Faithful Presence Podcast

Rev. Michael Langer

Lively and in-depth conversations with authors, thought leaders, and friends on how each of the seven facets of whole-life discipleship (spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, ideological, cultural, and evangelical formation) play an essential role in faithful presence. faithfulpresence.substack.com

  1. Sep 4

    Dr. Amy Black on Civil Religion

    Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science at Wheaton and co-author Civil Religion and the Renewal of American Politics (Cambridge Press, 2026), joins Michael to discuss the definition of civil religion, and navigating religious pluralism in American democracy. Their conversation explores the challenge of shared values in politics and the role of religion in shaping political culture. It delves into the influence of religious traditions, party platforms, and the role of pastors in equipping people for politics. Additionally, it discusses the Bible's role in navigating the public square, emphasizing the eternal principles it offers for living in a representative democracy. Video of this podcast is available on our website: www-faithful-presence.org Takeaways The Role of Civil Religion in Unifying a Diverse Population Shared values in politicsThe role of religion in shaping political culture Chapters 00:00 Transitioning to College01:20 Challenges of Absent Parent04:35 Media Reporting and Its Impact08:42 Doctrine of Spirituality of the Church15:36 Christians in Political Science19:37 The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program21:04 Working in Congress and Changing Perceptions26:01 Wheaton College and Civil Religion36:25 Defining Civil Religion and Shared Values38:19 Navigating Religious Pluralism in American Democracy51:16 The Challenge of Shared Values52:05 Religious Traditions in American Politics57:37 The Influence of Party Platforms01:11:15 The Role of Pastors in Equipping People for Politics01:14:25 The Bible's Role in Navigating the Public Square

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Lively and in-depth conversations with authors, thought leaders, and friends on how each of the seven facets of whole-life discipleship (spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, ideological, cultural, and evangelical formation) play an essential role in faithful presence. faithfulpresence.substack.com