This podcast is the authority on questioning authority. We challenge the dangerous ideas found in various strands of Christianity, while looking to Jesus’s own teachings to see the dangerous places where he tells us to find inspiration and renewal. Enjoy these interviews with leading writers, thinkers, and activists hosted by Brian Kaylor, president & editor-in-chief of Word&Way.
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70. Bekah McNeel on Bringing Up Kids When Church Lets You Down
Bekah McNeel, an education journalist, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Bringing Up Kids When Church Lets You Down: A Guide for Parents Questioning Their Faith. She also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on education, debates about critical race theory, and reacting to the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting as a parent.… -
69. Jack Jenkins on Covering Religion & Politics
Jack Jenkins, a national reporter for Religion News Service, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his work reporting on religion and politics on both the right and left. He also discusses his book American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country. Note: Don't forget… -
68. Angela Denker on White Christian Nationalism
Angela Denker, a Lutheran pastor and journalist, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her book Red State Christians: A Journey into White Christian Nationalism and the Wreckage It Leaves Behind. She also discusses Lutherans, racism, and the need for pastors to speak out. An earlier conversation with her can be heard in episode 23. Note:… -
67. Teddy Wilson of Radical Reports
Teddy Wilson, a reporter who runs the newsletter Radical Reports, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his research and reporting on political and religious extremism. He also discusses Christian Nationalism, the Jan. 6 insurrection, and his Substack newsletter. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscriber e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make… -
66. Wendy Cadge of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab
Wendy Cadge, founder and director of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about the work of chaplains. She also discusses issues she has written about, including the evolution of the role of chaplains, unique positions like humanist chaplains, and the work of chaplains during COVID-19. She is also the co-author of… -
65. Jemar Tisby on How to Fight Racism
Jemar Tisby, a historian and author, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his books How to Fight Racism and The Color of Compromise. He also discusses his response to a recent controversy at Grove City College, his new "Those Meddling Kids" video series on anti-CRT efforts in Christian higher education, and his Substack newsletter… -
64. Bob Smietana on Reorganized Religion
Bob Smietana, a national reporter for Religion News Service, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why it Matters. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19, politics, and cultural trends on religious life. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscriber e-newsletter A Public… -
63. Greg Carey on Public Biblical Interpretation
Greg Carey, a professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about issues of biblical interpretation and current events. He also discusses the book of Revelation and his book Using Our Outside Voice: Public Biblical Interpretation. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscriber e-newsletter A Public Witness that… -
62. Thomas Lecaque on Apocalyptic Religion & Political Violence
Thomas Lecaque, professor of history at Grand View University, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about alarming issues of religious and political support for violence. He also discusses the importance of studying history. Some of his recent work include pieces in The Bulwark, Religion Dispatches, Salon, and Washington Post. Note: Don't forget to check out… -
61. Nathan Empsall of Faithful America
Nathan Empsall, executive director of Faithful America, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about advocacy and Christian witness. He also discusses the dangerous and heretical ReAwaken America Tour, which has been covered at A Public Witness in November 2021, June 2022, and July 2022. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscriber e-newsletter A Public…
