The State Of Belief

Interfaith Alliance
The State Of Belief

Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”

  1. Can Religion Save Democracy? Maggie Siddiqi on Pluralism, Policy, and Resistance

    5 DAYS AGO

    Can Religion Save Democracy? Maggie Siddiqi on Pluralism, Policy, and Resistance

    This week, Maggie Siddiqi, new senior fellow at Interfaith Alliance, is with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discussing Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, Bishop Budde’s model of faithful resistance, and the importance of coalition-building to stand up for democracy and religious freedom. Maggie joins Interfaith Alliance following a distinguished tenure with the Biden administration at the Department of Education, directing the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Prior to that, she served as senior director of the Religion and Faith team at the Center for American Progress, where she led the organization’s work on religious liberty. Maggie also spent nearly a decade in national organizations serving American Muslim communities, focusing on interfaith relations and faith-based advocacy. "Religious freedom is a matter of equity. I'm not sure how the Trump administration thinks they can tout efforts to address religious freedom and antisemitism while undermining the very means through which those efforts happen. They cannot have it both ways. Equity is about fairness, right. That is what equity means, and we want students of all religious and non-religious backgrounds to be treated fairly and welcomed into class without having to hide a critical part of who they are and what they believe. That's a matter of equity and inclusion."  - Maggie Siddiqi, senior fellow at Interfaith Alliance, where she focuses on building partnerships across the religious landscape. Maggie has a master’s degree in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations from Hartford Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Wesleyan University. She also earned graduate certificates in Islamic chaplaincy from Hartford Seminary and in nonprofit management from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Please forward this episode of The State of Belief to one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation and thank you for listening!

    54 min
  2. Skye Perryman: There's No Way Out of This But Through

    JAN 25

    Skye Perryman: There's No Way Out of This But Through

    This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush reflects on the courage of Episcopal Bishop Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, who spoke faithfully on behalf of the victims of the incoming administration’s policies at the inagural prayer service, attended by the president and vice president. Then Paul is joined by Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, to discuss the ongoing challenges to American democracy, particularly the weaponization of government, the politicization of civil servants, and the important intersection of faith and politics. Together, they examine how Trump’s executive actions, which often seem performative, are part of a broader strategy to reshape government and remove protections for vulnerable communities. As the CEO of Democracy Forward, Skye discusses her organization's legal and advocacy work and mission to hold powerful entities accountable, protect democracy, and serve the public good. Together, Interfaith Alliance and Democracy Forward are on the frontlines, combatting extremism and Christian nationalism. "I do think there's no way out of this but through it. And so my advice is the community and connection. We're going to get through it together. When you see someone seeking to tear you apart, to try to sow division, to try to make you feel like you're the only one or that your belief in justice and your belief in a better tomorrow is somehow naive or somehow radical or somehow audacious, you can ignore that. And I think that we can get through it together and to remember our history and how many people have done hard work against great odds at great risks to themselves in order to create a future that we have inherited, and that it's really our job, now, to be good stewards of that." Skye L. Perryman is a board member of Interfaith Alliance and the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, a nonpartisan, national legal organization that promotes democracy and progress through litigation, regulatory engagement, policy education, and research. She has built a visionary team of legal, policy, and communications experts to confront anti-democratic extremism head-on while also using the law to advance progress and a bold vision for the future. Known for her strategic insight and impact-oriented leadership, Skye has a track record of winning tough legal and policy battles, uniting diverse coalitions, and elevating voices that represent the fabric of our country to deliver results that improve the lives of millions.

