What Does Faith Demand in an Age of ICE Raids?

In this first episode in an on-going series on immigration in America, host Curtis Chang talks with Pastor Luis "Paco" Amador about the struggles of Chicago's immigrant communities, especially in Little Village, where faith meets fear amid ongoing ICE raids. Pastor Amador shares stories of family separation, resilience, and gospel hope, revealing how churches stand as places of strength and compassion. The episode calls for biblical justice and unity within the church in the face of division and fear.

(03:15) - Immigration and Community in Chicago

(05:49) - Impact of Immigration Raids on Community

(12:54) - Immigration Rights Issues

(15:35) - Community Support

(17:38) - How Does the Bible Speak To the Immigrant's Experience?

(19:37) - Migrants and Persecution

(27:00) - A Faith Revival in Immigrant Communities

(34:00) - Immigration Reform and Order

(39:10) - Migrants Fleeing Collapsing Dictatorships

Episode Guide for Personal and Group Study

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• Images of ICE raids in Little Village, Chicago (the month of October)
• Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV) The Beatitudes
• Acts 8:1-4 (ESV) The Scattering of the Church
• Genesis 12 (ESV) The Call of Abraham
• Justo L. Gonzalez's The Story of Christianity, Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation
• Justo L. Gonzalez's The Story of Christianity, Vol. 2: The Reformation to the Present Day

More from Paco Amador

• Paco Amador: A Church With a Heart for Immigrants
• Little Village: New Life Community Church
• Immigrants Plant Churches and Revitalize a Neighborhood in Chicago (substack article)

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

How Thin Is the Line Between Patriotism and Nationalism?

Curtis Chang and David French take a hard look at the rise of Christian nationalism and its growing influence on American faith and politics. They unpack how this ideology blurs the line between patriotism and nationalism, reshaping evangelical identity and challenging both biblical and constitutional values. Drawing from history and theology—from January 6th to modern evangelical movements—they reveal how love of country can be redeemed from the distortions of fear and power. Listeners are invited to reflect on what true patriotism looks like for followers of Jesus in a divided America.

(02:30) - Understanding Christian Nationalism in America

(11:03) - Defining Christian Nationalism in America

(17:37) - The Emotional Identity of Lived Out Christian Nationalism

(26:17) - Challenging American Identity and History

(33:43) - America's Story and a Universal "us"?

(36:30) - The Competing Stories of 1619 and 1776

(44:18) - C.S. Lewis on Patriotism and Nationalism

(48:56) - American Identity, Patriotism, and Protecting Others

(55:45) - Security About the Truth of America

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• Andrew Whitehead & Samuel Perry's Taking America Back For God
• Thomas Kidd's Christian Nationalism vs. Christian Patriotism (article)
• How Many Americans Are Christian Nationalists? (article & date)
• David French: What Is Christian Nationalism, Exactly? (2/25/24)
• The Role of The New Apostolic Reformation
• A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate
• Derek Bell's Interest Convergence and the Permanence of Racism: A Reflection on Resistance
• Matt Yglesias's Great Awakening
• C.S. Lewis on Love of Country and Love of God
• C.S. Lewis on Love of Country and Love of God
• C.S. Lewis on Patriotism

More From David French:

• David French's New York Times pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

Join Curtis Chang, host of the Good Faith Podcast, along with co-leaders Chuck Mingo, Sarah Billups, Russell Moore, Kaitlyn Schiess, and Mark Turman, as they move listeners through a series of guided prayers based on the Beatitudes. This pastoral effort invites the audience to recalibrate their spiritual focus and pray for the church, our country, and one another. Beginning with "Blessed are the poor in spirit" and culminating in rejoicing and gladness, this time of reflection and prayer encourages all-comers to renew their hope, reclaim peace, and follow Christ faithfully in a divided world.

(01:05) - Welcome from Curtis Chang

(03:47) - Centering Silence

(04:20) - Blessed Are the Poor In Spirit: Curtis Chang

(09:50) - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

(13:39) - Blessed Are the Meek: Chuck Mingo

(14:58) - Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness:Sara Billups

(16:49) - Blessed Are the Merciful: Sara Billups

(17:59) - Prayer For the Church Universal From the Book of Common Prayer: Sara Billups

(19:45) - Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: Russell Moore

(22:14) - Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Russell Moore

(24:08) - Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted: Kaitlyn Schiess

(27:35) - Prayers For the Needs of God's Work: Kaitlyn Schiess

(28:39) - Rejoice and Be Glad: Mark Turman

(32:12) - Hope and Joy in Christ: Mark Turman

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Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 5: 1-12 (ESV)
• Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
• Amos 5 (ESV)

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

Can Our Enemies Teach Us Anything?

