We don't do Kings in America
Rise up with us on No Kings Day, 6/14
State of Belief
The Subversive Power of Gratitude with Diana Butler Bass
Happy Thanksgiving! This week on The State of Belief, we’re diving into the themes of gratitude and appreciation from a few different perspectives—through the eyes of children and through the wisdom of a theologian who literally wrote the book on thankfulness.
Our host, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, welcomes two very special (and youngest-ever) guests to the show: his sons, Walter and Glenn. Together, they chat about what being thankful means and share their own takes on gratitude. Paul also reflects on a heartfelt prayer by his great-grandfather, the theologian Walter Rauschenbusch, which holds deep personal meaning for him during the Thanksgiving season.
Next, Paul sits down with Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an award-winning author and a leading voice on religion and spirituality. They explore Diana’s journey as a writer and her experiences over the past eight years building an online spiritual community called The Cottage on Substack. The conversation centers on her book Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, as they discuss how gratitude has the power to transform our perspective—especially during tough times. Diana shares personal stories and historical insights that reveal how gratitude can reshape how we view our place in the world. They also touch on her collaborative project, The Convocation, and share some Thanksgiving prayers that have special significance.
Diana Butler Bass is widely respected for her thoughtful reflections on contemporary spirituality. With 11 books - so far - Diana explores themes of faith, community, and personal transformation. Her writing has guided countless readers—whether they’re rooted in church communities or reconsidering their spiritual paths—toward fresh ways of engaging with faith and life.
It’s an episode full of warmth, insight, and a celebration of the connections that gratitude fosters. Hope you enjoy it!
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Hear this week’s episode below:
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.
Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community – with attempts to erase trans people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry… as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations.