Podcasts

BJC has several podcast episodes and a 2019 podcast series for those interested in learning more about Christian nationalism.

Respecting Religion

What’s at stake for faith freedom for all in our world today? Each week, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler and General Counsel Holly Hollman discuss religion and the law on the Respecting Religion podcast, including the ongoing work of combating Christian nationalism.

Podcast series:
The Dangers of Christian Nationalism

From July to October 2019, the BJC Podcast presented a 10-episode series on the dangers of Christian nationalism. Hosted by BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler, these episodes are available for a deeper dive into the topic, and we have provided discussion guides for those interested in using these in a group setting.

Episode 1: Christian leaders on Christian nationalism

Amanda Tyler talks with five Christian leaders who are taking a stand against the dangerous ideology of Christian nationalism: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), the Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship), Diane Randall (Friends Committee on National Legislation), Sister Simone Campbell (NETWORK Lobby), and the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray (American Baptist Home Mission Societies).

Episode 2: Academic view of Christian nationalism

Guest: Dr. Andrew Whitehead

Dr. Andrew Whitehead talks about his work researching Christian nationalism. He explains what Christian nationalism is, how he and other academics measure the ideology, and how it affects the way individuals see the world. Whitehead also shares how Christian nationalism differs from religious practice and the way it impacts all Americans.

Episode 3: Were we founded as a Christian nation?

Guests: Dr. Steven Green and Dr. Bill Leonard

We take a look at the political and religious history behind the idea that the United States was founded as a “Christian nation,” focusing on the political history of this concept and its religious history, including what religious leaders said and did during the founding of the United States and how that relates to the freedoms we have today.

Episode 4: Theological view of Christian nationalism

Guest: Dr. Walter Brueggemann

What does the Bible have to teach us about Christian nationalism? How does that political ideology undermine the Christian faith and the nature of God? Author and scholar Walter Brueggemann talks about its theological dangers.

Episode 4: Understanding Project Blitz

Guest: Frederick Clarkson

"Project Blitz," a coordinated effort to draft and pass bills informed by Christian nationalism, is showing up in state legislatures across the country. What is this effort, and what are its goals? 

Episode 6: Standing against Project Blitz in a state legislature

Guest: Minnesota state Sen. John Marty

What happens when bills influenced by Christian nationalism appear in state legislatures? Minnesota state Sen. John Marty discusses his experience, sharing stories about the pushback and accusations he received as he worked to make sure his faith isn’t used to crush others.

Episode 7: Christian nationalism, race and white supremacy

Guest: Jemar Tisby

What is the connection between the history of racism and Christian nationalism? Jemar Tisby shares a historical view of white Christian nationalism in America, including how conflations of politics, race and religion in our past continue to impact conversations today. He also shares action steps for those who want to make a difference.

Episode 8: Christian nationalism and white nationalism

Guest: Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins

As we continue to explore the overlap of Christian nationalism and white supremacy, hear from the Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins about race, reconciliation, religious liberty, Christian supremacy and more in this wide-ranging conversation. 

Episode 9: Religious freedom, church-state law and Christian nationalism

Guests: Rabbi David Saperstein, Melissa Rogers, Holly Hollman

Church-state experts discuss the role of religion in public life, the dangers of government promotion of religion, how the Supreme Court tends to interpret the religion clauses, and more. A video of this conversation is also available at this link.

Episode 10: Embracing civic pluralism

Guest: Eboo Patel

What’s the antidote to Christian nationalism? We talk to Eboo Patel about the difference in religious and civic pluralism, the origins of the term “Judeo-Christian nation,” connections between anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Catholic bigotry, and how we can create a “potluck nation,” where everyone brings their unique contributions to the table.