A.J. Swoboda joins the Good Faith podcast to unpack how cultivating a teachable spirit and practicing true discipleship means learning from enemies, strangers, and neighbors in a divided world. He emphasizes how to recognize real experts amid alternate facts and subjective "truths," and tells how the countercultural practice of learning from anyone—regardless of agreement—fosters humility, empathy, and connection, insights drawn from his book A Teachable Spirit.

(03:11) - Cultivating a Teachable Spirit

(09:38) - Reverse Prophecy and Calling Out Your Tribe

(17:55) - Experts & Expertise

(22:09) - Sola Scriptura vs. "Solo" Scriptura

(23:27) - Jesus Would Be the Best At Anything

(32:04) - Replacing Our Neighbors With Technology

(45:03) - Learning From Enemies

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• A.J. Swoboda's A Teachable Spirit
• How John Calvin understood the Ten Commandments
• Erving Goffman's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (pdf)
• More about Fuller Seminary's John Goldengay
• Roger Kneebone: The Path To Expertise and Why Experts Matter
• Understanding Erving Goffman's concept of Civil Inattention
• Dallas Willard's sermon: The Genius of Jesus, part 1 (video)
• Dallas Willard's Jesus the Logician (article)
• How Should Pastors Respond to Charlie Kirk's Assassination? (article)

Scriptures Referenced:

• The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 (ESV)
• Mark 12:30-31 (ESV)
• Deuteronomy 10 (ESV)
• Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)

More From A.J. Swoboda:

• A.J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta's The Slow Theology Podcast
• A.J. Swoboda's Low Level Theology Substack
• A.J. Swoboda's The Dusty Ones: Why Wandering Deepens Your Faith

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

How Is Radicalization A Risk in Online Spaces?

Host Curtis Chang sits down with Elizabeth Neumann, former DHS counterterrorism leader, to explore the rise of political violence in our digital world. From Charlie Kirk's assassination to the role of memes, online gaming, and extremist recruitment, they uncover how radicalization thrives—and where faith communities, government, and citizens can step in to push back against hate and defend freedom.

(01:54) - Understanding and Preventing Political Violence

(08:22) - The Broader Context of Rising Violence

(12:03) - Addressing Root Causes of Mass Violence

(21:29) - Online Gaming and Extremism Concerns

(27:15) - Rating the Trump Administration's Response to the Crisis

(34:09) - Government Response to Political Violence

(42:34) - Jesus Followers and the Threat of Violence

Register for the Good Faith live prayer event HERE

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Recommended Resource: Mass Violence Prevention
• An Independent article: The sinister role of 'black-pilling' in the murder of Charlie Kirk
• Elizabeth Newman's book Kingdom of Rage From the U.N.:Examining the Intersection Between Gaming and Violent Extremism (pdf)
• Learn about: The Calm Network (764) (the United States Attorney's Office District of Columbia)
• Learn how Violent Online Networks Target Vulnerable and Underage Populations

More From Elizabeth Neumann:

• Check out Elizebeth Neumann's website
• Elizabeth Neumann's archived DHS biography

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

What Does Charlie Kirk's Murder Reveal About Extremism and Division?

Host Curtis Chang sits down with Good Faith "founding friend" and New York Times writer David French to reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the rise of political violence in America. Together, they explore how formative experiences have shaped Baby Boomers and Gen Z differently, the role of influencers versus institutions, and the dangers of extremism across the political spectrum. With compassion for the personal tragedy at the center of this event, they also highlight the church's role on the path toward healing and rebuilding trust in a deeply divided nation.

Register for the Good Faith live prayer event HERE

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Poll Results: Is Political Violence Ever Justified?
• Why Do So Many Young Americans Justify Political Violence? (internal WSJ generational poll %s)
• How recent political violence in the U.S. fits into 'a long, dark history' (Politifact/PBS)
• Political violence in polarized U.S. at its worst since 1970s (Reuters, 2023)
• Spencer Cox's calls for civility spark introspection, and some GOP backlash
• Utah Gov. Spencer Cox decries 'cancer' of social media and its 'direct role' in every assassination over past 5 years
• Pope Leo criticizes surge of nationalist political movements in the world (video)

David French on Charlie Kirk's Murder and Political Violence:

• David French: There Are Monsters in Your Midst, Too
• David French: If We Keep This Up, Charlie Kirk Will Not Be the Last to Die
• Roundtable discussion, including David French: The 'Fork in the Road' After Charlie Kirk's Death
• David French's Divided We Fall

More From David French:

• David French's New York Times pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

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Redeeming Babel Newsletter

The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

Modern Challenges of Self-Worth and Lies

Host Curtis Chang talks with author and women's ministry leader Emily Wilson about faith, motherhood, and battling the lies of shame and self-hatred. Drawing from C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters and her new book Sincerely, Stoneheart, Emily explores how screens, productivity pressures, and cultural messages distort our identity—and how the truth of God's love can set us free.

