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 295 episodes available.
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Dr. Guy Golan, an expert in political communication and international relations, joins the hosts to discuss the complicated relationship between American Jews and Israel. The book 'My Brother's Keeper' explores the differences between Israeli and American Jews and the tensions that arise from their contrasting social and political psychology. The conversation covers topics such as anti-Semitism, the role of college campuses in shaping perceptions of Israel, and the unique position of Israel in the Western world. The discussion also touches on the influence of Bibi Netanyahu, the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Guest Bio:
Guy Golan (PhD) is a university professor who studies political communication, public opinion and social media. He was a former political communication professional in Israel who worked on Ehud Barak’s 1999 campaign team. He was cited in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Bloomberg News, and Slate Magazine.
Learn more: https://guygotv.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
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In this conversation, Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Steve Bezner, the senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, about his book 'Your Jesus is Too American.' They discuss the problem of American culture co-opting the teachings of Jesus in the American church and the need to prioritize kingdom values over cultural conformity. They explore the tension between American patriotism and Christian faith, the influence of pastors in shaping interpretations of the Bible, and the redefinition of success in the church to align with Jesus' teachings. In this conversation, Steve Bezner discusses the intersection of faith, patriotism, and politics. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and embodying the teachings of Jesus in order to bring positive change to communities. Bezner addresses the issue of Christian nationalism and cautions against imposing extreme Christian morality on the nation. He hopes that his book, 'Your Jesus is Too American,' will inspire everyday Christians to prioritize following Jesus and lead to stories of racial reconciliation and radical generosity.
Buy the Book: Your Jesus Is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream: https://a.co/d/h251XS4
Guest Bio:
Steve Bezner has been the Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church since January 2013. His passion is to see Houston—and the world—become more like Heaven as people become more like Jesus.
Steve loves to preach, teach, write, and speak about the Bible in a way that is easy to understand but also challenges people to live the life that God has designed for each of them.
In Houston, Steve works to foster collaboration between local churches, serving on the board of the Houston Church Planting Network (to start new churches locally) and Houston Pastors United We Stand (to foster racial reconciliation). He also works through Glocalnet to build bridges with other faiths in the city, particularly Jews and Muslims.
Steve is passionate about training other pastors. He works with World Hope Ministries International to train pastors in remote global locations, coaches planters and pastors, and teaches seminary occasionally.
"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:
Send us a text
In this conversation, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Amanda Carpenter, an author, writer, and editor at Protect Democracy. They discuss the potential rise of authoritarianism in America if Trump is reelected and how his administration has focused on consolidating executive power and dismantling checks and balances. They highlight the importance of institutions like Congress, the courts, and the civil service in containing authoritarianism, but express concerns about their vulnerability.
They also discuss the role of elections as a constraint on authoritarianism and the need for a broad opposition network to counter its rise. The conversation explores the potential threats to democracy and the role of various institutions in safeguarding it. The principal themes include the importance of focusing on priorities that protect the right to disagree and resolve differences through elections, the role of the media in countering authoritarianism, the impact of Trump's manipulation of the church and religion, the potential challenges in confirming Trump's cabinet in a second term, the exploitation of unconventional legal arguments to solidify power, and the risks of future elections being undermined or delayed. The conversation emphasizes the need for voters to consider the consequences and make informed choices.
Learn more about the work Protect Democracy is doing: https://protectdemocracy.org/
Guest Bio:
Amanda Carpenter is a writer and editor at Protect Democracy. Her work involves collaborating with Protect Democracy advocates and experts to promote the organization’s mission, ideas, and key priorities. Before joining Protect Democracy she was a writer for The Bulwark and CNN Contributor. Prior to that she worked on Capitol Hill as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s communications director and South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint’s speechwriter. She brings over 15 years of political and media experience with her to Protect Democracy.
"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:
Send us a text
We start this conversation with returning guest Katherine Stewart, acclaimed author and journalist, who takes us behind the scenes of the Democratic National Convention, where she moderated a groundbreaking interfaith panel that explored the shifting landscape of faith in American politics. The panel featured prominent Congressman Jared Huffman and Congressman Jamie Raskin, two members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and Professor Khyati Joshi, a scholar and thought leader on the intersecting issues of race, religion and immigration in the United States.
The conversation then turned towards the growing movement of evangelicals who are breaking away from traditional conservative alignments and finding common ground with the Democratic Party’s focus on the common good and social justice. We then shift to explore the diversity within evangelicalism in America and the influence of the religious right on politics and society.
Recent reporting: Anti-Trump evangelical Christians make the case for Harris
Finally, Katherine gives us a bit of a teaser about her new and upcoming book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" coming out early 2025. In the book, Katherine sheds light on the powerful forces driving the Christian nationalist movement, funded by billionaires with an agenda that extends far beyond religious conviction.
