Best Ray Kirstein Podcasts (2024)

1
Timothy Snyder On Religion, Power, and Freedom 58:22

2d ago58:22

58:22

This week, renowned historian and author Timothy Snyder joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the complex relationship between religion, freedom, and democracy. His new book, On Freedom, explores what freedom truly means, how it has been misunderstood, and why it is critical for our collective survival. It debuted as an instant New Y…

1
Did Christian Nationalism Win? Matthew Taylor on the Vote and the Future 1:01:51

9d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Christian Nationalism has seemingly grabbed the levers of power in America. With an overt passion for power over democracy, the agenda of this authoritarian, exclusionary movement needs to be examined now, more than ever. This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush turns to concerned experts who have been telling this stor…

1
The Subversive Power of Gratitude with Diana Butler Bass 54:33

19d ago54:33

54:33

Happy Thanksgiving! This week on The State of Belief, we look at gratitude and appreciation from several angles: through the eyes of children, and of a theologian who literally wrote the book on giving thanks. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes the youngest guests ever to appear on The State of Belief, his sons Walter and Glenn. Together,…

1
Antisemitism: Canary in the Coal Mine to Destroying Democracy With Rabbi Jill Jacobs 51:07

24d ago51:07

51:07

This week, we dive into the Israel-Palestine crisis, reflecting on the struggles and the urgent call for peace. Recorded just before Rosh Hashanah and the one-year mark of the October 7th attacks, the conversation focuses on the need for moral leadership to stand against violence and authoritarianism. The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Rau…

1
How to End Christian Nationalism with Amanda Tyler 47:20

1M ago47:20

47:20

Faced with the surging threat of Christian nationalism, The State of Belief this week explores the urgent need for resistance against authoritarian theocracy, focusing on the roles that faith communities, and particularly Christians, can play in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy. Guest Amanda Tyler joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis …

1
Election 2024: No Mandate for Extremism 59:11

1M ago59:11

59:11

In the wake of a deeply consequential election, The State of Belief this week unpacks the electoral role played by religious communities, exploring how various faith groups influenced voter turnout and political coalitions. Guests Skye Perryman, Katherine Stewart, Adelle Banks and Bob Smietana join host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to share criti…

1
The Vote Is Sacred Bus Tour 1:11:02

2M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

This week’s episode of The State of Belief features interviews with guests along Interfaith Alliance’s “The Vote is Sacred Bus Tour.” Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush visits with Karim Khayati, Rabbi Deanna Sussman, Rev. Sarah Jones, Dan Osborn, Connie Ryan, State Sen. Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott, Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot, Rhonda Lindner, Rev. Brean…

1
Democracy and Faith Hit The Road 58:44

2M ago58:44

58:44

This fall, a number of faith- and values-driven organizations have taken to the road, bringing a positive message to communities across the country aboard colorful, activist-filled buses. From the Nuns On The Bus & Friends Vote Our Future Tour, to the Revolutionary Love Tour, to the Faith & Democracy Tour, to the Vote Common Good Confronting Christ…

1
The Freedom to Read is an Essential Human - and Religious - Right! 1:13:30

2M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Marking the Freedom to Read Day of Action, this week’s episode of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast, features interviews with Qiana Johnson, Rev. Kim Coleman, and Rabba Rori Picker Neiss – influential leaders working at the intersection of faith and activism to combat censorship and book bans. They join hos…

1
The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, with Matthew Taylor 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

In his new book, Dr. Matthew D. Taylor sheds light on the alarming rise of authoritarianism in Christian nationalist movements. In The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy, Matthew explores the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation, a radical movement within American evangelicalism that is mobilizing in…

1
Interfaith Since 10/7/23: Challenges and Promise 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

October 7th marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza – a war that is still raging and even spreading, costing tens of thousands of lives and untold suffering and trauma for so many in the region. This week, The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast, focuses on mar…

1
Strong Women Speaking Truth to Power: Kristin Du Mez and Mary J. Novak 1:13:26

3M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

Mary J. Novak and Kristin Du Mez are two incredible women whose work at the intersection of activism and faith is driving critical change in our society. This week, they join host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast, to explore how faith can be used as a tool for tremendous s…