(00:01) - Reimagining CS Lewis for Modern Times

(04:54) - Women and Good vs. Evil

(08:27) - Women and Men's Unique Vulnerabilities to Evil

(13:03) - Did C.S. Lewis Miss Something About Women?

(14:53) - C.S. Lewis and Friendship

(19:08) - Unveiling Truths About Motherhood and Screens

(28:01) - The Lie of Productivity

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Emily Wilson's Sincerely Stoneheart
• Learn more about C.S. Lewis (C.S. Lewis Institute)
• The Background surrounding C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters
• More about Lewis's friendships and the Inklings
• Listen to Good Faith Episode 160 - Resetting Your Faith: Exploring the Strength of Biblical Mothers with Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLea authors of Moms at the Well
• NIH's Study on depression, screen time, and women (abstract)

More from Emily Wilson:

• Emily Wilson's Website
• Find Emily Wilson on Instagram
• Watch Emily Wilson on YouTube
• Find Emily Wilson on Facebook

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Why Is Your Inner Life So Complicated?

Host Curtis Chang and therapist Dr. Alison Cook connect dive into conversation about the intersection of Christian faith, psychology, and emotional health. Together they explore how overcoming shame, naming emotions, and quieting one's inner critic can lead to spiritual growth and deeper empathy. Drawing on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Dr. Cook provides tools to manage the competing voices within.

(00:01) - Exploring Inner and Outer Complexity

(03:45) - Compassionate Curiosity and Inner Complexity

(17:16) - Unlocking Inner Complexity Through Exploration

(22:28) - Navigating the Inner Soul Complexity

(33:48) - Cultivating Inner Harmony for Leadership

(37:45) - Journey of Inner Exploration

Drawing upon material from a past conversation, this episode provides ideas about emotional health and inner well being.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model
• Learn more about Dr. Richard Schwartz
• Dr. Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
• Read Isaiah 6:5 ESV (and related scriptures)
• Henry Nouwen: "Finding Our Sacred Center" (video, 1994)
• Explaining the True Therapy in 'Inside Out' (video)
• Explore the 5 Things Inside Out 2 Got Right about IFS Therapy
• Read about The Doctrine of the Trinity: No Christianity Without It

More from Dr. Alison Cook:

• Explore Dr. Cook's website
• Listen to Dr. Cook's podcast: The Best of You
• Read Dr. Cook's book The Best of You: Break Free from Painful Patterns, Mend Your Past, and Discover Your True Self in God
• Read Dr. Cook's book I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What's Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action

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We Can Find Common Ground Even in Washington, D.C.

Good Faith's series of Campfire Stories invites listeners to hear how ordinary people are living out extraordinary faith in complex times. In this episode, Daniel, a pastor in Reston, Virginia, reflects on 23 years of ministry near Washington D.C., where politics and faith are in constant conversation. Inspired to bring the community – inside and outside of his church – together through civic discourse, he championed an initiative to create spaces for meal sharing and meaningful dialogue, creating curiosity and seeking unity across political lines. Daniel's story shows how one pastor can change the way we do church to cultivate reconciliation, hope, and community in the most polarized of towns.

Send your Campfire Stories to: [email protected]

From Jeffrey Epstein to QAnon, Why Do Conspiracies Thrive in Churches?

The Atlantic's Pete Wehner, Christianity Today's Emily Belz, and host Curtis Chang dive into QAnon, conspiracy theories, and the MAGA movement's influence on American politics, culture, and the church. From Donald Trump's messianic image to the shadows of Jeffrey Epstein, they reveal why conspiracies thrive in times of distrust—and how faith communities can fight back with truth and resilience.

(01:58) - Understanding the QAnon Conspiracy Movement

(04:10) - The Impact of QAnon Beliefs

(10:55) - The Role of Jeffrey Epstein's Death

(17:13) - Christian Vulnerability to Conspiracy Theories

(25:13) - The History of Christianity and Conspiracies

(30:14) - The Grip of Trump on MAGA

(40:36) - Challenges Facing Church Leadership Today

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Emily Belz: How QAnon Lives On Under Trump 2.0
• Pete Wehner: Trump Discovers MAGA Has No 'Off' Switch
• Wired: All The Times Kash Patel Promoted QAnon
• FOX News: AG Pam Bondi on Epstein files: 'The public has a right to know' (March 3)
• Politico: Outraged Trump supporters not placated by DOJ's actions on Epstein
• New York Times: Trump Embraces Conspiracy Theories He Only Winked at Before
• Life Way Research: 50% of U.S. Protestant Pastors Hear Conspiracy Theories in Church
• American Enterprise Institute: Findings from the January 2021 American Perspectives Survey
• Nicholas Carr's The Shallows
• More about Historical Antisemetic Conspiracies: Blood Libel
• More about William Miller & the Millerites

More from Emily Belz & Pete Wehner:

• Emily Belz's article at Christianity Today
• Pete Wehner's articles at The Atlantic

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