Producer’s choice! Here’s a note from my producer (and husband) Seth Busetti about this week’s re-release. Enjoy!
I thought this episode with Kaitlyn Schiess might be helpful to our listeners. When this was first recorded the political landscape was still very uncertain and Kaitlyn’s wisdom regarding how Christians can faithfully engage in civil discourse and politics was well-received. Post-election I find myself needing to recalibrate knowing that the political scenarios I argued for and wanted to happen didn’t come to pass. Many of our listeners are in the same position. I hope this conversation with Kaitlyn provides some hope, optimism, and a practical path forward for a healthy social and political participation with all of our neighbors.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Kaitlyn Schiess BACK on the podcast! (She was here for on Ep. 063 discussing her first book.) Her latest book, The Ballot and the Bible highlights how the Bible has been utilized in politics, for better or worse, over the course of our nation’s history. Reading (or perhaps, re-reading) about these topics is helpful, not only for us to see where we’ve been and own it, but to imagine a better path forward. On a personal note, engaging with Kaitlyn and her work in this space has really provided me with some wise guidance in how to think about my faith and public life better.
*Spoiler alert* One of my favorite parts of this conversation happens at 31:00 when we chat about the uses of Scripture in the Prayer Breakfast addresses of Obama and Bush (W., not Sr.).
Mentioned in this episode:
The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here by Kaitlyn Schiess
You might also enjoy:
Ep. 151 with Paul D. Miller on Christian nationalism
Ep. 196 with Jon Ward, political journalist
Ep. 092 with Matthew Kaemingk, professor of ethics