The State Of Belief podcast

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

14 subscribers

Dodano one rok temu

Konten disediakan oleh Ray Kirstein and Interfaith Alliance. Semua konten podcast termasuk episode, grafik, dan deskripsi podcast diunggah dan disediakan langsung oleh Ray Kirstein and Interfaith Alliance atau mitra platform podcast mereka. Jika Anda yakin seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta Anda tanpa izin, Anda dapat mengikuti proses yang diuraikan di sini https://id.player.fm/legal.

Biscuits & Jam

1
The War and Treaty Are Getting Carried Away 46:55

8 hari yang lalu46:55

Putar Nanti

Daftar

Suka

Menyukai

46:55

The War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington, DC, respectively, but both have family roots in the South. They also grew up in the musical traditions of their churches – Tanya in the Black Baptist Church and Michael in the Seventh Day Adventist Church – where they learned the power of song to move people. After becoming a father at a very young age, Michael eventually joined the armed forces and served in Iraq and Germany, where he took up songwriting as a way of dealing with his experiences there. Meanwhile Tanya embarked on a singing and acting career after a breakthrough appearance in Sister Act 2 alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Now, after a long and sometimes traumatic journey, Michael and Tanya are married, touring, winning all sorts of awards, and set to release their fifth album together, and their fourth as The War and Treaty. Sid talks to Michael and Tanya about the new record, Plus One , as well as their collaboration with Miranda Lambert, what it was like to record at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, and how they’re blending country, soul, gospel, and R&B. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

The State Of Belief

Beranda serial•Feed

Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”

129 episode

#Religion #News Talk #News #Ray Kirstein #Interfaith Alliance #Paul Brandeis Raushenbush #Religion And Morality #Politics

The State Of Belief

14 subscribers

updated 3 hari yang lalu

Beranda serial•Feed

129 episode

#Religion #News Talk #News #Ray Kirstein #Interfaith Alliance #Paul Brandeis Raushenbush #Religion And Morality #Politics

Semua episode

The State Of Belief

1
Jeff Sharlet: The Slow Civil War Is Speeding Up 49:46

3 hari yang lalu49:46

49:46

In difficult times, the work of truth-telling can seem like obsessing on the negative. But the most important truths are very often uncomfortable and even frightening. This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes writer Jeff Sharlet, author of The Undertow: Scenes From A Slow Civil War , back to The State of Belief. As Jeff sees America’s slow civil war speeding up, he and Paul revisit his reluctance to initially use the term 'fascism' and now emphasizes the growing movement's influence, without yet consolidating into a regime. They explore the implications of such movements on journalism, rule of law, and personal freedoms, highlighting examples like Trump's cult of personality and Musk's hyper-capitalist influence. The conversation also examines the role of Christian Nationalism and its influence on politics, with a particular focus on the intersection of religion and governance. Jeff underscores the importance of solidarity, complex storytelling, and the fight against inevitability in combating these trends, even though the future remains uncertain. The dialogue between Paul and Jeff serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to arms. We need listeners and readers alike to stay alert, engage actively, and never lose sight of the human element amidst the grand political machinations. As we confront these challenging times, this conversation stands as a reminder that solidarity and storytelling are powerful tools in shaping a future where democracy and humanity prevail. I remember at one point a Trump supporter showing me, sharing with me, some crazy conspiracy theories. And at the time I was out there, when I met her, I was reporting for Vanity Fair Magazine, and it was just a pivot. I remember I was sitting in her Cadillac outside a Trump rally. She was showing me this crazy stuff, and then I look up and it was actually a congressman talking on Tucker Carlson sharing this conspiracy theory. And I realized she's not the fringe - I am. - Jeff Sharlet, the best-selling author of books like The Undertow: Scenes From A Slow Civil War . His book The Family was turned into a powerful Netflix series, and his Substack is a must-read @Slow Civil War . Jeff is Frederick Sessions Beebe '35 Professor in the Art of Writing at Dartmouth College. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!…