In her deeply reported book, Katherine Stewart explores the alarming rise of anti-democratic sentiment in America by immersing readers in the world of conspiracy theorists, extremist churches, and reactionary political movements. She profiles a diverse array of actors—from reactionary Catholic activists to atheist billionaires, and from pseudo-Platonist intellectuals to militia members—who, despite their conflicting agendas, are united in their efforts to undermine democracy. Through her meticulous reporting and analysis, Stewart sheds light on the authoritarian backlash in the U.S., revealing the moral decline of conservatism and offering insights into how democracy can be safeguarded in the future.
Her previous book, "The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism" was turned into a Rob Reiner Documentary 'God & Country.' We were fortunate to have spoken with the director Dan Portland about the film, you can watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/qNLH7pzNNW4?si=nOKdnd88gQRKjrHV
Links to both of Katherine's books are below:
"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:
Send us a text
In this conversation, the hosts and Dr. Renee Carr discuss various topics related to politics and psychology. They touch on Kamala Harris and the perception of her as an aggressive female leader, the connection between DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and nepotism, the mental state of Donald Trump post-assassination attempt, the psychology behind demonizing political leaders, and the importance of forgiveness in political discourse. They also explore the impact of media bias and offer suggestions for combating polarization and bias in news consumption. In this conversation, Dr. Reneé Carr discusses the intersection of politics and psychology. She explains how cognitive dissonance plays a role in people's beliefs and behaviors, and offers strategies for engaging in productive conversations with those who hold different political views. Dr. Carr also provides insights on how to navigate the potential disappointment and conspiracy theories that may arise on election night. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our own biases and being open to different perspectives.
To learn more about our guest visit: https://www.drreneecarr.com/
Guest Bio:
Dr. Reneé Carr is the trusted confidant to elected officials and high impact CEOs. She applies psychological science, business acumen, and human understanding to produce change at the state- and national level.
With expertise in human thinking, behaviors, emotions, and communications, Dr. Carr advises leaders on the solutions to improve their governments, economy, culture, and impact on citizens. She provides insight on the likelihood of future events, strategies to prevent future problems, and solutions for current problems or crises.
As a refreshing voice of honesty and intellect, Dr. Carr attracts listeners and viewers who want real, frank, and smart information to better understand social issues, critical news, and current events. Dr. Carr has become a trusted source that audiences can repeatedly turn to for unbiased explanation and advice.
As an award-winning psychologist and entrepreneur, she has received numerous recognitions for her innovative use of psychology to produce significant outcomes, change, and achievements for her clients.
"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:
Send us a text
In this interview, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Mike Ter Maat, the Libertarian Party's 2024 vice-presidential nominee running alongside Chase Oliver. Ter Maat discusses his transition from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party, citing his disillusionment with both major parties' departures from their core principles. He emphasizes the Libertarian philosophy of minimal government intervention, personal liberty, and fiscal conservatism, arguing that the Libertarian Party aligns more closely with American values than either the Republican or Democratic parties.
Ter Maat critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly the ethical and practical failures of military interventions and foreign aid. He argues that these efforts have not made America safer or advanced its strategic interests. He also discusses the nation's unsustainable fiscal policies, warning of potential financial collapse if current trends continue.
When asked about balancing national security with fiscal responsibility, Ter Maat is firm in his stance that the U.S. should not give away any money to other countries, arguing that it does not buy influence or benefit American interests. He also challenges the notion of what constitutes an ally, particularly in the context of U.S.-Israel relations.
Learn more about their campaign: https://votechaseoliver.com/
Guest Bio:
Mike campaigned in 2021-22 as the Libertarian Party candidate in the January special Congressional election in Florida’s District 20. He served as a police officer in Broward County from 2010 through 2021 as a registered libertarian.
Mike’s prior career in finance and economics included work with banks as a commercial loan officer, the White House Office of Management and Budget as a financial economist, and as a consulting economist to three other federal and international agencies in the field of economic development.
From 1992 through 2002, Mike was an advocate in Washington for free markets in the financial services industry. In 2002, he started a professional education business for bank executives which he successfully ran until 2009, including conferences, webcasting, and strategic consulting.
Mike has traveled through thirty-five countries, taught economics at three universities and substituted at dozens of Broward public schools. He has one wife, two kids and two stepdaughters, two dogs and one truck, a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and MS and PhD degrees in Economics from The George Washington University.
"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:
Send us a text
In this conversation, Pastor Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of the book 'Faithful Politics.' They discuss the intersection of politics and faith, exploring topics such as the distinction between the Kingdom of God and the United States, the different ways Christians can engage in politics, and the impact of politics on biblical interpretation. Miranda emphasizes the importance of maintaining allegiance to Christ while recognizing the limitations of allegiance to a country. She also highlights the need for humility and open dialogue when discussing political issues within the church. In this part of the conversation, Miranda Zapor Cruz discusses the importance of reading scripture in community with people who have different political frameworks. She emphasizes the need to recognize our own biases and the ways in which we bring our own experiences and political opinions into our interpretation of scripture. She also highlights the difference between a proof-texting approach to scripture and a holistic, narrative-based approach. Additionally, she addresses the question of how to determine when someone's interpretation of scripture is not good, and suggests that we should evaluate interpretations based on whether they contribute to the reconciliation and restoration of all things.
