Restorative Faith Alexander Lang

In our opening episode of Season 3, we explore the roots of sexism and patriarchy in the church. We speak with Jennifer Tillman, who grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness, about how the men in her church used their authority to control and suppress her claims of sexual abuse. We also talk with Dr. Elaine James, associate professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, about the interpretation of gender roles in the Bible. Finally, we interview Rev. Susan Victor, the director of Women’s Space, a non-profit organization that specializes in helping those who are the victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Jennifer Tillman
Dr. Elaine James
Rev. Susan Victor

In episode 2 of Season 3, we consider the prejudice faced by those suffering from mental illness. We speak with Patricia Tomasi, a mental health advocate who spent most of her young adult life swinging between bouts of mania and depression. We also interview Dr. Frieda Fatouh, a clinical psychiatrist, who explains the neurological science behind mental illness. In the same vein, we interview Rev. Mary Jane Inman, the Director of Pastoral Services at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital about what happens when individuals with severe mental illness require hospitalization. Lastly, we talk with Ayana Lage whose severe anxiety and depression were seen as demonic forces by the Pentecostal church in which she was raised.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Patricia Tomasi
Dr. Frieda Fatouh
Rev. Mary Jane Inman
Ayana Lage

In episode 3 of Season 3, we examine the role of Christianity in perpetuating anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish hate. We speak with Derek Black, a former White Nationalist, who illuminates the inner workings of the white supremacy movement. We also interview Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, a scholar at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, who talks about the long history of Christian oppression of the Jews. Finally, we speak with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, distinguished professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University, about the roots of anti-Jewish thought woven into the New Testament documents.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Derek Black
Rabbi Yehiel Poupko
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

In episode 4 of Season 3, we discuss how the white Christian church is one of the primary drivers of racism in America. We speak with Dr. Bernard Lafayette, a central activist and leader of the original Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. We also interview the Rev. Dr. Julian Cook, the Director of Houghton University Buffalo, who outlines the role of the white church and Christian theology in the development of systemic racism in American culture. In conclusion, we speak with Charmaine Pruitt, a black Christian who reflects on being part of a white evangelical church in Texas during Donald Trump’s rise to power.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Dr. Bernard Lafayette
Rev. Dr. Julian Cook
Charmaine Pruitt

In episode 5 of Season 3, we explore the connection between Christianity and nationalism. We begin by speaking with Nick Stutzman, a radio host who found himself sucked into the underground world of the QAnon conspiracy. We also interview Dr. Leigh Ann Perry, associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the United States Naval War College, who explains the psychological factors undergirding the belief in conspiracy theories. Tying the episode together, we talk to Dr. John Wilsey, associate professor of church history at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, who discusses the connection between Christian Nationalism and Manifest Destiny.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Nick Stutzman
Dr. Leigh Ann Perry
Dr. John Wilsey

In the final episode of Season 3, we discuss the predatory practices of the prosperity gospel in targeting poor and desperate individuals. We hear the story of Lawrence Fardette who gave tens of thousands of dollars to televangelists over decades only to be rejected by them when his family was in desperate need. We interview Dr. Phillip Lucas, professor emeritus of religious studies at Stetson University, about the history of the prosperity gospel. Lastly, we speak with Pete Evans, the director of the Trinity Foundation and Barry Bowen, a staff investigator for Trinity, about their work to uncover the unethical and often illegal tactics employed by the ministries of prosperity gospel preachers.
Featured Guests (in order of appearance):
Lawrence Fardette
Dr. Phillip Lucas
Barry Bowen
Pete Evans