Church and Main: At the Intersection of Religion and Public Life
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsChurch and Main is a religion and public affairs podcast. We look at where religion intersects with 21st-century public with a focus on the story of Mainline Protestantism, its problems, its strengths, and its future. Join Pastor Dennis Sanders on the journey.
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Episodes
19: Is Black Still Beautiful?
May 10, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBJoin Dennis as he takes a trip to 1970s Michigan and recounts what is was like to grow up as a young black man. It was a time of challenges to be sure, but it was a time of hope and of pride. Dennis remembered the importance of being "Black and Proud." The 2020s is a time period where Black Pride seems nowhere to be found. What happened? Dennis looks into the question, Is Black Still Beautiful? What Happens When a Slogan Becomes the Curriculum by Conor Friedersdorf ‘The Narrative Is...
Is Black Still Beautiful?
May 10, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBJoin Dennis as he takes a trip to 1970s Michigan and recounts what is was like to grow up as a young black man. It was a time of challenges to be sure, but it was a time of hope and of pride. Dennis remembered the importance of being "Black and Proud." The 2020s is a time period where Black Pride seems nowhere to be found. What happened? Dennis looks into the question, Is Black Still Beautiful? What Happens When a Slogan Becomes the Curriculum by Conor Friedersdorf ‘The Narrative Is...
18: Why Are Pastors Leaving the Ministry?
May 08, 2021 04:07 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBA lot of pastors are leaving the ministry and it has only worsened during the pandemic. Why? Dennis shares his own frustrations as a pastor in this very challenging time. If you are ordained, have you ever considered leaving the ministry? Or, are you a former pastor that left in frustration? What got you into the ministry and what would made you leave or tempted to leave? If you’re willing to share please drop me a line via email at [email protected] or through Twitter by going to @Co...
Why Are Pastors Leaving the Ministry?
May 08, 2021 04:07 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBA lot of pastors are leaving the ministry and it has only worsened during the pandemic. Why? Dennis shares his own frustrations as a pastor in this very challenging time. If you are ordained, have you ever considered leaving the ministry? Or, are you a former pastor that left in frustration? What got you into the ministry and what would made you leave or tempted to leave? If you’re willing to share please drop me a line via email at [email protected] or through Twitter by going to @Co...
19. Why Are Pastors Leaving the Ministry?
May 08, 2021 04:07 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBA lot of pastors are leaving the ministry and it has only worsened during the pandemic. Why? Dennis shares his own frustrations as a pastor in this very challenging time. If you are ordained, have you ever considered leaving the ministry? Or, are you a former pastor that left in frustration? What got you into the ministry and what would made you leave or tempted to leave? If you’re willing to share please drop me a line via email at [email protected] or through Twitter by going to ...
Liz Cheney: The Iron Lady
May 07, 2021 04:38 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBWhat happens when the last person of integrity is pushed out of the GOP? As Rep. Liz Cheney’s leadership position hangs in the balance, we are about to find out. The GOP is at a turning point. History is watching us. By Liz Cheney GOP eyes voter fraud conspiracy theorist to replace Liz Cheney (Washington Post) Why Liz Cheney's brave Trump crusade is so depressing to Republicans like me by Susan Del Percio Be sure to rate us and leave a review. Share the podcast with others! Questions?...
17: Liz Cheney: The Iron Lady
May 07, 2021 04:38 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBWhat happens when the last person of integrity is pushed out of the GOP? As Rep. Liz Cheney’s leadership position hangs in the balance, we are about to find out. The GOP is at a turning point. History is watching us. By Liz Cheney GOP eyes voter fraud conspiracy theorist to replace Liz Cheney (Washington Post) Why Liz Cheney's brave Trump crusade is so depressing to Republicans like me by Susan Del Percio Be sure to rate us and leave a review. Share the podcast with others! Questions?...
18. Liz Cheney: The Iron Lady
May 07, 2021 04:38 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBWhat happens when the last person of integrity is pushed out of the GOP? As Rep. Liz Cheney’s leadership position hangs in the balance, we are about to find out. The GOP is at a turning point. History is watching us. By Liz Cheney GOP eyes voter fraud conspiracy theorist to replace Liz Cheney (Washington Post) Why Liz Cheney's brave Trump crusade is so depressing to Republicans like me by Susan Del Percio Be sure to rate us and leave a review. Share the podcast with others! Question...
