The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson
blog > updates

The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson

Ray Kirstein
|
Ray Kirstein
|
March 24, 2025

This week on State of Belief, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush share an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about the current state of U.S. politics, the vital role of the rule of law in protecting democracy, and the political attacks on our higher education institutions. Together, they explore how faith can fuel resistance and activism, while reflecting on the deep divides within American society. They also discuss the responsibility of institutions to stand firm in defending core values during times of crisis.

Jay dives into the alarming weaponization of antisemitism accusations and how these tactics are being used to target higher education—ultimately undermining the interests of American Jews. He also critiques the rise of the "woke right," highlighting how anti-woke rhetoric has turned into a new form of censorship, and he raises concerns about the future of LGBTQ+ rights. Above all, he stresses the importance of standing together across differences to protect civil rights in these trying times.

Jay Michaelson is a visiting professor at Harvard Law School and a field scholar at the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality. He is the author of 10 books, and a journalist whose work appears on CNN, in Rolling Stone, and in his excellent weekly Substack newsletter, “Both/And with Jay Michaelson.”

To get The State of Belief delivered to you every week, please be sure to subscribe at https://www.stateofbelief.com/subscribe, and share The State of Belief with someone who needs to hear this conversation!

You can also hear this week’s episode below:

Ray Kirstein is the producer of The State of Belief podcast.

How We Love Is To Tell the Truth - Michael Eric Dyson
State of Belief
April 14, 2025

How We Love Is To Tell the Truth - Michael Eric Dyson

This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University and a passionate advocate for social justice.

National Call to Action for Faith Communities
State of Belief
April 5, 2025

National Call to Action for Faith Communities

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on the multifaith pro-democracy movement with national religious and civil organizers and leaders.

Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity
State of Belief
April 1, 2025

Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on faith-driven activism in the face of overt attacks on LGBTQ+ persons with Chase Strangio, Tahil Sharma, Jon Cohen, and Ross Keys.