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State of Belief
Did Christian Nationalism Shape the 2024 Election? A Discussion on The State of Belief Podcast
This week’s episode of The State of Belief tackles one of the most pressing issues in modern American politics: the influence of Christian Nationalism. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes an insightful lineup of guests to examine how this authoritarian movement has shaped the nation, particularly during the recent 2024 election.
Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, an expert on religious politics and the author of The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, shares his analysis. He discusses the movement's influence in rallying voters and its implications for the future, including the controversial nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, whose background stirs debates about ideology and symbolism.
The episode also features Todd Stiefel and Stephen Ujlaki, the creative minds behind the documentary Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy. They dive into the film's exploration of the historical roots of Christian Nationalism and its unsettling trajectory, underscoring the danger it poses to democratic values.
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Hear this week’s episode below:
Ray Kirstein is the Producer of the State of Belief podcast.
A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out:
Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.
Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.