Episodios

  • 🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek

    🎙️ Transforming Systems, Not Just Souls — with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek
    Oct 14 2025
    "If we lived in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods, we’d understand better how to love and serve." — Dr. Kurt Ver Beek It was great to sit down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek, co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), who has lived and worked in Honduras for nearly four decades. From battling systemic corruption to reducing the homicide rate in one of the world’s most dangerous communities, Kurt shares a riveting account of faith in action and public justice rooted in Christian conviction. We explore the difference between traditional missionary work and systemic transformation, how theological frameworks can drive bold action, and why brave Christianity is needed now more than ever. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics: [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kurt Ver Beek and ASJ [00:01:00] Childhood influences: Christian values and political curiosity [00:04:00] Faith formation and a growing “allergy” to injustice [00:08:00] Moving beyond charity to systemic change [00:14:00] What it really means to "help the poor" [00:23:00] Corruption, extortion, and the story of a neighborhood pillow maker [00:29:00] How three hired staff helped significantly reduce local homicides [00:34:00] Raising funds for justice: why it’s not as hard as people think [00:40:00] Theology of safety vs. theology of love and proximity [00:47:00] Political influence without being politically compromised [00:53:00] From 113 to 218 school days: measurable education reform [01:00:00] What we can do: curiosity, courage, and conversation [01:02:00] Practicing politics and faith with gentleness and respect 🧠 Key Takeaways: Systemic Change Is Possible: Justice doesn't always take decades. Hiring an ex-cop and a lawyer helped reduce homicides dramatically. Faith Isn’t Just About Sundays: Living out the Gospel means transforming systems that harm the vulnerable. Corruption and Violence Are Addressable: Real change can happen when Christians take bold, strategic action. Don’t Underestimate Funders: Donors care about results — and systemic justice produces them. Bravery Is Biblical: The call to be brave Christians isn’t optional — it’s essential. 💬 Notable Quotes: “Being a Christian doesn't have to look like what many young people see today.” — Kurt Ver Beek “The lie is that systemic change is too hard — it’s not. It just takes brave Christians.” — Kurt Ver Beek “No place in the Bible does it say to be safe. It says to love your neighbor.” — Kurt Ver Beek “Be curious. Listen better. People aren't as crazy as you think.” — Kurt Ver Beek 📚 Mentioned Books and Resources: 📖 Call for Justice by Kurt Ver Beek & Nicholas Wolterstorff 📘 Bear Witness by Ross Halpern – (Kurt says it’s “90% on the money!”) 🌐 Learn more about ASJ: asj-us.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. ✌️🙏
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    1 h y 9 m
  • 🎙️ Back to Basics: When to Engage, When to Walk Away

    🎙️ Back to Basics: When to Engage, When to Walk Away
    Oct 10 2025

    A candid reflection on staying grounded while engaging in contentious conversations—and when to take a step back.

    ✨ Episode Summary

    In this heartfelt solo talk, host Corey Nathan goes back to the fundamentals of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Reflecting on recent emotionally charged interactions—some painfully personal—Corey revisits five foundational principles that guide his conversations and this podcast’s mission.

    He opens up about the emotional toll of receiving attacks from opposing sides of the political and religious spectrum and how even with years of practice, the work of engaging respectfully remains challenging and ongoing.

    Here are the five essentials Corey leans into when the temperature rises:

    👉 Practice what you preach 👉 Contest or conversation? Know the difference. 👉 Articulate others’ views well. 👉 Sometimes, take it offline. 👉 Know when to walk away.

    This isn’t just theory—it’s a personal reckoning, with honesty, humility, and yes, some humor too.

    📣 Calls to Action:

    ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation.

    ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics

    ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

    ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

    • [00:00:00] 🎧 Intro: Hockey talk, Rangers vs. Kings, and a shout-out to The Democracy Group

    • [00:02:00] Recent conversations that challenged Corey’s peace and patience

    • [00:03:00] On being attacked by voices from both extremes of the Israel-Gaza conflict

    • [00:06:00] Recognizing how giving space to others can draw heat—sometimes from all sides

    • [00:07:30] The emotional cost of staying in these conversations

    • [00:08:00] Going “Back to Basics”: Five principles to guide tough discussions

    • [00:09:00] #1: Practice what you preach—even when it’s hard

    • [00:10:00] #2: Contest or conversation? Choose wisely.

    • [00:12:00] #3: Articulate others’ views honestly, even when you disagree

    • [00:14:00] #4: Sometimes take it offline to preserve dignity and connection

    • [00:17:00] #5: Know when to walk away—because not everyone deserves your time

    • [00:20:00] Closing: Still learning, still growing, still hoping for peace

    🧠 Key Takeaways

    • See Other's Humanity: Engage with people as individuals, not as representatives of an ideology.

    • Not Every Fight is Worth Fighting: Sometimes, disengagement is a form of self-care and wisdom.

    • Curiosity Builds Bridges: Ask real questions. Seek understanding, not just rebuttals.

    • There’s Power in Saying “No More”: Knowing your limits is an act of strength, not weakness.

    • The Work is Ongoing: This isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment to grow and do better.

    🔗 Connect on Social Media:

    Corey is @coreysnathan on...

    • Bluesky
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Threads
    • Facebook
    • Substack
    • TikTok
    Our Sponsors:
    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org

    Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    25 m
  • Justin Giboney on the Black Church, Civic Courage, and Healing Our Divides

    Justin Giboney on the Black Church, Civic Courage, and Healing Our Divides
    Oct 7 2025
    Exploring how Christian conviction and civic love — inspired by the faith of Willie Faye and Mahalia Jackson’s generation — can transcend political tribalism. 🔥 Episode Summary Grateful to welcome Justin Giboney, an ordained minister, attorney, and co-founder of the AND Campaign. Justin shares his faith journey, the genesis of the AND Campaign, and his new book, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War. Together, we explore how faith can ground political engagement, challenge tribalism, and offer a better way forward rooted in compassion, conviction, and moral imagination. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00:00] Intro to the show and our guest Justin E. Giboney [00:01:00] Justin’s background: faith, family, football, and public life [00:03:00] Raising three boys in Georgia and coaching youth football 🏈 [00:04:00] Justin’s college years at Vanderbilt and struggles with faith [00:06:00] Returning to faith and the influence of family, especially Willie Faye [00:08:00] Learning from personal crossroads: sports injury, law, and political work [00:10:00] Beginning the AND Campaign: from political activism to movement leadership [00:13:00] The legacy of the Civil Rights era and moral imagination [00:16:00] Political tribalism, Christian engagement, and party alignment [00:22:00] Core principles of the AND Campaign and engaging as a faithful Christian [00:25:00] Civic pluralism: persuading without imposing faith [00:27:00] Importance of relationships over culture war ideology [00:34:00] Honest critiques of progressivism and conservatism [00:43:00] Addiction to outrage and the loss of moral clarity [00:51:00] Opposition-centered engagement and political virtue signaling [00:56:00] Final thoughts on leadership, truth, and compassion 🧠 Key Takeaways Faith Requires Courage: Being a faithful Christian in the public square demands moral clarity, humility, and the ability to stand apart from political allegiances. Reject Political Tribalism: Christians must transcend party lines and speak truth to power, even to their own political "side." Moral Imagination Is Essential: The ability to imagine what ought to be—especially in times of conflict—is the key to compassionate and just civic engagement. Civil Rights Generation as a Model: Justin draws inspiration from the faith, resilience, and clarity of leaders like his grandmother Willie Faye and Mahalia Jackson. Opposition-Centered Engagement is Toxic: Defining oneself solely by opposition to the "other side" leads to shallow, reactive politics. 💬 Notable Quotes “Discipleship isn’t easy—and loving your neighbor especially when it’s hard, is where the Gospel really comes alive.” — Justin Giboney “If the Civil Rights generation could love their enemies with hoses and bombs aimed at them, we can love ours with tweets and outrage.” — Justin Giboney “True leadership today means turning around and telling your side what it needs to do better.” — Justin Giboney 📚 Featured Book Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War - www.ivpress.com/don-t-let-nobody-turn-you-around 🗓️ Coming November 4, 2025 🔗 Connect with Justin Giboney 📸 Instagram: @justinegiboney 🐦 X (Twitter): @justinegiboney 🎧 Podcast: Church Politics 🌐 AND Campaign: andcampaign.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... SubstackBlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 5 m
  • Cursing, Criticism, and the Conversations Worth Keeping

