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State of Belief
Lt. General Charles D. Luckey on the Role of the Military in Upholding Democracy.
This week on the show, we’re honored to welcome Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (retired), former Chief of the United States Army Reserve, joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. He’s a combat veteran, he’s an attorney, and he’s a pastor’s son – so he’s able to cover a wide range of topics with depth and wisdom. Having sworn an oath to the Constitution, Lt. Gen. Luckey has some really great insights into the responsibilities of citizenship, the urgent need to preserve democracy, and the important role for religion in this moment of American – and human – history.
With a career that’s equal parts military precision and legal acumen, Lt. Gen. Luckey provides an unparalleled perspective on the challenges confronting democratic institutions today. Raised by politically diverse parents, he sees this moment and this country in a resolutely nonpartisan way. And that also leads Lt. Gen. Luckey to be able to see profound opportunity for faith communities in this time of turmoil and division. Through the lens of a former judge advocate, the conversation expands to explore the core values underpinning lawful military orders and civil service oaths. These insights underscore the enduring necessity of character and integrity across both military and civilian spheres.
Are we in a constitutional crisis? Not yet, he says. But we’re getting closer. Quoting a conservative circuit court judge, Lt. Gen. Luckey finds both inspiration and a warning that goes far beyond partisanship, right to the heart of both: the love of country, and the love of neighbor.
Retired Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey is the former Chief of the United States Army Reserve. In that position, he was responsible for manning, training, and equipping a force of more than 200,000 Soldiers and civilians across 50 states, five territories, and more than 30 countries. Having completed three combat tours, Lt. Gen. Luckey is a practicing attorney and a leading voice for American values at home and around the world. He regularly shares his insights on his LinkedIn page.
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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.