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 are joined by Jonathan Freedland, an award-winning journalist, longtime Guardian columnist, and bestselling author, to discuss his latest book, The Traitor’s Circle.Freedland unpacks the true story of a small, elite group of German citizens who quietly resisted Adolf Hitler from within Nazi Germany - and the devastating betrayal that ultimately exposed them. Through the lens of faith, conscience, and moral authority, the conversation explores why some people resist tyranny while most comply, how fear and partial courage shape human decisions, and why belief in a higher authority - whether God, conscience, or moral tradition - can give people the strength to say no when it matters most.The discussion draws powerful connections between history and the present without collapsing them into easy analogies, offering listeners a sobering and deeply human exploration of complicity, resistance, and the cost of moral clarity in dangerous times. Guest BioJonathan Freedland is a British journalist, author, and broadcaster. He is a longtime columnist for The Guardian, former Washington correspondent, and host of Politics Weekly America. Freedland is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Escape Artist, and his work often focuses on democracy, authoritarianism, antisemitism, and moral responsibility in modern history.Book DiscussedThe Traitor’s Circle: The True Story of a Secret Resistance Network in Nazi Germany and the Spy Who Betrayed Them by Jonathan Freedland https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780063373204Support 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 and Josh sit down with attorney and EPPC fellow Rachel Morrison to unpack the legal and political fight over “anti-Christian bias” in America. Drawing from her new Ethics and Public Policy Center report responding to President Trump’s Executive Order 14202, Rachel explains what the Anti-Christian Bias Task Force actually is, how it differs from the new Religious Liberty Commission, and why her research focuses less on sound bites and more on concrete federal actions. She walks through three key areas where she believes the Biden administration has sidelined religious liberty: conscience protections in health care at HHS, rulemaking that treats religion as an afterthought, and EEOC enforcement choices that chill religious exercise in the workplace. Along the way, the conversation hits RFRA, the Affordable Care Act’s contraception and abortion mandates, pronoun and dress-code disputes, and the messy reality of COVID vaccine mandates for employees who requested religious accommodations. Rachel closes with what she sees as the most important fix Congress could make right now and why everyday people of faith should care about the “boring” world of federal regulations as much as the headlines. Guest Bio:Rachel N. Morrison is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where she focuses on the intersection of law, religious liberty, and public policy. She directs EPPC’s Administrative State Accountability Project, monitoring and challenging federal agency regulations that affect life issues, conscience protections, and nondiscrimination laws. Links and Resources Mentioned:EPPC Report: Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias: A Response to Executive Order 14202 – https://eppc.org/publication/eradicating-anti-christian-bias-a-response-to-executive-order-14202/Executive Order 14202: Trump administration order establishing the Anti-Christian Bias Task Force https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-biasSupport 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

Join John Fugelsang, a comedian and author known for sharp political commentary, as he unpacks the intersection of Christianity and politics. He discusses how Jesus' teachings are often distorted by right-wing narratives around issues like immigration and abortion. John shares insights from his book, exploring how scripture can reclaim compassion over cruelty. He offers a personal glimpse into his faith journey, advocating for a transformative relationship with belief that's focused on love and care for the marginalized.

In this engaging discussion, Justin Giboney, an ordained minister and political strategist, explores the resilience and unique role of the Black church in today’s culture wars. He highlights moral courage through examples like Shirley Chisholm and critiques both conservative and progressive failings. Giboney advocates for a fresh Christian public witness, emphasizing the Imago Dei to counteract divisive politics. His insights challenge Christians to engage constructively rather than succumb to political outrage, offering a hopeful vision rooted in justice and community.

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 and Josh sit down with journalist Jack Jenkins, a leading religion and politics reporter known for his thoughtful coverage of faith movements, extremism, and spiritual life in America. The conversation explores how compassion shows up in ordinary religious communities, why moments of unexpected moral clarity matter, and how American faith traditions continue shaping public life even in deeply polarized times. Jack shares insights from years of reporting at Religion News Service, including what he’s learned from covering everything from clergy on the front lines to the spread of Christian nationalism. This is a grounded, hopeful conversation about the spiritual instincts that still emerge even in messy political moments.Additional ResourcesJack Jenkins’ website: https://jackjenkins.meJack’s work: https://religionnews.comGuest BioJack Jenkins is an award-winning national reporter covering religion and politics. He writes for Religion News Service, where his work focuses on Christian nationalism, social movements, church-state issues, and the role of faith communities in American public life. His reporting has appeared across major national outlets, and he is known for bringing nuance, empathy, and deep context to some of the country’s most contentious debates.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