The State Of Belief

1
One Month of Trump's Attacks on Faith: Policymakers, Faith Leaders, and Legal Experts Take Action 1:09:31

10 hari yang lalu1:09:31

1:09:31

This week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by a panel of faith leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to discuss the urgent threats facing democracy and religious freedom under the Trump administration. Together, they explore how faith communities can take action against executive overreach, attacks on religious institutions, and efforts to dismantle critical government programs. Here's the complete list of speakers: Jamie Raskin – United States Congressman, MD-08 Skye Perryman – President and CEO, Democracy Forward Adam Nicholas Phillips – Chief Strategy Officer & Chief of Staff, Interfaith America; former head of localization and faith-based efforts at USAID Melissa Rogers – Former Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the Biden and Obama administrations Jennifer Butler – Founder, Faith in Democracy; former founder and executive director, Faith in Public Life Maggie Siddiqi – Senior Fellow, Interfaith Alliance, former Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at U.S. Department of Education At a time when religious communities are being targeted, and democratic institutions are under attack, this discussion serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing that courage, community, and persistence are essential in this moment. Rep. Jamie Raskin warns, "It is the religious, the real religious community, that is under attack by these people, and we've got to stand up and defend all of these positive projects that religious organizations have been engaged in." Rev. Jennifer Butler underscores the need for resistance, stating, "The first rule for resisting autocracy? Do not obey in advance." Maggie Siddiqi highlights the misuse of government power, reminding us, "Formal investigations are the role of government whenever that's warranted. Unsubstantiated slander is not." Skye Perryman reinforces the legal limits of executive authority, asserting, "In this country, the president doesn’t get to denounce the Constitution or take away constitutional rights with the stroke of a pen or with the signing of an executive order." Rev. Adam Nicholas Phillips paints a dire picture of the consequences of policy decisions, warning, "Stories are unfolding every day, every hour, around the world because of the pause in funding, and because of the systematic dismantling of USAID in a matter of days." Melissa Rogers reinforces the fundamental principles of democracy, stating, "Presidents are not kings, and thus the federal executive branch must have legal authority for its actions." Video of this panel discussion is available online at https://youtu.be/dXw0VjJOmJ8?si=huGDOgoJ-vDdY2bj Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!…

The State Of Belief

1
Unfiltered: The Gen Z Revolution with Olivia Julianna 58:28

17 hari yang lalu58:28

58:28

This week, Gen Z activist Olivia Julianna joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of political engagement and the pursuit of social justice at an incredibly difficult moment in our history. Together, they explore how a rising generation of young leaders is doing critical work to address systemic injustice and inequality – and the influential role that faith and faith communities can play in fueling that activism and change. Olivia, known for her work in reproductive rights and advocacy, discusses her journey as a young activist and the challenges and triumphs she has already experienced. She emphasizes the importance of using one's voice and platform to create meaningful impact, and the necessity of working together to build a more just and compassionate society. Olivia discusses how her faith informs her activism – and helps give her the strength and energy to persist in her work no matter what obstacles are thrown her way. I posted a video where I said if Jesus, Mary, and Joseph showed up at your door and asked for a place in the inn, would you welcome them into your home? Or would you say, “Show me your papers”? And this woman, she's a conservative, she responded to me. She said, “If three strangers showed up at my home in the middle of the night, I would answer the door with a gun.”Do you not understand how insane you sound? Do you not understand how warped your view of religion has become? ... I'm like, do you not realize that you are the false prophets that we are warned about in the Bible, do you understand that? - Olivia Julianna , abortion rights activist, democracy organizer, and political influencer from Houston, Texas. With over 1 million followers across TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, her content has accumulated over 1 billion views, putting youth voices front and center in the fight for our future. She rose to national prominence for initiating the takedown of a whistleblower website that targeted those in the state of Texas who aided in abortion access, and raised $2.2 million for abortion funds after she was publicly attacked by Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. Olivia spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention about the complexities of her religious upbringing while championing progressive causes. An influential force on social media, more of Olivia’s work can be found on her Substack . Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!…

The State Of Belief

1
Black History Month In the Time of Trump: Rev. Jacqui Lewis 56:10

24 hari yang lalu56:10

56:10

This week, activist and theologian Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the celebration and reflection of Black history, and the intersection of faith and activism. Together, they explore the ongoing fight for racial equality, the powerful influence of Black history on contemporary social justice movements, and the role of spiritual and community leaders in challenging systemic injustice. Rev. Jacqui, renowned for her deep faith-based commitment to social justice, shares her personal history of activism, rooted in her family's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. She highlights the lessons we can draw from Black history and the Black Church to help foster unity, equity, and love, emphasizing the power of faith to overcome the forces of division and oppression. "When asked about what you're doing about immigrants, lean on your faith: that our faith compels us to care for the stranger, because we were once strangers in a strange land. In fact, the Hebrew scriptures say thirty-some odd times you should love the stranger, and one time love your neighbor. The whole idea of loving your neighbor as yourself means loving the alien, loving the stranger, loving the immigrant, loving the widow, loving the child. And I think, for as long as we can say those things as part of our creed, as part of our call to ministry, if you will, that stands well for us.” - Rev. Dr Jacqui Lewis is the senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church in New York City, a diverse and inclusive congregation. Believing faith communities can lead the way to racial reconciliation, Rev. Jacqui co-founded The Middle Project and The Revolutionary Love Conference with her spouse, The Rev. John Janka, which train leaders to create a more just society. She holds an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD in psychology and religion from Drew University. Her next book, The Just Love Story Bible for children and families is due out in September.…

