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In this episode of the Faithful Politics podcast, Josh and Will welcome Peter Wehner, a prominent political commentator, author, and senior fellow at the Trinity Forum. Peter Wehner shares his extensive background in public service, including roles in the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush administrations. The discussion dives into the intersection of Christianity and politics, exploring how Peter's faith journey influenced his political career and writing. They discuss the contemporary Christian landscape, particularly how the Trump era has impacted evangelical Christians' political alignments and the broader societal implications.

Peter articulates the deep divisions within the Christian community, driven by politics and cultural shifts. He highlights the problematic alignment of some evangelicals with Trump's ethos, which he argues has amplified negative traits such as resentment and grievance. The conversation also touches on Peter's recent article in The Atlantic, where he reflects on Christianity's relationship with power, emphasizing the faith's anti-power ethos exemplified by the crucifixion.

The dialogue covers significant historical moments that shaped the evangelical political landscape, the role of the media, and the challenges of maintaining faith integrity in a polarized political environment. Both hosts express appreciation for Peter's insights and the need for a more reflective and compassionate Christian witness in today's society.

Read the article mentioned in this conversation

Good Friday reminds us of the ephemerality of human power: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/easter-christianity-relationship-with-power/677921/

Guest Bio:
Peter Wehner is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum. His books include The Death of Politics: How to Heal Our Frayed Republic After Trump, City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era, which he co-wrote with Michael J. Gerson, and Wealth and Justice: The Morality of Democratic Capitalism. He was formerly a speechwriter for George W. Bush and a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Wehner is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, and his work also appears in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Affairs.

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In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram welcome Dr. Ashley Boggan, the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History for the United Methodist Church (UMC). Dr. Boggan shares her journey and passion for Methodist history, mentioning her role in ensuring the UMC understands its past to envision a more equitable future. She recounts the humorous anecdote of giving a John Wesley bobblehead to Pope Francis during an ecumenical meeting in Rome.

The discussion delves into the origins of Methodism, highlighting John Wesley's efforts to renew the Church of England by emphasizing mission and social acts, and explaining the methodical approach to faith that led to the church's name. Dr. Boggan provides a comprehensive overview of the UMC's historical stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including the 1972 incompatibility clause and subsequent bans on LGBTQ+ advocacy, ordination, and same-sex marriages. She highlights the recent General Conference's decision to remove prohibitive language against LGBTQ+ persons, marking a significant shift in the church's stance.

Dr. Boggan contrasts the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of this conference with past ones marked by tension and division. She explains the significance of removing prohibitive language while avoiding explicit affirming language to prevent alienating conservative members. Emphasizing the importance of historians in holding the church accountable, she discusses the need for continuous education and accountability regarding the church's past actions and policies.

Reflecting on her personal journey with faith and the Methodist Church's evolving stance on sexuality, Dr. Boggan expresses hope for the future. She notes that the immediate impacts of recent changes are not fully clear, but stresses the importance of focusing on the church's mission rather than membership numbers. The episode concludes with insights into the role of historians and the significance of creating a more inclusive environment within the UMC.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Ashley Boggan D. is the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. In this role, she ensures that the UMC understands its past in order to envision a more equitable future for all Methodists. Boggan earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History.

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In a short, but special episode of Faithful Politics, political host Will Wright had a chance to speak with Robert Faturechi, a reporter for ProPublica, about his recent investigative report that revolves around financial benefits received by multiple witnesses in Donald Trump's criminal cases. Benefits that are raising questions about the ethical and legal implications of these payments.

Faturechi explains that nine examples were found where individuals connected to Trump received significant raises, new jobs, or other benefits, some of which appeared suspiciously timed around their involvement as witnesses. Despite challenges in proving direct quid pro quo arrangements, the circumstances could still potentially influence testimony and present hurdles for prosecutors. Our guest also sheds light on the difficulties of investigating such cases due to the lack of transparency in private company finances compared to campaign finance records.

Read: Multiple Trump Witnesses Have Received Significant Financial Benefits From His Businesses, Campaign

Guest Bio:
Robert Faturechi is a reporter at ProPublica. He has written about how the rich avoid taxes, industry lobbying campaigns to block safety standards, conflicts of interest within government, self-dealing by political consultants and corporate donors targeting state elections officials. He broke stories on Sen. Richard Burr selling stock before the coronavirus market crash.

In 2020, he and two colleagues won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for a series of stories about avoidable deaths in the Navy and Marine Corps, and the failure of top commanders to heed warnings that could have saved lives.

His reporting has resulted in congressional hearings, new legislation, federal indictments and widespread reforms.

