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How should we read the Old Testament today? In this episode, Faithful Politics dives deep with Dr. John H. Walton, a leading Old Testament scholar and professor emeritus at Wheaton College. With decades of research on ancient Near Eastern contexts, Walton discusses why understanding the cultural river of the Bible’s original audience is crucial for accurate interpretation. From Genesis to the Pentateuch, he challenges us to rethink common assumptions about creation, divine community, and moral frameworks in the Hebrew Scriptures. Tune in as we explore how cultural backgrounds shape biblical authority and what it means to read the Old Testament as its ancient readers would have.

Guest Bio:
Dr. John H. Walton is a distinguished Old Testament scholar and professor emeritus at Wheaton College. He has authored numerous influential works, including "The Lost World of Genesis 1," "The Lost World of Adam and Eve," and "The Lost World of Scripture," which explore the Bible through its ancient Near Eastern context. Walton’s work emphasizes understanding Scripture as its original audience would have, encouraging modern readers to grapple with its historical and cultural frameworks.

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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In this episode, former federal prosecutor Kristy Parker returns to Faithful Politics to discuss the drastic shifts in the Department of Justice under Donald Trump. With nearly two decades of experience in the DOJ, Parker offers a rare insider’s perspective on the erosion of institutional norms, the consequences of mass firings, and the implications for civil rights enforcement. From the establishment of a controversial anti-Christian bias task force to unprecedented executive orders affecting legal representation, Parker outlines how the DOJ has become a tool for political retribution rather than a defender of the rule of law. Listen in as she explains the ripple effects on American democracy and why Protect Democracy is working to hold the line.

Guest Bio:
Kristy Parker is a senior counsel at Protect Democracy, where she focuses on safeguarding democratic institutions and the rule of law. A former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, she has extensive experience in civil rights litigation, police misconduct cases, and election integrity enforcement. Parker served under four presidential administrations, witnessing firsthand the transformation of the DOJ from a nonpartisan legal body to a political weapon under Donald Trump.

Resources:
Protect Democracy: https://protectdemocracy.org

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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What role does the church play in supporting vulnerable children and families in marginalized communities? In this episode, Faithful Politics sits down with Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and ordained AME minister, and Rev. Thomas Brackeen Jr., Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church, to discuss their latest report on strengthening early childhood development in Black and Latin faith communities. From access to healthcare to the impact of economic policies, they delve into the systems affecting the youngest and most vulnerable and how faith-based organizations can step up to advocate for justice.

Metropolitan AME Church, founded in 1838, continues to stand against hate and fight for justice. In December 2020, the Proud Boys vandalized the church’s property, tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner. Metropolitan fought back, securing $2.8 million in damages and winning the exclusive rights to the Proud Boys’ trademark — a historic legal victory for a Black institution. Today, the church continues its legacy of advocacy through initiatives such as the Community Justice Fund, food insecurity programs, and the Sankofa Project, which equips families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded resources.

Guest Bios:
Rev. Moya Harris is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, serving at the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. She is also the Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and a retired registered nurse. Rev. Harris is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on faith, justice, and community development.

Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen Jr. is the Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. With over 30 years of experience in youth ministry, he has worked with young people throughout the DC metropolitan area and is committed to advocating for vulnerable children and families through faith-based initiatives.

Resources & Links:

Sojourners: sojo.net
Metropolitan AME Church: metropolitaname.org
Report on Early Childhood Development in Black and Latin Faith Communities: https://sojo.net/resources/methodology-report-every-child-deserves-flourishing-future

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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In this episode, Faithful Politics welcomes back Kiera Butler, senior editor at Mother Jones, to discuss her latest reporting on a group of Christian nationalists aiming to build a secluded community in Appalachia. Butler unpacks how this network of self-identified "Theo Bros," led by figures like Andrew Isker and supported by investment firm New Founding, is attempting to create a crypto-fueled, autonomy-driven enclave in Tennessee. We explore the ideological motivations behind this project, the connections to Silicon Valley's "network state" movement, and the potential implications for local communities already established in the region. Tune in to hear Butler's insights on the intersections of faith, real estate, and the radical vision for a "Christian nation" in the American heartland.

