the curious and the skeptical.Guest Bio:Professor Tanya Luhrmann is an anthropologist from Stanford University, known for her in-depth research on how people experience the supernatural across various religious practices. Her work bridges anthropology, psychology, and religion, examining everything from witchcraft and evangelical prayer practices to encounters with the supernatural. With a unique background that includes immersive studies with modern-day covens and extensive fieldwork on spiritual phenomena, Luhrmann’s insights shed light on the ways belief and culture shape our experiences of the unseen world.Learn more about her work: https://www.tanyaluhrmann.com/ 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, Faithful Politics welcomes back investigative reporter Phoebe Petrovic from ProPublica to dive into an intense topic at the crossroads of faith and politics. Petrovic discusses her latest investigative findings on a group of organizations, including Lion of Judah and True the Vote, which are actively recruiting poll workers ahead of the 2024 election. These groups, often tied to false election fraud claims, are encouraging their members to "monitor" voting from the inside, stirring concerns over potential disruptions and misinformation.The conversation explores the controversial methods these organizations use, the religious and political narratives behind their efforts, and the implications for election integrity. Phoebe also delves into the fine line these groups tread legally, especially regarding nonprofit regulations. She shares insights from attending events like the "Courage Tour," a pro-Trump revival rally spearheaded by figures like Lance Wallnau and attended by high-profile names, such as JD Vance.This episode is a deep look at the convergence of religion, election integrity, and American democracy, especially for those interested in how activism, faith, and misinformation are shaping the political landscape. It's an eye-opening discussion that emphasizes the importance of understanding what’s at stake in upcoming elections. If you're curious about how grassroots efforts and faith-based groups are influencing political engagement and election processes, this is a must-listen.Articles discussed in our conversation:Right-Wing Activists Pushed False Claims About Election Fraud. Now They’re Recruiting Poll Workers in Swing States: https://www.propublica.org/article/poll-worker-recruitment-swing-states-true-the-vote-lion-of-judahJD Vance Campaign Event With Christian Right Leaders May Have Violated Tax and Election Laws, Experts Say: https://www.propubli 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 podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Kiera Butler, a senior editor at Mother Jones. The conversation revolves around two significant topics: the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and the influence of "Theo Bros." Butler shares insights from her investigative reporting on the entanglement of Christian nationalism with far-right political movements, specifically the NAR’s role in shaping local communities and its ties to influential figures like Donald Trump. The episode highlights the overlaps between religious extremism and political activism, with a focus on movements like NAR that combine charismatic Christian theology with political goals, such as dominionism and the Seven Mountains Mandate. Butler also explores the rise of the "Theo Bros," a younger generation of militant, conservative Christian men influenced by Calvinist doctrine and figures like Doug Wilson.To Understand JD Vance, You Need to Meet the “TheoBros”: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/09/theobros-jd-vance-christian-nationalism/Christian Nationalists Dream of Taking Over America. This Movement Is Actually Doing It: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/10/new-apostolic-reformation-christian-nationalism/Guest Bio:Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones and the author of the book Raise: What 4-H Teaches 7 Million Kids—and How Its Lessons Could Change Food and Farming Forever (UC Press, November 2014). At Mother Jones, Kiera writes and edits stories about the environment, nutrition, health, and agriculture, including her award-winning column, Econundrums. Her piece about a dietitians’ convention sponsored by McDonald’s was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. Kiera’s work through the Climate Desk collaboration has been published in the Atlantic‘s CityLab, Wired.com, Slate, and Grist. Kiera lives in Oakland, California. Her favorite ride at the county fair is 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 thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics we delve into the fascinating world of Biblical Womanhood and its influence on gender roles in American Christianity. Our guest, Professor Beth Allison Barr author of "The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth" takes us on a captivating journey through history, shedding light on the development and impact of this concept.Join us as we explore a series of intriguing questions with Professor Barr. We begin by uncovering the inspiration behind her book and her hopes for readers' takeaway. Professor Barr's research challenges traditional notions of gender roles within the church, inviting readers to critically analyze their beliefs and consider the implications for women.We then delve into the distinction between Patriarchy and Complementarianism, seeking to understand the nuances between these two concepts that often intersect within Christian circles. Professor Barr expertly clarifies these terms, unraveling their implications for gender dynamics in the church and society.Next, we embark on a journey through history, encountering Margery Kempe, a historical figure who may spark laughter among Professor Barr's students. Discover why this connection is both intriguing and significant in understanding the evolution of gender roles within Christianity.One of the central themes of "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" is the development and usage of this concept to shape gender roles in American Christianity. Professor Barr expertly explains the origins and evolution of Biblical Womanhood, offering valuable insights into its impact on women's lives.In a captivating comparison, we explore Dr. Mckay's book alongside Sheila Wray Gregoire's, "She Deserves Better." We discuss the contrasting focus between raising girls to resist toxic teachings and addressing the oppression faced by adult women in the church. We also contemplate who might write about the oppression of senior women in the future, with intriguing predictions for a potential author.Wrapping up the conversation, we address the after- 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, Will Wright and Josh Burtram engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Amanda Clark, a pastor at Branches Vineyard Church. The discussion dives into Amanda's journey as a woman in ministry, navigating her calling within the context of a complementarian background. Amanda shares how her early desire to serve Jesus as a missionary eventually evolved into pastoral leadership, despite the challenges posed by conservative views on women in ministry.Throughout the episode, Amanda reflects on the barriers female pastors often