You can send him story tips and documents through email at Robert.Faturechi@propublica.org or on Signal/WhatsApp at (213) 271-7217.

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In this conversation, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Paul Djupe, a political scientist specializing in the intersection of religion and politics. They discuss the Seven Mountain Mandate, a prophetic meme that suggests Christians are granted dominion over different aspects of life. They explore how the mandate has grown in popularity, particularly among fundamentalist and charismatic Christians. They also discuss the connection between the mandate and political power, as well as its impact on religious diversity and the changing landscape of religion.

Djupe also discusses the beliefs and implications of the Seven Mountain Mandate, a movement that seeks to place Christians in positions of influence in various sectors of society. He explores the overlap between the Seven Mountain Mandate and Christian nationalism, highlighting the potential for theocracy and the rejection of democratic principles. Djupe then addresses the question of whether the Seven Mountain Mandate is inherently bad for America, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights and liberties of all individuals in a pluralistic society. He discusses the current intermingling of religion and politics, noting the dangerous language and division that can arise. Djupe suggests that pursuing policies that align with the desires of the population, such as expanded healthcare and environmental protection, may help bridge some of the divides.

Belief in the 7 Mountain Mandate Appears to be Growing in the Last Year: https://religioninpublic.blog/2024/05/13/belief-in-the-7-mountain-mandate-appears-to-be-growing-in-the-last-year/

Guest Bio: http://pauldjupe.com/
Paul A. Djupe is a political scientist at Denison University (Ph.D., Washington University in 1997) specializing in religion and politics, social networks, and political behavior. Dr. Djupe is the editor of the Religious Engagement in Democratic Politics series with Temple UP and was the editor of the APSA Politics & Religion journal. His research interests include examining how religious communities provide political information and how members then use that information. Dr. Djupe’s work investigates social networks in churches, clergy political speech and engagement, small group interactions, and the effects of the prosperity gospel, Christian nationalism, on political behavior, and democratic norms, among other questions. He blogs for various outlets, most regularly for religioninpublic.blog, which he co-founded.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, your faithful host, Pastor Josh Burtram, delves into a profound conversation with Prasanta Verma, author of the impactful book "Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging," published by IVP Press. Prasanta Verma, who holds an MBA and a Master of Public Health, shares her unique journey, having been born in India, raised in the Appalachian foothills, and now residing in the Midwest. Her diverse background and experiences provide a rich context for the themes explored in her book. Her work has been featured in Sojourners, Curator Magazine, The Indianapolis Review, Relief Journal, Mudroom Blog, Guideposts, and Pray A Word A Day.

During the interview, Prasanta recounts her experiences of growing up as the only Indian immigrant family in a small Alabama town. She shares poignant memories of facing racism and the struggle for belonging, which shaped her identity and influenced her writing. The conversation delves into the concept of ethnic loneliness, a term Prasanta defines as the alienation and sense of not belonging due to one's ethnic and racial identity.

Prasanta and Josh explore the broader implications of ethnic loneliness, discussing its impact on individuals and communities, and how it differs from general loneliness. They also touch on the role of faith communities in addressing and alleviating this unique form of isolation. Prasanta offers insights into creating inclusive spaces within churches and communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and celebrating cultural diversity.

The discussion also covers the historical injustices faced by ethnic minorities and how these past events continue to influence present experiences. Prasanta reflects on her own journey of reconciling her ethnic identity with her faith, highlighting the importance of safe, supportive communities in the healing process.

Buy Prasanta Verma's book: Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging: https://a.co/d/ebjMELE

About our Guest:
Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. When she's not writing, speaking, or working, she's drinking chai, walking, or reading. Prasanta lives with her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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The conversation discusses the Trump trial in New York, specifically the hush money case. The trial involves charges of falsifying business records in the first degree related to payments made to Stormy Daniels by Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer. The prosecution argues that these payments were made to circumvent campaign finance and tax laws. The strengths of the prosecution's case include the existence of paperwork, representations, and social media posts by Trump himself. The weaknesses include the credibility of Michael Cohen as a cooperating witness. The jury instructions and the role of the foreperson are also discussed. In this conversation, Diana discusses the potential outcomes and timeline of the Trump Organization criminal trial. She explains that even if Trump is convicted, he is entitled to appeal, which could take several months or even years. Diana also mentions that if Trump is elected, he could delay the appeal process until after his inauguration. She speculates that Trump may not face significant jail time, but could potentially be sentenced to one and a quarter to four years. Diana emphasizes that this case is different from federal cases and cannot be pardoned by the president. She also discusses the importance of gag orders during the trial and the possibility of them being lifted after the verdict. Diana concludes by sharing her thoughts on the potential verdicts and the impact of the trial on future cases.