    Cursing, Criticism, and the Conversations Worth Keeping
    Oct 3 2025
    A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it. ✨ Episode Summary In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam’s mission: 👉 Which conversations are worth pursuing? 👉 Which relationships are worth nurturing? 👉 And at what point should we walk away for the sake of our own peace—and the greater good? From fielding scriptural "shard attacks" for using colorful language to being targeted with assumptions rooted in ignorance and bigotry, Corey lays bare some inner conflicts with vulnerability, humor, and, yes, a few well-placed f-bombs. This isn't just an airing of grievances—it's an invitation to reflect on how we can all be fountains, not drains in a world sorely in need of healing. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro, shout-out to Substack community & podcast housekeeping [00:02:00] ⚾ Quick tangent: Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets fandom, and hope for the future [00:03:00] Opening big questions: What convos and relationships are worth it? [00:04:00] Story #1: Being called out for cursing—and Corey's take on "Christian language policing" [00:07:00] Righteous anger, proof-texting, and weaponizing Scripture [00:09:00] Story #2: Encountering prejudice disguised as critique [00:12:00] Recounting meaningful dialogue with Lisa Sharon Harper as a contrast [00:14:00] Deep pain, generational trauma, and the erasure of Jewish identity [00:17:00] Hatefulness vs. ignorance—where do we draw the line? [00:18:30] Who gets to be in the “cool kids club” of social justice discourse? [00:19:30] Questions to the audience: Are we fountains or drains in this world? [00:20:00] Final thoughts: Owning the heat, seeking feedback, and doing better 🧠 Key Takeaways Language vs. Intent: A well-placed curse word shouldn’t overshadow a meaningful, vulnerable message. Weaponizing Scripture: Proof-texting undermines the depth and context of sacred texts—and can be deeply harmful. Bigotry in Disguise: Assumptions based on skin tone or identity reduce complex histories and humanity to dangerous stereotypes. Be a Fountain, Not a Drain: Ask yourself—are your words and actions contributing to tikkun olam (repairing the world), or draining its soul? Not Every Battle is Yours: Sometimes walking away is an act of wisdom and self-preservation, not cowardice. 📖 Bonus Reading Proverbs 31 vs Proverbs 27: Woman of valor or dripping faucet? Decide for yourself. George Washington’s Farewell Address: Surprisingly prophetic in its warnings about factionalism. Tikkun Olam: Explore the Jewish concept of repairing the world and how it applies to today’s discourse. 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    24 m
  • Inside Heterodox Academy: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner on Reclaiming Truth in a Fractured Democracy

