Respecting Religion
103 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 21 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 71 ratingsWhat's at stake for faith freedom for all in our world today? Join the conversation on religion and the law, including the most significant cases concerning religion and religious liberty at the U.S. Supreme Court and the continuing impact of Christian nationalism. As lawyers and people of faith, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler and General Counsel Holly Hollman think these topics deserve respectful conversation -- something that we don’t always hear in the public square or our social media feeds.
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Episodes
S5, Ep. 26: Archaic laws and new theories emerge from state abortion debates
April 25, 2024 14:16 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBThe intersection of abortion and religion often grabs headlines, and this episode of Respecting Religion looks at recent developments in two states: Arizona and Indiana. Amanda and Holly discuss an Indiana case that involves free exercise arguments under state law to support abortion, and they examine the impact of Arizona’s 1864 law that criminalizes abortion. Both situations are resulting from the tremendous change in the law after the Dobbs decision in 2022, leading to some unexpected si...
S5, Ep. 25: The crisis in teaching constitutional law
April 18, 2024 13:47 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBSome troubling trends at the Supreme Court are starting to affect the legal profession and how students in law school approach the U.S. Constitution. As SCOTUS continues to upend decades of established precedent in church-state law, Amanda and Holly discuss what’s changed since they were in law school and the rapid changes in church-state law itself. They look at the views of legitimacy of the Court, and Holly shares specifically what she sees in her work teaching church-state law at George...
S5, Ep. 24: Race, religion and citizenship
April 11, 2024 17:57 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBHear excerpts from a special event we organized at the University of Southern California on race, religion and citizenship in this episode of Respecting Religion. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans and the Rev. Dr. Christopher The brought their unique experiences and expertise to a conversation on religious and racial identity, moderated by the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard. Hear their insights about a theology of democracy, their experiences with racism, how to identify authoritarianism, and what le...
S5, Ep. 23: The Bible doesn’t need Trump’s endorsement
April 04, 2024 14:24 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBWhen former President Donald Trump announced during Holy Week that he was endorsing the “God Bless the USA” Bible, the reaction was swift. But, beyond the punchlines and the obvious concerns, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss why the video is concerning to our current political moment and the continued rise of Christian nationalism. Not all examples are this obvious – what does this mean to those important conversations? Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Why is this a problem? The New Y...
S5, Ep. 22: Spring break and religious holidays
March 28, 2024 14:28 - 36 minutes - 51 MBThere are many religious holidays in the spring, but not all are given the same public acknowledgment – from government-sponsored events to time off from school and work. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss how Christian privilege shows up in how our country recognizes and accommodates certain holidays, as well as how holidays help us understand and celebrate the religious pluralism in our country. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): The March Madness of spring break and pub...
S5, Ep. 21: But … is it Christian nationalism?
March 21, 2024 13:07 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBIs an American flag in a church sanctuary an example of Christian nationalism? What about faith-based advocacy? Helping voters get to the polls? Saying the Constitution is “divinely inspired”? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer some common questions they hear about Christian nationalism, and they talk about the questions we should be asking ourselves. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What does it mean to determine the level of Christian nationalism? Learn more about th...
S5, Ep. 20: Attending the State of the Union
March 14, 2024 15:03 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBGet a first-hand account of attending the State of the Union address on this episode. Amanda Tyler talks with Holly Hollman about her experience, providing a new way to think about who represents our country in the room during the president’s address. She shares about her invitation and various discussions with members of Congress about Christian nationalism. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve your country by working at a polling place on Election Day, hear about Amanda’s...
S5, Ep. 19: Still smarting over Obergefell, Justice Alito calls for a new case
March 07, 2024 14:56 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBThe Supreme Court declines to hear thousands of cases a year, but one recent denial included a troubling statement from Justice Samuel Alito. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at a case out of Missouri about potential jurors being struck from the jury pool because of their anti-LGBTQ beliefs, and they break down Justice Alito’s 5-page statement that seems to be asking for another case with the same issue at stake. What could this mean for the future, and why is Justice Alito still hung up...