Buy the book: https://www.ivpress.com/faithful-politics
Guest Bio:
Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in American and global Church history and theology. She holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University’s J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her family.
"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:
Send us a text
Sarah McCammon, author of 'The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church" discusses her personal journey of leaving the white evangelical church and the broader movement of exvangelicals. She explores the impact of Trump on the evangelical movement and the process of deconstruction that many exvangelicals go through. McCammon also delves into the challenges of writing the book, including sharing personal stories and navigating family dynamics. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of evangelicalism and the diverse experiences of those who have left the church. In this conversation, Sarah McCammon discusses her book 'The Ex-Vangelicals' and her personal journey of leaving the evangelical community. She explores the struggle of belonging and the pain of leaving a community that no longer aligns with one's beliefs. Sarah also discusses the intersection of her journalistic career and her personal background, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in reporting. She addresses concerns about the ex-vangelical movement potentially becoming a mirror image of evangelicalism and emphasizes the need for open dialogue and empathy. Sarah hopes that her book will provide validation and understanding for ex-vangelicals and foster empathy among people from different backgrounds.
Buy the book: https://a.co/d/gZSD06y
Guest Bio:
Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion policy and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news programs.
She has covered several presidential elections, including the 2016 campaign, when she reported on the rise of the Trump movement, divisions within the Republican Party over its future, and the role of religion in those debates. McCammon's reporting has documented the growing political power of the religious right culminating with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, efforts by abortion rights advocates to push back, and the rising tide of white Christian nationalism.
She's frequently called upon to cover breaking news events and national politics. Her work has won numerous awards, among them a 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, a 2023 Wilbur Award for religion reporting, a Gracie Award in 2020 for her reporting on reprod
"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:
Send us a text
Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary for Threat Prevention and Security Policy in the US Department of Homeland Security, discusses the rise of Christian extremism in the country. She shares her personal experience on 9/11 and how it led her to work in Homeland Security. Neumann highlights the security failures on January 6th and the connection between the Trump administration and the empowerment of extremist movements. She emphasizes the need for the Christian community to address and push back against violence and extremism within their own ranks. Neumann also discusses her faith journey and the importance of aligning her politics with her faith.
In part two of the conversation, Elizabeth Neumann discusses the solutions to combat Christian extremism. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and examining our own participation in cycles that lead to radicalization. Neumann suggests that changing the media structure and reducing the influence of fear-based news could contribute to a healthier society. She also highlights the need for grassroots efforts within churches and communities to address the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization. Neumann emphasizes the role of the church in providing answers to the unmet needs of belonging and significance, which are key factors in radicalization. She calls for a return to the teachings of Jesus and the practice of love, kindness, and gentleness as a counterexample to the divisive and extremist tendencies in society.
Neumann also addresses the role of the church in addressing the rise of Christian extremism and the need to establish norms of kindness, patience, and gentleness. She emphasizes the importance of de-escalating hostility and reducing the number of people susceptible to radicalization. Finally, Neumann discusses the potential consequences of another Trump term, including the empowerment of extremist ideologies and the erosion of guardrails in national security and domestic policy.
Buy Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace: https://a.co/d/elWZ4Ib
Guest Bio:
Neumann's tenure spans the George W. Bush administration, initially focusing on the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Education. Transitioning to the White House post-9/11, she joined the Homeland Security Council, collaborating with security agencies to combat terrorism. Serving as executive assistant to Homeland Security Advisor John A. Gordon, she later became associate director of the Domestic Counterterrorism Directorate. Neumann
"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:
Send us a text
In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram interview Greg Jarrell, author of "Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods." Greg, a community leader and storyteller from Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses the impact of urban renewal on Black neighborhoods and the role of white churches in this process. He delves into the historical context of urban renewal, its consequences, and how these policies were justified and perpetuated by the theological narratives of white churches. The conversation explores the lingering effects of these policies, the concept of social hauntings, and the need for reparative justice and structural change. Greg also touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic racism embedded in urban development and housing policies.
Buy Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods: https://a.co/d/aXOdWJZ
Guest Bio:
Greg is a cultural organizer with QC Family Tree in the Enderly Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. He works with words and music to impact housing and neighborhood justice issues. Jarrell writes about theology and history and co-leads Carolina Social Music Club, a popular jazz band. He and his wife, Helms, are ordained ministers and are raising two sons.
Greg is the author of two books. His book Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods (Fortress Press), has won wide acclaim for its lucid storytelling and new research. He has written widely, including for Sojourners, The Bitter Southerner, and The Charlotte Observer. Greg is a regular contributor at Baptist News Global. He frequently speaks, teaches, and preaches on place, race, and faith.
"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 295 episodes available.
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