    Inside Heterodox Academy: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner on Reclaiming Truth in a Fractured Democracy
    Sep 30 2025
    Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today. 🎧 Episode Summary What a treat to welcome two leading voices in the fight for viewpoint diversity and constructive civic dialogue: Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, and Liz Joyner, founder of The Village Square. As board members of Heterodox Academy (HxA), Jon and Liz unpack the organization’s mission to restore open inquiry and truth-seeking within higher education—and how these values are essential to preserving our democracy at large. With personal stories, sharp analysis, and even a few laughs, they explore what we each can do to counter the ecosystem of illiberalism and strengthen the social fabric. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🕰️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Intro: What’s broken in our democracy and how we fix it [00:01:00] Meet the guests: Jonathan Rauch and Liz Joyner [00:03:00] What is Heterodox Academy and how did it begin? [00:06:00] Rauch on early signs of "wokeness" and Kindly Inquisitors [00:08:00] Joyner’s grassroots experience with ideological diversity at Village Square [00:10:00] The "ecosystem of illiberalism" and why liberal principles matter [00:15:00] Can HxA help defend against external political coercion? [00:20:00] Are we headed toward institutional collapse or renewal? [00:25:00] Speech vs. coercion: The cultural and legal frontlines [00:33:00] Personal costs of speaking out: Corey’s Chappelle story [00:36:00] What should institutions do to defend free speech? [00:39:00] On the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics [00:45:00] Fears for 2026 and 2028 elections [00:48:00] Signs of progress: Academic reform, FIRE, and HxA programs [00:54:00] How to break the cycle of intolerance [00:56:00] How do we actually talk to people who disagree? [01:01:00] "Love people back into communion with liberalism" [01:08:00] The local vs. national divide—learning from LA’s fires & ICE raids [01:14:00] Final reflections: Reclaiming truth, curiosity, and compassion 💡 Key Takeaways Liberalism needs defenders: Jon reminds us that truth-seeking demands criticism—and that “criticism hurts, but it’s necessary.” Civic spaces matter: Liz underscores the importance of local, respectful dialogue and building trust before crisis hits. The ecosystem is the problem: Illiberalism isn't coming from just one side; it’s a reactive spiral we must all help disrupt. Institutions must hold firm: It's not disagreement that's dangerous—it's coercion by powerful entities that silence dissent. Each of us has a role: From book clubs to coffee shops, we can all “love people back into communion with liberalism.” 🧠 Notable Quotes 🗣️ “We are better together. A diverse people can self-govern—if we protect the institutions that help us do so.” – Liz Joyner 🧠 “If I’m talking, I’m not learning. If I’m listening, I probably am.” – Jonathan Rauch ❤️ “What I’d like you to talk about today is how we can love people back into communion with liberalism.” – Quoting Jonathan V. Last (via Liz Joyner) 🔗 Resources & Mentions Heterodox Academy - heterodoxacademy.org The Constitution of Knowledge - www.brookings.edu/books/the-constitution-of-knowledge Village Square - villagesquare.us Kindly Inquisitors - press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html A University the World Has Never Seen- heterodoxacademy.substack.com/p/a-university-the-world-has-never Jonathan Rauch- jonathanrauch.typepad.com 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    1 h y 24 m
  • 🎙️ THEY Didn't Do It – A Candid Call for Accountability

    🎙️ THEY Didn't Do It – A Candid Call for Accountability
    Sep 26 2025

    In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing?

    🧭 Episode Summary

    Fair warning: Your trusty friend and host is a little hot under the collar on this one. We're addressing the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the toxic political blame game that followed. Corey dismantles the knee-jerk scapegoating by political leaders—particularly from the Trump administration—and calls for a return to civility, empathy, and individual responsibility.

    Drawing inspiration from great American leaders such as Lincoln, Douglass, MLK, Reagan, and Jack Kemp, Corey urges listeners to rise above the “us vs. them” narrative and engage in meaningful conversations across ideological divides. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a wake-up call for moral courage and collective healing.

    📣 Calls to Action:

    ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation.

    ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics

    ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com

    ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion

    🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights Time Topic 00:00 🎙️ Introduction & what's bugging Corey today 01:30 ⚖️ Criticism of current leadership’s divisive rhetoric post-tragedy 03:00 🔥 “They didn’t do it.” – the central thesis 05:30 🧠 Why scapegoating is dangerous and lazy 06:00 🗣️ Quotes from historical leaders on unity 08:00 🙌 Remembering real conservatism and integrity in leadership 10:00 💰 A quick word about sponsor: Meza Wealth Management 11:00 🧍‍♂️ One-on-one conversations > tribal politics 13:00 🧘 Rejecting polarization and choosing relationship over rage 15:00 ❓ How to ask genuine questions without interrogating 17:00 ✡️ Tikkun Olam – the Jewish concept of healing the world 18:00 🧭 Final thoughts: Courage, not cowardice, builds bridges 19:00 🙏 Outro: Feedback, Substack, YouTube, and a call to respectful conversation 💡 Key Takeaways

    • “They didn’t do it”: One person is responsible for a crime—not an entire political party or ideology.