S5, Ep. 18: A chief justice or chief theologian for Alabama?
February 29, 2024 15:20 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBAn alarming ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court is leading to the shutdown of in vitro fertilization clinics, and the concurrence’s use of Scripture and Christian theology is causing additional concerns. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at this troubling ruling, the various religious views on life, and why it’s an issue for a justice to cite the Bible in an opinion. SHOW NOTES: Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What is the Alabama case about? The Alabama Supreme Court case is called...
S5, Ep. 17: The presidency and Christian nationalism
February 22, 2024 16:36 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MBPresidents have made broad appeals to our country without dividing along religious belief throughout American history. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at presidential leadership and talk about how our country’s founding documents set up our system of government that does not create a “Christian nation” in any sort of legal sense – rather, it ensures freedom of religion and freedom from a state establishment of religion. They also talk about why people like to claim we are a “Christian na...
S5, Ep. 16: The trouble with *religious* charter schools
February 15, 2024 15:30 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MBThere is a novel – and concerning – development in public education and the relationship between the institutions of church and state: Oklahoma and Guam have proposed religious charter schools. Litigation has already started. But, what is a religious charter school, and why is the idea such a problem? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman say they are illegal and that they challenge some basic assumptions. Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What are religious charter schools, and what’s the problem? ...
S5, Ep. 15: Black America’s changing religious landscape
February 08, 2024 15:41 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBMuch is said and assumed about the religious landscape of Black America, but it’s more diverse than the common narratives. Holly Hollman speaks with Dr. Sabrina E. Dent and Dr. Anthony Pinn about misconceptions and how they brought together Black Church leaders and Black nontheists for key conversations. Tune in for this open and honest conversation about how we can work across racial and religious lines to help all communities thrive. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): Miscon...
S5, Ep. 14: Faith in elections
February 01, 2024 14:42 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MBWhat is the role of churches and other houses of worship in protecting democracy? This topic usually comes up because of bad actors that overstep into partisanship, but today’s show looks at how faith communities can help our elections run smoothly. Holly Hollman speaks with Chris Crawford of Protect Democracy – a nonprofit, cross-ideological organization that has a new playbook to help faith communities ensure “all eligible voters can access a ballot and every valid vote is counted.” Learn ...
S5, Ep. 13: ‘God Made Trump,’ Biden campaigns at a church, and more news from the campaign trail
January 25, 2024 15:41 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MBNow that the first votes have been cast in the presidential primaries, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at some of the troubling statements and activities on the campaign trail concerning the role of religion and religious freedom – from both Democrats and Republicans. While candidates are – and should be – free to talk about the ways their faith inspires them, there are some red lines when it comes to politicking in houses of worship with tax-exempt resources or using political power as ...
S5, Ep. 12: Rob Reiner and ‘God & Country’ director Dan Partland
January 18, 2024 15:12 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MBWhat is the cost of speaking out against Christian nationalism? In this episode, Amanda Tyler talks with Rob Reiner and Dan Partland, two people behind a new film that discusses the dangers of Christian nationalism to the country, to the faith, and to pluralism. They share candidly about what they learned while making “God & Country,” the cost for Christians who are speaking out against the political ideology, and what new conversations they are hoping to create with this film. SHOW NOTE...
S5, Ep. 11: The first celebration of MLK Day
January 11, 2024 15:08 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look back at the history of the holiday and the international context at the time of its first official celebration. On today’s podcast, hear from Coretta Scott King, speaking just months after the country’s first commemoration of the holiday in 1986. After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, she led the charge to establish her husband’s birthday as a national holiday. In this presentation, Mrs. King talks about the first celebration, plans for future...
S5, Ep. 10: The church-state legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
December 21, 2023 15:33 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MBJustice Sandra Day O’Connor showed a thoughtful approach toward religious liberty issues during her time on the bench, upholding both the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause. Paying tribute to her soon after her passing on December 1, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman remember Justice O’Connor’s contributions and talk about her legacy, sharing personal reflections as well as wisdom from Justice O’Connor that holds true today. They also look at her controversial endorsement test an...
S5, Ep. 09: The trouble with school vouchers (part two)
December 14, 2023 15:31 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBIn part two of our conversation on school vouchers, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at who really wants the troublesome programs, and why. They discuss how court decisions are chipping away at constitutional boundaries and dive into the policy debates and political fights over school vouchers that are pitting communities against each other. Plus, they share the origins of some of the language used in these conversations and why Texas – surprisingly – hasn’t passed a voucher program. ...
S5, Ep. 08: The trouble with school vouchers
December 07, 2023 15:33 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBSchool voucher programs across the country seek to divert taxpayer money to religious schools, which raises significant concerns for religious freedom advocates. In part one of this two-part episode, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman explore the problematic issue of school vouchers. They talk about the various iterations of vouchers and the many issues they can create, including their coercive nature. Plus, they look at the first time the Supreme Court upheld a voucher program and what that rul...
S5, Ep. 07: Barbara Jordan’s 1986 speech on church-state separation resonates today
November 30, 2023 15:08 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MBAmerican trailblazer Barbara Jordan delivered a powerful speech on the role of churches in shaping public policy at a BJC event in 1986. We’re bringing you this special presentation because her words resonate for our political climate today. Congresswoman Jordan notes that the institutional separation of church and state must be maintained, but that doesn’t mean the two can’t interact. She gives a strong case for Christian citizenship and being active in the policy realm. Plus, her wide-rang...
S5, Ep. 06: RFRA at 30
November 16, 2023 13:52 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBThirty years ago today, President Bill Clinton signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law. It was a monumental event in religious liberty law at the time, and it remains part of an even more complex legal landscape of religious exemptions today. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at the standard set by RFRA and discuss how the law has been used in cases dealing with issues ranging from sacramental drug use to application of health insurance regulations. They discuss the no...
S5, Ep. 05: An alarming push to put chaplains in public schools
November 09, 2023 19:48 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBA new Texas law allows public schools to replace counselors with chaplains. In this wee’s episode, discover why Texas chaplains are voicing their opposition. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss SB 763 and their concerns about government-sponsored proselytization in public schools. They discuss the group behind this law and how Texans are resisting its implementation in their local communities. School districts have until March 1, 2024 to vote on creating chaplain programs. The only quali...
S5, Ep. 04: A pivotal day in the U.S. House
November 02, 2023 14:33 - 44 minutes - 61.1 MBGet an inside look at the U.S. House of Representatives and the challenges of Christian nationalism in this week’s episode. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman take you behind-the-scenes of Amanda’s testimony to Congress, held on the same day lawmakers elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to be Speaker of the House. They share key moments from the hearing on religious freedom around the world, including a powerful moment with Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla. Plus, they discuss troubling statements from S...
S5, Ep. 03: SCOTUS is fixated on history. What’s prayer got to do with it?
October 26, 2023 13:24 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MBHas the Supreme Court abandoned the Establishment Clause test for some sort of “history” test when applying the law? Today, we’re looking at a 2014 Supreme Court case that continues to have major implications on Supreme Court decisions: Greece v. Galloway. Amanda and Holly review this sharply divided decision on legislative prayer, explore the differences in the prayer practice of Congress and the practice in local town meetings, and look at the ongoing impact of this decision, including ho...
S5, Ep. 02: Southern Baptist Convention president, ‘White Evangelical Racism’ author, and Respecting Religion co-host discuss Christian nationalism
October 19, 2023 16:02 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBWhat happens when you talk about Christian nationalism with the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a historian who wrote a book on white evangelical racism, and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism? Find out as we bring you portions of a panel conversation recorded in September during the Texas Tribune Festival. The Rev. Dr. Bart Barber, Dr. Anthea Butler, and Amanda Tyler talk about Christian nationalism’s connection to the January 6 attack, Baptist his...
S5, Ep. 01: Live Q&A with Holly and Amanda
October 12, 2023 15:58 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBIs the Supreme Court immune from public pressure? What is the role of the government when it comes to nondiscrimination laws, gender identity, and posting Scripture? As we begin season 5 of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman take live questions from an audience on these topics and more. Hear their updates from the summer as they share what we can expect from this new Supreme Court term, as well as how decisions are impacting our country at all levels. SHOW NOTES: Seg...
