We often describe our world as “post-colonial”; a world where empire is behind us, and what remains are its lingering effects. But what if that’s not quite true?

In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore the idea that post-colonialism may be less a reality and more a myth. Drawing on recent global events (including U.S. military action in Venezuela, escalation in Iran, and renewed rhetoric about taking control of places like Greenland and Cuba) we ask whether patterns of colonial power have truly disappeared, or simply taken new forms.

At the same time, we examine the role of religion in shaping how these events are understood and justified. From civilizational language in Pete Hegseth’s American Crusade to the reemergence of Christian rhetoric in discussions of war (including references to divine purpose and even biblical prophecy) we consider how religious narratives continue to intersect with political power.

Engaging postcolonial theology, particularly the work of Robert Heaney, we reflect on a deeper question: what does it mean to do theology in a world where empire may not be past, but ongoing?

This conversation moves beyond policy debates to focus on something more fundamental; the stories we tell about power, morality, and history itself. Because if colonialism hasn’t ended, but has instead been rebranded, then understanding its persistence requires not only political analysis, but religious insight.

Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig.

Edited by Kirk Sandvig

Published by Hidden Wave Productions

In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore the complex and deeply human intersections of religion and immigration in the United States. How has immigration shaped American religious communities — and how are those communities being reshaped in return?

We examine the impact of immigration enforcement and ICE policies on congregations across the country, including the erosion of sanctuary protections once reserved for sacred spaces. What does it mean when places of worship, historically seen as refuges, are no longer safe havens?

Our conversation also traces the long history of the dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, revealing how fear-driven narratives have surfaced again and again throughout American history. Yet amid these challenges, we ask an urgent question: How can religious communities respond differently?

This episode calls faith communities to re-humanize themselves by re-humanizing others; through relationship-building, solidarity, and courageous engagement. At stake is not only immigration policy, but the moral and spiritual identity of religious life in America.

Books and Articles referenced in this episode:

Campese, Gioacchino. “A PEOPLE OF GOD WHO REMEMBERS: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON A ‘REFUGEE CRISIS.’” In Migration and Public Discourse in World Christianity, edited by Afe Adogame, Raimundo C. Barreto, and Wanderley Pereira da Rosa, 2:215–28. Augsburg Fortress, 2019.

Rajendra, Tisha. Migrants and Citizens: Justice and Responsibility in the Ethics of Immigration. Eerdmans Publishing, 2017.

"One of the Bible's Biggest Moral Revolutions" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/opinion/immigrants-religion-bible-politics.html?searchResultPosition=3. February 22, 2026

Emily Belz "Refugees Disappeared. Churches Prayed and Layered Up". In Christianity Today. February 18, 2026. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/02/minnesota-ice-refugees-detention-immigration-persecution/

Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig.

Edited by Kirk Sandvig

Published by Hidden Wave Productions

Christmas is more than a Christian holiday; it’s a global response to darkness, uncertainty, and the need for hope. In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore Christmas alongside Roman Saturnalia, Yule fires, saints and monsters, La Posada, global South celebrations, Kwanzaa, and Asian traditions of light and home. A journey through ritual, food, and meaning that asks what humans do when winter, either literal or symbolic, sets in.

Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig.

Edited by Kirk Sandvig

Published by Hidden Wave Productions