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In this riveting episode, we traverse the complex landscape of evangelicalism, an often misunderstood and hotly debated religious identity. Join us as Isaac Sharp, a prominent scholar of religion and acclaimed author, unravels the intricacies of this profound topic.

Our conversation initiates with Isaac defining evangelicalism. He emphasizes its multifaceted nature, elaborating on how it's perceived differently by secular scholars, historians, journalists, theologians, and evangelicals themselves. Isaac further highlights how evangelicalism transcends denominational boundaries within Protestantism, reinforcing its status as a more conservative form of American Protestantism.

In the absence of a universally accepted definition, the term 'evangelical' is perpetually negotiable. This leads to intriguing debates around the authenticity of one's evangelical identity. In the quest for understanding evangelicalism, Isaac introduces us to the "Bebbington quadrilateral," a four-pronged definition of evangelicalism focusing on the cross, a high regard for the Bible, individual conversion, and an evangelistic or activist impulse.

However, the distinctions between sociological and theological definitions of evangelicalism can paint diverse pictures of this religious group. Isaac reflects on how these differing perspectives can influence our understanding of the evangelical community. The episode concludes with a profound discussion on the complex relationship between evangelicalism and race, showcasing how historical contexts and racial dynamics intersect with faith identities.

#Evangelicalism #Religion #Protestantism #BebbingtonQuadrilateral #FaithIdentity #TheologicalPerspectives #ReligiousScholarship #AmericanReligion #IsaacSharp

Buy the book: https://a.co/d/a8NnxFp

Guest Bio:
Isaac B. Sharp is the Director of Certificate Programming and Visiting Professor. He graduated from Union Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in Social Ethics, with a minor emphasis in Religious Studies, in May 2019.

Dr. Sharp’s current research focuses on the theology, ethics, and history of U.S. American evangelicalism. His dissertation, “The Other Evangelicals,” develops an alternative reading of 20th-century evangelicalism from the point of view of some of the most marginalized, minoritized, and frequently overlooked constituencies in recent evangelical history in order to demonstrate how American evangelical identity became so closely associated with only its most politically conservative, religiously narrow, and culturally white claimants.

Dr. Sharp is the co-editor of Evangelical Ethics: A Reader in the Library of Theological Ethics series (Westminster John Knox, 2015) as well as the forthcoming Christian Ethics in Conversation (Wipf & Stock, 2020).

Prior to his doctoral studies at Union, Dr. Sharp received the B.A. with Honors in Religion from Carson-Newman College, where he served as an Oxford Studies Fellow, conducting research in British Baptist history at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University, and an M.Div. with an emphasis in Christian Ethics from the McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, in Atlanta, GA.

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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Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a lightning rod in American politics and evangelical Christianity. Our guests this week talk about it in their new book, Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation. This book offers a critical but constructive and sympathetic introduction to CRT written from a perspective rooted in Scripture and Christian theology. Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou take us beyond the caricatures and misinformation to consider how CRT can be an analytical tool to help us understand persistent inequality and injustice--and to see that Christians and churches working for racial justice engage CRT in faithful and constructive ways.

The authors explore aspects of CRT that resonate with well-trod Christian doctrine but also aspects that challenge or are corrected by Christian theology. They also address the controversial connection that critics see between CRT and Marxism. Their aim is to offer objective analysis and critique that go beyond the debates about social identity and the culture wars and aid those who are engaging the issues in Christian life and ministry. The book includes reflection/discussion questions, exercises, a glossary of key CRT terms, and suggested readings, making it helpful for students or small groups.

Buy the book: https://a.co/d/0LguhgM

About the Authors:
Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero is "Asian-Latino," and has been a professor of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA since 2005.  He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Latin American History and his Juris Doctor from U.C. Berkeley. Romero has published more than 30 academic books and articles on issues of race, immigration, history, education, and religion, and received the Latina/o Studies book award from the international Latin American Studies Association. His recent book, “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity (2020),” received the InterVarsity Press Readers’ Choice Award for best academic title.  Romero is a former Ford Foundation and U.C. President's Postdoctoral Fellow, as well as a recipient of the Louisville Institute's Sabbatical Grant for Researchers.  Robert is also an ordained minister and community organizer. 

Jeff M. Liou (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is national director of theological formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA and adjunct assistant professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He cofounded the Asian American Christian Collaborative and writes on race and justice, Asian American Christianity, theological ethics, and political theology. Ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, Liou has served as a campus minister, pastor, and university chaplain.

