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What happens when faith and nationalism collide?

The next guest in our Christian Nationalism series is The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, author of The Psychology of Christian Nationalism. Bishop Wright and Dr. Cooper-White explore this question and dissect the rise of Christian Nationalism in America. Dr. Cooper White sheds light on how this movement attempts to reshape the U.S. into a fictional Christian nation. Listen in for the full conversation.

The Rev. Pamela Cooper-White, Ph.D., is the Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor of Psychology and Religion, Emerita, and Dean and Vice President Emerita for Academic Affairs, at Union Theological Seminary, New York, also serving for 8 years as Assisting Priest at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York. Previously, she was Gautier Professor of Pastoral Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA and co-director of the Atlanta Theological Association’s ThD program in pastoral counseling. She was the 2013-14 Fulbright-Freud Scholar of Psychoanalysis in Vienna, Austria. An award-winning author, she has published 10 books including Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling (2nd ed. forthcoming 2024) and Old and Dirty Gods: Religion, Antisemitism, and the Origins of Psychoanalysis, as well as over 100 articles and book chapters. Her most recent book, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism, was awarded the INDIE independent publishers’ 2022 gold medal for social and political science. She is a frequent keynote speaker both nationally and internationally.

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Christian Nationalism is an ideology that’s everywhere, masquerades as a theology that has infected our politics and seeks to guide our policies locally and nationally. The problem with Christian Nationalism is that it doesn’t have anything to do with the Jesus of the Bible. Exposing Christian Nationalism, our new series, will discuss this every Friday in September.

Our first guest is Dr. Michael W. Austin, author of American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. Bishop Wright and Dr. Austin have a conversation about how figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter have harnessed their faith to foster inclusion and the common good, challenging the exclusionary and coercive tendencies of Christian Nationalism. Dr. Austin provides a nuanced examination of how this ideology clashes with core American values and Christian principles, offering a vision for a more harmonious and inclusive form of Christian political engagement. Listen in for the full conversation.

Dr. Michael W. Austin is Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College, and current president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He received a B.A. in political science from Kansas State University, an M.A. in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research is focused on ethics and spiritual formation, especially issues related to the cultivation of character and connections between character and the common good. He’s published 15 books, including Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018) and God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020). His latest book is Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ (Eerdmans, 2024). His next book, due out in October, is American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian (Eerdmans).

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What if Labor Day was about more than just barbecues and a day off work? Truly honoring labor means advocating for living wages, healthcare, and quality education for all that labor. 

In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright unpack the deeper meaning of Labor Day through the lens of Mark 7:1-23. Together, they challenge the superficial celebrations and call for tangible, material improvements in the lives of essential workers who keep our society running. Listen in for the full conversation.

Before listening, read For Faith.

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What does it mean to be a spiritual leader for young adults? The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry, the Dean of Sisters Chapel at Spelman College, brings her rich, ecumenical background to the table, sharing how her diverse religious experiences inform her inclusive ministry. 

Dr. Guidry and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the expansive love of Jesus Christ and how it goes hand in hand with relational presence and proximity. Dr. Guidry opens up about the challenges she encounters when ministering to young adults and underscores the value of embracing a wide spectrum of spiritual beliefs in an academic setting. Listen in for the full conversation. 

The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry (she/her/hers) is a highly sought-after teacher, preacher, leader and commentator. Dr. Guidry currently serves as the Dean of the Chapel and the Director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. A womanist homiletician and practitioner, she is the author of Curating a World: Sermonic Words from a Young Woman Who Preaches.

She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University (BA) and Yale Divinity School (M.Div.), where she was the 2010 recipient of the Walcott Prize for Clear and Effective Public and Pulpit Speaking, and the 2019 recipient of the William Sloane Coffin Alumni Award for Peace and Justice. She is also a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Liturgical Studies, Homiletics concentration). Her dissertation was entitled, “Towards a Womanist Homiletical Theology for Subverting Rape Culture.” She is a member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, the MLK Jr. International Chapel Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Learn more about Dr. Guidry at www.revneichelle.com

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All of us have insight. Insight is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. From insight comes wisdom. Proverbs 9:1-6 invites us to consider the role of spiritual mentorship and community in cultivating true wisdom.

In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the intergenerational responsibility and timeless principles presented in Proverbs. Discover how living for God, loving others, and practicing generosity can create a more understanding and cohesive world. Listen in for the full conversation.

Before listening, read For Faith.