    54 min
  3. King's Non-Violence Trumps Christian Nationalism

    JAN 18

    King's Non-Violence Trumps Christian Nationalism

    This week, we focus on the confluence of the inauguration of Donald Trump on the day we observe Martin Luther King Day, January 20th. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush brings attention to the dichotomy of these two pivotal events, reflecting on the contrasting paths that America finds itself on—one leading towards justice, equality, and liberation, as exemplified by Dr. King, and the other toward Christian Nationalism, which advocates for privilege, power, and exclusion. He also offers some suggestions for how we can all respond to this moment by taking action in our local communities.Paul is then joined by Jeanné Lewis, CEO of Faith in Public Life, to discuss the need for moral clarity and compassion in the face of division, particularly in the context of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. In this deeply reflective and insightful conversation, Paul and Jeanné touch on themes of faith, social justice, interfaith collaboration, self-care, and the ongoing struggle for racial and economic equality. "I think a big part of what we're facing right now as a nation is that question, why should I still love my neighbor as I'm called to do? And for folks who are listening, I think the answer is we must do that because that is who we are. And we have to listen and understand as much as we can where people are coming from, why they hold the beliefs they do, and why they're making the choices they do… When we listen, we hear that a lot of people are voting for nationalist ideals or authoritarian ideals because they feel unheard, because they feel unseen, and because they are afraid. And that fear is very, very powerful. And when we listen to leaders like Dr. King and John Lewis and other folks who came before us, we see very much that engaging people's fear with compassion while still speaking the truth about another vision and what needs to happen can be very transformative." - Jeanné Lewis, CEO at Faith in Public Life. She is a nonprofit executive, faith-based organizer, and authority on creating empowered communities. Jeanné has dedicated her career to building bridges, closing equity gaps and creating policies that lead to strong, thriving and self-determined cities.

    57 min
  4. Christian Nationalism and Hate Violence: What Can We Do?

    JAN 11

    Christian Nationalism and Hate Violence: What Can We Do?

    This week, Zev Mishell, National Programs Associate at Interfaith Alliance, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the intersection of systemic violence, hate crimes, and religious and political ideologies in America. Zev is the author of Interfaith Alliance’s new report, Together Against Hate, which closely analyzes how interfaith movements can address hate-based violence by uniting across differences while also examining how White Christian Nationalism is driving the alarming rise of hate in America. The report comprises case studies of successful strategies, practical recommendations, and a guide to organizations working to combat hate and extremism in the U.S. It is based on extensive research and interviews with nearly two dozen advocacy organizations dedicated to faith-based organizing, upholding civil rights and confronting hate. The full report will be released on Monday, January 13th, on the Interfaith Alliance website. "Religion is contextual, and it can manifest itself in extremely damaging and violent ways. It can divide us from one another. It can create supremacist outlooks. It can create and be influenced by ethno-nationalist outlooks. And maybe it'd be better if we could just say, religion is terrible. We can get rid of it. Fine. But we can't. Because ultimately, so many people find spiritual and political inspiration from their religions."  - Zev Mishell, National Programs Associate at Interfaith Alliance and a graduate student at Harvard Divinity School. He graduated with honors from Princeton University with a degree in Near Eastern Studies, specializing in Israel/Palestine and the history of the Israeli Far Right. Mishell has published in numerous media outlets, including The Forward, Religion News Service, and the Tel Aviv Review of Books.

    52 min
  5. Special Episode - Remembering Jimmy Carter

    JAN 8

    Special Episode - Remembering Jimmy Carter

    Perhaps more than any other modern president, Jimmy Carter identified himself very publicly and explicitly as a person guided by faith. At the same time, he was also a consistent defender of healthy boundaries between government and religion, who made clear that he would never allow his personal faith to dictate or interfere with the public interest. President Carter lived out the values he espoused, both in office and for decades afterwards. He was clear in his belief that respecting differences - including religious differences - was the way to live into his values, and these interview excerpts make that abundantly clear. In conversations with Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, who was editor of the Huffington Post Religion section, the former president addressed challenging issues, including homosexuality. Jimmy Carter also welcomed the late Rev. Welton Gaddy to his presidential library in Atlanta in 2018, for an in-depth interview in connection with his then-new book, Faith: A Journey for All. He shared the role of prayer in his time in the White House, and his deep optimism about the resilience of America and our ability to overcome challenges.