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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Most Christians have encountered phony posts on our feeds meant to rile us up. But not everything we see on social media is so obviously absurd. As online spaces increase in importance, we urgently need to consider how to love our neighbors on the internet—and this includes sharing the truth.  So that's why we wanted to talk with Rachel Wightman, author of the new book "Faith and Fake News: A Guide to Consuming Information Wisely"

Rachel I. Wightman has seen this problem firsthand as a librarian with over a decade of experience instructing students in information literacy. In Faith and Fake News, she shares her expertise with average Christians. This timely and essential guide explains the information landscape and its tendency toward thought bubbles, discusses techniques for fact-checking and evaluating sources, and offers suggestions on ways to engage with our neighbors online while bearing witness to Christ and the truth.

Bio from our guest:
I am a librarian, an educator, and a believer in finding the integration of faith and fact-checking. 

I am passionate about giving people tools to evaluate information and teaching others to understand our current online culture and landscape. I teach skills to help others be wise consumers of information. I believe it is especially important for Christians to understand and mindfully engage in online platforms in order to love our neighbors well and to be peacemakers in our culture.

I have a masters degree in library and information science and have been a librarian for over ten years, specializing in teaching students to find and evaluate information in ethical ways. Currently, I live in the Twin Cities, MN and have worked at both a community college and private university. Prior to moving to Minnesota in 2012, I spent two years as librarian and missionary in Kampala, Uganda. 

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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How do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own?

Our Guest this week Kaitlyn Schiess is the author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here,  where she explores these questions and more. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused. 

Schiess combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help readers faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues--and to their lives. Rather than prescribing what readers should think about specific hot-button issues, Schiess outlines core biblical themes around power, allegiance, national identity, and more.

Our Guests Bio, written by Kaitlyn:
I’m a writer, author, and a doctoral student at Duke Divinity School studying political theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation. I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021 with a ThM in systematic theology.

I am the author of The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, released with InterVarsity Press in September 2020. My forthcoming book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here, will be released with Brazos Press in August 2023. 

I have written about theology, politics, and culture at places like Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, CT Women, RELEVANT, Sojourners, Fathom, and the Christian Research Journal. I’ve also contributed some thoughts to this New York Times piece and this HuffPost piece. I wrote a chapter about political theology, Augustine, and conspiracy theories for an Eerdmans book, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross, that released in May 2023. 

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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faithfulpolitics.substack.com

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In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting special guests Aubrie Howell, a devout Christian, and Kathleen Rawlinson, an atheist who have their own podcast called, "The Christian and The Atheist podcast". They join us to share their unique perspectives, personal journeys, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about faith and friendship.

Aubrie, our Christian guest, provides insights into her beliefs and how they shape her perspective on faith and politics. She delves into her moral compass and the influence of her Christian faith in navigating political issues. Kathleen, our atheist guest, offers a contrasting viewpoint, exploring the absence of faith and the ethical frameworks she relies upon to guide her own decision-making.

During the conversation, Aubrie and Kathleen open up about their friendship and the dynamics of their differing beliefs. They reflect on the mutual respect and understanding they have cultivated, despite their contrasting perspectives. Aubrie shares her thoughts on friendship with an atheist, while Kathleen provides her experiences as someone who maintains a close bond with a devout Christian.

In addition to their personal experiences, the guests discuss broader topics related to faith and politics. They touch upon the significance of religious beliefs in political spheres and explore the complexities that arise when religious ideologies intersect with policy decisions. We also end up spending way too much time talking about underwear.

Catch their show wherever you listen to podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-and-the-atheist-podcast/id1585725909

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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Navin Nayak, President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, offers a  summary comparing the economic accomplishments and philosophy of the Biden and Trump administrations. Nayak highlights the stark differences in approach, noting that while Trump's major economic achievement was a tax cut benefiting the wealthy, Biden's focus lies in rebuilding and growing the middle class through targeted investments and cost reduction.

Nayak acknowledges the challenge of inflation but recognizes the Biden administration's efforts to address it, including initiatives to lower gasoline prices and make essential services like childcare and healthcare more affordable. The core philosophy of the Biden administration centers on investing in the middle class and holding corporations accountable for consumer exploitation, ultimately aiming to ensure that hardworking individuals have a secure place in the middle class.

Despite the impressive economic record of the Biden administration, Nayak acknowledges the need for improved communication to effectively convey the significance of these achievements to the American people. By bridging this communication gap, Nayak believes that individuals can better understand the progress made and how it directly impacts their lives. The Biden administration's focus on middle-class investments, job creation, and affordability positions it as a stark departure from the previous administration's trickle-down approach, signaling a renewed emphasis on shared prosperity and economic security for all Americans.

