The State Of Belief

By: Interfaith Alliance
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  • Summary

  • Every week, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush hosts lively, funny and poignant conversations with inspiring religious and civic leaders; as well as artists and activists from across the country. Listeners get a potent mix of spiritual wisdom, political strategy, and hopeful commentary from national and local leaders who are rising up to meet this urgent moment in America. With the tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet,” State of Belief is a celebration of our nation’s diversities and an invitation to join together to, in the words of the great James Baldwin, "achieve our country.”
    © 2023
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Politics & Government Spirituality
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Episodes
  • Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck

    Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
    May 3 2025
    On Wednesday, April 30th, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush was with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck in front of the Supreme Court building, saying “No!” to tax dollars being funneled to private religious schools. That’s the issue that was before the justices as they heard arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. This week, The State of Belief starts with an urgent message Shannon and I recorded that morning at the Court. After that, you’ll hear an in-depth conversation they had a few weeks earlier, getting into her background as a probation officer and Oklahoma native called to ministry and faith-driven activism. Shannon’s passion for social justice and skill at organizing around shared religious values were evident in her time leading the Oklahoma Faith Network. During that time, the organization developed programs like “No Hate in the Heartland.” The St. Isidore case originated in Oklahoma, and Shannon is intimately familiar with its history and its significance for anyone concerned with the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. The background she reveals makes clear exactly why this is such a big deal. Most recently, Rev. Fleck was chosen to serve as executive director of Faithful America, the largest online community of Christians advocating for social justice. It’s an incredibly difficult time to step into that kind of role, but our conversation shows why she was called to this role, and how prepared she is to take it on. Shannon openly discusses the difficulties caused by Christian Nationalism and unequal treatment of different belief traditions, emphasizing the vital role that faith-based alliances play in uplifting underrepresented voices and fending off political pressure. Shannon’s call to “know your neighbor” is an invaluable reminder that deep connections can still thrive even in a time of seemingly unbridgeable division. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!
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    57 mins
  • Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked

    Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked
    Apr 26 2025
    This week, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), is back on The State of Belief. In this episode, Amy and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dig into the immediacy of antisemitism, democracy, and how our communities are connected. Among the important topics they cover: Why Jewish safety and democracy are intertwined How genuine concerns about antisemitism are being hijacked to undermine civil liberties and democratic institutions How to respond during this critical moment Our voices are wonderful tools for change, and we must never stop using them to counteract hate and extremism in all its forms. Please listen to this episode and reflect on these essential themes. What Amy has to say is not just applicable to the Jewish community but to everyone interested in democracy, justice, and the welfare of humanity. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!
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    57 mins
  • Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership

    Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership
    Apr 21 2025
    Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church worldwide since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. A tireless champion of the central social justice teachings of Jesus, Pope Francis followed his personal mantra, “don’t forget the poor,” Pope Francis – previously Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina - brought profound change to the Church in tumultuous and challenging times. He was the first non-European pope since the 8th Century AD. On this special episode of The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Father James Martin, a Roman Catholic priest, author, and advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. Father Jim shares his experiences meeting Pope Francis, discussing LGBTQ issues and receiving the pope’s unwavering support for that ministry, and highlights the late Pope's commitment to the poor and marginalized. Reflecting on Pope Francis's legacy, Father Jim, a fellow Jesuit, emphasizes his empathetic leadership and pivotal encyclicals on the environment and brotherhood. The discussion also touches on current challenges facing the Church and hopes for its future direction. Father James Martin is editor-at-large of America Magazine, the Jesuit Review of Faith and Culture. He’s also an influential moral voice for the inclusion of LGBTQI+ Catholics in the full life of the Church, and a hero to many. A papally-appointed consultant to the Vatican, Father Martin is the author of numerous books, including Jesus: a Pilgrimage; Learning to Pray; and Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity.
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    40 mins
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