Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most divisive questions in modern Christianity: Can you really separate faith from politics? Speaking from his peaceful retreat at the Lake of the Ozarks, Adam opens up about the intense reaction to his July 4th Facebook post discussing recent legislation and why he believes the church must speak when political decisions become moral issues. With over 600 comments flooding in—both supportive and critical—Adam uses this as a launching point to explore the biblical mandate for addressing issues that affect society's most vulnerable populations.

5 Key Insights From This Episode:

The Hebrew Prophets Were Political Activists: Adam walks through scripture to show how biblical prophets routinely spoke about what we'd call "political" issues today—from justice and oppression to care for widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor. If the church doesn't shape our ethics around these issues, who will?

When Politics Becomes Morality, the Church Must Speak: Drawing from Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 1, Adam argues that when political decisions impact the marginalized and powerless, they transcend partisan politics and become moral imperatives that require a faithful response.

The Real-World Impact of Policy on People: Adam breaks down recent changes to SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid, sharing sobering statistics about food insecurity affecting 13.5% of US households and explaining how policy changes will impact healthcare access for millions of Americans.

The Challenge of "Difficult to Employ" Populations: While supporting work requirements in principle, Adam raises concerns about people who struggle with mental health issues or other barriers that make traditional employment challenging—asking what happens to those who fall through the cracks.

Churches Need Both Republicans and Democrats: Adam shares how his congregation is roughly 40% Republican, 40% Democrat, and 20% independent, explaining his approach to honoring diverse political perspectives while still calling people to consider how their faith should inform their values.

This episode perfectly embodies what Making Sense of Faith is all about—wrestling with the hard questions that thinking people face rather than offering easy answers. Adam's honest reflection on the backlash he received shows the real cost of trying to build bridges in our polarized world, while his biblical grounding demonstrates why faith communities can't afford to stay silent on issues of justice. Whether you're skeptical about religion's role in public life or wrestling with how your beliefs should inform your political engagement, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for navigating these complex intersections. Adam's genuine struggle with these questions—and his willingness to face criticism for raising them—makes this essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of faith in our complicated world.

In this captivating episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with 91-year-old Barnett Helzberg Jr., the legendary Kansas City entrepreneur who transformed a small family jewelry business into a national empire before selling it to Warren Buffett in one of the most remarkable chance encounters in business history. But this isn't just another success story - it's a profound exploration of how faith, love, and genuine care for people can shape both business and life in extraordinary ways.

Episode Highlights:

The Street Corner Deal That Made History - Discover how Barnett literally bumped into Warren Buffett on a New York street corner and turned a casual conversation into a multi-million dollar acquisition. This wasn't luck—it was the result of building a business with such integrity that no "gotchas" existed in the deal.

Why Employees Come Before Customers - Learn the counterintuitive leadership principle that revolutionized Helzberg's culture: "You're number one, not the customer." Barnett reveals how treating employees as family created a ripple effect that transformed customer experiences and drove unprecedented growth.

The Accidental Marketing Genius Behind "I Am Loved" - Go behind the scenes of how a stick-figure drawing almost thrown in the trash became a global phenomenon. Barnett shares the deeply personal story of how his own experience of feeling loved inspired a campaign that has touched millions of lives worldwide.

From Saloon to Success: Overcoming Discrimination with Grace - Hear how Barnett's grandfather, a Lithuanian immigrant who couldn't get hired due to anti-Semitic practices, started with a saloon he hated and built the foundation for a jewelry empire. This is a masterclass in perseverance and turning obstacles into opportunities.

Repairing the World Through Business and Philanthropy - Explore how the Jewish concept of "tikkun olam" (repairing the world) shaped Barnett's approach to philanthropy, including founding University Academy, a charter school that sends 100% of its graduates to college and takes underprivileged kids on life-changing international trips.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to make sense of how success and faith intersect, this conversation offers profound wisdom wrapped in the warmth and authenticity that only comes from someone who has lived through both triumph and struggle. Adam masterfully draws out insights about leadership, love, and legacy that will challenge your assumptions about what really matters in life. Barnett's journey from a young man working in his family's store to becoming one of Kansas City's most respected philanthropists proves that when you lead with love and integrity, extraordinary things become possible. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between the head and the heart.