Guest Bio:
Navin Nayak serves as counselor at the Center for American Progress and President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund. He oversees day-to-day management of the Action Fund and helps create new programs and projects that will help the organization fulfill its mission.

Nayak has more than 15 years of experience in advocacy and elections with several organizations. Most recently, Nayak served as the director of opinion research for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, where he oversaw all the campaign’s message research. Prior to that, he worked for eight years at the League of Conservation Voters, where among several roles, he served as senior vice president for campaigns, overseeing all the organization’s electoral work. He also served as the deputy director for the Clean Energy Works campaign, a national multimillion-dollar effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation in 2009–2010.

In addition to his advocacy experience, Nayak worked as a donor adviser at Corridor Partners, where he provided strategic guidance to donors on their advocacy and electoral investments.

Nayak has appeared on numerous television programs and in numerous publications, including CNN’s “Crossfire” and MSNBC’s “Hardball.” In 2013, he was named one of Politico’s “50 Politicos to Watch.” He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children.

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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faithfulpolitics.substack.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]

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by special guest Matthew D. Taylor, PhD, as we delve into the intriguing world of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Together, we'll explore the beliefs, origins, and impact of the NAR, shedding light on its relevance to both religious and political spheres.

Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, a respected expert in religious studies, brings his wealth of knowledge to guide us through the complexities of the NAR. We'll uncover the teachings of C. Peter Wagner, the seminary professor who coined the term "New Apostolic Reformation" in the 1990s, and explore the transformative influence he had on Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity.

Join us as we examine the role of apostles and prophets in church leadership, as emphasized by the NAR. Together with Dr. Taylor, we'll discuss how this movement challenges established structures and fosters new perspectives on leadership within faith communities.

Through engaging conversations, we'll explore the growth of the NAR and the rise of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets, as Dr. Taylor provides insights into their significance in shaping modern Christianity. We'll also delve into the unique structure of the NAR, which prioritizes personal connections over traditional denominational hierarchies.

In addition, we'll tackle the concept of strategic spiritual warfare—a topic that sparks debate within the NAR. Dr. Taylor will shed light on the belief in territorial spirits and their supposed influence over physical regions, as well as their role in the NAR's approach to prayer and spiritual battles.

Here's the series we reference on the program-
Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/series/charismatic-revival-fury/


Guest Bio:
Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is the Protestant Scholar at ICJS, where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. Prior to coming to ICJS, Taylor served on the faculty of Georgetown University and The George Washington University. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the North American Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies, and the Company of Teachers of the Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington. Taylor holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and Muslim-Christian Relations from Georgetown University and an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His forthcoming book, Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians’ America (Cambridge University Press—August 2023), offers an introduction to the oft-misunderstood Salafi movement in the U.S. by way of comparison with American Evangelicalism. He is also the creator of the acclaimed audio-documentary series  “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation,” which details how networks of extremist Christian leaders helped instigate the January 6th Insurrection.

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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faithfulpolitics.substack.com

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In this episode, we focus on the recent indictment and arraignment of former President Donald Trump. Joining us for this discussion is Robert L. Deitz, a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. With his extensive experience as the top lawyer for the director of the CIA and as the general counsel at the NSA, Deitz brings valuable insights into the legal and intelligence aspects of the case. We also have guest host, Professor Corinna Barrett Lain,  a constitutional law scholar who writes about the influence of extralegal norms on Supreme Court decision making.

We begin by providing an overview of the indictment and the specific charges brought against Trump. Deitz guides us through the legal basis for the indictment and outlines the key allegations. We explore the potential implications and consequences for Trump if found guilty.

Moving on to the arraignment process, we delve into its significance in the legal proceedings. Deitz explains the procedural aspects of the arraignment and its role in establishing the framework for the trial. We discuss the potential strategies that Trump's legal team might employ during the arraignment.

Looking ahead, we consider the possible outcomes of the trial and their significance. Deitz shares insights into the legal strategies and arguments that might be presented during the trial. We discuss the timeline of the proceedings and anticipate future developments in the case, keeping an eye on how they might shape Trump's political landscape, and the potential prison sentences.

Finally we answer listener questions and look at comparisons to the Clinton email server and the Airman Jack Teixeira Discord leaks. 