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What distinguishes being nice from being kind? Kindness is rooted in truth, boldness, and courage. The definition of nice is agreeable. Big difference.

In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about real kindness, embodying the teaching of Jesus, and the ripple effect of our actions on those around us. The conversation underscores the importance of living out Jesus's teachings through grace and forgiveness, especially during tumultuous periods like election cycles. Listen in for the full conversation.

Before listening, read For Faith.

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What role does faith play when you're on the cusp of major life changes? With God, we are able to stand on firm foundation. A foundation that keeps us on solid ground during times of transition and uncertainty.

In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Kelsey Andries of St. Simon's Conyers. Kelsey is preparing for major change as she heads to college this fall, and she shares her young wisdom of keeping her faith near during this new season. Melissa and Kelsey discuss the importance of building a strong foundation with God and practical ways to stay engaged in your faith during life transition. 

Kelsey Andries is a member of St. Simon’s Conyers. She has been involved with the EYCDIOATL Youth Program for the past several years. Kelsey also had the opportunity to lead Happening 79 this past spring. She is excited for everything to come with this next chapter as she starts college at Kennesaw State University in the fall where she will double major in broadcast journalism and environmental science.

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Have you ever wondered how even the smallest acts can ripple out and create significant impacts? 

In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Marycelis Otero, a candidate for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in The Diocese of Atlanta. Marycelis shares how viewing life through a faith-based lens can transform our seemingly minor contributions into monumental movements. By drawing parallels to the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000, she reveals how each of us possesses unique gifts that can be harnessed to serve a greater purpose in God's plan. Listen in for the full conversation. 

Marycelis Otero is a Candidate for the Holy Orders to the Priesthood in The Diocese of Atlanta. Originally from the Islands of Puerto Rico, Marycelis is in the final year of her Masters in Divinity for the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program at Emory's Candler School of Theology. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Mass Communications Technologies with a minor in Strategic Communications. In her career, Marycelis has worked as Associate Producer for Day1, a ministry of the Alliance for Christian Media. She has supported the Office of Ethnic Ministries of The Episcopal Church, and she is the translator for the For Faith Devotional. Currently, Marycelis serves as a seminarian at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, where she supports both the English and Spanish-speaking populations. Marycelis enjoys listening to audiobooks, watching movies, and especially investing her time creating experiences with her husband and their sons.

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Ever wonder how to keep your spiritual roots strong amidst life's storms? The balance between spiritual renewal and daily demands can actually be a divine opportunity. What might happen when we slow down daily to open ourselves up to God?

In this episode, Melissa and a conversation with The Rev. Bonnie Underwood, Rector of All Saints Warner Robins. Melissa and Bonnie discuss spiritual practices, what gets in the way, and how sitting with God in the morning sets up to live our faith out in the world. Listen in for the full conversation.

The Rev. Bonnie Underwood joined All Saints in 2018. Prior to becoming a priest, Mother Bonnie had a diverse business career including 20+ years as a business executive; experience as a small business owner; and service in the United States Marine Corps, as both an officer and enlisted Marine. Bonnie enjoys reading, movies, and travel with her husband Jess, and especially spending time with their 6 adult children and 5 grandchildren.

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This July, we are featuring special guests from across The Diocese of Atlanta for Summer Shorts! 

How can you live fully into the spiritual reality of being "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by God? Join us as we welcome The Rev. Rhett Solomon, Associate Rector at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, Georgia. to share his inspiring journey from the Baptist Church to The Episcopal Church. 

In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Rhett about Ephesians 1:3-14. They discuss St. Paul's letter offering profound insights on God's enduring covenant and presence, and provide practical guidance on embodying this truth through prayer, faith, and community. This episode isn't just about theology; it's about finding ways to stay deeply connected with God and others, even amidst life's challenges. Listen in for the full conversation.

A native of New Jersey, Rhett Solomon traveled to Atlanta in the fall of 1999 to attend Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2003. After graduating Morehouse, he discerned whether to pursue doctoral work in Political Science or a call to ministry. After much prayer and consultation, he pursued active ministry. A licensed and ordained Baptist minister, Rhett served at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, from 2005 – 2008, during which time he was admitted to the MDiv program at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, a program he completed in 2009.

In the summer of 2020, Rhett earned his ThM (Master of Theology) from Candler School of Theology. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on December 19, 2020 and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 26, 2021.

Rhett currently serves as Associate Rector at Holy Trinity Parish, where he oversees Children, Youth, and Adult Formation.

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