In this deeply moving episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Bob and Kelly Pascuzzi to explore one of life's most challenging questions: How do we forgive when someone we love does the unthinkable? Through their raw and honest conversation, Adam reveals why forgiveness isn't just a nice spiritual concept—it's the most essential life skill you'll ever learn. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience and his own struggles with forgiveness, Adam offers practical wisdom for anyone wrestling with hurt, betrayal, or the seemingly impossible task of letting go.

Five Key Insights You Don't Want to Miss:

The Six Words That Can Save Any Relationship Adam shares the two simple phrases that no successful relationship can survive without—and they're probably not what you think. These six words have the power to transform marriages, friendships, and family dynamics, yet most of us struggle to say them regularly.

Why Your Brain and Your Faith Should Work Together Forget the idea that faith requires checking your intellect at the door. Adam explains how critical thinking actually strengthens faith and why asking hard questions isn't the enemy of belief—it's often the pathway toward deeper understanding and authentic spirituality.

The Backpack Full of Rocks Metaphor That Changes Everything Discover Adam's powerful visualization for understanding forgiveness as a process of releasing the emotional weight we carry. From small pebbles of daily irritation to massive boulders of deep hurt, learn how to identify what you're carrying and why it's time to set it down.

What to Do When Someone Won't Stop Hurting You Through a personal story about a difficult parishioner, Adam reveals the surprising prayer strategy that transformed his heart over 18 months. This isn't about becoming a doormat—it's about finding freedom when you can't escape a toxic situation.

How Hurt People Really Do Hurt People Adam shares the breakthrough moment that helps unlock empathy for those who've wounded us: understanding their own pain. When we discover the trauma and wounds that shaped someone's behavior, forgiveness becomes possible without excusing what they did to us.

Whether you're struggling to forgive a spouse's betrayal, a parent's neglect, or facing an unthinkable tragedy like the Pascuzzis, this conversation offers hope without easy answers. Adam doesn't promise that forgiveness is simple or quick—sometimes it takes 18 months of daily prayer, sometimes it requires professional help, and sometimes we need to protect ourselves first. But he does promise this: learning the art of forgiveness will transform your life more than any other skill you could master.

Ready to discover how even the darkest moments can become doorways to freedom? This episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about forgiveness, faith, and what it means to truly let go.

What if the most important theological debate in Christian history happened because faithful people were simply trying to make sense of confusing ideas? In this fascinating episode, Adam Hamilton takes us back 1,700 years to explore the Council of Nicaea and the creation of the Nicene Creed—a document that emerged from one of Christianity's most heated controversies. Far from being a dry academic exercise, this ancient debate tackled the exact questions that keep thinking people up at night: Who is Jesus, really? If there's one God, how can Jesus also be God? And why does any of this matter for our daily lives? Adam reveals how a priest named Arius, genuinely trying to help his congregation understand their faith, sparked a theological firestorm that nearly split the early church. Through rich historical detail and accessible explanations, this episode shows how the church's most foundational beliefs weren't handed down from on high, but were hammered out through passionate debate, political intrigue, and the messy process of faithful people wrestling with life's biggest questions.

Highlights:
The Catchy Phrase That Nearly Destroyed Christianity - Arius created the memorable slogan "there was a time when he was not" to explain Jesus's relationship to God the Father, but this seemingly helpful teaching tool threatened to undermine the entire foundation of Christian faith.

When Being Wrong Could Get You Exiled - Adam reveals the high stakes of theological debate in the Roman Empire, where even bishops faced banishment for holding unpopular views, and how the champion of orthodoxy, Athanasius, was exiled five times for defending his beliefs.

The $10 Word That Changed Everything - The Greek term "homoousios" (of the same being) became the crucial phrase that defined Jesus as fully God, not just God-like, settling the debate about whether Jesus could truly save us or was merely a divine sidekick.

Why the Creed Became Illegal - In a stunning twist, the very term championed at Nicaea was later outlawed by the Roman Empire, showing how even "settled" theology continued to be contested for decades after the famous council.

This isn't just a history lesson—it's an invitation to understand why these ancient debates matter for anyone grappling with doubt, seeking authentic faith, or wondering how a 2,000-year-old story can transform modern life. Whether you're skeptical about Christianity or simply curious about how core beliefs developed, Adam's exploration of the Nicene Creed offers fresh insights into the faith that has shaped Western civilization and continues to offer hope to millions worldwide.

