Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📝 Show Description:After publishing a critique of biblical gender roles, author Aimee Byrd faced an online smear campaign—led in part by leaders from her own church. In this episode, she joins Will Wright and Josh Burtram to discuss her new book Saving Face, a deeply personal reflection on faith, identity, and healing after religious trauma.Byrd unpacks how patriarchal church systems often silence women, what it means to rediscover yourself after betrayal, and how theology can be both liberating and weaponized. She also shares how poetry, the Song of Songs, and the face of Christ helped rebuild her spiritual life. From a sit-and-spin memory to misogynistic Facebook groups, this conversation explores the cost of speaking up—and the grace that can follow.👤 Guest Bio:Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, and former podcast co-host known for her work challenging complementarian theology in evangelical circles. Her books include Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, The Sexual Reformation, and Saving Face. A former café owner turned theologian, Byrd writes about women’s roles in the church, spiritual formation, and healing from religious trauma.📚 Resources & Links:Saving Face by Aimee Byrd – savingfacebook.comAimee Byrd’s Website – aimeebyrd.comAimee narrates the audiobook version of Saving FaceRelated book: Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Aimee ByrdSupport the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

David Gushee, a distinguished Christian ethicist and author, delves into the pressing challenges facing democracy and marginalized communities. He highlights how fear-based politics threaten core biblical values of love and justice. Gushee passionately advocates for LGBTQ dignity and the importance of civil liberties in an increasingly authoritarian landscape. He emphasizes the need for Christians to thoughtfully engage with societal issues while maintaining compassion and integrity, urging a move away from divisive ideologies.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIs everything we think we know about the devil wrong? In this episode, author and filmmaker Jared Brock joins the Faithful Politics podcast to discuss his latest book, A Devil Named Lucifer. From the myth of the horned red figure to the misuse of the word “Lucifer,” Brock breaks down centuries of cultural and theological misconceptions. Drawing from biblical texts, he argues that Satan is not the all-powerful rival we’ve made him out to be—but a minor character in a much bigger story. Hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright explore how dualistic thinking has shaped theology and politics, and why fear-based rhetoric around evil distorts the gospel message. The conversation also touches on demon possession, mental health, spiritual warfare, and how Christians can “judo” the devil’s tactics to grow in faith.Guest Bio: Jared Brock is an award-winning author and filmmaker known for A God Named Josh and the PBS documentary Redeeming Uncle Tom, narrated by Danny Glover. His writing has appeared in Time, The Guardian, and Christianity Today. His latest book, A Devil Named Lucifer, challenges conventional Christian beliefs about Satan and spiritual warfare.Resources & Links:Read the first chapter: https://adevilnamedlucifer.comJared’s films and books: JaredBrock.comA Devil Named Lucifer on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gOtutw9Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Greg Garrett, a Baylor University English professor and a leading voice on faith and social justice, tackles the alarming rise of white Christian nationalism and its impact on the church. He discusses how this ideology alienates younger generations and detracts from true Christian values. Highlighting the importance of listening to marginalized voices, Garrett advocates for a Gospel centered on love and justice, emphasizing the necessity of racial reconciliation within Christianity.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn recent years, American Christianity has undergone a profound transformation—and it's reshaping the foundations of our democracy. In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. A self-described atheist, Jew, and gay man, Rauch argues that liberal democracy has long depended on the moral framework Christianity provides—and that its collapse is fueling political dysfunction, extremism, and civic decay. Together with hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, Rauch explores the historical role of faith in sustaining democratic virtue, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and what it would take for the church to renew itself for the 21st century.Guest Bio:Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of several books, including The Constitution of Knowledge and Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. Rauch specializes in civil discourse, political philosophy, and the health of liberal democracy.Resources & Links:📘 Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch: jonathanrauch.com📰 Jonathan Rauch’s article in The Atlantic on “patrimonialism” and Trump (as referenced in the episode): https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/🌐 Braver Angels (bipartisan depolarization network): https://braverangels.org📖 Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711057/losing-our-religion-by-russell-mooreSupport the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comChristian nationalism has surged to new heights in American politics, raising urgent concerns about democracy, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) and lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign.We discuss her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, its reception, and why she sees this moment as a crucial turning point. Amanda breaks down the myths surrounding religious persecution in the U.S., the Supreme Court’s role in shaping religious liberty, and the dangers of government-endorsed Christianity. She also offers actionable steps for listeners who want to push back against the rise of Christian nationalism and defend religious pluralism in America.Guest Bio:Amanda Tyler is an attorney and the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), a leading voice on the intersection of faith, policy, and democracy. She is the co-host of the Respecting Religion podcast and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, a nationwide campaign addressing the threats posed by Christian nationalist ideology. Her latest book, How to End Christian Nationalism, serves as a practical guide for those seeking to resist the movement’s influence on American politics.Resources & Links:📖 How to End Christian Nationalism – EndChristianNationalism.com📝 Christians Against Christian Nationalism – ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org🏛️ Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty – BJCOnline.org🎙️ Respecting Religion Podcast – BJC Podcast: https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat does it mean to follow a "Migrant God"? In this episode, Pastor Josh Burtram and political host Will Wright sit down with Isaac Samuel Villegas, an ordained Mennonite minister and advocate for immigrant justice. His new book, Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice, offers a deeply theological and politically urgent perspective on faith and migration.Isaac shares his personal story of growing up in Los Angeles and Tucson as the son of immigrants, his journey into ministry, and his activism in immigrant justice. The conversation explores biblical themes of migration, the role of the church in advocacy, and the moral contradictions in how many Christians approach immigration policy. Isaac also recounts powerful personal stories—from organizing Holy Thursday vigils at ICE detention centers to witnessing communities offering sanctuary to migrants.Why do so many American churches struggle to engage in immigration justice? How do biblical teachings challenge modern political perspectives on migration? And how can pastors preach on this issue without alienating their congregations? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges theology, policy, and lived experience.Guest Bio:Isaac Samuel Villegas is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA and a passionate advocate for immigrant justice. He writes for The Christian Century and Anabaptist World, and his latest book, Migrant God, explores the intersection of faith, justice, and migration. Through his work in community organizing and activism, he challenges Christians to embrace a theology rooted in solidarity with migrants.Resources & Links:📖 Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice – https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884435/migrant-god/🌎 Follow Isaac Villegas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.villegas.581Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat does it mean to be an atheist in a world where faith and politics are deeply intertwined? In this episode, we sit down with Hemant Mehta, author, speaker, and creator of The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta shares his journey from Jainism to atheism, his experiences visiting churches for his book I Sold My Soul on eBay, and his thoughts on the increasing political influence of religious groups in America.We also discuss why Christian nationalism is on the rise, how churches use community as a powerful tool, and what patterns he sees emerging in the fight for secularism. Plus, Mehta shares his surprising experience as a Jeopardy!champion and how it changed his perspective on cultural unity. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers insight into one of the most pressing cultural debates of our time.Guest Bio:Hemant Mehta is a writer, speaker, and content creator known for his work on atheism, religion, and politics. He is the author of I Sold My Soul on eBay and The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide and runs The Friendly Atheist blog and podcast. Mehta has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and other major media outlets, and he is also a Jeopardy! champion.Resources & Links:The Friendly Atheist Blog & Substack: FriendlyAtheist.comThe Friendly Atheist Podcast: FriendlyAtheistPodcast.comBooks by Hemant Mehta:I Sold My Soul on eBay - https://www.amazon.com/Sold-My-Soul-eBay-Atheists/dp/1400073472The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide - https://a.co/d/3soDfHgSupport the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comHow should the church engage with the world without becoming entangled in political partisanship? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger to discuss his book The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church. As an artist, scholar, and minister, Dr. Felix-Jäger explores how the church can cultivate a faithful public witness through generosity, hospitality, and a biblically grounded understanding of freedom—without falling into the traps of culture wars and power-seeking.We discuss the dangers of politicized theology, the role of the church in societal issues like immigration and justice, and how Christians can balance civic engagement with their ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom. Dr. Felix-Jäger also shares insights on consumerism in the church, the importance of discernment in modern political discourse, and how the church can embody the radical love of Jesus in a deeply polarized world.Guest Bio:Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger is an artist, scholar, minister, and educator whose work explores the intersection of faith and culture. He is an Associate Professor of Theology and Worship, Chair of the Worship and Media Department, and Director of Academic Research at Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California. He holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Wales, an MFA in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University, and an MA in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. His latest book, The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church, examines how the church can faithfully engage in public life without becoming captive to political ideologies.Resources & Links:📖 The Problem and Promise of Freedom (Baker Academic Website - 30% off): https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-problem-and-promise-of-freedom/421741📚 What Money Can’t Buy by Michael Sandel: https://scholar.harvard.edu/sandel/publications/what-money-cant-buy-moral-limits-markets🎙️ Follow Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenfelixjager/Support the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWith the Republican Party shifting in new directions, what does it truly mean to be a conservative today? In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with returning guest Josh Lewis, host of the Saving Elephants podcast, to discuss the state of conservatism in an ever-evolving political landscape. From Trump’s influence on the GOP to the core principles of conservative ideology, they explore whether the modern Republican Party still aligns with its historical roots. They also tackle pressing topics such as government efficiency, political trade-offs, and the philosophical differences between conservative and progressive worldviews. Whether you lean right, left, or somewhere in between, this conversation is sure to challenge your perspective on what it means to be conservative in America today.Guest Bio:Josh Lewis is the host of the Saving Elephants  podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the principles of conservatism in today’s political climate. A self-described "Trump-skeptical Republican," Josh offers in-depth analysis on the ideological shifts within the GOP and the broader conservative movement. Outside of podcasting, he works as an auditor for the state of Oklahoma, bringing an informed perspective on government waste, fraud, and efficiency.Resources & Links:Saving Elephants Podcast: savingelephantsblog.comFollow Josh Lewis on X (Twitter): @svngelephantsSupport the show🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics📩 Reach out to us:Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comPolitical Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com📱 Follow & connect with us:Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitikInstagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcastLinkedIn: faithfulpolitics📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com