Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

As the Trump administration reshapes America's role in global politics, what does it mean for human rights at home and abroad? Dr. Bill Armaline, professor of sociology and founder of the Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University, returns to Faithful Politics to unpack the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy, the ICC’s role in holding world leaders accountable, and the economic and political implications of America's retreat from global leadership. We also dive into China's rise, the power of international labor movements, and what the next four years could mean for climate change, nuclear policy, and working-class Americans.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Bill Armaline is a professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at San Jose State University, where he founded the Human Rights Institute. His research focuses on social justice, human rights, and global power structures. He is an advocate for labor movements and has written extensively on class struggle, state power, and human rights violations.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright welcomes back Katherine Stewart, a leading investigative journalist on religious nationalism, to discuss her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. Katherine unpacks the growing influence of the Christian Right in American politics, showing how religious leaders and billionaire donors are strategically using faith to push an anti-democratic agenda. She explores the historical roots of this movement, its ties to major think tanks like the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation, and how policies from Project 2025 aim to reshape the government. From abortion and immigration to the growing war on expertise, Katherine sheds light on how the Christian nationalist movement is shaping elections and policy in ways most Americans don’t realize. If you want to understand the intersection of faith and power in today’s political landscape, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Bio: Katherine Stewart
Katherine Stewart is an award-winning investigative journalist and author specializing in the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, The Guardian, and many other major publications. She is the author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism and her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, offers a deep dive into the financial and ideological forces behind the rise of the Christian nationalist movement. With over 16 years of research in this field, Katherine is a leading voice on how faith is weaponized for political power.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Doug Burleigh, a longtime Christian leader, speaker, and former National President of Young Life. Doug has been deeply involved in global faith diplomacy, notably through the National Prayer Breakfast and extensive ministry in Russia and former Soviet states. The conversation covers Doug’s personal faith journey, his experiences working with political and religious leaders worldwide, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of faith, rather than institutional religion. He also addresses the Netflix documentary "The Family", offering insight into misconceptions about the Fellowship. This episode is packed with wisdom on discipleship, leadership, and the power of faith-based relationships across cultural and political divides.

Guest Bio: Doug Burley
Doug Burley is a Christian leader, author, and global faith diplomat who has dedicated decades to ministry and mentorship. He served as the National President of Young Life for 25+ years before becoming a key figure in the Fellowship (The Family), the group behind the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. His work has taken him across the world, including extensive faith-building efforts in Russia and post-Soviet states. Doug’s book, Jesus Changes Everything, emphasizes personal faith over institutional religion, guiding readers toward a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, co-hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright sit down with Dr. Malcolm Foley, a historian, pastor, and advisor at Baylor University, to discuss his latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward. Dr. Foley unpacks the historical and theological connections between greed, economic exploitation, and racial violence, challenging the conventional narratives about race and capitalism. He explores how the desire for profit fueled the transatlantic slave trade, sustained Jim Crow laws, and continues to shape modern economic and political inequalities. Through a compelling discussion of history, theology, and practical application, this episode invites listeners to examine how greed operates in their own lives and communities—and what the church must do to counteract it.

Guest Bio: Dr. Malcolm Foley
Dr. Malcolm Foley is a historian, pastor, and special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He earned his PhD in religion from Baylor, specializing in African-American Protestant responses to lynching from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. He serves as the director of Black Church Studies at Truett Theological Seminary and co-pastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, Texas. Dr. Foley has been featured in Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy, where he addresses racial violence, economic injustice, and the church’s role in promoting equity and inclusion. His latest book, The Anti-Greed Gospel, provides a bold theological critique of capitalism, calling for a reformation of Christian priorities away from wealth accumulation and toward communal care.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this episode of Faithful Politics, host Will Wright sits down with Professor Henry Chambers from the University of Richmond School of Law to unravel the complexities of birthright citizenship, constitutional law, and executive power. From the origins of the 14th Amendment to modern challenges posed by Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, Professor Chambers provides a deep legal analysis on what it means to be an American. The discussion explores how birthright citizenship has evolved, Supreme Court cases that have defined it, and the unitary executive theory that shapes presidential authority. Along the way, they discuss Trump's recent actions, the impoundment of funds, and the broader implications of unchecked presidential power. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the legal and political battles shaping America's future.