In this timely episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of today's most challenging intersections: where faith meets politics, and where our deepest values collide with current events. Responding to the ICE raids and protests happening across California and other cities, Adam doesn't shy away from the hard questions that keep thinking people up at night. Instead, he offers a fresh perspective that bridges historical wisdom with present-day realities, showing how the very foundations of America—and the birth of our military 250 years ago—were rooted in the right to peaceful protest. This isn't your typical political commentary; it's a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live out faith authentically in a complex world.

Highlights:

America's Army Was Born from Protest - Adam reveals the surprising truth that our Continental Army was formed in 1775 precisely because American colonists were protesting their government. From the Boston Tea Party to the Stamp Act protests, our nation's military exists because people dared to speak up against injustice—making the right to peaceful protest fundamentally American.

The Golden Rule Test for Immigration Policy - What would immigration policy look like if we truly applied Jesus's teaching to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? Adam challenges listeners to consider this question honestly, especially since most American families immigrated here at some point—some legally, some not.

When Protest Goes Wrong (And Right) - Drawing from his own experience at George Floyd protests in Kansas City, Adam shares what he witnessed when peaceful demonstration devolved into name-calling and property destruction. He makes a compelling case for how we can speak up for justice without undermining our own moral authority.

Speaking Up for Those Who Cannot Speak - Referencing both Pentecost Sunday and Proverbs 31, Adam explains why people of faith are called to be bold advocates for the vulnerable and voiceless—especially when fear keeps others silent. It's about human dignity, not just policy positions.

The Surprising Deportation Statistics - Adam shares eye-opening numbers that challenge assumptions on all sides of the immigration debate, showing how facts can help us move beyond reactive anger toward more thoughtful solutions.

Whether you're skeptical about mixing faith and politics, curious about what Christianity really says about social justice, or wrestling with how to respond to the chaos in our news cycle, this episode offers something rare: a conversation that doesn't ask you to check your brain at the door. Adam's approach stands in the radical center, refusing easy answers while providing practical wisdom for navigating life's complexities through the lens of faith. This is what happens when ancient wisdom meets modern challenges—and the result might just transform how you think about both faith and citizenship.

What happens when three young pastors decide to build churches that challenge everything people expect from organized religion? In this compelling episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with three remarkable young clergy who are reshaping what it means to be a pastor in today's world. Fresh from a gathering of United Methodist pastors, these emerging leaders share their deeply personal call stories and their bold vision for creating faith communities that nobody thinks could exist—places where progressive values meet ancient traditions, where doubts are welcomed alongside belief, and where diversity isn't just tolerated but celebrated as a reflection of God's kingdom.

5 Key Highlights from This Conversation:

"God Made Me Different on Purpose" - Tyler shares his powerful childhood realization that God created diversity intentionally, leading him to embrace both his sexuality and his calling to ministry as gifts meant to work together, not compete.

The Church That Doesn't Exist Yet - Julia describes her dream of starting a faith community that confuses everyone because it's "unapologetically Jesus-centered" while being both evangelical and progressive.

From Crisis to Calling - Janelle reveals how her call to ministry came during a faith crisis after her grandmother's death, discovered while reading John Wesley's Covenant Prayer in a church member's basement during a social justice internship.

Why Young People Still Choose Ministry - Despite the United Methodist Church having only 400 clergy under age 40, these three pastors explain what draws them to serve communities hungry for authentic faith that doesn't require checking your brain at the door.

Building Bridges in Divided Times - Adam explores how recent changes in United Methodist policy have opened doors for LGBTQ+ clergy like Tyler, creating space for new kinds of inclusive faith communities that reflect the radical center.

This isn't your typical religious podcast episode—it's a glimpse into the future of faith itself. These young pastors aren't just starting churches; they're reimagining what spiritual community can look like when it embraces both the wisdom of 2,000-year-old traditions and the needs of people living in an increasingly complex world. Whether you're skeptical about organized religion, curious about progressive Christianity, or simply wondering if there's a place for thinking people in faith communities, this conversation offers hope that the church you've been looking for might just be getting started. Adam and his guests prove that sometimes the most revolutionary act is refusing to choose between heart and head, between ancient wisdom and modern understanding—and instead creating something beautifully, impossibly whole.

Adam Hamilton sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Tommy Spaulding for an honest conversation that bridges the gap between faith and leadership. What starts as a discussion about servant leadership quickly becomes a vulnerable exploration of forgiveness, relationships, and what it really means to live like Jesus in our everyday interactions. Tommy's transparency about his own struggles with forgiveness—despite being a global leadership expert—creates space for the kind of real, authentic conversation that speaks to anyone wrestling with life's hardest questions.