1
Interfaith Action at the State Level: Florida, North Dakota, Pennsylvania 59:24

3M ago59:24

59:24

In states and communities across the country, people of diverse religious and secular beliefs are coming together to fight for freedom of conscience for all. Many are doing it under the banner of Interfaith Alliance, organizing local affiliates to address pressing challenges to our constitutional liberties and pluralistic values. Rev. Dr. Sharon Ha…

1
Demographics, Democracy, and Destiny: Dr. Robert P. Jones 58:47

3M ago58:47

58:47

As American society evolves, Dr. Robert P. Jones explores how rigid, traditional norms are losing their influence, leading to a growing need for greater religious and racial diversity and inclusion. His latest book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future, analyzes the historical and ongoing legacy of White supr…

1
Faith, Power, and Victimhood: the evolution of Christian Nationalism 59:44

3M ago59:44

59:44

As Christian nationalism and the far right’s influence on American politics grow, historian Randall Balmer offers a critical examination of evangelicalism and the surprising shifts within its ranks. In his book Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right, he reveals how far-right religious lobbying in the 1970s, fueled by efforts to defend …

1
The Past Isn't Even Past: The Trial That Riveted A Nation With Brenda Wineapple 58:19

4M ago58:19

58:19

As book bans and religious censorship again become increasingly prevalent, America is witnessing an alarming repetition of patterns from our history. Brenda Wineapple's most recent book, Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation, is a compelling account of censorship and successful far-right religious lobbying during th…

1
Changemakers at the DNC 53:57

4M ago53:57

53:57

Throughout the week of the Democratic National Convention, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and the Interfaith Alliance team were all over Chicago for events, discussions and meet-ups, representing the views of a powerful movement of people of diverse faiths and beliefs across the country. On this week’s State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly …

1
Passion & Policy: Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons 51:39

4M ago51:39

51:39

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, one of the country’s top advocates and experts working at the intersection of religion, politics and policy, has just this week joined Interfaith Alliance as the organization’s new Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. To start off his tenure, he joined host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief, Interf…

1
The VP Picks, Religious Diversity, and a Vision for Democracy 47:06

4M ago47:06

47:06

This week, we’ve pushed up the release of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly podcast, to get you the insightful expert commentary you need, when you need it. We're excited to share with you this week’s episode, which is so timely and insightful that we’re releasing it early. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by two brilli…

1
E.J. Dionne: The Vice-Presidential Candidates and Religion 54:31

5M ago54:31

54:31

With a lot of attention on the second spot on the presidential ticket right now - whether it's JD Vance and childless cat ladies, or the range of contenders for Kamala Harris' pick - religion and beliefs are prominent in the converation. E.J. Dionne, a longtime analyst of the American political scene, often through a religion lens, brings his exper…

1
We're Going Forward: Wajahat Ali 1:14:57

5M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

With the threat of a right-wing anti-democratic impulse strengthened by conservative extremist policies, campaigns, and rhetoric on the rise, the preservation and protection of our democracy is more critical now than ever. Wajahat Ali is a leader in this fight, engaging the anti-democratic movement head-on and pushing back against Christian nationa…

1
Amy Spitalnick: Antisemitism and Democracy 59:29

5M ago59:29

59:29

In a time when fundamental democratic norms are increasingly contested and targeted, religious identities and freedoms are threatened by increasing hate crimes, conspiracy theories, and misinformation. Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs is working to put out these fires by fighting antisemitism and anti-democratic extremism, pr…

1
A Slow Civil War with Jeff Sharlet 55:11

5M ago55:11

55:11

The political climate in the last few weeks has left many feeling overwhelmed and scared, waiting for the next shoe to drop. The increasing collaboration of right-wing groups to rally around Project 2025 shows the threat of what the Christian nationalist right’s interpretation of the Bible - and of America - might look like in the future. For this …

1
How July 4th and Juneteenth Can Bring America Together 54:16

5M ago54:16

54:16

Happy Independence Day Weekend! In this episode of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly podcast and radio program, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush interviews Rev. Thomas L. Bowen, White House Senior Advisor for Faith Engagement. As the nation celebrates the Fourth of July, the conversation ranges to Juneteenth, an important holiday…

1
Hate on the Rise? Exploring the SPLC's Annual Hate and Extremism Report 56:37

6M ago56:37

56:37

Just in time for the election season comes a surge in disinformation campaigns by far-right extremist organizations targeting marginalized communities. The Southern Poverty Law Center is doing vital work by researching and educating around fact-based reports of hate crimes, extremist organizations, and political fearmongering. For this week's episo…

