State of Belief
How to End Christian Nationalism with Amanda Tyler
Christian Nationalism is threatening the core values of religious freedom and democracy in America. What if the very identity of being American was erroneously tied to a narrow brand of Christianity? This week on The State of Belief, the radio program and podcast from Interfaith Alliance, we went right to the source: the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Amanda Tyler, author of the new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, to challenge this dangerous notion.
As executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, Amanda provides a powerful critique of how this ideology intertwines with politics and White supremacy, revealing a troubling trend that conflicts with the foundational principles of religious pluralism. The conversation uncovers the disturbing reality of Christian Nationalism's presence in recent political campaigns, where familiar religious symbols and language are twisted into divisive and exclusionary rhetoric.
This co-option not only leads to theological discomfort, but also poses challenges for faith-based organizations, like Catholic Charities, that strive to support vulnerable communities amid immigration controversies. Amanda offers strategies to counteract these narratives, and envision a society that truly embodies the teachings of love and justice central to Christianity. Her book is brimming with resources and strategies, and offers hope and guidance for collective action against these divisive ideologies.
Amanda's personal journey and her inspiring work with diverse communities help imagine a more inclusive democracy. She emphasizes the vital importance of awareness, advocacy, and organizing for change, urging Christians to reclaim the authentic teachings of Jesus from the grip of nationalism, and take the lead to ensure people of all faiths and beliefs are included in the promise of America. Through engaging stories and historical parallels, she highlights how community action and collaboration across different faiths and backgrounds can forge a path toward a more equitable future, protecting religious liberty and fostering a society where all can belong.
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Hear this week’s episode below:
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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.
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.