The State Of Belief

1
Money, Lies, and God: Katherine Stewart Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy 52:22

4 weeks yang lalu52:22

52:22

This week, author and journalist Katherine Stewart joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the rise of Christian Nationalism, Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, and the weaponization of faith for political gain. Together, they dive into the current political climate, the deep divisions within American society, and how knowledge and organizing are key to defending democracy. Katherine’s latest book, out on February 18th, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy , explores the Christian Nationalist movement, which is fueled by the ultra-wealthy to protect their fortunes at the expense of democracy. Building on the foundation of her previous work, The Power Worshippers , Katherine’s new book reveals how these powerful forces exploit religious narratives to erode democratic institutions. “Extreme levels of inequality are eroding our democracy. This is something that we need to understand. I think there was nothing more stark than to see perhaps the group of the richest men in the world attending Trump's inauguration. You had Bezos there, you had Musk there with his salute, whatever. I mean, you have these tech billionaires there. And here's Trump promising to work for you when he's speaking to the right: 'When they come for you they're coming through me!' And you really think that he's going to serve you, when he's got these billionaires that he's really serving and who are basically paying him bribes by any other name to get policies that they want.” - Katherine Stewart , an author and journalist who has been covering religious nationalism and the assault on American democracy for over 15 years. Her book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism , was awarded first place for Excellence in Nonfiction Books by the Religion News Association, and a Morris D. Forkosch award. Katherine writes for The New York Times Opinion, New Republic, and many others, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR.…

The State Of Belief

1
Can Religion Save Democracy? Maggie Siddiqi on Pluralism, Policy, and Resistance 53:42

5 weeks yang lalu53:42

53:42

This week, Maggie Siddiqi, new senior fellow at Interfaith Alliance, is with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discussing Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, Bishop Budde’s model of faithful resistance, and the importance of coalition-building to stand up for democracy and religious freedom. Maggie joins Interfaith Alliance following a distinguished tenure with the Biden administration at the Department of Education, directing the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Prior to that, she served as senior director of the Religion and Faith team at the Center for American Progress, where she led the organization’s work on religious liberty. Maggie also spent nearly a decade in national organizations serving American Muslim communities, focusing on interfaith relations and faith-based advocacy. "Religious freedom is a matter of equity. I'm not sure how the Trump administration thinks they can tout efforts to address religious freedom and antisemitism while undermining the very means through which those efforts happen. They cannot have it both ways. Equity is about fairness, right. That is what equity means, and we want students of all religious and non-religious backgrounds to be treated fairly and welcomed into class without having to hide a critical part of who they are and what they believe. That's a matter of equity and inclusion." - Maggie Siddiqi , senior fellow at Interfaith Alliance , where she focuses on building partnerships across the religious landscape. Maggie has a master’s degree in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations from Hartford Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Wesleyan University. She also earned graduate certificates in Islamic chaplaincy from Hartford Seminary and in nonprofit management from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Please forward this episode of The State of Belief to one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation and thank you for listening!…