    • Scapegoating is intellectually and morally lazy; real leadership seeks unity, not division.

    • History holds better role models: From Lincoln to Reagan, great leaders have called for reconciliation, not retaliation.

    • Genuine conversations with those who think differently are the antidote to political polarization.

    • Tikkun Olam: We each have a responsibility to repair the world—one action, one conversation at a time.

    📢 Notable Quotes

    🗨️ “Scapegoating is cowardice. It’s morally and intellectually lazy.”

    🗨️ “They didn’t do it. An individual did.”

    🗨️ “If grief morphs into blaming anyone who voted differently than you, that’s not mourning—that’s scapegoating.”

    🗨️ “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” – Abraham Lincoln

    🗨️ “Democracy without respect for the dignity of each individual is not democracy at all.” – Jack Kemp

    🔗 Connect on Social Media:

    Corey is @coreysnathan on...

    • Bluesky
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Threads
    • Facebook
    • Substack
    • TikTok
    Our Sponsors:
    • Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
    • The Village Square: villagesquare.us

    And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org

    Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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    20 m
  • Dr. Beth Allison Barr on Women, Power, and the Pastor’s Wife Problem in Evangelicalism

    Dr. Beth Allison Barr on Women, Power, and the Pastor’s Wife Problem in Evangelicalism
    Sep 23 2025
    What if the role of “pastor’s wife” wasn’t biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women’s voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr—medievalist, church historian, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor’s Wife—for a candid conversation about faith, history, evangelical subcultures, and women’s leadership in the church. Beth traces how the modern “pastor’s wife” role emerged alongside the decline of women’s ordination, shows how women have always done pastoral work, and offers grounded, hope-filled ways to talk across differences in a volatile moment. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps 00:00 — Introductions & context. Beth’s scholarship, books, UK ties; growing up in a Bible-saturated town and how her kids encountered questions of faith earlier than she did. 05:00 — Faith in action vs. attendance. Story of her son choosing hands-on ministry with Mission Waco / Church Under the Bridge and serving the unhoused. 08:00 — History’s ballast in turbulent times. Democracy’s fragility, finding joy, and why she stays to “fight for a country I believe in.” 16:45 — Responding to political violence. Grieving a public figure’s death, fearing the blame game, and the dangers of escalation. 24:00 — Media myths & “those people.” How conspiratorial frames dehumanize. 25:00 — Dobson, MacArthur & evangelical father-figures. The guru dynamic, platformed authority, and downstream damage. 29:00 — Why this book. From Making of Biblical Womanhood to the historical link between pastor’s wives and the decline of women’s ordination. 32:00 — “There are no male pastors in the Bible either.” Pastor as a modern construct; early church roles were gifts and functions, not a job title. 36:30 — Phoebe, Junia & collaborative authorship. The first named deacon tied to a local church is a woman; letters emerged from communities. 41:00 — Power & gatekeeping. Why certain leaders resist change; SBC moments like cutting Rick Warren’s mic. 46:30 — Handling pushback graciously. Ask questions, surface assumptions, adjust tone by relationship. 50:00 — The economics of titles. Same work, different labels → less power and pay; survey showing ~80% of women in official church roles are part-time or unpaid. 53:00 — Does “biblical authority” really forbid women leading? On misusing a few verses vs. the witness of the whole Bible. 57:00 — That cover art 👀. Catherine of Alexandria—the patron saint of preachers—casts a telling shadow. 58:00 — The TP&R Question. See the image of God in each person; start from shared humanity when conversations get heated. 01:01:00 — What’s next. A “freeing” medieval project taking shape. “There are no female pastors in the Bible? There are no male pastors in the Bible either… what we see are people serving in a variety of functions.” Key Takeaways “Pastor” is a gift before it’s a job. In the New Testament it points to shepherding, not a fixed office; early churches named teachers, apostles, deacons—roles women also filled (e.g., Phoebe). Same work, different label. Churches often call women’s pastoral work something else—reducing power and pay. Structural choices, not Scripture, drive much of the disparity. Power protects itself. Resistance to women’s leadership is frequently about protecting positions and rhetoric, not about biblical fidelity. How to engage across differences. Begin with imago Dei; remember hurt often fuels hostility; ask questions that surface assumptions; adjust posture to the relationship. Memorable Quotes “A text without a context is a pretext to say whatever you want.” “Women have done everything men did in the early church—we just renamed their work.” “See the image of God before you see a label.” Resources & Mentions Books: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife — www.bethallisonbarr.com/books/becoming-the-pastors-wife The Making of Biblical Womanhood — www.bethallisonbarr.com/books/the-making-of-biblical-womanhood Substack: Marginalia - bethallisonbarr.substack.com 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: ...
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    1 h y 12 m
  • From Trauma to Torah: Rabbi Michael Holzman’s Mission to Rebuild American Democracy