The 80,000 Person Stadium: Your Life's True Measure
Tommy shares a stunning statistic: the average person influences 2.8 people per day, totaling 80,000 people in a lifetime. He challenges listeners to imagine all these people gathered in a stadium at the end of their life—will they be cheering, booing, or sitting in silence? This powerful metaphor reframes how we think about our daily interactions and the legacy we're building one conversation at a time.

"It's Not About You": The Leadership Tattoo Worth Getting
Despite not being a tattoo fan, Tommy reveals the four words he'd permanently ink on his body if he could: "It's not about you." Adam explores this counterintuitive leadership principle that echoes Jesus's example of washing his disciples' feet—true leadership means serving others first, not filling your own cup.

Running Toward Pain Instead of Celebration
While we're quick to send congratulations and birthday cards, Tommy argues we avoid the moments that matter most—showing up when people are going through divorce, loss, depression, or other hardships. He shares the story of supporting a friend whose son died by suicide, illustrating how presence during pain creates the deepest bonds.

The Forgiveness Audit: 35 People and Counting
In a moment of raw honesty, Tommy admits he has "35 people" he needs to forgive, from childhood teachers who called him stupid to more serious wounds. Adam explores how forgiveness isn't about saying harm didn't matter, but about choosing to release the rocks we carry in our hearts—because love truly "keeps no record of wrongs."

Jesus as Leadership Model, Not Just Savior 
Moving beyond seeing Jesus only as a spiritual figure, Tommy and Adam discuss embracing Christ as our leadership role model. This shift changes how we approach everything from marriage to politics to business, calling us to love and serve all people—even those who believe differently than we do.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating difficult relationships, or simply trying to figure out what it means to live with purpose, this honest exploration of faith-centered leadership will challenge you to think differently about influence, forgiveness, and what it really means to follow Jesus in today's polarized world.

In this deeply moving episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Scott Mosher, a father who experienced the ultimate tragedy when his police officer son was killed in the line of duty. What unfolds is not a story of bitterness or revenge, but one of radical forgiveness that defies understanding. Mosher shares how he and his wife not only forgave the family of the man who killed their son but formed a lasting relationship with them—attending each other's sons' funerals and continuing to support one another years later. It's a powerful testimony of how faith can transform even the deepest wounds into unexpected bridges of healing and hope.

Powerful Moments From This Episode:

"Here, Let Me Show You the Way" - Discover the powerful vision that instantly changed a grieving father's heart, allowing him to see beyond tragedy to the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.

The Unexpected Gift - Learn about the remarkable act of compassion that came from the most unexpected source just days after the tragedy, and how it set the stage for an extraordinary journey of mutual healing.

When Two Grieving Families Unite - Witness what happened when two families who should have been divided by hatred chose to walk through grief together, defying social expectations and exemplifying the radical center where healing happens.

Forgiveness Begins With Self - Hear the profound insight about why forgiving ourselves is the essential first step to healing relationships and moving forward after tragedy or wrongdoing.

The Freedom Beyond Bitterness - Experience the transformative wisdom from someone who lived on "both sides of the coin"—first as a child unable to forgive, then as an adult who found freedom through radical forgiveness.

This episode isn't just about a headline-making tragedy; it's about the messy, beautiful reality of what forgiveness looks like in practice. As Adam guides this conversation with compassion and thoughtfulness, we're invited to wrestle with what forgiveness might mean in our own lives. Whether you're carrying decades of hurt or fresh wounds, this story offers both challenge and hope. It reminds us that forgiveness isn't about excusing wrong, but about finding a way forward that doesn't let pain define us. If you're struggling with forgiveness or simply curious about how faith intersects with life's most difficult moments, this episode provides both the intellectual framework and the heart-level inspiration to begin your own journey toward healing.

In this empowering episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores the transformative power of forgiveness with world-renowned psychologist and international bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud. Together, they dive deep into why forgiveness matters for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. This conversation stands in the radical center, embracing questions rather than offering simple solutions to complex issues. This conversation guides us through a journey that bridges the gap between head and heart, examining how forgiveness can free us from the prison of resentment while navigating the complexities of trust and reconciliation. Whether you're struggling with past hurts, curious about the science behind forgiveness, or seeking practical wisdom for your relationships, this episode has something for everyone.

