Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Will Wright sits down with comedian, broadcaster, and author John Fugelsang to unpack how Christianity became entangled with political power - and how the teachings of Jesus have been distorted to justify cruelty, exclusion, and authoritarianism.Drawing from his book Separation of Church and Hate, Fugelsang challenges the idea that modern right-wing politics reflect Christian values. He walks through how scripture is selectively weaponized around issues like immigration, LGBTQ rights, abortion, gun policy, and punishment, while the actual teachings of Jesus - care for the poor, welcome the stranger, reject violence, and show mercy - are ignored.The discussion moves beyond critique and toward hope. Fugelsang reflects on his unusual upbringing as the son of a former nun and Franciscan brother, his journey through faith and doubt, and why he still believes Jesus matters even for people who have deconstructed organized religion. Together, Will and John explore what a healthier relationship between faith and public life could look like - one rooted in compassion rather than dominance, and transformation rather than fear.This episode is an honest, challenging, and often humorous examination of what it really means to follow Jesus in a polarized political age. Buy Separation of Church and HateA Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781668066898Guest BioJohn Fugelsang is an actor, comedian, broadcaster, and political commentator known for blending humor, history, and faith-based critique. He hosts nightly programming on SiriusXM Insight and the daily John Fugelsang Podcast. A former host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, Fugelsang has become a leading voice confronting Christian nationalism and religious hypocrisy with wit and moral clarity. His latest book, Separation of Church and Hate, offers a guide to challenging extremist theology using the Bible itself.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:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected] Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected] 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this powerful episode, Will and Josh talk with Justin Giboney, attorney, minister, political strategist, and co-founder of the AND Campaign. Justin unpacks the themes of his new book, Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around, exploring how the Black church’s public witness offers an alternative to today’s culture-war discipleship. The conversation ranges from Shirley Chisholm’s moral courage to the failures of identity-based politics, the Imago Dei as a corrective to good-vs-evil partisanship, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and why Christians must resist being discipled by political outrage. Giboney offers a deeply hopeful but honest framework rooted in Scripture, justice, and civic responsibility.Additional ResourcesThe AND Campaign: https://andcampaign.orgJustin on Instagram: @andcampaignJustin on Twitter/X: @JustinEGiboneyChurch Politics Podcast (weekly commentary)Guest BioJustin Giboney is an attorney, ordained minister, political strategist, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, a Christian civic-engagement organization rooted in both conviction and compassion. He is a two-time Democratic National Convention delegate, a published author, and co-host of the Church Politics Podcast. His work focuses on restoring a faithful Christian witness in the public square by combining moral clarity with a commitment to justice and neighbor-love.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:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected] Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected] 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] 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:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected] Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected] 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this episode, Will and Josh talk with Dr. George Yancey, a sociologist at Baylor University who specializes in race, identity politics, Christianophobia, and how faith communities can move beyond today’s culture-war structures. The conversation unpacks why identity politics has become such a powerful force, how Christians can disentangle their core identity from political tribes, and why social identity theory helps explain today’s polarization. Dr. Yancey also discusses his research on Christianophobia, the limits of both conservative and progressive models, and how a Christ-centered identity offers a more honest path forward than culture-war loyalty.Additional ResourcesDr. Yancey’s YouTube channel: Shattering ParadigmsSociology Department at Baylor University (contact): https://www.baylor.edu/sociology/Guest BioDr. George Yancey is a sociologist and professor at Baylor University whose work focuses on race, social identity, anti-Christian bias, and the intersection of faith and culture. He is the author of several books on racial reconciliation, Christianophobia, and sociology of religion. His research emphasizes data-driven analysis and a Christ-centered approach to navigating America’s most polarized 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:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected] Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected] 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] 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:donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast 📩 Reach out to us: Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected] Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected] 📱 Follow & connect with us: Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics 📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:faithfulpolitics.substack.com 📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:Chec...