Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Josh Burtram interview Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, a highly influential Christian leader, pastor, speaker, and civil rights activist. Rodriguez shares his insights on the moral, social, and political challenges facing America today. He emphasizes the increasing polarization in the country, comparing it to the Civil War era, and stresses the need for Christians to turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance and healing.Rodriguez also talks about his new book, Fresh Oil, Holy Fire, New Wine, which he describes as a biblical response to the current moral and political crises. He argues that despite the chaos, the Holy Spirit remains the most powerful force in America and that hope is not found in political parties, but in the spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil. Throughout the conversation, Rodriguez discusses his personal journey to faith and ministry, his belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of humility and integrity.The episode also touches on various social issues, including racism, political partisanship in the church, and the challenges of navigating biblical truth in a complex world. Rodriguez advocates for unity within the church and stresses the importance of elevating the "Lamb's agenda" over political affiliations, urging Christians to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue without demonizing those who disagree.Guest Bio:Charisma magazine named him one of the 40 leaders who changed the world. The Wall St. Journal named him one of the top 12 Latino leaders and he was the only faith leader on that list. He has been named among the “Top 100 Christian Leaders in America” (Newsmax 2018) and nominated as one of the “100 most influential people in the world” (TIME 2013). Rodriguez has advised Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump. He is the first Hispanic American to have participated in two different Presidential inauguration ceremonies. In 2009 he read from the gospel of Saint Luke at President Barack Obama’s inaugural prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal church and in 2017 on the Capitol steps before a global viewing audience, Pastor Sam, read and prayed from the gospel of Matthew, concluding with “in the name of Jesus”.He is the best-selling autSupport 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.comIn this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by two legal experts, Professor Corinna Lain from the University of Richmond School of Law and Professor Danielle Wingfield, to discuss the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity. The conversation explores how the 2024 SCOTUS decision in Trump v. United States builds on earlier cases like Nixon v. Fitzgerald and Clinton v. Jones, granting former presidents greater immunity from prosecution, even for potentially criminal acts performed in office. The professors delve into the broader implications of the ruling, the balance of powers between the executive branch and other government bodies, and the unsettling possibilities for future presidents to push the boundaries of their authority without legal consequence. They also touch on the potential long-term effects on public trust and accountability in American democracy.Tune in to learn more about this critical case, how it shifts the boundaries of presidential power, and why it's crucial to pay attention as the future of democracy hangs in the balance.Guests Bio:Danielle Wingfield: Professor Wingfield joined Richmond Law from Gonzaga University School of Law where she served as a fellow and visiting assistant professor. Her primary areas of teaching and scholarship include legal history, constitutional law, family law, race and the law, family law, and education law and policy. She earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of Virginia, her J.D. from the University of Richmond, and her B.A. in sociology and philosophy from the College of William & Mary. Professor Wingfield served as Of Counsel for The Child Advocate Law Firm, PLLC in Charlottesville, Virginia prior to returning to academia.Corinna Lain: Professor Corinna Lain is the S. D. Roberts & Sandra Moore Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law. Professor Lain’s scholarship focuses on two areas—Supreme Court decision-making and the death penalty—and she has published numerous articles and essays about lethal injection over the last decade. Her work has appeared in the nation’s top law journals, including the Stanford Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Duke LaSupport 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.comIn this conversation, Will Wright and Corey Nathan discuss their impressions of the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They highlight key moments, such as Harris's strong handshake and her ability to set traps for Trump. They also discuss the moderators' performance and note that they were softer on Harris compared to Trump. Overall, they agree that Harris performed well and set herself up for success, while Trump appeared unhinged and struggled to recover. They also discuss the importance of reaching undecided voters and the impact of the debate on different constituencies. In this conversation, Corey Nathan and Will Wright discuss their analysis of the vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. They explore various topics, including the candidates' performance, missed opportunities, policy discussions, and the potential impact on the election. They also speculate on the future of the campaign and the importance of ground game and swing states. Corey predicts that Kamala Harris will win the election, while Will emphasizes the need to pay attention to state-level polls and voting blocks.