Guest Bio:
Professor Henry L. Chambers Jr. is a distinguished scholar and professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, specializing in constitutional law, criminal law, employment discrimination, and the intersection of religion and law. With decades of experience in academia and legal analysis, he has contributed to major legal debates and provided expert commentary on Supreme Court rulings and executive authority. His work has been widely recognized for its clarity and depth in explaining complex constitutional issues.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright sits down with investigative journalist Alec MacGillis from ProPublica to discuss his latest exposé, "On a Mission from God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Religious Schools." Alec provides a deep dive into the rapid expansion of private school voucher programs, particularly in Ohio, and how they are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of public education. He details how these programs, originally marketed as a means to provide alternatives for struggling students, are overwhelmingly subsidizing families who were already enrolled in private schools—predominantly religious institutions. The conversation also explores the historical roots of the voucher movement, its ties to Christian education, and the political strategies that have driven its success. Will and Alec discuss the broader implications for public schools, the constitutional concerns over church-state separation, and the potential for further expansion under a second Trump administration. If you care about the future of education in America, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

• Read the article 'On a Mission From God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Private Religious Schools': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-vouchers-ohio-church-state-tax-dollars-private-religious
• Read Alec's latest follow up report 'In the Wild West of School Voucher Expansions, States Rely on Untested Companies, With Mixed Results': https://www.propublica.org/article/school-voucher-management-classwallet-odyssey-merit-student-first

Guest Bio: Alec MacGillis
Alec MacGillis is an award-winning investigative journalist with ProPublica, focusing on issues like economic inequality, gun violence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Before joining ProPublica, he reported for The New Republic, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His work has won numerous national journalism awards, and his reporting consistently sheds light on undercovered but crucial topics shaping American society. His latest investigative piece, "On a Mission from God," examines the political and religious forces driving the rise of school vouchers in the U.S.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this enlightening episode, Josh Burtram welcomes David W. Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and author of Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. They explore the interconnected nature of racial and environmental injustice, framed through a Christian theological lens. Swanson shares his journey from aspiring outdoor educator to urban pastor, where he discovered the shared root of greed underlying systemic racism and environmental exploitation. Together, they discuss how Christians can reclaim their identity as "priestly caretakers," promoting justice and sustainability within their communities. Packed with thought-provoking insights, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink their roles in fostering flourishing for all of creation.

Buy the Book: "Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice" https://a.co/d/dKUMScs

Guest Bio:
David W. Swanson is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church, a multicultural congregation in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. He also leads New Community Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing trauma in the community. David speaks nationally on racial justice and reconciliation and has written for outlets such as Christianity Today, The Englewood Review of Books, and The Covenant Companion. His books include the acclaimed Rediscipling the White Church and his latest, Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. David lives in Chicago with his wife and two sons.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

In this insightful episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright welcome back historian and best-selling author Beth Allison Barr. Known for her groundbreaking book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Dr. Barr delves into her newest work, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry. The discussion explores the historical evolution of women's roles in the church, the intertwining of patriarchy with church culture, and the societal shifts that led to the emergence of the pastor’s wife as a key figure in evangelical spaces. Drawing parallels to medieval history and the Reformation, Dr. Barr provides a compelling narrative about the sacrifices and challenges women have faced in ministry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender, faith, and the shifting dynamics of power within religious institutions.


Pre-Order Beth's book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/becoming-the-pastor-s-wife/414910


Guest Bio:
Dr. Beth Allison Barr is a distinguished historian and the James Vardeman and Dow Chair of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. With a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is an expert in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. Her writing has been featured in prominent outlets such as USA Today, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today. She is best known for her bestselling book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Dr. Barr’s latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry, examines the historical shifts that reshaped women’s roles in ministry and their enduring impact on contemporary church culture.

Support the show

Please Help Support the show
https://donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below:

• Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/
• Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
• Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
• Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/