The State Of Belief

• Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones

  What does falling off a bike have to do with the state of our nation? Is America going through an identity crisis - just like a seventeen-year-old? This week on The State of Belief, these parallels are part of the conversation with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Dr. Robert P. Jones on America's first 249 years, and what's to come as the country approaches 250. All while they ask themselves the question: “How Bad Is It?” On this Independence Day episode, Paul and his guest, who is president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), explore: PRRI’s recent polling on the Trump Administration: “Democracy at Crossroads: How Americans View Trump’s first 100 Days in Office,” and some of the misconceptions that have arisen. From De Tocqueville to Trump, how the notion of “creed” has developed over time, shaping the current state of religious freedom in America.  How we can meaningfully celebrate Juneteenth and July 4th together - and why we should! Towards the end of the episode, Robby leaves us with a powerful reminder of civic responsibility: “... whether it's inside a home, inside a business, inside a church or a synagogue or a mosque, there are roles for all of us to play because there is a fight going on, for - I know Biden used this term maybe a little too much, but I do think it's true - this kind of the soul of America really is, in many ways, at stake right now.” Where to find Robby Jones: Bookmark the PRRI website, where a wealth of invaluable research is regularly posted for free. Check out Robby’s bestselling books, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, and the Path to a Shared American Future; White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity; and The End of White Christian America. Subscribe to his Substack, White Too Long, where he frequently posts on religion, White Christian Nationalism, and protecting a pluralistic democracy. Have you heard these recent episodes of The State of Belief?  June 24, 2024: On Diversity and Democracy with Wajahat Ali June 14, 2025: A Pastor Reports from the Front Lines in Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!

  --------  

  43:43

  --------

  43:43
• On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali

  This week on The State of Belief, popular writer and commentator Wajahat Ali joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a thought-provoking exploration of patriotism, diversity, and democracy in today’s politically charged climate. Waj shares his unique perspective on the responsibilities that immigrants and citizens face amid the continuing societal impacts of the Trump administration's policies. Together, they unravel the moral and ethical dilemmas of maintaining integrity in chaotic times, while drawing on historical and religious narratives to emphasize the importance of long-term justice and equality. Life is more than serving a cause we believe in, no matter how urgent that may be. And so they reflect on balancing professional aspirations with personal commitments. Waj opens up about his daughter’s passion for dance and her journey as a cancer survivor, juxtaposed with his career in writing and advocacy. They also tackle the power of storytelling in political activism and its role in challenging misinformation and fear-based tactics. The conversation delves into important themes, including: Navigating Patriotism, Diversity, and Democracy: Paul and Waj discuss the challenges faced by immigrants and citizens in a fascist political climate, emphasizing the importance of ethical grounding and personal responsibility. Finding Purpose and Superpowers: Waj has inspiring things to say about the roles available to each of us, if we’re truly interested in making a difference. There are strengths everyday citizens bring, even if that’s integrity and honesty as an act of resistance to corruption and lies. Christian Nationalism and Authoritarianism: Christian Nationalism demands the suppression of diverse stories in the service of a single self-serving narrative. It uses fear and ignorance to advance a specific  kind of White Christian agenda, targeting, in turn, LGBTQ, Black, Muslim, and Jewish communities – and leaving no room, in the end, even for dissenting White Christians like Mike Pence. Wajahat Ali is the author of Go Back to Where You Came From and Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become an American. He has a very popular Substack, The Left Hook With Wajahat Ali, and co-hosts The Democracy-ish Podcast. Waj is a Daily Beast columnist, a writer, television commentator and keen observer of what this country seems to be doing to itself. The child of immigrants, he's an invaluable contributor to the conversation around patriotism, diversity and democracy.

  --------  

  1:01:22

  --------

  1:01:22
• A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles:  Faith and Immigration

