Complexified Podcast By Institute of Religion Politics and Culture Amanda Henderson Iliff School of Theology cover art

Complexified

Complexified

By: Institute of Religion Politics and Culture Amanda Henderson Iliff School of Theology
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Summary
 For too long we have avoided talking about religion and politics. But the truth is, religion and politics are about daily life. When we avoid the hard topics connected to religion and politics, we become stuck in the status quo. On Complexified we dive into the places where religion and politics collide with real-life, so we can get unstuck- so we can make real change. We dive into our most entrenched problems to better understand the hidden histories and experiences of real people on the front lines. We look at the ways religion has shaped our systems - and the ways we see ourselves and others– from there, we work together to imagine new paths forward. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • New Voices, New Alliances: Religion and Politics with Tom Gjelten

    New Voices, New Alliances: Religion and Politics with Tom Gjelten
    Nov 9 2026
    What does this election tell us about the changing role of religion in American public life? A record number of Muslims are headed to Congress.Christian pastors won races campaigning on economic justice.Voters with no religious affiliation helped elect candidates who put faith at the center of their campaigns. There are unexpected and encouraging new alliances here, also… deep divisions. Tom Gjelten is an award-winning journalist who spent nearly four decades at NPR, covering international affairs, national security, and, most recently, religion and belief. His reporting explores America’s changing religious landscape and the intersection of faith, politics, and public life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Democrats Won Big. Where Did Faith Fit In?

    Democrats Won Big. Where Did Faith Fit In?
    Nov 4 2026
    All year on Complexified, we’ve been asking who gets to claim Christianity in American politics. Tonight, that question has some new answers. Did these candidates win because of how they talked about faith? What brought voters to the polls? And how much of what happened tonight will last beyond this election? Jack Jenkins, national reporter for RNS and author of American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country, is joining us to unpack the results and what they mean for religion and political power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • The Right to Refuse AI: When Thinking for Yourself Is a Religious Belief

    The Right to Refuse AI: When Thinking for Yourself Is a Religious Belief
    Nov 2 2026
    A University of Kentucky employee asked to be excused from using artificial intelligence at work. He said it violated his beliefs as a humanist. The university granted him a religious accommodation. It’s a case where the process worked. But it opens up harder questions: Who decides whether a belief counts as religious? How does a court or employer determine if someone sincerely holds it? And what happens to everyone else? RNS reporter Bob Smietana joins Amanda Henderson to explore what this case reveals about religious freedom, the right to refuse AI, and the broad ecosystem of policy and proceedure of making room for conscience at work. Read Bob’s reporting: “A Kentucky man becomes the first humanist granted religious exemption from AI.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
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Amanda thank you for bringing Rob Schenck to your platform. And Rob, thank you for your authenticity and honesty. These hidden stories (as I refer to them) are important to hear to understand how we can make a difference!

Hidden stories

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If I may take a quote out of context, I’d say this show is “…shaped inside of a wide horizon.” (Dr. Willie J. Jennings. Imagine a land of belonging. June 2024. Min 17:25)
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I like to joke that even tho Iliff is a small school it takes forever to get down the hallway cause you overhear and join all these incredible conversations.

Complexified shares insight into the mindset at Iliff School of Theology thru these conversations with professors and fantastic philosophical minds from other spaces. I love how it addresses local and international issues thru lived experience and then remixes it with theological hindsight and study. (Alumna 2020, MDiv. emily n)

Like walking thru the halls of Iliff School of Theology

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