Join us for season 5 of Respecting Religion
September 29, 2023 14:56 - 2 minutes - 3.4 MBSeason 5 of the Respecting Religion podcast launches in October 2023! Tune in as BJC's Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss the Supreme Court, the continued rise of Christian nationalism, and a multitude of current issues impacting faith freedom for all. Here's a look at a few of the topics covered in season 4, including the ReAwaken America tour, federal regulations about religious expression in school, the National Prayer Breakfast, and various ways the two religion clauses of the Firs...
S4, Ep. 26: SCOTUS decides Groff and 303 Creative
July 06, 2023 13:11 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBThe Supreme Court waited until the last two days of its term to release two decisions with religious liberty implications. On this season 4 finale of the Respecting Religion podcast, Amanda and Holly look at the unanimous clarifying decision in Groff v. DeJoy and the deeply regressive decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis. They discuss the implications of both of these decisions, noting the conspicuous lack of snark in Justice Samuel Alito’s Groff decision and Justice Neil Gorsuch’s defensive a...
S4, Ep. 25: Religion in public schools: New federal guidance and the reality on the ground
June 08, 2023 13:21 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBIt happens in pretty much every administration, but what do you know about federal guidelines on religion in public schools? Holly and Amanda discuss the new release from the Biden administration outlining the different rights of students and teachers, and they share how some are misinterpreting the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision to open the door to more government-sponsored religious exercises. They also look at what we saw happen at the end of the Texas Legislature’s session in relation to ...
S4, Ep. 24: The myth of American ‘chosenness’ (part two)
June 02, 2023 14:29 - 47 minutes - 65 MBWhat does the myth of American “chosenness” mean for different communities and the rise of Christian nationalism? Episcopal Bishop and Cherokee nation member Carol Gallagher, Baptist minister Rev. Darrell Hamilton, and Dr. Michael Hoberman, a scholar of early American Jewish literature and culture, engage in a conversation moderated by the Rev. Dr. Jaimie Crumley, a minister and professor of gender studies and ethnic studies. Dr. Catherine Brekus of Harvard Divinity School joins them, too,...
S4, Ep. 23: The myth of American ‘chosenness’
June 01, 2023 18:39 - 40 minutes - 55.5 MBHow does the myth of America being a “chosen” nation lead to the religious nationalism we see today? Harvard Divinity School’s Dr. Catherine Brekus talks about how the myth is a complicated mixture of arrogance, exploitation, reform, racism and violence. She looks at the roots of this myth, how it has played out through our country’s history, and the ways that the recent surge of white Christian nationalism reflects a deep uneasiness about the loss of Christian privilege in this country. ...
S4, Ep. 22: Inside the ReAwaken America tour
May 18, 2023 13:56 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBChristian nationalism is on full display at stops of the ReAwaken America tour – conferences that fuse Christian language and symbols with conspiracy theories and election denials. Amanda went inside the most recent one at a Trump property in Miami, and she shares her experiences in this podcast – from assembly-line baptisms to the reaction of the crowd as speakers moved seamlessly from religious worship songs to calls for political violence. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:48):...
S4, Ep. 21: 613 Commandments: James Talarico on his defense of church-state separation as a Christian
May 11, 2023 13:10 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBThe Texas legislature meets once every two years, and they are spending a great deal of this session on bills that would advance religion. We return to our conversation on the Ten Commandments bill in Texas, as we saw a groundswell of opposition to the bill when it headed to the state House. Amanda and Holly take a look at some viral moments, and we share an exclusive conversation with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who spoke in opposition to this bill as a lawmaker, a former schoolteache...
S4, Ep. 20: The Ten Commandments
May 04, 2023 13:28 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBTexas is taking matters into its own hands, going full-on cowboy as it leads the nation in abandoning long-held religious liberty protections. Amanda and Holly review a troubling bill in Texas that would mandate the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, and they share how some are trying to use the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision – and removal of the Lemon test – to justify this effort. They also review some surprising moments during a Texas Senate hearing on the bill, ...