The Man Near the Moon
May 01, 2021 17:03 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBIn this episode, Dennis uses his ADHD/Aspergers brain and takes on a potpourri of issues such as President Biden's speech to Congress, the role of the state and the center-right, Sen. Tim Scott's response and the United States as a racist nation, America becoming a post-religious nation and the fate of the mainline Protestant church. He caps things off with a tribute to the "forgotten astronaut" of Apollo 11, Michael Collins. Show Notes: The Era of Limited Government is Over, by Ross Dout...
16: The Man Near the Moon
May 01, 2021 17:03 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBIn this episode, Dennis uses his ADHD/Aspergers brain and takes on a potpourri of issues such as President Biden's speech to Congress, the role of the state and the center-right, Sen. Tim Scott's response and the United States as a racist nation, America becoming a post-religious nation and the fate of the mainline Protestant church. He caps things off with a tribute to the "forgotten astronaut" of Apollo 11, Michael Collins. Show Notes: The Era of Limited Government is Over, by Ross Dout...
17. The Man Near the Moon
May 01, 2021 17:03 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBIn this episode, Dennis uses his ADHD/Aspergers brain and takes on a potpourri of issues such as President Biden's speech to Congress, the role of the state and the center-right, Sen. Tim Scott's response and the United States as a racist nation, America becoming a post-religious nation and the fate of the mainline Protestant church. He caps things off with a tribute to the "forgotten astronaut" of Apollo 11, Michael Collins. Show Notes: The Era of Limited Government is Over, by Ross Doutha...
15: Give Me the Highway: About the Interstate Highway System
April 26, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBWhy does the Interstate Highway System matter? What made it so amazing? Why is it so unappreciated today? How is it learning from its past mistakes? To answer those questions I talk to Rob Sanders who like me, is a transportation geek. Rob is the creator and host for Road Guy Rob, a video, web, and podcasting platform which connects the general public with today’s cutting-edge developments in transportation engineering. A Utah native, 12-year veteran of public radio, where Rob was drawn...
Give Me the Highway: Rob Sanders on the Interstate Highway System
April 26, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBWhy does the Interstate Highway System matter? What made it so amazing? Why is it so unappreciated today? How is it learning from its past mistakes? To answer those questions I talk to Rob Sanders who like me, is a transportation geek. Rob is the creator and host for Road Guy Rob, a video, web, and podcasting platform which connects the general public with today’s cutting-edge developments in transportation engineering. A Utah native, 12-year veteran of public radio, where Rob was drawn...
16. Give Me the Highway: Rob Sanders on the Interstate Highway System
April 26, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBWhy does the Interstate Highway System matter? What made it so amazing? Why is it so unappreciated today? How is it learning from its past mistakes? To answer those questions I talk to Rob Sanders who like me, is a transportation geek. Rob is the creator and host for Road Guy Rob, a video, web, and podcasting platform which connects the general public with today’s cutting-edge developments in transportation engineering. A Utah native, 12-year veteran of public radio, where Rob was dr...
A Great Cloud of Witnesses: A Meditation on the Chauvin Verdict
April 23, 2021 02:56 - 17 minutes - 16 MBThe following is the audio version of a meditation Dennis did for his congregation yesterday, looking at the murder of George Floyd from a religious standpoint. Show notes: Evening Prayer (Midweek Vespers) for April 21, 2021 Written Version from the Church website Press Release from the Minneapolis Police Department Be sure to rate us and leave a review at your favorite podcast platform. That makes it easier for others to find us. Questions? Send an email: [email protected]. website: s...
14: A Great Cloud of Witnesses: A Meditation on the Chauvin Verdict
April 23, 2021 02:56 - 17 minutes - 16 MBThe following is the audio version of a meditation Dennis did for his congregation yesterday, looking at the murder of George Floyd from a religious standpoint. Show notes: Evening Prayer (Midweek Vespers) for April 21, 2021 Written Version from the Church website Press Release from the Minneapolis Police Department Be sure to rate us and leave a review at your favorite podcast platform. That makes it easier for others to find us. Questions? Send an email: [email protected]. website: s...