    22 min
  6. January 6th: Bad Theology, Bad for Democracy

    JAN 4

    January 6th: Bad Theology, Bad for Democracy

    This week, Dr. Robert P. Jones, president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America, focusing on the rewriting of history regarding the January 6, 2021 attacks, and the impact of shifting demographics and the influence of polarizing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We also pay tribute to the late Jimmy Carter. Paul shares excerpts from powerful interviews he conducted with the 39th president of the United States. Robby is the author of several influential books that explore democracy, religion, and race in America. Bringing together rigorous scholarship with in-depth research, he is one of the few experts capable of helping us understand the forces shaping our democracy, and the major political and religious movements that seek to shape it in the future. "For most of our country's history, we have been on the wrong side of civil rights, the wrong side of slavery, the wrong side of Jim Crow. If we are this far from our Black brothers and sisters in politics today, maybe that ought to give us a little bit of pause… And I also want to say this: that often, I think way too often, even in progressive circles, we try to talk about the problem that we're having as polarization as if the division itself is the problem. But I think that's a wholly wrong way of looking at what's happening. It's sort of like, was polarization the problem during the Civil Rights Movement? Well, yeah, we were divided, and we were polarized over White supremacy and injustice. And if you believe in equality, if you believe in democracy, we ought to be polarized over White supremacy!" - Robert P. Jones, PhD, president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and a prominent author whose recent book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, is a New York Times bestseller. His previous works include White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, which won a 2021 American Book Award, and The End of White Christian America, which was honored with the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion. Robby’s writing is regularly found in The Atlantic, TIME, and Religion News Service and is frequently featured in major media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and The New York Times. He also writes a weekly newsletter focused on confronting and healing from the legacy of white supremacy in American Christianity, found on www.whitetoolong.net.

    1h 13m
  7. Democracy Defying Gravity: WICKED as Movie and Metaphor

    12/28/2024

    Democracy Defying Gravity: WICKED as Movie and Metaphor

    Resisting authoritariansim. Not succumbing to the mass reverence for “the man behind the curtain.” Recognizing the value of those who are different, even if shunned by the majority. Staying true to one’s beliefs no matter what. These themes could just as easily reference American politics and culture on the cusp of 2025 as they do the hit movie musical Wicked. That’s what we explore on the final episode of The State of Belief for 2024, as host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes colleague Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, an ardent fan of the Gregory Maguire book and subsequent productions of the Wizard of Oz prequel Wicked. Defying conventional wisdom and expectations, Elpheba flies above the crowd, both figuratively and literally. Starting with the personal impact of the story during their formative years, Paul and Guthrie discuss its contribution to their passion for social justice and equality. Guthrie’s even written an Advent devotional that weaves in themes from Wicked, and wraps up the conversation with five important lessons for the challenging year ahead from this surprisingly relevant story. “It opens our thinking to why do people believe differently than us, why do people come to different conclusions about policy and politics than us? And can we have cognitive empathy…not to justify the actions of others, but to have empathy for why they come to those decisions and try to think through it.” - Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Wicked superfan as well as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance. He’s held cornerstone roles at the BJC, the Center for American Progress, and the National Immigration Forum. Holding an MDiv, Guthrie is the author of the book Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity, and his Advent devotional appears in Word & Way.

    45 min
  8. Top Religion News 2024: NYT Reporter Ruth Graham

    12/21/2024

    Top Religion News 2024: NYT Reporter Ruth Graham

    In 2024 America, almost every major news story was a religion story in some way. Important stories call for compelling storytelling, and we take a look back at 2024 in the company of a leading religion journalist who’s expert at telling those stories. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Ruth Graham, New York Times National Reporter covering religion, faith, and values. Together they review some of Ruth’s favorite stories of the past year, and highlight important work by other journalists. From surprising gender shifts among church-going young Americans to the support of many religious immigrants for anti-immigrant policies and challenges of increasingly diverse religious diaspora; from the ongoing spread of Christian Nationalism as a force in American politics to the evolution of evangelical Christianity toward core MAGA values, they mark the highlights of 2024 – and what themes are likely to emerge in 2025. Ruth's recent work for the New York Times includes Pete Hegseth and His ‘Battle Cry’ for a New Christian Crusade; In a First Among Christians, Young Men Are More Religious Than Young Women; and America’s New Catholic Priests: Young, Confident and Conservative. She expands on the complexities of religious reporting, the challenges of capturing the diverse and evolving nature of faith in the U.S., and the personal stakes of writing these stories with empathy and understanding. - Ruth Graham is a national reporter based in Dallas, covering religion, faith and values for The New York Times. She is the recipient of awards from the Religion News Association and the American Academy of Religion.

    56 min
See All (124)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”

Information

  • Creator
    Interfaith Alliance
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The State Of Belief

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