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State of Belief
Finding Hope and Defiance in "Wicked": Lessons for Today
Standing up to power. Questioning blind devotion to “the man behind the curtain.” Embracing those who don’t fit in and staying true to your values, no matter what. Sounds a lot like what we’re dealing with in today’s world, right? But it’s also the heart of Wicked, the hit musical that’s captured hearts (and minds) for years.
In our final episode of The State of Belief for 2024, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dives into these timely themes with Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, a huge Wicked fan and advocate for social justice. Guthrie’s love for the Gregory Maguire book and the Wizard of Oz prequel runs deep—so deep that it’s even shaped his own work.
Elphaba, the green-skinned protagonist of Wicked, doesn’t just defy gravity—she defies societal norms, challenging everything from stereotypes to authority. Paul and Guthrie chat about how her story inspired them during their younger years and continues to fuel their fight for equality and justice. Guthrie even created an Advent devotional that weaves in _Wicked_’s themes, giving us all something to think about as we navigate the challenges ahead.
As we head into what’s sure to be a tough year, Guthrie wraps up with five key takeaways from Wicked that we can carry forward. Spoiler: they’re all about courage, empathy, and staying true to what matters.
By the way, Guthrie isn’t just a superfan—he’s also the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance, with a background in faith-based advocacy and a passion for progressive Christianity. He’s written Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity and contributed to Word & Way with an Advent devotional highlighting the lessons of Wicked. Let’s just say he knows a thing or two about blending faith, culture, and justice.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Wicked fan or just love a good story with a dose of inspiration, this episode’s for you. Here’s to flying high and fighting for what’s right!
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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.