George Floyd's Life Matters
April 21, 2021 04:14 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBDennis reflects on the guilty verdict of former Minneapolis police Derek Chauvin. Show notes: The complicated relief of the Chauvin verdict (Vox) Why Chauvin’s conviction matters (Vox) Chauvin’s Conviction Is the Exception That Proves the Rule (The Atlantic) 'It upsets me': Black man reacts to White friend's traffic stop (CNN) The Trial of Derek Chauvin- Advisory Opinions Podcast Anti-Anti-Chauvinism (The Bulwark) A 50-year Downward Spiral (Medium) Episode Transcript Be sure to rat...
13: George Floyd's Life Matters
April 21, 2021 04:14 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBDennis reflects on the guilty verdict of former Minneapolis police Derek Chauvin. Show notes: The complicated relief of the Chauvin verdict (Vox) Why Chauvin’s conviction matters (Vox) Chauvin’s Conviction Is the Exception That Proves the Rule (The Atlantic) 'It upsets me': Black man reacts to White friend's traffic stop (CNN) The Trial of Derek Chauvin- Advisory Opinions Podcast Anti-Anti-Chauvinism (The Bulwark) A 50-year Downward Spiral (Medium) Episode Transcript Be sure to rat...
12: Only Nixon Could Do Health Care Reform
April 12, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBNo matter who you are, at some point you are going to get sick. Who will pay those doctor bills. In this episode, we look at why the center-right should take up real health care reform. Consider signing up for News of the Sphere, this is where you will find articles of interest and listen to past episodes. To signup, go to https://newsofthesphere.substack.com/. Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Show Notes: Nixon and Universal Health Care The Swiss Health System The Singapor...
Only Nixon Could Do Health Care Reform
April 12, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBNo matter who you are, at some point you are going to get sick. Who will pay those doctor bills. In this episode, we look at why the center-right should take up real health care reform. Consider signing up for News of the Sphere, this is where you will find articles of interest and listen to past episodes. To signup, go to https://newsofthesphere.substack.com/. Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Show Notes: Nixon and Universal Health Care The Swiss Health System The Singapor...
11: Common Good Conservative
April 09, 2021 15:50 - 40 minutes - 37 MBCan conservatives believe in an active government that can help people in need? Throughout history, the center-right has believed that government can address issues like inequality and also believe in the importance of a free market. In this episode, Dennis talks about why it's necessary for conservatives to believe in "one nationism" again. Articles of Note: America Needs a “One Nation” Movement by Chris Vance The Working Hypothesis by Oren Cass Beyond Growth by Abby McCloskey Republi...
Common Good Conservative
April 09, 2021 15:50 - 40 minutes - 37 MBCan conservatives believe in an active government that can help people in need? Throughout history, the center-right has believed that government can address issues like inequality and also believe in the importance of a free market. In this episode, Dennis talks about why it's necessary for conservatives to believe in "one nationism" again. Articles of Note: America Needs a “One Nation” Movement by Chris Vance The Working Hypothesis by Oren Cass Beyond Growth by Abby McCloskey Republi...
10: America Will Be!
April 07, 2021 04:09 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBIs America a good nation? Can a nation with a past that includes slavery and the mistreatment of Native Americans be a force for good in the world? In this episode, Dennis tries to answer those questions honestly. If you have a question, email it to [email protected]. spheresofinfluence.org Show notes: America the Good by Jonah Goldberg The Problem With America's Patriotism Deficit by Jonah Goldberg Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes
America Will Be!
April 07, 2021 04:09 - 30 minutes - 28 MBIs America a good nation? Can a nation with a past that includes slavery and the mistreatment of Native Americans be a force for good in the world? In this episode, Dennis tries to answer those questions honestly. If you have a question, email it to [email protected]. spheresofinfluence.org Show notes: America the Good by Jonah Goldberg The Problem With America's Patriotism Deficit by Jonah Goldberg Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes
9: Church in the Time of Apocalypse
April 05, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 31.6 MBDennis is looking for religious leaders to interview to share their experiences during the pandemic. If you are interested, send an email to [email protected] Episode Notes: Pastoring Through A Pandemic by Western Seminary The Pandemic and the Decline of the Church by David Epps What Kind of Churches Will Survive the Pandemic? by Bob Whitesel What clergy said when influenza closed churches in 1918 Birmingham, Alabama News, April 17, 2020 Adventists and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic By Michae...