S4, Ep. 19: Searching for common ground: SCOTUS hears Groff v. DeJoy
April 20, 2023 14:52 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBThe Supreme Court seemed less divided by ideological lines during the Groff v. DeJoy oral arguments, as justices searched for common ground to clarify a standard from a 1977 decision that no advocate seems to be fully supporting. Amanda and Holly share their thoughts from the day, playing key moments from the courtroom in their breakdown of the legal issues and sticking points in the case. What, exactly, constitutes “undue hardship” when looking at the practical realities of the modern work...
S4, Ep. 18: Understanding Christian nationalism: New polling and media
April 13, 2023 17:06 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBMedia reports about Christian nationalism are often tied to topline takeaways from research on the political ideology. Amanda and Holly review various definitions of the term “Christian nationalism,” look at its connection to – and distinctiveness from – the Christian faith, and talk about why sociological research on this topic matters. SHOW NOTES: Segment 1: Definitions of Christian nationalism (starting at 00:48) The Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign defines Christian...
S4, Ep. 17: Is ‘de minimis’ enough? Previewing Groff v. DeJoy
April 06, 2023 14:35 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBA spring Supreme Court case is bringing together some unlikely allies. Amanda and Holly preview Groff v. DeJoy, which examines the federal statutory protection against religious discrimination in the workplace. They review the facts of the case, which involves a postal worker who has a religious belief he cannot work on the Sabbath, and they share why a “de minimis standard” set in a 1977 case is way too low. Not all impacts on coworkers are “undue hardships,” and Amanda and Holly share why ...
S4, Ep. 16: Biden, Trump and federal regulations
March 16, 2023 18:20 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBSchoolhouse Rock left out a key way laws are made: The regulatory process. Amanda and Holly discuss the federal regulatory and rulemaking process and review some recent proposals and final rules from the Biden administration, including a proposed rule from nine different agencies and a final rule from the Department of Labor. They also review how these rules have changed through the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations, and they talk about the importance of balancing everyone’s rights when ...
S4, Ep. 15: Eric Adams, CPAC and Christian nationalism
March 09, 2023 20:52 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBFrom New York City Mayor Eric Adams to several individuals at CPAC, we’ve recently heard new, troubling comments from public leaders that show – once again – the prominence of Christian nationalism and the dangers it poses to public debate. Amanda and Holly provide some “Separation of Church and State 101” in this episode to clear up confusion about the term and what it really means. They also share examples of people working together across ideological divides to combat Christian nationalis...
S4, Ep. 14: Public schools and Christian nationalism
March 02, 2023 16:48 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBFrom curriculum debates to the posting of “In God We Trust,” we’re seeing the political ideology of Christian nationalism impacting religious freedom in our public schools. During Public Schools Week, Amanda and Holly review recent controversies and discuss the important role our nation’s public schools play in serving all people and educating 90% of American schoolchildren. They also discuss why some schools would rather teach a misleading version of history and shut down any conversation...
S4, Ep. 13: White supremacy and Christian nationalism: A conversation with the Rev. Dr. Jay Augustine
February 23, 2023 15:05 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBHow can we best understand the overlap of white supremacy and Christian nationalism? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. “Jay” Augustine joins Amanda and Holly for a wide-ranging conversation during Black History Month as we explore the way Christian nationalism devalues Blackness in our country. A pastor, preacher, lawyer and author, Dr. Augustine shares the differences between racial discrimination and ethnic discrimination we see throughout American history as well as the polarization and “otherism...
S4, Ep. 12: Accusations of religious bias on campus and in Congress
February 09, 2023 19:31 - 37 minutes - 52.3 MBAccusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia tend to spark and exacerbate divisions in our world. Amanda and Holly discuss two recent controversies that featured accusations of religious bias: The removal of Rep. Ilhan Omar from a congressional committee and a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad shown in an art history class. They look at the under-discussed parts of these controversies, implications for the future, and how we balance the right to religious belief and expression with respect f...