Dr. George Yancey, a sociology professor at Baylor University, explores the intricate intersections of race, identity politics, and faith. He discusses the pervasive impact of identity politics and critiques both progressive and conservative viewpoints on anti-Christian bias. Yancey highlights a listening-based Christian approach to foster dialogue around race relations, emphasizing a Christ-centered identity over political affiliations. He also delves into the realities of Christianophobia, offering insights on how to bridge divides between polarized groups.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWill and Josh welcome Joshua Cohen, author of William F. Buckley Jr.’s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era, to explore what one of the most influential conservative thinkers can teach us about civility, humor, gratitude, and cross-ideological friendship. Cohen explains why Buckley’s Catholic faith shaped his approach to public life, how his friendships with liberals reveal a blueprint for healthier political engagement, and why long-form conversations matter more now than ever. The episode covers Firing Line, the Buckley–Vidal clashes, truth-seeking, and what it means to disagree without becoming disagreeable.Additional ResourcesBook: William F. Buckley Jr.’s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781956454925Joshua Cohen’s podcast: Eyewitness History https://www.historyonthenet.com/eyewitness-historyGuest BioJoshua Cohen is a writer, interviewer, and host of the podcast Eyewitness History, where he speaks with people who lived through major historical events. His book on William F. Buckley Jr. examines how the legendary conservative icon modeled civility, curiosity, and deep friendship across ideological divides. Cohen’s work blends history, ethics, and public life with a focus on how ideas shape real-world choices.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

Holly Berkley Fletcher, a historian and author who grew up as a missionary kid in Kenya, dives into the complexities of white evangelicalism. She explores how missionary culture has shaped American identity and race narratives. The conversation covers the romanticized myth of the 'missionary saint' and the hidden costs for missionary children. Holly also discusses the impact of calling, the disparities in the missionary experience, and the systemic issues within missionary work, urging a shift toward prioritizing children's wellbeing and historical accountability.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comInvestigative reporter Jennifer Smith Richards of ProPublica joins Will and Josh to break down her major reporting on Oklahoma’s controversial education overhaul under Superintendent Ryan Walters. She explains how Christianity was woven into new academic standards, why educators across the political spectrum objected, and how figures like PragerU, David Barton, and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts influenced the proposed curriculum. Jennifer also walks through the dramatic rollback of civil-rights enforcement at the U.S. Department of Education and what the loss of federal oversight means for students with disabilities, racial discrimination claims, and families seeking accountability. This is a sobering, deeply important look at the future of public education, Christian nationalism in policy, and the stakes for parents and students nationwide.Additional ResourcesThis Is Ground Zero in the Conservative Quest for More Patriotic and Christian Public Schools: https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-education-department-oklahoma-public-schoolsPragerU Kids curriculum referenced by Oklahoma DOE: https://www.prageru.com/kidsGuest BioJennifer Smith Richards is an investigative reporter at ProPublica, specializing in education, civil rights, and systemic failures affecting children and families. Her reporting has uncovered national patterns in school discipline, civil-rights enforcement, curriculum changes influenced by political movements, and the real-world impact of state-level education policy. Her work is widely recognized for its depth, clarity, and public impact.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.comHow do we argue without tearing each other apart? Corregan Brown joins us to explore the art of disagreement in an age of outrage. He breaks down the difference between arguing policy and clarifying principles, showing how many of our public fights aren’t about facts but about unspoken values. Brown also explains why recognizing power differentials matters in civic discourse and how “unbundling” political coalitions allows for more authentic and constructive engagement across divides.We dig into the practical side of argument—what it means to enter a tense conversation without triggering defensiveness, how to recover when debates go sideways, and why empathy doesn’t mean compromise. Brown brings insight from both his engineering and faith-based backgrounds, offering a model for conversation rooted in curiosity, integrity, and shared purpose. His message is clear: productive disagreement isn’t about winning—it’s about understanding enough to build something better together.Guest Bio:Corrigan Brown leads in-store technology teams at Chick-fil-A—covering point-of-sale, kitchen operations, and digital fulfillment—and serves as an educator with Be the Bridge, facilitating historically grounded conversations around race, faith, and civic life. He blends a background in engineering, leadership, and reconciliation work to help communities navigate complex social and political divides with empathy and clarity. Brown appeared on Faithful Politics in a personal capacity and not as a representative or employee of Chick-fil-A.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