Church in the Time of Apocalypse
April 05, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MBDennis is looking for religious leaders to interview to share their experiences during the pandemic. If you are interested, send an email to [email protected] Episode Notes: Pastoring Through A Pandemic by Western Seminary The Pandemic and the Decline of the Church by David Epps What Kind of Churches Will Survive the Pandemic? by Bob Whitesel What clergy said when influenza closed churches in 1918 Birmingham, Alabama News, April 17, 2020 Adventists and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic By Michae...
Guns, Germs and Weal
March 30, 2021 13:20 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBAnother mass shooting is another opportunity to get into another culture war. Dennis talks about a time when people could come together and create good gun policy and why that is impossible these days. He ends by talking about the treatment Dr. Deborah Birx has received for her time on President Trump's Coronavirus Taskforce. Background Articles: Gun Control is A Misfire by Marc Cooper Guns and Culture by Dennis Sanders Why I Carry A Gun by David French The Hard Lesson of Dr. Birx by Mega...
8: Guns, Germs and Weal
March 30, 2021 13:20 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBAnother mass shooting is another opportunity to get into another culture war. Dennis talks about a time when people could come together and create good gun policy and why that is impossible these days. He ends by talking about the treatment Dr. Deborah Birx has received for her time on President Trump's Coronavirus Taskforce. Background Articles: Gun Control is A Misfire by Marc Cooper Guns and Culture by Dennis Sanders Why I Carry A Gun by David French The Hard Lesson of Dr. Birx by Mega...
Attention Must Be Paid
March 26, 2021 15:05 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBWhy did Donald Trump win in 2016? Was it racism? The stress of the American working class? Could it be both? In this episode, Dennis shares his own working-class roots, how the demise of manufacturing has altered towns across America and how the two major parties ignored the problems of the working class. Dennis believes Donald Trump was a warning to the governing classes to pay attention to the needs of the American worker or get ready for another strongman in the White House. If you h...
7: Attention Must Be Paid
March 26, 2021 15:05 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBWhy did Donald Trump win in 2016? Was it racism? The stress of the American working class? Could it be both? In this episode, Dennis shares his own working-class roots, how the demise of manufacturing has altered towns across America and how the two major parties ignored the problems of the working class. Dennis believes Donald Trump was a warning to the governing classes to pay attention to the needs of the American worker or get ready for another strongman in the White House. If you h...
6: This Is the Reset
March 22, 2021 03:48 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBOn episode six Dennis moves from a "soft opening" of the podcast to move to the "grand opening," with a new name and focus! He talks about the reasoning behind the name change, Christian Democracy and his fascination with the Dutch theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper. Also, find out about upcoming episodes. Questions? Send an email to [email protected] or go to the website: spheresofinfluence.org
This Is the Reset
March 22, 2021 03:48 - 23 minutes - 22 MBOn episode six Dennis moves from a "soft opening" of the podcast to move to the "grand opening," with a new name and focus! He talks about the reasoning behind the name change, Christian Democracy and his fascination with the Dutch theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper. Also, find out about upcoming episodes. Questions? Send an email to [email protected] or go to the website: spheresofinfluence.org
Who Mourns for the GOP?
March 17, 2021 03:51 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBWhy should we care about the Republican Party when it's nothing more than a collection of racists and conspiracy mongers? A fair number of Never Trumpers see the party as something that is detested and many think it is now time to look to the Democrats. People associated with the Bulwark are starting to believe that maybe it’s time for former Republicans to become the conservative wing of the Democrats or at the very least work more closely with President Biden. What if leaving the party an...
5: Who Mourns for the GOP?