1
Faith in Choice: Two Years After Dobbs 55:13

6M ago55:13

55:13

Often in the reproductive healthcare debate, the voice of the faithful gets portrayed only on one side - the side of those trying to restrict women’s autonomy and access to abortion. However, this does not portray the entire picture. There is a rich and storied history of people of faith coming together to collaborate to ensure access to healthcare…

1
Righteous Rage and Holy Hope: Rev. Don Abram, Pride in the Pews 50:33

6M ago50:33

50:33

During Pride month, we see a lot of rhetoric of exclusion in parts of the Christian community. LGBTQ+ people can often find themselves in a space between their religious and LGBTQ+ identities. Rev. Don Abram has long been called to preach liberating gospel and create inclusive spaces, especially in the Black Church. Don founded Pride in the Pews th…

1
Faithful Pride: Rev. Kimble Sorrells and Lanie Cohen 1:06:54

6M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Each year, Pride Month is a vital reminder to uplift and celebrate the inherent dignity of all people while honoring LGBTQ people and allies who bravely fought against hate and extremism before us. This year, we have seen a rise in anti-LGBTQ hate and know that extremist groups intend to target, disrupt, and intimidate Pride events this June. That’…

1
Daisy Khan: Rights and Power of Muslim Women 52:57

7M ago52:57

52:57

Sometimes it seems like there are two Americas. One that accepts, loves, and honors - and another that rejects, fears and hates - those who are different. To counter the latter face of America and the extremism it can breed, activists of diverse backgrounds and experience are building spaces for interfaith dialogue and reflection on our society’s m…

1
Brian Kaylor: The Heresy of Christian Nationalism 52:59

7M ago52:59

52:59

How did phrases like "One nation under God" become part of the Pledge of Allegiance, and "In God We Trust" become America's national motto? As Christian Nationalism becomes more and more mainstream, experts like Brian Kaylor are examining the origins of these religious elements in American public life. Contrary to popular belief, much of this confl…

1
Eric Ward: What the Punk Scene Can Teach Us About White Supremacy 49:36

7M ago49:36

49:36

It's easy to look around the world, with rising hate and divisions, and feel fearful, isolated, and sometimes even defeated. Yet there’s plenty of reason for hope, as people across the country mobilize to confront bigotry and achieve democracy together. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, the Rev. …

1
Life After Doom With Brian McLaren 1:10:55

7M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

It's possible to lean into hope to such a degree that responsibility for action can seem either unneeded or futile. That's just one of the important observations this week's guest, Brian McLaren, makes to host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast. Brian's latest book is Life A…

1
Democracy & Religious Freedom: The Next Generation 59:26

8M ago59:26

59:26

"You can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time." With that powerful quote from former US Rep. Pat Schroeder, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush teed up an in-depth look at strategies for protecting the vote and religious freedom for all, as well as an introduction to a series of inclusive conversations around LGBTQI+ lives i…

1
Jim Wallis: False White Gospel 52:40

8M ago52:40

52:40

The U.S. is now barely six months away from the 2024 election, and division and extremism seem to be at an all-time high. Race and religion play roles in much of the rhetoric surrounding the coming vote, and whether it’s imposing religion into public schools, dismantling reproductive freedom, or rolling back voting rights, Christian nationalists ar…

1
Reproductive Rights on Trial with Skye Perryman 55:49

8M ago55:49

55:49

In the coming days, the United States Supreme Court will hear a case on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) – a federal law that guarantees all people treatment for emergency medical conditions. However, anti-abortion extremists are trying to exclude pregnant people from EMTALA’s long-standing protections. This has the potential …

1
Faith and LGBT Politics with R. G. Cravens 52:08

8M ago52:08

52:08

While some traditions and congregations may be more inclusive than others, LGBTQ+ people have always had a presence in faith communities. When faith communities are affirming of LGBTQ+ people, it creates opportunities for more welcoming spaces, challenges forces of division, and fosters a society that embraces pluralism and intersectionality. This …

1
Words On Fire With Fred Garcia 54:46

9M ago54:46

54:46

Language and the words we use possess the extraordinary ability to bridge divides and bring people together, fostering understanding and solidarity among diverse communities. However, when wielded maliciously, they can also serve as a dangerous tool for sowing discord and causing division. This week on The State of Belief, the weekly radio show and…