Episode Highlights:

The Surprising Medical Case for Forgiveness - Discover why unforgiveness functions like a disease in your body. Scientific research has linked unforgiveness to dozens of physical ailments, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Learn why holding onto resentment is like refusing to treat an infection—it only hurts you in the end.

The Forgiveness Metabolism Metaphor - Explore the fascinating comparison between forgiveness and your body's digestive system. Just as your body needs to eliminate waste to stay healthy, your soul needs forgiveness to process life's painful experiences. This powerful metaphor illuminates why letting go isn't just spiritually beneficial—it's essential for emotional health.

Trust vs. Forgiveness: The Critical Distinction - Understand why forgiveness doesn't automatically mean trust. While forgiveness addresses the past and comes freely, trust concerns the future and must be earned. This crucial distinction helps navigate complex relationships where healing is desired but boundaries remain necessary.

Finding Common Ground in a Divided World - In our polarized society, forgiveness plays a vital role in bridge-building. Adam and Dr. Cloud explore how proximity and genuine curiosity about others' perspectives can transform judgmental attitudes into understanding, even when disagreements remain.

The Marriage Connection - Marriage provides daily opportunities to practice forgiveness. Learn why unforgiveness in marriage creates an "autoimmune disease" in your most important relationship, and discover practical wisdom for cultivating what researcher John Gottman calls "a bubble of trust."

This conversation isn't about finding easy answers or promoting blind faith. Instead, Adam welcomes us into an honest exploration of how forgiveness can help us wrestle with doubt, embrace questions, and discover hope that withstands life's toughest challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck in bitterness, curious about the intersection of psychology and faith, or simply seeking practical wisdom for daily life, this episode provides transformative insights without asking you to check your brain or values at the door. Ready to explore a faith that builds bridges instead of walls? Listen to the full episode and begin your journey toward freedom through forgiveness.

In this enlightening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores what makes the United Methodist Church uniquely positioned to speak to 21st century spiritual seekers. Adam engages in an authentic conversation about why so many people who have walked away from church or never attended might find a home in a denomination that intentionally stands in what he calls "the radical center." If you've ever wondered if there's a place where you can ask tough questions, embrace both critical thinking and heartfelt faith, and find community without checking your brain at the door, this episode illuminates a path forward that might surprise you.

Episode Highlights:

📘 Beyond Either/Or Thinking In a world increasingly divided into rigid camps, Adam explores how the United Methodist Church deliberately holds together seemingly opposing values – honoring both intellectual curiosity and emotional connection, personal spiritual growth and social justice, traditional wisdom and progressive openness. This "both/and" approach offers a refreshing alternative to the "either/or" thinking that dominates our culture.

🤔 A Church for Thinking People Adam shares how the Methodist tradition has deep roots in intellectual engagement, beginning at Oxford University. Rather than demanding blind acceptance of dogma, this approach welcomes questions, doubts, and critical thinking as natural parts of the faith journey. The conversation unpacks how loving God with your "critical thinking" was actually encouraged by Jesus himself.

❤️ Head and Heart Together Too often, churches emphasize either intellectual understanding or emotional experience. Adam discusses how bringing these elements together creates a more complete expression of faith—one that values theological depth while ensuring that knowledge leads to loving action in the world. This balance prevents faith from becoming merely academic or merely sentimental.

🌉 Building Bridges, Not Walls One of the most fascinating aspects of this conversation is how the United Methodist Church functions as a bridge-building community. Adam shares remarkable stories of political opponents finding common ground through faith and how diverse congregations (often 40% Republican, 40% Democrat) model respectful disagreement in a polarized world.

🌎 Turned Inside Out for Service Rather than existing solely for the benefit of members, Adam explains how Methodist communities are intentionally focused outward—serving neighborhoods, addressing injustice, and working to close the gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. For many people, their first encounter with faith happens not in a church building but through witnessing this kind of practical love in action.

Consider yourself spiritual but not religious? Hurt by past experiences with the church? Curious about a different approach to Christianity? No matter where you're at on your journey to find meaning and purpose, this conversation offers a compelling vision of Christianity that might be exactly what you've been looking for. Adam invites listeners into a community where grace comes first, questions are welcomed, and diverse perspectives are valued. In a world crying out for healing and connection, this radical center approach to faith offers not just hope but a practical path forward. Ready to explore a faith that doesn't require you to check your brain or your values at the door? Listen to the full episode to discover if the United Methodist Church might be the spiritual home for you.