Guest Bio:
Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones, where she covers politics, culture, and the intersection of religion and power in America. She is known for her investigative reporting on Christian nationalism and emerging political movements and has written extensively on the rise of "Theo Bros" and their efforts to create autonomous Christian enclaves.

Resources & Links:

The Christian Theobros are Building a Tech Utopia in Appalachia: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/christian-theobros-are-building-a-tech-utopia-in-appalachia/

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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In this episode, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Amy Hawk, author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a hyper-patriotic evangelical leader, Amy shares her journey of disillusionment during the 2016 election when Donald Trump became the Republican nominee. She opens up about her father’s legacy as a Vietnam War hero, her evolving faith journey, and the painful decision to step away from the white evangelical church. Hawk discusses how Trumpism has infiltrated the evangelical community, drawing parallels between Judas’ betrayal and how evangelical leaders have sacrificed integrity for political power. Amy also details how her faith was renewed through studying the life of Jesus and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ultimately leading her to a spiritual community outside traditional evangelical circles.

Guest Bio:
Amy Hawk is the author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a devoted evangelical leader, Amy experienced a profound faith crisis during the 2016 election when she witnessed the rise of Trumpism within the evangelical church. Now, she speaks out against the manipulation of Christianity for political gain and offers daily Bible teachings on her YouTube channel and social media.

Resources & Links:

The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power by Amy Hawk – Purchase Link on her website for signed copies: https://www.amyhawk.com

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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In an era of rising polarization, what does religious liberty really mean—and why does it matter today? Dr. Owen Anderson, professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University, joins Will and Josh to unpack the philosophical roots of religious freedom, natural theology, and the moral principles that shaped the American founding. Together, they explore tough questions: How do we define religious liberty in a pluralistic society? Are the ideals in the Declaration of Independence grounded in Protestant theology? What does it mean to protect religious freedom without weaponizing faith for political gain? The conversation also touches on hot-button issues like Christian nationalism, DEI programs, transgender rights, and the complex relationship between church and state. Whether you're curious about the faith of the Founders or wrestling with modern debates about freedom of conscience, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the intersection of faith, philosophy, and democracy.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Owen Anderson is a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University and the pastor of Christ the King Church in Phoenix. His work focuses on natural theology, constitutional principles, and moral philosophy, with a particular interest in how religious liberty and moral truth shape democratic societies. He is the author of several books, including Reason, Faith and Faithfulness, The Declaration of God, and a philosophical commentary on the Book of Job.

Resources & Links:
Dr. Owen Anderson’s Website: https://drowenanderson.com
The Declaration of God by Owen Anderson: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781107459045

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong—even when the evidence is right in front of us? Cognitive bias isn’t just a problem for “other people”—it affects all of us, shaping how we think, vote, and even practice our faith. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erin Devers, social psychologist and professor, to talk about her new book The Unbiased Self (InterVarsity Press), where she draws on decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and theology. Together, we explore why biases are baked into the way we process information, how these mental shortcuts affect our politics and faith, and what it actually takes to move toward greater humility and intellectual honesty. We also discuss the “bias blind spot,” confirmation bias, belief perseverance, and the surprising power of dialogue—even across deep disagreements.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Erin Elizabeth Devers is a social psychologist and professor whose work focuses on cognitive and emotional processes underlying human behavior, particularly around self-perception, social bias, and faith. She has taught social psychology since 2007 and is known for blending psychological science with spiritual insight. She is the author of The Unbiased Self, published by InterVarsity Press.