March 17, 2021 03:51 - 34 minutes - 32.7 MBWhy should we care about the Republican Party when it's nothing more than a collection of racists and conspiracy mongers? A fair number of Never Trumpers see the party as something that is detested and many think it is now time to look to the Democrats. People associated with the Bulwark are starting to believe that maybe it’s time for former Republicans to become the conservative wing of the Democrats or at the very least work more closely with President Biden. What if leaving the party an...
One Year On
March 12, 2021 05:16 - 13 minutes - 12 MBOn this special episode, Dennis reflects on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 becoming a pandemic and how Everything Changed on March 11, 2020. Questions? Send an email: [email protected] Now, you can also check out our website, politecompanypod.org! President Joe Biden Speech on Anniversary of COVID-19 Shutdown Transcript March 11 March 11, 2020: The Day Everything Changed-National Public Radio
4: One Year On
March 12, 2021 05:16 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBOn this special episode, Dennis reflects on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 becoming a pandemic and how Everything Changed on March 11, 2020. Questions? Send an email: [email protected] Now, you can also check out our website, politecompanypod.org! President Joe Biden Speech on Anniversary of COVID-19 Shutdown Transcript March 11 March 11, 2020: The Day Everything Changed-National Public Radio
We Have Some Healing to Do
March 06, 2021 04:23 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBLike all good GenXers, Dennis wants to take you back to the 1990s! In this episode, Dennis recounts an experience he witnessed in a church basement nearly 30 years ago that is a reminder of how people with differing views still shared common ground. They shared a common faith that was able to hold them together even when they disagreed. What has happened in our culture that you can't find that kind of unity anymore? Dennis explores how religion has become swallowed up by politics and how ...
3: We Have Some Healing to Do
March 06, 2021 04:23 - 31 minutes - 29 MBLike all good GenXers, Dennis wants to take you back to the 1990s! In this episode, Dennis recounts an experience he witnessed in a church basement nearly 30 years ago that is a reminder of how people with differing views still shared common ground. They shared a common faith that was able to hold them together even when they disagreed. What has happened in our culture that you can't find that kind of unity anymore? Dennis explores how religion has become swallowed up by politics and how ...
2: Demographics, Destiny and Doom
February 23, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBAmerica is becoming a far more diverse country. This is good news. What's bad news is how both political parties have reacted to the changing face of America. Dennis shares how the Democrats have stopped reaching out to the working class and how Republicans have employed tactics like voter suppression. How can we accept the "browning" of America in a way that brings people together instead of drive people apart? Questions? Send an email: [email protected] Articles to read: Demographic...
Demographics, Destiny and Doom
February 23, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBAmerica is becoming a far more diverse country. This is good news. What's bad news is how both political parties have reacted to the changing face of America. Dennis shares how the Democrats have stopped reaching out to the working class and how Republicans have employed tactics like voter suppression. How can we accept the "browning" of America in a way that brings people together instead of drive people apart? Questions? Send an email: [email protected] Articles to read: Demographic...
1: The New Party of Lincoln
February 17, 2021 03:32 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBWelcome to the Inaugural episode of Polite Company! Donald Trump may no longer be President, but Trumpism is still a vital force in the Republican Party. Several state and local parties have censured the seventeen representatives and Senators who vote to either impeach the former President or convict him. More and more rank and file Republicans are leaving the party in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol as the party becomes more and more a home for conspiracy monger...
The New Party of Lincoln
February 17, 2021 03:32 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBWelcome to the Inaugural episode of Polite Company! Donald Trump may no longer be President, but Trumpism is still a vital force in the Republican Party. Several state and local parties have censured the seventeen representatives and Senators who vote to either impeach the former President or convict him. More and more rank and file Republicans are leaving the party in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol as the party becomes more and more a home for conspiracy monger...
The Trailer
February 16, 2021 06:00 - 1 minute - 3.56 MBI've always liked journeys. I love when the car pulls away from home or the plane leaves the gate. The journey has begun. Traveling is always an interim state. You aren't where you once were and you're, and you’re not where you'd like to be. Instead, you're en route, hence the name of this podcast. What we're doing here is talking about notes along the way of life. What are people thinking at this specific time when it comes to religion, politics and culture? En Route is about traveling t...