The State Of Belief

1
Skye Perryman: There's No Way Out of This But Through 53:54

6 weeks yang lalu53:54

53:54

This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush reflects on the courage of Episcopal Bishop Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde , who spoke faithfully on behalf of the victims of the incoming administration’s policies at the inagural prayer service, attended by the president and vice president. Then Paul is joined by Skye Perryman , President and CEO of Democracy Forward, to discuss the ongoing challenges to American democracy, particularly the weaponization of government, the politicization of civil servants, and the important intersection of faith and politics. Together, they examine how Trump’s executive actions, which often seem performative, are part of a broader strategy to reshape government and remove protections for vulnerable communities. As the CEO of Democracy Forward , Skye discusses her organization's legal and advocacy work and mission to hold powerful entities accountable, protect democracy, and serve the public good. Together, Interfaith Alliance and Democracy Forward are on the frontlines, combatting extremism and Christian nationalism. "I do think there's no way out of this but through it. And so my advice is the community and connection. We're going to get through it together. When you see someone seeking to tear you apart, to try to sow division, to try to make you feel like you're the only one or that your belief in justice and your belief in a better tomorrow is somehow naive or somehow radical or somehow audacious, you can ignore that. And I think that we can get through it together and to remember our history and how many people have done hard work against great odds at great risks to themselves in order to create a future that we have inherited, and that it's really our job, now, to be good stewards of that." Skye L. Perryman is a board member of Interfaith Alliance and the President and CEO of Democracy Forward , a nonpartisan, national legal organization that promotes democracy and progress through litigation, regulatory engagement, policy education, and research. She has built a visionary team of legal, policy, and communications experts to confront anti-democratic extremism head-on while also using the law to advance progress and a bold vision for the future. Known for her strategic insight and impact-oriented leadership, Skye has a track record of winning tough legal and policy battles, uniting diverse coalitions, and elevating voices that represent the fabric of our country to deliver results that improve the lives of millions.…

The State Of Belief

1
King's Non-Violence Trumps Christian Nationalism 56:36

7 weeks yang lalu56:36

56:36

This week, we focus on the confluence of the inauguration of Donald Trump on the day we observe Martin Luther King Day, January 20th. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush brings attention to the dichotomy of these two pivotal events, reflecting on the contrasting paths that America finds itself on—one leading towards justice, equality, and liberation, as exemplified by Dr. King, and the other toward Christian Nationalism, which advocates for privilege, power, and exclusion. He also offers some suggestions for how we can all respond to this moment by taking action in our local communities.Paul is then joined by Jeanné Lewis , CEO of Faith in Public Life, to discuss the need for moral clarity and compassion in the face of division, particularly in the context of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. In this deeply reflective and insightful conversation, Paul and Jeanné touch on themes of faith, social justice, interfaith collaboration, self-care, and the ongoing struggle for racial and economic equality. "I think a big part of what we're facing right now as a nation is that question, why should I still love my neighbor as I'm called to do? And for folks who are listening, I think the answer is we must do that because that is who we are. And we have to listen and understand as much as we can where people are coming from, why they hold the beliefs they do, and why they're making the choices they do… When we listen, we hear that a lot of people are voting for nationalist ideals or authoritarian ideals because they feel unheard, because they feel unseen, and because they are afraid. And that fear is very, very powerful. And when we listen to leaders like Dr. King and John Lewis and other folks who came before us, we see very much that engaging people's fear with compassion while still speaking the truth about another vision and what needs to happen can be very transformative." - Jeanné Lewis , CEO at Faith in Public Life. She is a nonprofit executive, faith-based organizer, and authority on creating empowered communities. Jeanné has dedicated her career to building bridges, closing equity gaps and creating policies that lead to strong, thriving and self-determined cities.…

The State Of Belief

1
Christian Nationalism and Hate Violence: What Can We Do? 51:52

8 weeks yang lalu51:52

51:52

This week, Zev Mishell , National Programs Associate at Interfaith Alliance, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the intersection of systemic violence, hate crimes, and religious and political ideologies in America. Zev is the author of Interfaith Alliance’s new report, Together Against Hate , which closely analyzes how interfaith movements can address hate-based violence by uniting across differences while also examining how White Christian Nationalism is driving the alarming rise of hate in America. The report comprises case studies of successful strategies, practical recommendations, and a guide to organizations working to combat hate and extremism in the U.S. It is based on extensive research and interviews with nearly two dozen advocacy organizations dedicated to faith-based organizing, upholding civil rights and confronting hate. The full report will be released on Monday, January 13th, on the Interfaith Alliance website . "Religion is contextual, and it can manifest itself in extremely damaging and violent ways. It can divide us from one another. It can create supremacist outlooks. It can create and be influenced by ethno-nationalist outlooks. And maybe it'd be better if we could just say, religion is terrible. We can get rid of it. Fine. But we can't. Because ultimately, so many people find spiritual and political inspiration from their religions." - Zev Mishell , National Programs Associate at Interfaith Alliance and a graduate student at Harvard Divinity School. He graduated with honors from Princeton University with a degree in Near Eastern Studies, specializing in Israel/Palestine and the history of the Israeli Far Right. Mishell has published in numerous media outlets, including The Forward , Religion News Service , and the Tel Aviv Review of Books .…