  This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out: The Reality of Court Raids: Noel shares firsthand accounts of ICE agents conducting raids at courthouses, targeting asylum seekers who are simply following the legal process. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for awareness and action within our communities. The Power of Faith Communities: Throughout the episode, the focus is on the vital role that faith leaders and religious organizations play in advocating for immigrant rights. Noel emphasizes the importance of building relationships with impacted communities and using our moral voices to challenge unjust policies. The Broader Fight for Democracy: The conversation also touches on the intersection of immigration and democracy. Noel articulates how the current administration's tactics are part of a larger strategy to destabilize democratic values. This is a call to action for all of us to engage in the fight for democracy, not just for immigrants but for the integrity of our society as a whole. The episode wraps up with Paul’s words from the June 10th Faith Rally for a Moral Budget at the US Capitol, as well as a conversation he recorded at that event with two of the leaders attending from Iowa: Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Executive Director Connie Ryan and Rev. Heather Wachendorf. Listen to this powerful episode and reflect on how you can contribute to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Together, we can amplify the voices of those who are often silenced and work towards a more inclusive future. Rev. Noel Andersen is the National Field Director for Church World Service where he has developed a national network of faith communities taking action in solidarity with immigrants and refugees. He is ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and is the lead organizer and co-founder of the UCC National Collaborative on Immigration, a grassroots network of UCC leaders taking action for immigrants’ rights. Noel works at the intersection of faith and justice, mobilizing religious communities to resist unjust immigration enforcement, including ICE raids in Los Angeles and beyond. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!

  --------  

  1:09:28

  --------

  1:09:28
• Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"

  This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this. Leah traces the origins of Indivisible, where she serves as co-executive director, back to authoring The Indivisible Guide in the wake of the 2016 election. The conversation highlights the importance of: The Power of Local Organizing: Leah emphasizes how grassroots movements can effectively challenge the status quo. After the 2016 election, many individuals who had never been politically active stepped up to organize in their communities. This surge of local activism powered the growth of Indivisible, and it continues to be a driving force in the fight for democracy today. Building Coalitions Across Differences: To be seen as serious, a coalition needs diverse voices and perspectives. Leah points out that while we may not agree on every issue, we can unite around shared values, such as the dignity of all human life and the commitment to a pluralistic democracy. This approach is essential, especially in a time when divisiveness can easily fracture movements. Mobilization as a Strategy: Leah shares insights on the significance of mass mobilization in the current political climate. With the upcoming No Kings initiative, Indivisible aims to demonstrate that there is a strong and growing opposition to authoritarianism. Mobilization is not just about numbers; it's about sending a message, building community, and preparing for future actions. As Leah noted, "We are building muscles to mobilize," which is crucial for sustaining momentum in the fight for democracy. Leah Greenberg is co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, a grassroots movement with over one million participants – and counting. A former congressional staffer, she co-authored We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump. Leah has been recognized for her leadership in civic engagement and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019. Indivisible is partnering with many groups - including Interfaith Alliance - for the upcoming No Kings initiative on June 14, 2025. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!

  --------  

  54:22

  --------

  54:22
• Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol

  This week on The State of Belief, you’ll hear a powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, diving deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Just a couple of highlights: How Can Faith and Action Unite? Jim connects the Christian tradition of Pentecost and the current moment we find ourselves in. Just as the early followers of Jesus found courage to speak out in the streets, we too are called to rise above fear and take action. This event is not just a protest; it’s a public witness to our values as people of faith, transcending partisan politics. Why is the Budget a Moral Document? Wallis emphasizes that the choices we make in our budgets reflect our values and priorities as a society. So we’re not just advocating for specific programs; we’re advocating for a moral budget that aligns with the teachings of Jesus and supports the most vulnerable among us. What Does a Call to Collective Action Look Like? There are still ways for all of us to engage in the democratic process. Whether you can attend the event in person or not, there are numerous ways to participate. From writing letters to your senators to mobilizing your community, every action counts. Jim reminds us that moments like these can change the narrative and impact votes. Together, we can show that faith communities are not silent but are actively engaged in shaping a more just and compassionate society. You’ll also hear an excerpt from Sen. Cory Booker’s marathon Senate speech last month, where he and Sen. Chris Coons raised up Scripture as a guide toward the values our federal budget should truly embody as a moral document. Listen to this episode and join in this important movement. Let’s come together to advocate for a budget that reflects our shared values and supports those in need. The Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget is Tuesday, June 10th, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Rev. Jim Wallis is the founder of Sojourners Magazine and the Sojourners Christian Community, and has been at the forefront of bringing together faith and social justice activism for decades, advocating for for issues such as racial equality, poverty alleviation, peace, and environmental stewardship as a preacher, teacher, best-selling author, and theologian. He currently serves as the founding Director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University. Jim’s books include God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It, and The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!

  --------  

  50:54

  --------

  50:54

More News podcasts

Trending News podcasts

About The State Of Belief