Church and Main

How the Big, Beautiful Bill Killed Compassionate Conservatism with John Fea | Episode 252

Today we look at the compassionate conservatism and its relevance in today's political climate with historian John Fea. We examine the origins of this movement, rooted in social justice and faith-based initiatives, and its initial implementation during the George W. Bush administration, particularly through programs like PEPFAR. John highlights how the philosophy has deteriorated under the Trump administration, which marked a shift towards isolationism and away from collective responsibility. We explore the evangelical community's surprising loyalty to Trump, despite contradictions with compassionate conservatism, and reflect on the need for a revitalization of these principles through education and dialogue. 
Articles by John Fea:
The Big Beautiful Bill is the 'final burial of compassionate conservatism'
The Big Beautiful Bill will pass the House as Christians turn a blind eye.
 
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The Mainline Churches and Gaza with Todd Stavrakos | Episode 251

Todd Stavrakos discusses the mission of Pathways for Peace, focusing on fostering dialogue between the Jewish and mainline Christian communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of the situation, including the roles of Hamas and the Israeli government. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the conflict, the influence of leadership dynamics, media narratives, and the church's response to the ongoing issues. Stavrakos emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and the importance of supporting peacebuilding efforts.
Pathways for Middle East Peace
 
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Depriving Politics of Pathos with Jason Micheli | Episode 250

I chat with Jason Micheli, a United Methodist pastor, on the pitfalls of pathos in politics, emphasizing its potential to overshadow core Christian tenets. Drawing on Jason's article "Deprive Them of Their Pathos," we reflect on Karl Barth’s theological insights, arguing against conflating faith with political ideologies. Our conversation addresses the challenges of preaching in a politically charged climate and the need for churches to avoid becoming echo chambers. We highlight the importance of humility, grace, and intersectional engagement within the church, ultimately reinforcing our commitment to the transformative mission of the gospel amidst societal divisions.
Deprive Them Of Their Pathos by Jason Micheli
Tamed Cynic Blog
Crackers and Grape Juice Podcast
 
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Compelling Preaching and the Iowa Preachers Project with Ken Sundet Jones | Episode 249

In this episode, Ken Sundet Jones discusses the Iowa Preachers Project, emphasizing the importance of community among pastors and the need for compelling preaching in today's context. We look at the challenges pastors face, the significance of grace in preaching, and the transformative power of the gospel.
Iowa Preachers Project
Lutheran Toolkit by Ken Sundet Jones
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Anger, Grace, Politics and Jesus with Aaron Zimmerman | Episode 248

If there is one word that could describe our current politics, it would be anger. The anger in our politics doesn’t seem to move us forward towards solutions, but forces us to draw lines.  And this anger seems to infect our relationships, especially our churches.  How can we move past this anger and be faithful Christians who love each other regardless of our politics? Recently, I listened to an old sermon based on Luke 9:51-56 by Aaron Zimmerman, the Rector of St. Albans Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas. It was a great sermon tailored to the times and I wondered, did it still ring true today? So I invited Aaron to come on the podcast to talk about anger and what role the church can play in lowering the temperature.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Anger, Politics and Jesus by Aaron Zimmerman
Same Old Song Podcast with Jacon Smith
St. Alban’s Waco
 
Related Episodes:
An All Saints Theology in a Political Halloween World with Jacob Smith | Episode 237

Revival, Renewal, and the Future of the Disciples – Live from GA with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 247

This is a crossover episode with Future Christian and sort of a tradition with my colleague Loren Richmond Jr. as we converse from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN. We did this together in person in 2023 when GA was in Louisville, KY.  We talked about the event and the state of the denomination. This year in Memphis, I didn’t make it in person, but Loren and I still had a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination, reflecting on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembly in a time of declining attendance, and the ongoing tension between institutional loyalty and openness to diverse theological voices. We also talk about our own trials of bring a resolution about revival and prayer forward and what that means about the state of the denomination.
Episode 152: General Assembly Discussion with Loren Richmond Jr.
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BONUS: August Break and the Magnificat

A short note to let you all know I'm taking a break for the next two weeks and returning on August 29.  I share some notes on the future of the podcast and end with some hopeful words from the Mother of Jesus.
 
Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241
Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245
The Church, The Trump Administration and the Dual State with Chris Gehrz | Episode 246
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The Church, The Trump Administation and the Dual State with Chris Gehrz | Episode 246

Is there value in historical analogies?  Yes and no. Many have tried to make comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolph Hitler that end up not being helpful to understand the times we are living in. But then there are other times when looking at how past societies dealt with creeping authoritarianism can serve as a lesson for contemporary politics.
 In this conversation, Bethel University professor Chris Gehrz examines the unsettling nature of life under the concept of the dual state, particularly in the context of the Trump administration, and the implications for Christians in the United States and American democracy.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
One Nation Under a Dual State by Chris Gehrz
The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship by Ernst Fraenkel
America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State by Aziz Huq
The Frightening Precedents for Trump’s ‘Legal Abyss’ by Amanda Taub
 
Related Episodes:
Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245
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Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245

In this conversation, Amy Mantravadi discusses her article on 'the theology of staying,' where she reflects on the historical context of Christianity in Egypt and the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. The discussion also delves into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences in Nazi Germany, exploring the complexities of staying or leaving in times of crisis and the church's role in society. We explore Bonhoeffer's commitment to training pastors, his views on military service, and the role of the church in times of crisis. Mantravadi emphasizes the importance of hope and prayer in navigating cultural challenges and the need for a theological foundation in political engagement.
The Theology of Staying by Amy Mantravadi
Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241
 
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Reimagining Church Communication with Josh Linman | Episode 244

In this conversation, Josh Linman shares his faith journey from being a pastor's kid to founding Common Good Creative, a company focused on enhancing church communication. He discusses the importance of storytelling, community connection, and the role of technology and AI in modern church communication. Linman emphasizes the need for churches to adapt their messaging to resonate with people's desires for relationships, service, and purpose, and shares innovative strategies for welcoming visitors and engaging with the community.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Want to Reach New People? Change How You Communicate! By Josh Linman
Common Good Creative
 
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