State of Belief
Money, Lies, and God: Katherine Stewart Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy
To start off this week’s episode of The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush reflects on the growing list of alarming attacks on religious freedom that the Trump administration is executing. A foundational right enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution, the essence of religious freedom is how universal it is - and certainly not meant to elevate one set of beliefs above all others!
Paul is then joined by journalist and best-selling author Katherine Stewart. Her important new book comes out on Tuesday, February 18th, and is available for pre-order. The title is Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, and this deeply-researched and brilliantly-written book couldn’t be more timely.
Here are three key takeaways worth reflecting on:
- The Power of Money in Politics: Katherine emphasizes that this movement is not grassroots; it is heavily funded by wealthy individuals and organizations with a clear agenda. These funders, from various religious backgrounds, are united in their goal to undermine democratic institutions for their own benefit. Understanding the financial backing behind these movements is crucial for recognizing how they operate and influence our political landscape.
- Weaponization of Disinformation: One of the most striking points Katherine makes is about the role of disinformation in mobilizing support for extremist agendas. The spread of false narratives—like the idea that Christians are under attack—serves to rally individuals around culture war issues, distracting them from the real economic challenges they face. This manipulation of information is a powerful tool that we must be aware of to combat effectively.
- The Importance of Organization and Community: Katherine calls for action, urging us to recognize that we are in the majority and that we must organize to protect our democracy. She highlights the need for a big tent approach, where diverse groups can come together to fight against the forces threatening our democratic values. Building community and finding our lanes in this fight is essential for creating a united front.
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Ray Kirstein is the Producer of the State of Belief podcast.
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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.
A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out:
Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.