    From Trauma to Torah: Rabbi Michael Holzman’s Mission to Rebuild American Democracy
    Sep 19 2025
    After October 7, Rabbi Michael Holzman wasn’t just mourning—he was mobilizing. A project he had already spent years developing. Discover how one rabbi is using ancient wisdom, civic rituals, and interfaith grit to heal our fractured democracy. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and founder of the Rebuilding Democracy Project. Together, we explore the fragile yet vital intersection of faith, politics, and civic life, tackling tough questions with grace, insight, and a touch of humor. From personal stories of family division over politics to deeply Jewish perspectives on democracy, Rabbi Holzman opens up about how religious communities can serve as training grounds for better civic engagement. He also shares how his own path—from a secular upbringing to becoming a reform rabbi—shaped his commitment to democratic values. 📣 Calls to Action: ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Bring more folks into the conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights: [00:00:40] Welcome & intro to Rabbi Holzman and his work in democracy-building [00:03:10] What does “lantzman” mean, and how does it reflect communal responsibility? [00:04:40] Exploring Rabbi Holzman’s family history: German and Eastern European Jewish roots [00:10:40] A spiritual upbringing grounded in nature, ethics, and the roots of his rabbinic calling [00:14:10] The life-altering moment that shifted his path from medicine to ministry [00:18:40] A personal journey through political polarization with his father [00:26:40] Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of political echo chambers [00:31:40] Why local synagogues and churches are essential spaces for democratic practice [00:39:40] Launching the Rebuilding Democracy Project [00:50:40] The power of scripture—both Jewish and American—in bridging divides [00:56:40] “10 Faith Habits for Effective Citizenship” [00:57:40] Rabbi Holzman’s reflection on Israel, Gaza, and ethical leadership [01:00:40] Closing insights on disagreeing better and civic healing 💡 Key Takeaways: "We have to build a culture that values dissent." — Rabbi Holzman on embracing disagreement as a civic virtue. Faith communities can model democratic practices through sacred rituals like respectful dialogue and structured governance. Personal experience with political polarization—especially in families—can become a catalyst for bridge-building. The American Scripture Project uses historical texts and Torah to help congregations grapple with today's civic challenges. Healthy democracy depends on rituals that reassure losers of their place in the system—a principle eroded by events like January 6th. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: American Scripture Project - americanscripture.orgfaith250 - faith250.org 🔗 Connect on Social Media: Corey is @coreysnathan on... BlueskyLinkedInInstagramThreadsFacebookSubstackTikTok Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.comThe Village Square: villagesquare.us Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
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