S4, Ep. 11: The National Prayer Breakfast and religious freedom
January 26, 2023 18:18 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBOn February 2, we’ll see the 71st installment of an event that always raises eyebrows and makes news. The National Prayer Breakfast has been around since 1953, but what is it? Does it promote religious freedom, or is it yet another example of Christian nationalism? Amanda and Holly explore the legitimate questions it raises about faith in public life and the relationship between the institutions of government and religion. They also share their thoughts on what we should do about the Nation...
S4, Ep. 10: A report, a prayer vigil, and a somber anniversary: Two years after January 6
January 12, 2023 14:24 - 34 minutes - 48.2 MBLast week, our country marked the second anniversary of the January 6 insurrection. On today’s podcast, Amanda and Holly share their reactions to the report released by the January 6 Select Committee at the end of 2022, including the lack of any mention of Christian nationalism and why that matters. Amanda and Holly also discuss the importance of Christian leaders providing an alternative witness to the Christian nationalism exhibited during the attack on the Capitol. And, they review how th...
S4, Ep. 09: Addressing Christian nationalism before Congress
December 15, 2022 15:26 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBWhy hasn’t Congress addressed the dangers of Christian nationalism before now? Amanda and Holly talk about a crucial hearing this week, which included testimony from Amanda on how Christian nationalism overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. They look at the challenges facing Congress in addressing the rise in violence in our country, and they share some bipartisan unity from this week’s hearing. Plus, Amanda and Holly take a moment to thank our listeners...
S4, Ep. 08: Hypotheticals, reeducation, and a preemptive claim: SCOTUS hears 303 Creative v. Elenis
December 08, 2022 15:15 - 42 minutes - 59 MBAmanda and Holly review this week’s Supreme Court arguments in 303 Creative v. Elenis, a free speech challenge to a Colorado law that prohibits discrimination in the commercial marketplace. They look at how this case came to be, how it relates to 2018’s Masterpiece Cakeshop case, and the difficulty in deciding weighty matters of free speech and nondiscrimination for a wedding website design business that has not started that aspect of its business. Amanda and Holly play clips from the courtr...
S4, Ep. 07: Does the Respect for Marriage Act protect religious liberty?
December 01, 2022 20:51 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBCan marriage equality and religious liberty co-exist? Amanda and Holly discuss the Respect for Marriage Act, including what led to this bill’s creation, the legislative wrangling to get it passed in an election year, and the bevy of amendments full of political posturing. They also discuss the important distinctions between marriage as a civil institution and marriage as a religious institution. Learn more about the current state of conflicts over LGBTQ rights and religious objections to sa...
S4, Ep. 06: Evaluating Christian nationalism as a political strategy
November 23, 2022 14:21 - 32 minutes - 45 MBWhere did we see religion and religious liberty have an impact during the midterm elections? Amanda and Holly break down election results in this podcast, including a look at how extremism fared at the ballot box. Plus, they review the implications of former president Donald Trump’s return as a candidate when it comes to Christian nationalism. SHOW NOTES: Segment 1 (starting at 00:51): A quick overview of election results Amanda and Holly mentioned this piece by Jack Jenkins for Religio...
S4, Ep. 05: Christian nationalism and the midterm elections
November 03, 2022 14:50 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MBChristian nationalism’s influence continues to permeate so many facets of our world, particularly as we approach the midterm elections. Holly and Amanda look at the headline-grabbing ReAwaken America tour events happening across the country, including how Michael Flynn and others are exploiting Christian nationalism in those arenas for political gain. Plus, they review new research about Americans’ attitudes toward – and knowledge of – Christian nationalism, Supreme Court justices, and recen...
S4, Ep. 04: A religious freedom right to an abortion?
October 27, 2022 17:03 - 38 minutes - 53.7 MBDebates about access to abortion are often intertwined with religion, and the conversation is changing in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal constitutional right to an abortion. Amanda and Holly review some of the public and academic commentaries on the intersection of abortion and religion, and they look at religious liberty arguments being made for abortion access and what it takes to make a r...