face, such as the societal awkwardness and traditional rules against male and female leaders meeting privately. She also touches on the support she received from key mentors, her theological journey in seminary, and how she reconciled her beliefs with the Bible's teachings on women in leadership.The conversation expands into broader issues affecting the church today, including political polarization, social justice, and the role of discipleship in church growth. Amanda emphasizes the importance of balancing leadership growth with the spiritual development of congregants, avoiding the pitfalls of the church growth model that prioritizes numbers over genuine spiritual depth.This episode also explores Amanda’s personal experiences as a lead pastor in a rural, predominantly conservative area. She candidly discusses the challenges of being perceived as too progressive by some, while also attracting those who value her inclusive approach to ministry. Finally, Amanda offers insights on how pastors can stay grounded in their core convictions, resisting the temptation to cater to popular opinion at the expense of their beliefs.It’s a powerful discussion about leadership, faith, and the evolving role of women in the church. You can learn more about Amanda's ministry at Branches Vineyard Church and follow her on social media for further insights.To learn more about our Guest Check Out:Branches Vineyard Church: http://branchesvineyard.org/Theology for Women in Church Leadership 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, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who represents Virginia's 4th congressional district, for an engaging conversation. They discuss everything from the challenges and successes she's faced in her first year in Congress to her thoughts on vital issues such as voting rights, climate change, and gun control.Jennifer shares her personal experiences, like overcoming barriers in her own family's voting history, and delves into topics like the significance of climate change for military readiness and the broader implications of criminal justice reform. They also explore her thoughts on the upcoming election, her optimism for the future of America, and what it would mean to have Kamala Harris as the nation's first woman and first Black woman president.As always, Will and Josh keep the conversation lively and personal, even throwing in a fun discussion about Halloween costumes! Tune in for an insightful and candid conversation about the intersection of faith, politics, and public service.Listeners will also get a closer look at Jennifer's passion for improving her district through infrastructure projects, federal grants, and her ongoing efforts to push for legislation that supports marginalized communities. Don’t miss this episode as they tackle critical political and social issues while maintaining their unique, balanced approach to discourse.Be sure to check out the show notes for links to resources and more information on Congresswoman McClellan’s work. As always, keep your conversations not right or left but up!Learn more: https://mcclellan.house.govBio:Jennifer McClellan entered the U.S. Congress in 2023 after winning a special election to replace the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin. A lifelong Virginia native, McClellan was born in Petersburg to parents who served the community: her father worked as a professor at Virginia State University and her mother worked as a counselor at VSU. McClellan attended Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, where she was valedictorian. She 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*This is only the audio version of the film.* Watch the full video version free on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IkES4X_qb6c?si=8ct7CUL6-x5NkQqJFrom Kristin Kobes Du Mez, the creator/author of Jesus and John Wayne, comes a powerful new documentary highlighting how a culture of submission and sexual abuse in the evangelical church ties directly to the Christian nationalist quest to use the outcome of the 2024 election to deprive all American women of basic democratic rights. FOR OUR DAUGHTERS speaks to all women of faith, encouraging them to use their voices and their votes to ensure that their daughters will have the rights to health and happiness guaranteed to all Americans.Stories provided by the following survivors:Rachael Denhollander is an attorney, author, and advocate known for her work on sexual abuse issues. With a blend of legal expertise and personal experience, she is a sought-after speaker and consultant. Her compassionate, trauma-informed approach bridges the gap between survivors and institutions that failed them. She is the author of What Is A Girl Worth?Cait West, a writer and editor based in Michigan, is an advocate and survivor of the Christian patriarchy movement. She serves on the board of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit for survivors of spiritual abuse, and co-hosts the podcast Survivors Discuss. She is the author of Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy.Christa Brown, named a top religion newsmaker in 2022, has worked for over two decades to expose clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in the Southern Baptist Convention. A retired appellate attorney and author of Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation, Christa was one of the first to publicly reveal substantiated child sex abuse allegations against a Baptist minister.Tiffany Thigpen is a mother, realtor, and advocate for reform and human rights. A surviv 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.comFrom Kristin Kobes Du Mez, the creator/author of Jesus and John Wayne, comes a powerful new documentary highlighting how a culture of submission and sexual abuse in the evangelical church ties directly to the Christian nationalist quest to use the outcome of the 2024 election to deprive all American women of basic democratic rights. FOR OUR DAUGHTERS speaks to all women of faith, encouraging them to use their voices and their votes to ensure that their daughters will have the rights to health and happiness guaranteed to all Americans.Learn more about the film: https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/Watch the film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IkES4X_qb6c?si=8ct7CUL6-x5NkQqJGuest Bio:Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. She holds a PhD from the University of Notre Dame and her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service, and Christianity Today, and has been interviewed on NPR, CBS, and the BBC, among other outlets. Her most recent book is Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. 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...

Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, medical director at Texas Fertility Center and chair of the advisory board for Americans for IVF, dives into the complexities of in vitro fertilization. He clarifies the differences between IVF and IUI, revealing the ethical and religious implications of each. The discussion tackles vital topics like when life begins, the high costs of IVF, and the need for better insurance coverage. Dr. Silverberg emphasizes the importance of universal access to fertility treatments and advocates for women's reproductive rights amidst ongoing debates.