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.comDr. Guy Golan, an expert in political communication and international relations, joins the hosts to discuss the complicated relationship between American Jews and Israel. The book 'My Brother's Keeper' explores the differences between Israeli and American Jews and the tensions that arise from their contrasting social and political psychology. The conversation covers topics such as anti-Semitism, the role of college campuses in shaping perceptions of Israel, and the unique position of Israel in the Western world. The discussion also touches on the influence of Bibi Netanyahu, the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.Guest Bio: Guy Golan (PhD) is a university professor who studies political communication, public opinion and social media. He was a former political communication professional in Israel who worked on Ehud Barak’s 1999 campaign team. He was cited in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Bloomberg News, and Slate Magazine.Learn more: https://guygotv.com/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.comIn this conversation, Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Steve Bezner, the senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, about his book 'Your Jesus is Too American.' They discuss the problem of American culture co-opting the teachings of Jesus in the American church and the need to prioritize kingdom values over cultural conformity. They explore the tension between American patriotism and Christian faith, the influence of pastors in shaping interpretations of the Bible, and the redefinition of success in the church to align with Jesus' teachings. In this conversation, Steve Bezner discusses the intersection of faith, patriotism, and politics. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and embodying the teachings of Jesus in order to bring positive change to communities. Bezner addresses the issue of Christian nationalism and cautions against imposing extreme Christian morality on the nation. He hopes that his book, 'Your Jesus is Too American,' will inspire everyday Christians to prioritize following Jesus and lead to stories of racial reconciliation and radical generosity.Buy the Book: Your Jesus Is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream: https://a.co/d/h251XS4Guest Bio:Steve Bezner has been the Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church since January 2013. His passion is to see Houston—and the world—become more like Heaven as people become more like Jesus.Steve loves to preach, teach, write, and speak about the Bible in a way that is easy to understand but also challenges people to live the life that God has designed for each of them. In Houston, Steve works to foster collaboration between local churches, serving on the board of the Houston Church Planting Network (to start new churches locally) and Houston Pastors United We Stand (to foster racial reconciliation). He also works through Glocalnet to build bridges with other faiths in the city, particularly Jews and Muslims.Steve is passionate about training other pastors. He works with World Hope Ministries International to train pastors in remote global locations, coaches planters and pastors, and teaches seminary occasionally. 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.comIn this conversation, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Amanda Carpenter, an author, writer, and editor at Protect Democracy. They discuss the potential rise of authoritarianism in America if Trump is reelected and how his administration has focused on consolidating executive power and dismantling checks and balances. They highlight the importance of institutions like Congress, the courts, and the civil service in containing authoritarianism, but express concerns about their vulnerability. They also discuss the role of elections as a constraint on authoritarianism and the need for a broad opposition network to counter its rise. The conversation explores the potential threats to democracy and the role of various institutions in safeguarding it. The principal themes include the importance of focusing on priorities that protect the right to disagree and resolve differences through elections, the role of the media in countering authoritarianism, the impact of Trump's manipulation of the church and religion, the potential challenges in confirming Trump's cabinet in a second term, the exploitation of unconventional legal arguments to solidify power, and the risks of future elections being undermined or delayed. The conversation emphasizes the need for voters to consider the consequences and make informed choices.Learn more about the work Protect Democracy is doing: https://protectdemocracy.org/Guest Bio:Amanda Carpenter is a writer and editor at Protect Democracy. Her work involves collaborating with Protect Democracy advocates and experts to promote the organization’s mission, ideas, and key priorities. Before joining Protect Democracy she was a writer for The Bulwark and CNN Contributor. Prior to that she worked on Capitol Hill as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s communications director and South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint’s speechwriter. She brings over 15 years of political and media experience with her to Protect Democracy.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

