Democracy As a Theological Statement with Rebecca Solnit
State of Belief

Democracy As a Theological Statement with Rebecca Solnit

April 4, 2026

This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Rebecca Solnit—prolific writer, best-selling author, activist, and public intellectual. With 25 books to her credit—so far—Rebecca's latest is titled The Beginning Comes After the End: Notes on a World of Change.

In our conversation, she emphasizes collective hope, continuous community action, and a reevaluation of stories and faiths to inspire resistance and societal transformation. Rebecca raises up the potential for joy, creativity, and community in activism and advocacy. We also explore the intersectionality of environmental, racial, gender, and spiritual activism, urging us to see these issues as part of a shared fabric of interconnected change—especially when it comes to the true theological underpinnings of our democracy (spoiler alert—it's got a lot more to do ith MLK than DJT.)

Sign up for Rebecca Solnit’s newsletter at https://www.meditationsinanemergency.com/

Transcript

"Congregation of the World": Union Seminary's Rev. Dr. Serene Jones
State of Belief
June 6, 2026

"Congregation of the World": Union Seminary's Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

The first woman president of historic Union Theological Seminary in New York City reflects on her 18 years in the position, and on the state of activism and religious vocation in 2026 America.

Lessons in Empathy from an Unlikely Rabbi: Angela Buchdahl
State of Belief
May 30, 2026

Lessons in Empathy from an Unlikely Rabbi: Angela Buchdahl

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl shares her inspiring journey as the first woman and Asian American rabbi at Central Synagogue, exploring themes of faith, identity, and belonging.

Vanita Gupta on Public Trust and the Role of Law in Our Democracy
State of Belief
May 23, 2026

Vanita Gupta on Public Trust and the Role of Law in Our Democracy

Sacred Stories for Our Moral Compass with a former US Associate Attorney General and lifelong civil rights champion.