Helpful reads:

• Read the full 49-page indictment
• Read the Court Transcripts during the arraignment

Guest Bios:
Robert L. Deitz is a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. Previously, he served as senior councillor to the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006 until February 2009. From September 1998 to September 2006, Deitz was the general counsel at the National Security Agency where he represented the NSA in all legal matters. He has also held positions as acting general counsel at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and as acting deputy general counsel, intelligence, at the Department of Defense.

Professor Corinna Barrett Lain is a constitutional law scholar who writes about the influence of extralegal norms on Supreme Court decisionmaking, with a particular focus on the field of capital punishment. Her scholarship, which often uses the lens of legal history, has appeared in the Stanford Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Duke Law Journal, UCLA Law Review, and Georgetown Law Journal, among other venues. 

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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Although Christians are followers of the Truth, many find themselves tempted by the alternate “truths” offered by conspiracy theories. Christianity and conspiracy theories have had a long, complicated relationship. But today conspiracy theories are bringing our already polarized society to the brink of chaos. QAnon, the Big Lie, and anti-vaccination theories thrive online, disrupting faith communities. This timely essay collection explores the allure of conspiracy theories and their consequences—and ultimately offers gospel-based paths forward. Will and Josh speak with the two editors who endeavored to put this collection together!
 
Buy the book: https://a.co/d/82C041u

Accessible to all concerned believers, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross features scholars of religion, ethics, and public life on the following topics:
     • evaluating evidence and forming beliefs
     • the Satanic Panic of the 1960s–1990s
     • understanding scientific methodology
     • conspiracy theories’ appeal to those searching for meaning
     • the consequences of social media and echo chambers
     • productive dialog with people who hold different opinions
     • intellectualism in the life of faith
     • conspiracy theories in Scripture
     • QAnon’s religious rhetoric

Complete with a guide to reasoning, which outlines both logical fallacies and intellectual virtues, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross is an indispensable resource for all Christians seeking the truth.

Contributors:
Chase Andre, Michael W. Austin, Bradley Baurain, Daniel Bennett, Gregory L. Bock, Chad Bogosian, Kevin Carnahan, Jason Cook, Scott Culpepper, Stephen Davis, Garrett J. DeWeese, Marlena Graves, Shawn Graves, David Horner, Dru Johnson, Nathan King, Rick Langer, Christian Miller, Timothy Muehlhoff, Michelle Lynn Panchuk, Susan Peppers-Bates, Steven Porter, Kaitlyn Schiess, Aaron Simmons, Domonique Turnipseed, Rachel I. Wightman, Keith Wyma, Eric Yang 

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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In light of the recent indictment of former President Trump over classified documents, there has been no shortage of commentary about what all of it means. However, we thought it was important to address the big elephant in the room and that's, is this a politically motivated prosecution? In this episode, we explore the significance of impartiality in investigations and how organizations like Protect Democracy are leading the way in this area. We discuss recent politically motivated investigations, the role of journalism in upholding institutional honesty, and the release of the Special Counsel John Durham report.

We begin by examining the weaponization of government investigations, particularly in relation to President Trump. We highlight Protect Democracy's article on identifying weaponized investigations and discuss examples such as James Comey's announcement on the Clinton investigation and Alvin Bragg's indictment in NY. Additionally, we analyze the Take Care Clause and its application to presidential oversight of the Justice Department. We also scrutinize the GOP House majority's Committee on the Weaponization of Government and suggest other crucial issues they should address.

Next we assess the impartiality of Attorney General Merrick Garland and evaluate specific cases like Hunter Biden and the Trump-E. Jean Carrol case. We also discuss concerns about the Durham Report intentionally omitting relevant information. Furthermore, we explore the Durham Investigation's new findings and the assessment by DOJ IG Michael Horowitz. Lastly, we touch upon the Authoritarian Threat Index and compare the John Durham report with other investigations on Russia's interference in the 2016 election.

Join us for an insightful discussion on investigations and the vital role of impartiality in preserving our democratic values.

Articles referenced in the show:

• How to tell whether a government investigation or prosecution is “weaponized”
• Investigating and Prosecuting Political Leaders in a Democracy

Guests:
Anne Tindall is Counsel at Protect Democracy, where she works to secure accountability for abuses of power and counter anti-democratic activity at the federal and state level. Prior to joining Protect Democracy, she served as Assistant General Counsel for Litigation and Oversight at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Kristy Parker is Counsel at Protect Democracy. She leads litigation to secure accountability for abuses of executive power and interference with government functions, and leads advocacy to reform the Department of Justice and protect its independence from politicization. Before joining Protect Democracy, she spent 15 years as a federal prosecutor at the Justice Department, specializing in police excessive force and hate crimes cases as a Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. 

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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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

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