By Faithful Politics Podcast
Dive into the profound world of Faithful Politics, a compelling podcast where the spheres of faith and politics converge in meaningful dialogues. Guided by Pastor Josh Burtram (Faithful Host) and W
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The podcast currently has 317 episodes available.
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In this conversation, Will Wright and Josh Burtram engage with Bill Armaline, a professor of sociology and human rights expert, to explore the complex landscape of human rights. They discuss the origins, definitions, and instruments of human rights, the historical context of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the philosophical foundations that underpin these rights. The conversation also delves into the challenges of enforcing human rights on a global scale, particularly in relation to the role of the United Nations and the unique position of the United States in international law. In this conversation, Bill Armaline discusses the complexities of international law, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal frameworks that govern these issues and the need for collective action through labor movements to address injustices. Armaline argues that the current geopolitical landscape is heavily influenced by economic interests and highlights the disconnect between the ruling classes and the general populace.
Guest Bio:
William Armaline is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences and founder of the Human Rights Minor Program and Human Rights Institute at San José State University. His formal training and professional experience spans sociology, education, and human rights. Dr. Armaline’s interests, applied work, and scholarly publications address social problems as they relate to political economy, politics, human rights, racism, critical pedagogy, inequality and youth, mass incarceration, policing, and drug policy reform. His new book with co-author Davita Silfen Glasberg (Human Rights Praxis and the Struggle for Survival, Routledge Press, forthcoming on August 22, 2024) examines the threats to human rights and survival posed by global capitalism and an increasingly militarized and authoritarian world that takes the form of a global police state in scope and effect.
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
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To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
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This episode of Faithful Politics features an insightful conversation with Dr. David Koyzis, a scholar affiliated with Global Scholars Canada and author of "Political Visions and Illusions" and "Citizenship Without Illusions." Koyzis discusses his background in political science, his journey from a politically conscious upbringing in the U.S. to a distinguished career in Canada, and the interplay between faith and politics. The episode explores significant themes such as the influence of life experiences on one's political ideology, the challenges of dual citizenship between one's earthly nation and the kingdom of God, and how believers can navigate political engagement without veering into idolatry. The discussion also covers Koyzis' take on proportional representation as a potential solution to issues within the American political system, and how faith can be a guide in political and personal life.
Guest Bio:
David T. Koyzis is affiliated with Global Scholars Canada and is engaged in an international academic ministry of writing, researching, lecturing, and conversing with readers of his books. He is the author of Political Visions and Illusions and We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God. He taught undergraduate political science for thirty years and lives with his family in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Buy his book: https://www.ivpress.com/david-t-koyzis
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In this episode of Faithful Politics, investigative journalist Molly Redden from ProPublica joins hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram to explore the controversial plans behind Project 2025, a blueprint for Donald Trump’s potential second-term agenda. The discussion reveals how Russell Vought, a key MAGA strategist and former OMB Director, is shaping this initiative through his think tank, the Center for Renewing America. Redden highlights how the plan seeks to expand executive power, bypass Congress, and enforce sweeping budget cuts to diminish federal agencies like the EPA and IRS. The conversation also delves into Vought’s ideological alignment with Christian nationalism, a movement that aims to merge faith-based principles with federal governance, reshaping the country’s political and cultural landscape.
Key topics include Vought’s proposed legal frameworks for deploying military force against domestic protests, the broader implications of replacing career civil servants with MAGA-aligned loyalists, and the feasibility of achieving such radical government overhauls. With discussions on Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including figures like Matt Gaetz and RFK Jr., and the role of think tanks like the Heritage Foundation in drafting Project 2025, this episode provides a detailed analysis of the potential transformation of American democracy. Whether you’re curious about the future of the federal government, Christian nationalism’s influence, or the legal mechanisms shaping Trump’s plans, this conversation offers a crucial look into the strategies behind a possible second Trump administration.
Put Them in Trauma”: Inside a Key MAGA Leader’s Plans for a New Trump Agenda: https://www.propublica.org/article/video-donald-trump-russ-vought-center-renewing-america-maga
Guest Bio:
Molly Redden is a reporter for ProPublica covering national politics and elections. She was previously a senior reporter on the national team at HuffPost, where she scrutinized Vice President Kamala Harris’ record as a “progressive prosecutor” and helped reveal how Sen. Amy Klobuchar had abused her staff
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In this podcast episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram engage in a rich conversation with Dr. Samuel Perry, a leading expert on conservative Christianity and American politics. The discussion focuses on the 2024 election results, with Perry providing an analysis of the unexpected outcomes and voter behavior. He emphasizes that economic concerns, rather than ideological shifts, drove many voters' decisions. Perry notes that while some believe rhetoric like Trump's may just be for show, it can have significant societal impacts, including normalizing divisive language and authoritarian tendencies.