1
Worth Fighting For: John Pavlovitz 56:21

9M ago56:21

56:21

As many faith traditions across the globe celebrate important Holy Days this weekend, it provides an opportunity for introspection and diving deeper into our personal relationships with faith. At a time in our history when an extremist religious minority seeks to weaponize faith in the service of an authoritarian political agenda, it’s important to…

1
Surviving God with Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw 56:21

9M ago56:21

56:21

Over the past several years, the global church has been grappling with sex abuse scandals and how to address and lift up the needs of survivors. In their new book, Surviving God: A New Vision of God Through the Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors, theologians Rev. Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Rev. Susan M. Shaw work to dismantle traditional theological construc…

1
Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement: AnneMarie Mingo 56:51

9M ago56:51

56:51

The outsized, but often forgotten, role of women in the Civil Rights Movement has come up several times recently on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast. Now, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes an expert on the subject, Dr. AnneMarie Mingo. Her new book, out on March 26th, 2024, is titled Have You Go…

1
Racism and the American Church with Jemar Tisby 47:17

9M ago47:17

47:17

Since long before the MAGA movement and the January 6 insurrection, white Christian nationalists have been pushing an agenda that marginalizes and discriminates against communities of color. We have seen how right-wing extremists have hidden behind Christianity as a cover for white supremacy, antithetical to Christian values of acceptance and justi…

1
Building trust in divisive times: Najeeba Syeed and Manu Meel 57:39

10M ago57:39

57:39

On March 7, 2024, interfaith leaders from across the country will gather in Minneapolis for an Interfaith Symposium at Augsburg University. The symposium offers an opportunity for people to build community, collaboration, and trust by participating in vital interfaith dialogue. During a time when religiously motivated hate crimes are on the rise an…

1
Journalist Tim Alberta on American Evangelicals and Extremism 59:32

10M ago59:32

59:32

Religious extremism is hardly a new phenomenon in America – but now more than ever, buoyed by an emerging Christian nationalist movement, it threatens nearly every corner of American public life. This week’s Alabama Supreme Court decision that frozen embryos constitute human beings – a ruling steeped in religious doctrine – is another painful remin…

1
White Evangelical Racism: Anthea Butler 50:20

10M ago50:20

50:20

This weekend, movie-goers across the country are making their way to theaters for the new film “God & Country,” the latest project from Rob Reiner exploring the role of Christian nationalism in American society. Among the experts featured in that film is scholar and author Dr. Anthea Butler, who provides an important academic perspective on this an…

1
Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: "God & Country" 51:03

10M ago51:03

51:03

The intertwining of religious dogma with political power not only undermines the fundamental principles of separation of government and religion, but also poses a grave risk to American democracy. Recognizing the urgency to address this growing concern, legendary actor, director and producer Rob Reiner has teamed up with director Dan Partland to cr…

1
Begin Again with Eddie Glaude, Jr. 1:03:47

11M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

As we mark the beginning of Black History Month, it’s crucial we discuss issues that sit at the intersection of historic struggles for justice and equality, including protecting democracy. Black communities and thought leaders have long been at the forefront of movements advocating for civil rights and equal representation, striving to address syst…

1
Building Jewish and Muslim Interfaith Solidarity 52:45

11M ago52:45

52:45

As we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day this weekend, elevating interfaith solidarity is even more important, especially with the recent unparalleled rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia around the world and right here at home. This occasion, dedicated to commemorating the survivors and lives lost during one of the darkest periods in…

1
Rabbi Sharon Brous and “The Amen Effect” 48:55

11M ago48:55

48:55

In times of conflict and division, we all look for inspiration in different places. And for so many, it’s faith and spirituality that sustains us, drawing us closer to community and helping us to find meaning even when the world around us feels hopeless. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev…

1
Thank God We're Not A Christian Nation 1:12:35

11M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

A critical election year is already in full swing, and faith communities have an important role to play to help protect democracy. Yet some communities are suffering extreme polarization in the face of the Israel-Hamas conflict, while others struggle with the ongoing threat of Christian nationalist propaganda. This week on The State of Belief, Inte…

1
Rep. Don Beyer on Faith and Democracy 51:16

12M ago51:16

51:16

The new year presents a chance to reflect on significant issues for our society and democracy. In this election year, and on the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, we reflect on democratic ideals and the challenges that still lie ahead, especially as threats like Christian nationalism put our democracy at risk. This week on The State of B…

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