That’s it! I’m moving to Canada. After a long election season, many American voters will find it difficult to accept defeat. And while it is hard, democratic life demands the regular practice of political concession—admitting that, however just your cause, the people did not agree with you. Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk discuss how Christianity and Islam can help with electoral patience and learning to lose gracefully. To bow one’s head in prayer is to accept that the world (and the election) is beyond your control. And while this might be “the most important election of our lifetime,” there are much more important things in our lives than elections. Links: We discuss the Muslim Struggle over which political party to support https://comment.org/podcasts/do-muslims-fit-in-a-political-party/ Is Democracy God’s Will? https://comment.org/podcasts/is-democracy-gods-will/ Shadi Hamid in The Washington Post: A wake-up call for Kamala Harris from Muslim and Arab Americans https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/10/22/harris-muslim-arab-american-vote/

Muslims and Jews share more than either side might want to admit. Their monotheistic theology, their emphasis on law, and their long history of living alongside each other all play a role in developing what some might call the “Judeo-Islamic tradition.” In fact, Judaism might not have become what it is today if it wasn’t for Islam. Has this tradition been lost, or can it be regained? In this episode Mustafa Akyol, the author of the new book The Islamic Moses, joins the show to argue for a bold, new interpretation of the relationship between Islam and Judaism.     Mustafa Akyol’s new book The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World https://www.amazon.com/Islamic-Moses-Inspired-Flourish-Together/dp/1250256097/  Mustafa Akyol’s The Islamic Jesus https://www.amazon.com/Islamic-Jesus-Became-Prophet-Muslims/dp/1250199352/  Mustafa Akyol’s Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance https://www.amazon.com/Reopening-Muslim-Minds-Freedom-Tolerance/dp/1250832519/ Zealots at the Gate: "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdW4-dI7W94&t=0s Zealots at the Gate: "Does the World Need a Caliphate?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVbrrzolXPM&t=0s

Muslim voting habits in America have changed in the past, and they are changing again. What issues might draw them to the political right or left? Dalia Mogahed has been studying Muslim Americans for decades. She is a senior scholar at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and a former member of President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Tune in for an excellent discussion about the diverse ways in which American Muslims connect their faith and their politics.   LINKS Dalia Mogahed comparing evangelicals and Muslims on religion and public life https://www.ispu.org/muslims-more-private-religious-devotion-less-public-religious-assertiveness/   Dalia Mogahed’s key findings on American Muslims in 2022. https://www.ispu.org/american-muslim-poll-2022-key-findings/   Dalia Mogahed’s podcast on the Qur’an https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/quran-conversations/id1751858926   2024 election analysis by Dalia Mogahed on Muslim voter preferences and opinions in three key swing states. https://www.ispu.org/winning-muslim-votes-2/

In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, he and his followers have been discussing the role of God in sparing his life. Reflecting on his good fortune, Trump has even speculated about potential changes in his nomination speech and broader campaign. In this episode, Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk delve into the religious and political issues at play. Did God actually save Donald Trump? Might God truly change Trump’s heart? Should citizens be optimistic or pessimistic about the potential redemption of their political opponents? LINKS “Is Trump’s near-death experience part of God’s plan?” by Shadi Hamid https://wapo.st/4cFNteo “Donald Trump, Man of Destiny” by Ross Douthat https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/opinion/donald-trump-assassination-destiny.html On the Death Penalty “A Catholic Socialist in a Secular World” with Elizabeth Bruenig https://comment.org/podcasts/a-catholic-socialist-in-a-secular-world/ Chesterton on Optimism and Pessimism https://passionatelylovingtheworld.wordpress.com/2019/10/26/chesterton-pessimism-optimism-and-the-case-for-mirth/

In this insightful discussion, John Inazu, a professor of religion and law at Washington University in St. Louis, shares his expertise on navigating deep disagreements. He emphasizes the value of empathy and connection in personal relationships, even amidst significant ideological divides. Inazu highlights lessons from the legal profession that can transform conflict into constructive dialogue. He also explores faith's role in managing disagreements and the complexities of marriage equality discussions, advocating for understanding in a diverse democracy.

Guest Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, discusses the politicization and secularization of evangelicalism in America, including the shift towards a more secular approach, challenges within congregations, and the need for evangelicals to reshape their political imagination in a changing landscape. The conversation also explores the intersection of politics and morality in the fight against abortion, the positive aspects of global evangelicalism, and Dr. Moore's book 'Losing Our Religion'.

Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk can't postpone the difficult question any longer. Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Their answers (and disagreements) might surprise you. LINKS Relevant articles on the “Same God” debate from: Gabriel Said Reynolds https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/is-the-quranic-god-the-same-god-as-the-biblical-god/ Joshua Ralston https://www.abc.net.au/religion/the-same-god-or-the-one-god-on-the-limitations-and-implications-/10097414 Miroslav Volf https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/wheaton-professors-suspension-is-about-anti-muslim-bigotry-not-theology/ Francis Beckwith https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2015/12/17/do-muslims-and-christians-worship-the-same-god/ Peter Ochs https://www.abc.net.au/religion/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god/10096120  

Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk discuss faith, politics, and friendship at Wheaton College. They explore building friendships across faith differences, navigating catastrophizing in faith traditions, Christian and Islamic traditions in public discourse, and advice for students pursuing politics while maintaining faith.

“Hell is actually pretty underrated. I mean it, when it comes to democratic life, a belief in hell is quite helpful.” Shadi kicked off a recent public lecture with this rather unexpected and provocative statement. In a time when democratic debate is becoming increasingly judgmental, where citizens wish to condemn and literally sentence one another to damnation, Shadi wonders (out loud) if a belief in a delayed judgment, one that belongs to God alone, could potentially lessen our need to exact total judgment in the here and now.

Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk discuss tribal loyalties and influences on Gaza positions. Hamid's Muslim identity and Kaemingk presses on tribal perspective. Exploring evangelical views on Israel, end times, and group identity shaping political beliefs. Delve into complexities of differing views on Israel and managing disagreements in relationships. Emphasize on empathy, self-criticism, and dialogue in divisive times.