The State Of Belief

1
Special Episode - Remembering Jimmy Carter 21:48

9 weeks yang lalu21:48

21:48

Perhaps more than any other modern president, Jimmy Carter identified himself very publicly and explicitly as a person guided by faith. At the same time, he was also a consistent defender of healthy boundaries between government and religion, who made clear that he would never allow his personal faith to dictate or interfere with the public interest. President Carter lived out the values he espoused, both in office and for decades afterwards. He was clear in his belief that respecting differences - including religious differences - was the way to live into his values, and these interview excerpts make that abundantly clear. In conversations with Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush , who was editor of the Huffington Post Religion section, the former president addressed challenging issues, including homosexuality. Jimmy Carter also welcomed the late Rev. Welton Gaddy to his presidential library in Atlanta in 2018, for an in-depth interview in connection with his then-new book, Faith: A Journey for All. He shared the role of prayer in his time in the White House, and his deep optimism about the resilience of America and our ability to overcome challenges.…

The State Of Belief

1
January 6th: Bad Theology, Bad for Democracy 1:12:35

9 weeks yang lalu1:12:35

1:12:35

This week, Dr. Robert P. Jones , president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America, focusing on the rewriting of history regarding the January 6, 2021 attacks, and the impact of shifting demographics and the influence of polarizing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We also pay tribute to the late Jimmy Carter. Paul shares excerpts from powerful interviews he conducted with the 39th president of the United States. Robby is the author of several influential books that explore democracy, religion, and race in America. Bringing together rigorous scholarship with in-depth research, he is one of the few experts capable of helping us understand the forces shaping our democracy, and the major political and religious movements that seek to shape it in the future. "For most of our country's history, we have been on the wrong side of civil rights, the wrong side of slavery, the wrong side of Jim Crow. If we are this far from our Black brothers and sisters in politics today, maybe that ought to give us a little bit of pause… And I also want to say this: that often, I think way too often, even in progressive circles, we try to talk about the problem that we're having as polarization as if the division itself is the problem. But I think that's a wholly wrong way of looking at what's happening. It's sort of like, was polarization the problem during the Civil Rights Movement? Well, yeah, we were divided, and we were polarized over White supremacy and injustice. And if you believe in equality, if you believe in democracy, we ought to be polarized over White supremacy!" - Robert P. Jones, PhD , president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and a prominent author whose recent book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy , is a New York Times bestseller. His previous works include White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity , which won a 2021 American Book Award, and The End of White Christian America , which was honored with the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion. Robby’s writing is regularly found in The Atlantic, TIME, and Religion News Service and is frequently featured in major media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and The New York Times. He also writes a weekly newsletter focused on confronting and healing from the legacy of white supremacy in American Christianity, found on www.whitetoolong.net .…

The State Of Belief

1
Democracy Defying Gravity: WICKED as Movie and Metaphor 44:45

10 weeks yang lalu44:45

44:45

Resisting authoritariansim. Not succumbing to the mass reverence for “the man behind the curtain.” Recognizing the value of those who are different, even if shunned by the majority. Staying true to one’s beliefs no matter what. These themes could just as easily reference American politics and culture on the cusp of 2025 as they do the hit movie musical Wicked. That’s what we explore on the final episode of The State of Belief for 2024, as host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes colleague Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons , an ardent fan of the Gregory Maguire book and subsequent productions of the Wizard of Oz prequel Wicked . Defying conventional wisdom and expectations, Elpheba flies above the crowd, both figuratively and literally. Starting with the personal impact of the story during their formative years, Paul and Guthrie discuss its contribution to their passion for social justice and equality. Guthrie’s even written an Advent devotional that weaves in themes from Wicked , and wraps up the conversation with five important lessons for the challenging year ahead from this surprisingly relevant story. “It opens our thinking to why do people believe differently than us, why do people come to different conclusions about policy and politics than us? And can we have cognitive empathy…not to justify the actions of others, but to have empathy for why they come to those decisions and try to think through it.” - Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Wicked superfan as well as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance. He’s held cornerstone roles at the BJC, the Center for American Progress, and the National Immigration Forum. Holding an MDiv, Guthrie is the author of the book Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity , and his Advent devotional appears in Word & Way .…

