I talk with Pastor Benjamin Duholm from Christ Lutheran Church in Dallas about the intersection of faith and the current political landscape. What does worship look like in an era of political polarization?  Dueholm explores the idea of liturgy extending beyond church walls to address societal issues. He offers practical advice for church leaders to focus on the gospel amid political pressures, emphasizing that worship can unite and heal in a complex world.

Template and Transcript: The Roles of Liturgy amid Rhetorical Polarization

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In this conversation, Yolanda Denson-Byers discusses the Pray Without Ceasing initiative in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which fosters community prayer and deepens relationships within the church. Yolanda highlights the importance of prayer in addressing social justice issues and how it can empower congregations to engage with their communities. She offers practical advice for churches looking to start similar initiatives, emphasizing that prayer is a simple yet profound conversation with God.

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Pray Without Ceasing at Shepherd of the Hills in Minnesota

Pray Without Ceasing Website

See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color

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Joseph Wolyniak discusses the profound impact of media and technology on the faith and political engagement of American Christians. He emphasizes the need for believers to be aware of how their beliefs and actions are influenced by external factors, rather than solely by the teachings of Jesus.

Resisting Provocateur Politics

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 I speak with Quincy Worthington, pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, about the intersection of faith and immigration amidst ongoing ICE actions in Chicago. Quincy shares his experiences and the role of his church in advocating for immigrant rights, highlighting the fear and challenges faced by families due to enforcement measures. Our conversation emphasizes the need for faith leaders to promote justice and stand in solidarity with marginalized communities, urging listeners to recognize humanity in all individuals.

Chicago pastors confront escalating violence at ICE detention facility- Presbyterian Outlook

We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. (Pro Publica)

How Elite Agents Use High-Risk Military Tactics in Chicago Raids- Wall Street Journal

Jesus is Pilate's Victim- Jason Micheli

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Jack Shitama, an ordained United Methodist minister, talks about the concept of societal regression and its implications for leadership and community engagement. Shitama explains how societal regression mirrors emotional regression in families, characterized by polarization and a desire for quick fixes. He discusses the role of non-anxious leaders in navigating these challenges and emphasizes the importance of love and understanding in overcoming societal divides. The conversation also touches on the future of society, the potential for hope amidst crisis, and the responsibilities of faith communities in fostering a non-anxious presence.

5 Ways to Lead during a Societal Regression

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Tony Robinson discusses the significance of phrases like 'Kumbaya' and 'thoughts and prayers' in today's polarized society. He explores the cynicism surrounding these terms, the role of anger and contempt in political discourse, and the impact of technology on human interaction. Robinson emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue within faith communities and critiques the politicization of the church. He advocates for a perspective that recognizes the importance of grace and community amidst chaos and division.

A Good Word for "Kum Ba Yah"

What's Tony Thinking Substack

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 I chat with Andrew Berg, who authored “Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel.” Andrew challenges conventional political narratives and examines the moral implications of U.S. support from both conservative and progressive angles. Andrew emphasizes the need for empathy toward both Palestinians and Israelis and advocates for a reevaluation of accountability in support discussions.

Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel

The Mainline Churches and Gaza with Todd Stavrakos | Episode 251

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 Professor Anthony Baker discusses the Barmen Declaration and its implications for American Christianity today. We analyze its historical context from the 1930s and why we are not currently experiencing a similar moment. Professor Baker emphasizes the declaration's intent to maintain the church's independence from the state, a principle that modern churches risk overlooking. We explore the complexities of Karl Barth's ideas and the dangers of conflating faith with political ideologies, highlighting the need for unity within the church. Our conversation advocates for grace and understanding in theological discourse, encouraging a culture that prioritizes listening and empathy over division. Ultimately, we reflect on how the lessons from the Barmen Declaration can help shape our faith in today's sociopolitical climate.

Progressive Christianity’s Barmen Mistake

Are We In A Bonhoeffer Moment (Ministry in A Secular Age Podcast)

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Today we look at the compassionate conservatism and its relevance in today's political climate with historian John Fea. We examine the origins of this movement, rooted in social justice and faith-based initiatives, and its initial implementation during the George W. Bush administration, particularly through programs like PEPFAR. John highlights how the philosophy has deteriorated under the Trump administration, which marked a shift towards isolationism and away from collective responsibility. We explore the evangelical community's surprising loyalty to Trump, despite contradictions with compassionate conservatism, and reflect on the need for a revitalization of these principles through education and dialogue. 

Articles by John Fea:

The Big Beautiful Bill is the 'final burial of compassionate conservatism'

The Big Beautiful Bill will pass the House as Christians turn a blind eye.

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Todd Stavrakos discusses the mission of Pathways for Peace, focusing on fostering dialogue between the Jewish and mainline Christian communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of the situation, including the roles of Hamas and the Israeli government. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the conflict, the influence of leadership dynamics, media narratives, and the church's response to the ongoing issues. Stavrakos emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and the importance of supporting peacebuilding efforts.

Pathways for Middle East Peace

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