They explore how religious identity has shifted in America, highlighting that evangelical support for Trump remained steady, while shifts were seen among Catholic and other religious voters. Perry also touches on how Christian nationalism and group identity influence political stances and willingness to support authoritarian measures.
The episode concludes with Perry discussing his new book, Religion for Realists, which argues that understanding religion through a scientific lens can illuminate how beliefs, identity, and societal norms interact. He explains that current global and domestic leaders already utilize religious identity as a tool for power, making this understanding even more crucial today. The show wraps up with thoughts on maintaining hope and community engagement amid political and societal challenges.
Guest Bio:
An award-winning scholar and teacher, Dr. Perry is among the nation's leading experts on conservative Christianity and American politics, race, families, and sexual behavior. He has been recognized as among the top sociologists in the world in terms of research productivity and impact.
Along with well over 100 peer-reviewed articles published in leading academic journals, Dr. Perry is also the author or co-author of five books, including Growing God's Family (NYU, 2017), Addicted to Lust (Oxford, 2019), Taking America Back for God (Oxford, 2020, with Andrew Whitehead), and The Flag and the Cross (Oxford, 2022, with Philip Gorski). His most recent book is entitled Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion (Oxford, 2024).
Dr. Perry is also a public sociologist. In addition to frequent speaking engagements around the country, he is a regular Contributor at TIME Magazine and has also written for outlets like The Washington Post, NBC News, and The Dallas Morning News. Dr. Perry's interviews and research findings have also been featured in recent documentaries by Fr
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram host Brian Dembowczyk, author of Family Discipleship That Works, for an insightful discussion on practical faith-based parenting. Dembowczyk shares his approach to integrating discipleship into daily family life, emphasizing that faith formation can go beyond structured Bible study. Through what he calls "improvised discipleship," he encourages parents to use everyday moments—like conversations at the dinner table or casual interactions—to teach values like kindness, humility, and love. This flexible approach helps children see faith as a lived experience, making it both meaningful and accessible.
The conversation also tackles navigating challenging social and political issues with kids, especially as they begin forming their own views. Brian, Will, and Josh discuss how to approach topics like politics, sexuality, and belief differences within families, all while staying rooted in Christian principles. Instead of focusing on rigid dogma, Dembowczyk’s method centers on fostering a compassionate, grace-filled atmosphere where children can ask questions and explore their faith openly. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking a balanced, thoughtful approach to family discipleship in today’s complex world.
buy the book: https://a.co/d/iDn5din
Guest Bio:
Brian Dembowczyk has been part of a sports ministry, served on staff in the local church, and led a curriculum team that served millions of children, teens, and adults around the world. He now helps lead a Bible publishing team and writes, teaches, and speaks mostly about family discipleship and children’s ministry.
Follow what Brian is doing: https://briandembo.com/
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In this special Election Day episode of Faithful Politics, we bring you an insightful conversation with filmmaker and author Julio Vincent Gambuto. Known for his critical take on media culture, Julio shares the philosophy behind his new book, Please Unsubscribe, Thanks. Together, we explore the impact of "unsubscribing" from the things that drain us—be it social media, toxic relationships, or even our underlying beliefs. With Election Day upon us, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the mental and emotional subscriptions they hold and how letting go of some might bring a sense of peace and clarity.
For those of us feeling tense about the election results, Julio's ideas offer a timely reminder: the bigger takeaway might be less about winning or losing and more about re-evaluating what truly matters to us. With our phones in hand, glued to the news or waiting for updates, let this episode be a gentle guide to help you navigate today's anxieties, foster compassion for others, and reconnect with what brings you joy and purpose.
Join us for a conversation that’s all about helping you unsubscribe from the noise and focus on what matters—today and beyond.
Guest Bio (from his website: https://www.juliovincent.com/)
Julio is the author of the new book, Please Unsubscribe, Thanks! — now available from Avid Reader Press at Simon & Schuster. It is a follow-up to his viral essay series “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting,” which sparked a worldwide conversation reaching more than 21 million readers in 98 countries. Julio remains a weekly contributor to Medium.
From the time he was a super gay teen back in the 90s, “Giulio” has had over 30 jobs, including being a singing-and-dancing waiter at Johnny Rockets and welcoming customers at Abercrombie & Fitch (well before the greeters were half naked).
Deeply changed by the experience of the Covid pandemic, Julio has embraced a much more authentic outspokenness. He gets out of bed every day determined to make smart, funny, bold work that's full of heart. His creative projects seek to offer readers and viewers humor, insight, guidance, and a pathway to legit connection in a fucked-up modern world.
A moviemaker by trade and training, Julio has written, directed, and produced film and television content for The New Yorker, Nickelode
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In 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.
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In 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/
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
In 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:
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them)
This 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.
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 Matterhorn.
"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations
Support the show
To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:
The podcast currently has 317 episodes available.
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