The State Of Belief

1
Top Religion News 2024: NYT Reporter Ruth Graham 55:33

11 weeks yang lalu55:33

55:33

In 2024 America, almost every major news story was a religion story in some way. Important stories call for compelling storytelling, and we take a look back at 2024 in the company of a leading religion journalist who’s expert at telling those stories. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Ruth Graham, New York Times National Reporter covering religion, faith, and values. Together they review some of Ruth’s favorite stories of the past year, and highlight important work by other journalists. From surprising gender shifts among church-going young Americans to the support of many religious immigrants for anti-immigrant policies and challenges of increasingly diverse religious diaspora; from the ongoing spread of Christian Nationalism as a force in American politics to the evolution of evangelical Christianity toward core MAGA values, they mark the highlights of 2024 – and what themes are likely to emerge in 2025. Ruth's recent work for the New York Times includes Pete Hegseth and His ‘Battle Cry’ for a New Christian Crusade ; In a First Among Christians, Young Men Are More Religious Than Young Women ; and America’s New Catholic Priests: Young, Confident and Conservative . She expands on the complexities of religious reporting, the challenges of capturing the diverse and evolving nature of faith in the U.S., and the personal stakes of writing these stories with empathy and understanding. - Ruth Graham is a national reporter based in Dallas, covering religion, faith and values for The New York Times. She is the recipient of awards from the Religion News Association and the American Academy of Religion.…

The State Of Belief

1
Timothy Snyder On Religion, Power, and Freedom 58:22

12 weeks yang lalu58:22

58:22

This week, renowned historian and author Timothy Snyder joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the complex relationship between religion, freedom, and democracy. His new book, On Freedom , explores what freedom truly means, how it has been misunderstood, and why it is critical for our collective survival. It debuted as an instant New York Times best-seller, and has earned praise from leading figures like journalist and historian Anne Applebaum and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. In their conversation, Timothy and Paul discuss how religion can positively help people understand what is “good” by guiding them toward values like mercy, grace, and consistency. These values, they agree, support the fundamentally democratic idea that no one is free unless everyone is free. “You can't have freedom without a notion of what is good, and one thing that religion serves people is as a metaphysical source. Religion can offer notions of what is good - not the only ones, and certainly not ones that can't be challenged by other religions or by people who are not religious. But religion can be a source of metaphysical commitment. It can lead you to caring about things like consistency or grace or mercy, and those things are necessary for freedom. So I'm not saying religion is necessary for freedom, but I'm saying that there's a fundamental way in which a religious commitment can actually help with freedom - so long as that you recognize that on this earth, those things clash.” - Dr. Timothy D. Snyder , renowned historian and professor of history at Yale University, specializing in modern European history, with a focus on authoritarianism, Ukraine and the Holocaust. His many influential books include Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin , and On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century . He has held fellowships at the Centre Nationale des Recherches Scientifiques, Paris (1994-1995); the Harvard University’s Olin Institute for Strategic Studies (1997); served as an Academy Scholar at Harvard’s Center for International Affairs (1998-2001); and has held multiple fellowships at the Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen in Vienna.…

The State Of Belief

1
Did Christian Nationalism Win? Matthew Taylor on the Vote and the Future 1:01:51

13 weeks yang lalu1:01:51

1:01:51

Christian Nationalism has seemingly grabbed the levers of power in America. With an overt passion for power over democracy, the agenda of this authoritarian, exclusionary movement needs to be examined now, more than ever. This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush turns to concerned experts who have been telling this story and sounding the alarm in book and documentary form. We get Matthew Taylor’s take, with a focus on the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and his Crusades-evoking tattoos. Matt’s also got a lot to say about the role Christian Nationalism played in getting out the vote in the 2024 election – and ways it’s sure to be a driving force in the incoming administration. None of it is a surprise for Matt, who’s the author of the important book The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy . Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D. , is a senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic Jewish Christian Studies, specializing in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. Paul also gets the insights of two of the creators of Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy – Executive Producer Todd Stiefel and Director Stephen Ujlaki . Featuring a who’s-who of knowledgeable voices, many of which you’ve heard on The State of Belief , the film traces the history of corrosive theocratic movements like Christian Nationalism back to the Moral Majority and Council for National Policy, and sounds a credible alarm about what the end game may well be. Stephen Ujlaki is a professor of screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University and a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). He has produced over 30 feature films and documentaries, and wrote, directed, and produced his most recent project, Bad Faith . Todd Stiefel is the founder and president of the Stiefel Freethought Foundation and Heretical Reason Productions, and chairs the ScienceSaves campaign. An investor, activist, and philanthropist, Todd is the executive producer of the film Bad Faith .…

Selamat datang di Player FM!

Player FM memindai web untuk mencari podcast berkualitas tinggi untuk Anda nikmati saat ini. Ini adalah aplikasi podcast terbaik dan bekerja untuk Android, iPhone, dan web. Daftar untuk menyinkronkan langganan di seluruh perangkat.