Examining Elon Musk’s “shadow gospel” and how his surprising alliance with conservative Christians is forged through shared enemies and a powerful exchange of influence. From critiques of “wokeness” to ideological battles shaping faith and politics, they explore what Musk’s rise as a “cultural Christian” means for the balance of religion, politics, and power.

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Live from the American Academy of Religion, Amanda Henderson speaks with Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, a leading scholar, sociologist, and ordained Baptist minister, about the enduring power of African American spirituals. Discover how these songs of survival and liberation expose lies, sustain communities, and offer a prophetic voice for justice in today’s political climate.

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Katelyn Beaty, author and co-host of Saved by the City, joins to examine the striking gender shift in evangelical churches, where Gen Z men now outnumber women in the pews.

Beaty explores how pastors are adopting hyper-masculine tactics, from Monster Truck-style events to “Indiana Jesus,” to appeal to men seeking structure and belonging. Meanwhile, young women are walking away, rejecting spaces that feel increasingly shaped by political polarization and outdated gender roles.

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Colorado State Rep. Iman Jodeh reflects on the political conundrums faced by Muslim voters amid the Gaza genocide and a growing sense of betrayal by traditional political allies. Jodeh shares how her community channeled feelings of abandonment and anger into advocacy, pressing lawmakers for accountability and grappling with the hard choices of the recent election. From her unique position as the first Muslim and Palestinian legislator in Colorado, she offers insight into the resilience and determination required to demand justice in a fraught political landscape.

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In this deeply challenging conversation, Dr. Miguel De La Torre confronts the “God of Trump” — a figure he sees as rooted in colonialism, capitalism, and dominance — and argues that for the most marginalized among us, true faith might mean embracing hopelessness over the comforting (and often dangerous) promises of hope.

For De La Torre, democracy has always been fragile, especially for those marginalized by race, immigration status, or economic inequality. Speaking with Amanda Henderson, he explores a theology of hopelessness that enables radical resistance in an age of political oppression.

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As the political landscape grows ever more polarized, religious language has become a tool for framing debates in extreme, all-or-nothing terms. On the eve of the presidential election, Reverend Rob Schenck joins Amanda Henderson to discuss his journey from staunch political activism to a faith that values human connection over ideological allegiance. Schenck reflects on the powerful pull of framing faith in service to political ends—and the illusions it can create. Drawing on lessons from his own transformation and insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he unpacks how religious language can be wielded to inflame division rather than promote compassion.

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Recent research reveals that while only 10% of Americans strongly embrace Christian nationalist views, a broader 34% sympathize with its underlying principles.

Reporter Jack Jenkins joins Amanda Henderson to explore how these unspoken alliances within soft Christian nationalism are shaping the political landscape. By examining the subtle ways these beliefs impact voting, policy, and discourse, this conversation sheds light on the quiet yet powerful role soft Christian nationalism plays in America’s political future.

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The growing controversy surrounding school vouchers and their use in private religious education is once again emerging. With public dollars increasingly directed toward faith-based schools, the question arises: Does this expand educational choice or undermine public schools? Joined by RNS contributor, Dr. Charles Russo, research professor of law and expert on First Amendment issues, we dive into the legal and social implications of school vouchers: who benefits, who loses, and what it means for the future of public education in America.

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The changing political landscape of Hindu Americans: we explore their shifting alliances from traditional Democratic loyalties to a growing alignment with the right. Host Amanda Henderson and RNS Hindu reporter Richa Karmarkar discuss the factors driving this transformation, from the influence of leaders like Kamala Harris and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the impact of caste discrimination and immigrant identity in shaping party affiliations. Join us as we unpack how these dynamics are redefining the Hindu vote in the upcoming election.

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In this episode, we sit down with Claire Giangravé, a Vatican correspondent for Religion News Service, to explore the pivotal discussions happening at the Synod on Synodality. With nearly 400 leaders of the Roman Catholic Church gathered in Vatican City, the role of women in church leadership has become a central focus. We dive into the historical resistance, theological debates, and cultural shifts that are shaping this centuries-old conversation. Will the Vatican finally open the door to greater leadership roles for women, including the possibility of female deacons? Tune in for an inside look at this momentous moment for the Catholic Church.

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