Katherine Stewart, an acclaimed author and journalist, leads a dynamic discussion alongside Congressmen Jared Huffman and Jamie Raskin, and scholar Khyati Joshi. They explore the seismic shifts in evangelical voting patterns, highlighting a break from traditional conservatism towards values like social justice. The conversation touches on the role of wealth in political influence, the rise of anti-democratic sentiments, and introduces Stewart's upcoming book revealing the forces behind the Christian nationalist movement. It's a deep dive into the complex intertwining of faith and contemporary politics.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn this conversation, the hosts and Dr. Renee Carr discuss various topics related to politics and psychology. They touch on Kamala Harris and the perception of her as an aggressive female leader, the connection between DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and nepotism, the mental state of Donald Trump post-assassination attempt, the psychology behind demonizing political leaders, and the importance of forgiveness in political discourse. They also explore the impact of media bias and offer suggestions for combating polarization and bias in news consumption. In this conversation, Dr. Reneé Carr discusses the intersection of politics and psychology. She explains how cognitive dissonance plays a role in people's beliefs and behaviors, and offers strategies for engaging in productive conversations with those who hold different political views. Dr. Carr also provides insights on how to navigate the potential disappointment and conspiracy theories that may arise on election night. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our own biases and being open to different perspectives.To learn more about our guest visit: https://www.drreneecarr.com/Guest Bio:Dr. Reneé Carr is the trusted confidant to elected officials and high impact CEOs. She applies psychological science, business acumen, and human understanding to produce change at the state- and national level.​With expertise in human thinking, behaviors, emotions, and communications, Dr. Carr advises leaders on the solutions to improve their governments, economy, culture, and impact on citizens. She provides insight on the likelihood of future events, strategies to prevent future problems, and solutions for current problems or crises.As a refreshing voice of honesty and intellect, Dr. Carr attracts listeners and viewers who want real, frank, and smart information to better understand social issues, critical news, and current events. Dr. Carr has become a trusted source that audiences can repeatedly turn to for unbiased explanation and advice.As an award-winning psychologist and entrepreneur, she has received numerous recognitions for her innovative use of psychology to produce significant outcomes, change, and achievements for her clienSupport 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.comIn this interview, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Mike Ter Maat, the Libertarian Party's 2024 vice-presidential nominee running alongside Chase Oliver. Ter Maat discusses his transition from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party, citing his disillusionment with both major parties' departures from their core principles. He emphasizes the Libertarian philosophy of minimal government intervention, personal liberty, and fiscal conservatism, arguing that the Libertarian Party aligns more closely with American values than either the Republican or Democratic parties.Ter Maat critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly the ethical and practical failures of military interventions and foreign aid. He argues that these efforts have not made America safer or advanced its strategic interests. He also discusses the nation's unsustainable fiscal policies, warning of potential financial collapse if current trends continue.When asked about balancing national security with fiscal responsibility, Ter Maat is firm in his stance that the U.S. should not give away any money to other countries, arguing that it does not buy influence or benefit American interests. He also challenges the notion of what constitutes an ally, particularly in the context of U.S.-Israel relations.Learn more about their campaign: https://votechaseoliver.com/Guest Bio:Mike campaigned in 2021-22 as the Libertarian Party candidate in the January special Congressional election in Florida’s District 20. He served as a police officer in Broward County from 2010 through 2021 as a registered libertarian.Mike’s prior career in finance and economics included work with banks as a commercial loan officer, the White House Office of Management and Budget as a financial economist, and as a consulting economist to three other federal and international agencies in the field of economic development.From 1992 through 2002, Mike was an advocate in Washington for free markets in the financial services industry. In 2002, he started a professional education business for bank executives which he successfully ran until 2009, including conferences, webcasting, and strategic consulting.Mike has traveled through thirty-five countries, tSupport 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.comIn this conversation, Pastor Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of the book 'Faithful Politics.' They discuss the intersection of politics and faith, exploring topics such as the distinction between the Kingdom of God and the United States, the different ways Christians can engage in politics, and the impact of politics on biblical interpretation. Miranda emphasizes the importance of maintaining allegiance to Christ while recognizing the limitations of allegiance to a country. She also highlights the need for humility and open dialogue when discussing political issues within the church. In this part of the conversation, Miranda Zapor Cruz discusses the importance of reading scripture in community with people who have different political frameworks. She emphasizes the need to recognize our own biases and the ways in which we bring our own experiences and political opinions into our interpretation of scripture. She also highlights the difference between a proof-texting approach to scripture and a holistic, narrative-based approach. Additionally, she addresses the question of how to determine when someone's interpretation of scripture is not good, and suggests that we should evaluate interpretations based on whether they contribute to the reconciliation and restoration of all things.Buy the book: https://www.ivpress.com/faithful-politicsGuest Bio:Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in American and global Church history and theology. She holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University’s J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her family. 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