We Can Find Common Ground Even in Washington, D.C.

Good Faith’s series of Campfire Stories invites listeners to hear how ordinary people are living out extraordinary faith in complex times. In this episode, Daniel, a pastor in Reston, Virginia, reflects on 23 years of ministry near Washington D.C., where politics and faith are in constant conversation. Inspired to bring the community – inside and outside of his church – together through civic discourse, he championed an initiative to create spaces for meal sharing and meaningful dialogue, creating curiosity and seeking unity across political lines. Daniel’s story shows how one pastor can change the way we do church to cultivate reconciliation, hope, and community in the most polarized of towns.

Send your Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

From Jeffrey Epstein to QAnon, Why Do Conspiracies Thrive in Churches?

The Atlantic’s Pete Wehner, Christianity Today’s Emily Belz, and host Curtis Chang dive into QAnon, conspiracy theories, and the MAGA movement’s influence on American politics, culture, and the church. From Donald Trump’s messianic image to the shadows of Jeffrey Epstein, they reveal why conspiracies thrive in times of distrust—and how faith communities can fight back with truth and resilience.

(01:58) - Understanding the QAnon Conspiracy Movement

(04:10) - The Impact of QAnon Beliefs

(10:55) - The Role of Jeffrey Epstein’s Death

(17:13) - Christian Vulnerability to Conspiracy Theories

(25:13) - The History of Christianity and Conspiracies

(30:14) - The Grip of Trump on MAGA

(40:36) - Challenges Facing Church Leadership Today

Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Emily Belz: How QAnon Lives On Under Trump 2.0
• Pete Wehner: Trump Discovers MAGA Has No ‘Off’ Switch
• Wired: All The Times Kash Patel Promoted QAnon
• FOX News: AG Pam Bondi on Epstein files: 'The public has a right to know' (March 3)
• Politico: Outraged Trump supporters not placated by DOJ’s actions on Epstein
• New York Times: Trump Embraces Conspiracy Theories He Only Winked at Before
• Life Way Research: 50% of U.S. Protestant Pastors Hear Conspiracy Theories in Church
• American Enterprise Institute: Findings from the January 2021 American Perspectives Survey
• Nicholas Carr's The Shallows
• More about Historical Antisemetic Conspiracies: Blood Libel
• More about William Miller & the Millerites

More from Emily Belz & Pete Wehner:

• Emily Belz’s article at Christianity Today
• Pete Wehner’s articles at The Atlantic

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Faithful Actions and a Blueprint for Societal Healing

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins Curtis Chang on the Good Faith Podcast to share how character, faith, and even suffering shape real leadership in a divided America. Drawing from the Governor’s new book Heaven Help Us, he and Curtis unpack why objective truth matters more than ever, how faith communities and neighborhoods can spark real change, and why grassroots action beats toxic politics every time. The conversation explores the power of authentic relationships and faith-driven hope to help fix what’s broken in our neighborhoods and our country.

(00:01) - Finding Faith Amid Suffering and Service

(08:31) - Character, Faith, and Political Analysis

(19:20) - Community Engagement and Faith-Based Action

(32:51) - Inspiring Faith Communities and Hope

Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org

Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

Donate to Redeeming Babel

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Governor Kasich’s book Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future
• Ernie Johnson’s Thoughts On the 2016 Election (starting at 4:05)
• Different versions of the scripture about Job and his friends
• Read about Helmut Thielecke
• Audio Archives featuring Helmut Thielicke
• A theological unpacking of Romans 8:28
• Books by Tremper Longman
• Tim Keller’s Gospel in Life website
• The history of the Vineyard Church in America
• Learn more about Convoy of Hope

More from Governor John Kasich:

• Governor Kasich’s website
• Governor Kasich’s book Every Other Monday: Twenty Years of Life, Lunch, Faith, and Friendship
• Governor Kasich’s book Courage Is Contagious: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things To Change The Face Of America

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