Resources & Links:

The Unbiased Self by Erin Devers (InterVarsity Press): https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781514009765
Indiana Wesleyan University Faculty Page: https://www.indwes.edu/ 

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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The Seven Mountain Mandate—a concept calling for Christian dominance over key spheres of American life like government, education, media, and family—has quietly gained traction in right-wing political and religious circles. But what does this strategy really entail, and why should it concern us today?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Boedy, professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia, to unpack the origins, theology, and political aspirations behind the Seven Mountain Mandate. Drawing connections between this fringe theology and mainstream conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA, Boedy explains how the language of spiritual warfare has morphed into a battle plan for cultural and political takeover.

We explore how this movement intersects with Christian nationalism, its ties to authoritarianism, and the implications for LGBTQ rights, religious minorities, and American democracy itself. Whether you’ve heard of the Seven Mountain Mandate or not, this conversation sheds light on a growing influence shaping faith and politics in America.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Matthew Boedy is a professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia and a leading voice analyzing the intersection of religion, politics, and extremism in the United States. He is the author of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy, where he traces the history and influence of dominion theology across modern conservative movements.

Resources & Links:
📖 The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy — Available from Westminster John Knox Press (40% off code: 7MCAST): https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664269214/the-seven-mountains-mandate.aspx

Follow Matthew Boedy on X (Twitter): @MatthewBoedy

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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Please join us on May 2nd for our Beyond the Echo Chamber event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1320567174969?aff=oddtdtcreator

As Donald Trump ramps up executive actions targeting law firms, student protestors, and immigrant communities, constitutional experts are sounding the alarm. Are we witnessing a slow erosion of the rule of law—or a full-blown constitutional crisis? In this episode of Faithful Politics, political host Will Wright and faithful host Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Professor Eric Berger, a constitutional law scholar at the University of Nebraska College of Law, to unpack the legal and constitutional stakes of Trump’s latest moves.

Berger, who signed on to an amicus brief alongside hundreds of law professors opposing Trump’s executive orders against disfavored law firms, explains how these actions violate First Amendment protections and threaten access to the courts. The conversation dives into the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the legal rights of non-citizens under due process, and the broader implications of ignoring judicial orders. Berger also addresses the deportation of graduate students for political speech and how these developments echo authoritarian strategies seen around the world.

BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE 676 LAW PROFESSORS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND FOR DECLARATORY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

Guest Bio:

Eric Berger is a professor of constitutional law at the University of Nebraska College of Law, specializing in the U.S. Supreme Court, executive power, and judicial interpretation. His scholarship focuses on constitutional structure and procedural fairness, and his work has appeared in leading law reviews and media outlets. Berger has also contributed to The Great Courses series, making complex legal issues accessible to broader audiences.

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

Since 1977, lethal injection has been portrayed as the most humane way to execute someone—but what if that’s a myth? In this episode, legal scholar and death penalty expert Corinna Lain joins host Will Wright to expose what really happens inside America’s execution chambers. From botched executions and hidden medical procedures to falsified prescriptions and black market drugs, Lain’s new book, Secrets of the Killing State, reveals a justice system cloaked in secrecy. She recounts the chilling story of Clayton Lockett’s 2014 execution, explains why so many lethal injections go wrong, and explores the hidden psychological toll on prison staff. We also examine the racial disparities in capital punishment and ask: does the state truly deserve the power to kill?

👤 Guest Bio:
Corinna Barrett Lain is a law professor and legal historian who has spent over 15 years researching the death penalty. Her latest book, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, investigates how executions are carried out in the U.S.—and the secrecy surrounding them. Lain’s work has been cited in top legal journals, and she’s a frequent speaker on issues related to criminal justice, ethics, and constitutional law.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Secrets of the Killing State by Corinna Lain: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781479832965
🖥️ Corinna Lain’s website & tour dates: corinnalain.com
Related Episode: [Coming Soon – Beyond the Echo Chamber: “The Hidden Truths of Lethal Injection”] https://youtube.com/live/_dNOs1E2i4U?feature=share

Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091

Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/

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