Guest Bio:
Diana Florence began her career as a prosecutor 25 years ago in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, putting people first. There she fought for people who never thought they’d win, going after powerful interests and large scale corruption. She won landmark convictions against companies and individuals for defrauding 9/11 charities, terrorizing the elderly, domestic violence, wage theft, and deadly work conditions. She held powerful interests accountable by prosecuting developers and construction companies for cheating workers and taxpayers.

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*Warning: This Episode Contains Descriptions of Sexual Abuse*

Ryan George, author of 'Hurt and Healed by the Church,' shares his personal journey of healing from church hurt caused by his abusive pastor father. He discusses the damaging effects of church abuse and the importance of finding healing within a faith community. Ryan also sheds light on the independent fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, describing it as a cult-like environment characterized by authoritarian leadership and strict rules. He emphasizes the need to believe and support victims of church abuse and highlights the challenges of seeking justice within the church and legal systems. In this conversation, Ryan George and Josh discuss the tension between the representation of Jesus in the church and the reality of who Jesus is. They explore the ways in which people have wrapped their faith around political figures and justify their actions based on their interpretation of Jesus. They also delve into the connection between the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement and the teachings of Bill Gothard, highlighting the abusive practices and toxic theology that have been prevalent in these circles. Ryan shares his journey of deconstructing and reconstructing his faith, emphasizing the importance of following the example of Jesus and surrounding oneself with safe and grace-filled voices. He encourages listeners to seek healing and recovery, reminding them that it is possible and that Jesus can be found in unexpected places.

Buy Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction After Spiritual Abuse: https://a.co/d/0bDEIie

Guest Bio:
Ryan George co-leads Dude Group, a parachurch spiritual adventure community, as well as a serving incubator of volunteers at his church. During business hours, he works as a virtual marketing assistant; and his work has won more than 250 state & national awards for projects spanning 49 states and seven countries.

Ryan enjoys conversations about the connection between faith and adventure. His goal is to help you embrace a life of spiritual awareness and discovery. Whether on stage or on social media, he hopes to inspire you to follow Jesus outside your comfort zones. In his books and blog posts, Ryan invites readers to explore a rich faith experience available in the midst of doubt, fear, and pressure.

Ryan has traveled to all seven continents and both polar circles across 30 countries, searching for spiritual discoveries. He looks for Jesus in places and activities that don't look like Sunday morning church services. And, because Jesus promised it would happen, Ryan has found profound moments with Jesus in all of them.

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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews John Fortier, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the mechanics of elections and the potential scenarios that could arise in the 2024 US presidential election. They discuss the process of electing a president, including the role of the Electoral College and the possibility of a contingent election in the House of Representatives. They also touch on the timing dynamics and potential outcomes in the Senate's vote for the vice president. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of the election process and the potential scenarios that could unfold. The conversation explores the process of electing electors and the potential scenarios that could disrupt the Electoral College. It delves into historical examples, such as the 1876 election, where two sets of electors were sent to Washington, causing a contentious and controversial issue. The conversation also discusses the role of the court in settling election disputes and the potential permutations that could occur, such as the death of a candidate. It touches on the Commission on Presidential Debates and the recent decision by the candidates to bypass the commission for the debates.

Takeaways

• The process of electing a president involves voting for presidential electors who then cast their ballots for president and vice president in December.
• If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538), a contingent election is held in the House of Representatives, where each state delegation has one vote.
• The Senate votes for the vice president, with each senator having one vote.
• The timing of the election and the resolution of the presidency and vice presidency can vary, but it is expected to be resolved by January 20th, the inauguration day.
• The 20th Amendment changed the dates for the start of the presidency and Congress, ensuring that the new Congress is in place before the counting of electoral votes on January 6th. The process of electing electors and the potential scenarios that could disrupt the Electoral College
• Historical examples of election disputes, such as the 1876 election
• The role of the court in settling election disputes
• Permutations that could occur, such as the death of a candidate
• The significance of the Commission on Presidential Debates and the recent decision to bypass the commission

Guest Bio:
John C. Fortier is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on Congress and elections, election administration, election demographics, voting (and absentee voting), the US presidency, and the Electoral College. He is also continuing his work on the continuity of government.

Before rejoining AEI, Dr. Fortier was director of governmental studies at the Bipartisan Policy Center, and the principal contributor to the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project. He also has taught at Kenyon College, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, Boston College, and Harvard University.

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