It’s been five years since Pope Francis’ election, so Kirsten and Jonathan discuss his influence—from his personal life to his most controversial comments. He’s wildly popular among Catholics and Christians generally, but many conservatives are concerned he is changing the Church for the worse, particularly when it comes to marriage. So the episode wraps with a lively debate between The New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and Jesuit author Fr. James Martin.  

Five Years of Francis: Has the Pope Changed the Faith for Better or Worse?

What does it mean to live as a person of faith in this crazy moment in American history? That’s the question behind The Faith Angle, a provocative podcast from journalists Kirsten Powers and Jonathan Merritt. From bathroom bills to conservative Christian cake bakers to Pope Francis’ impact, the duo will explore the issues that matter to people of faith. Each episode features an explainer on this issue, discussion of relevant headlines, and a lively interview with a thought leader. Think of it as ‘a survival guide for the faithful in Trump’s America.”

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Kirsten and Jonathan answer questions from Faith Angle listeners from why Arizona is Kirsten’s second favorite state to what the duo thinks of religious liberty laws.

You Asked, We Answered

The difficulties to honestly discussing race are many, but the effort is still worth it. In this episode, author and activist Austin Channing Brown shares her experiences of helping religious organizations become more inclusive and why she has devoted her life to a fight that seems to never end.  

Why We Should Keep Talking About Race with Austin Channing Brown

After his New York Times column “Dear White People” went viral, professor George Yancy discovered firsthand how conversations on racism are often not well received. Hear Kirsten and Jonathan explore how honest conversations about race are often fraught and contentious.  

What Happens When We Talk Honestly About Race

Evangelicalism has an image problem. Today, many see it as nothing more than a cover for white republicanism and as a result, they are leaving the movement. Is a mass exodus warranted or should principled dissenters stay and work for change? Kirsten and Jonathan interview Christopher Stroop, one of the leaders of the evangelical movement who started the popular #emptythepews hashtag, and Lisa Sharon Harper, an author and activist who is still holding onto the “evangelical” label despite the movement’s flaws.  

Evangelicalism: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

It has been widely reported that on any given Sunday, more women than men will attend church in America. Some have concluded that the Church has been “feminized” and needs to become more masculine, so Kirsten and Jonathan explore the myths and pitfalls of “muscular Christianity.” The duo also interviews Owen Strachan, an author and leading voice among Christians who believe men have been ordained by God to lead in the home and church.  

Five Years of Francis: Has the Pope Changed the Faith for Better or Worse?

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