28 episodes
Zealots at the Gate Comment
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- Society & Culture
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4.9 • 39 Ratings
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How do you disagree with substance, respect, and a spot of laughter? Is it possible for deep difference to be the uncanny glue of a free society, and not the spark for its conflagration? What does good-faith persuasion look like anymore?
Zealots at the Gate from Comment explores these questions through the friendship of two men: Muslim political thinker Shadi Hamid and Christian theologian Matthew Kaemingk. Through frank, unapologetic dialogue interrogating the future of democracy and the role of religion in North American cultural life, this is a conversation bent on charting out a new paradigm for navigating philosophical and even tribal difference with openness, good humour, and convicted humility.
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Can God Save Trump?
In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, he and his followers have been discussing the role of God in sparing his life. Reflecting on his good fortune, Trump has even speculated about potential changes in his nomination speech and broader campaign. In this episode, Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk delve into the religious and political issues at play. Did God actually save Donald Trump? Might God truly change Trump’s heart? Should citizens be optimistic or pessimistic about the potential redemption of their political opponents?
LINKS
“Is Trump’s near-death experience part of God’s plan?” by Shadi Hamid
https://wapo.st/4cFNteo
“Donald Trump, Man of Destiny” by Ross Douthat
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/opinion/donald-trump-assassination-destiny.html
On the Death Penalty “A Catholic Socialist in a Secular World” with Elizabeth Bruenig
https://comment.org/podcasts/a-catholic-socialist-in-a-secular-world/
Chesterton on Optimism and Pessimism
https://passionatelylovingtheworld.wordpress.com/2019/10/26/chesterton-pessimism-optimism-and-the-case-for-mirth/ -
Learning to Disagree
Our many differences in religion and politics are not problems to be solved. In this episode we interview John Inazu, the author of a new book titled Learning to Disagree. A professor of religion and law at Washington University in St. Louis, Inazu shares the critical lessons he’s learned about deep disagreement.
LINKS
John Inazu’s books on disagreement and pluralism:
Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect
https://bookshop.org/a/65404/9780310368014
Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving through Deep Difference
https://bookshop.org/a/65404/9780226592435 -
The Rise of the Secular Evangelicals
What is the political future of American evangelicalism? And what explains the rise of “secular” evangelical politics? Russell Moore is the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and the author of Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Together we discuss the surprising and tragic ways in which evangelicalism has become politicized and secularized through its engagement in American political life.
LINKS
Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, By Russell Moore
https://bookshop.org/a/65404/9780593541784
We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, by Fintan O'Toole
https://bookshop.org/a/65404/9781324092872
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, By Tim Alberta
https://bookshop.org/a/65404/9780063226883 -
Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk can't postpone the difficult question any longer. Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Their answers (and disagreements) might surprise you.
LINKS
Relevant articles on the “Same God” debate from:
Gabriel Said Reynolds
https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/is-the-quranic-god-the-same-god-as-the-biblical-god/
Joshua Ralston
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/the-same-god-or-the-one-god-on-the-limitations-and-implications-/10097414
Miroslav Volf
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/wheaton-professors-suspension-is-about-anti-muslim-bigotry-not-theology/
Francis Beckwith
https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2015/12/17/do-muslims-and-christians-worship-the-same-god/
Peter Ochs
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god/10096120
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A Muslim Goes to Wheaton
Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk visited Wheaton College (the so-called evangelical Harvard) to discuss faith, politics, and deep difference. Interviewed by Alexander Massad, they were asked about their friendship, their deep disagreements, and why they did (or did not) want to convert one another.
Links:
Matthew Kaemingk, The Troubling Grace of a Muslim Friend
https://www.neighborlyfaith.org/the-troubling-grace-of-a-muslim-friend
Shadi Hamid, Christian Strangeness: A Muslim’s Faith and Friendships Across Deep Difference
https://www.neighborlyfaith.org/christian-strangeness-a-muslims-faith-and-friendships-across-deep-difference -
The Politics of Hell
“Hell is actually pretty underrated. I mean it, when it comes to democratic life, a belief in hell is quite helpful.” Shadi kicked off a recent public lecture with this rather unexpected and provocative statement. In a time when democratic debate is becoming increasingly judgmental, where citizens wish to condemn and literally sentence one another to damnation, Shadi wonders (out loud) if a belief in a delayed judgment, one that belongs to God alone, could potentially lessen our need to exact total judgment in the here and now.
Customer Reviews
THANK YOU
I have deep rooted ties to Islam, with family and friends who are Muslim. I am deeply protective of them. Listening to this dialogue helps me feel fully seen, the part that worships and loves Jesus, and the part that appreciates and respects my Muslim family and friends. I’m so thankful for this podcast for modeling a way for me to think through complex issues that no one else is talking about, especially not with such thoughtfulness and care. Too often Christians are keen to emphasize their deep differences with Muslims, disrespecting their practices and beliefs, without recognizing the good that Muslims contribute. I’m grateful to have a Christian voice actively combating this all too common and harmful approach and doing so in a theologically honest way and openly wrestling with it. Shadi’s vulnerability is refreshing, especially touching on the intersection of racism when it comes to evangelical treatment of Muslims. That is so real. Please keep it up!
Honor and respect
I am grateful for their dialogue; not necessarily agreeing, and yet, honoring each other by listening, and when speaking, showing respect for their friend. The guest have been great! Thanks for sharing with us.
Inspiring
Shadi and Matt’s interfaith dialogue podcast beautifully demonstrates a way of unlocking the power of religious traditions while providing inspiration in all sorts of surprising ways
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