This episode was released October 20, 2022. Subscribe to "Respecting Religion" on other podcasting providers to be notified of episodes when they are immediately released.

It’s been three years since the launch of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism initiative. In this episode, Amanda and Holly discuss what we’ve learned since convening that project and how the conversation is changing today. They share about accusations we’ve heard over the project’s lifetime, why we are seeing this topic in the media more often, and the odd ways the public discourse is shifting.   

Visit this website page for show notes and additional information: https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-03-lessons-learned-in-3-years-of-the-christians-against-christian-nationalism-campaign/

S4, Ep.03: Lessons learned in 3 years of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign

On February 2, we’ll see the 71st installment of an event that always raises eyebrows and makes news. The National Prayer Breakfast has been around since 1953, but what is it? Does it promote religious freedom, or is it yet another example of Christian nationalism? Amanda and Holly explore the legitimate questions it raises about faith in public life and the relationship between the institutions of government and religion. They also share their thoughts on what we should do about the National Prayer Breakfast and the key differences between it and the National Day of Prayer.

Get show notes and additional information about this program  here:https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-11-the-national-prayer-breakfast-and-religious-freedom/

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S4, Ep. 11: The National Prayer Breakfast and religious freedom

Accusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia tend to spark and exacerbate divisions in our world. Amanda and Holly discuss two recent controversies that featured accusations of religious bias: The removal of Rep. Ilhan Omar from a congressional committee and a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad shown in an art history class. They look at the under-discussed parts of these controversies, implications for the future, and how we balance the right to religious belief and expression with respect for others’ beliefs.

Get show notes and additional information here: https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-12-accusations-of-religious-bias-on-campus-and-in-congress/

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S4, Ep. 12: Accusations of religious bias on campus and in Congress

How can we best understand the overlap of white supremacy and Christian nationalism? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. “Jay” Augustine joins Amanda and Holly for a wide-ranging conversation during Black History Month as we explore the way Christian nationalism devalues Blackness in our country. A pastor, preacher, lawyer and author, Dr. Augustine shares the differences between racial discrimination and ethnic discrimination we see throughout American history as well as the polarization and “otherism” we see today. He also reviews the various methods of reconciliation and what we all can learn from the Black Church as we seek to envision a just society and embrace a fuller understanding of religious freedom, including its ability to liberate.

For more details and show notes, visit https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-13-white-supremacy-and-christian-nationalism-rev-dr-jay-augustine/

S4, Ep. 13: White supremacy and Christian nationalism: A conversation with Rev. Dr. Jay Augustine

From curriculum debates to the posting of “In God We Trust,” we’re seeing the political ideology of Christian nationalism impacting religious freedom in our public schools.  During Public Schools Week, Amanda and Holly review recent controversies and discuss the important role our nation’s public schools play in serving all people and educating 90% of American schoolchildren. They also discuss why some schools would rather teach a misleading version of history and shut down any conversation by calling on the “boogeyman” of Critical Race Theory.

For show notes and other details, visit https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-14-public-schools-and-christian-nationalism/

S4, Ep. 14: Public schools and Christian nationalism

From New York City Mayor Eric Adams to several individuals at CPAC, we’ve recently heard new, troubling comments from public leaders that show – once again – the prominence of Christian nationalism and the dangers it poses to public debate. Amanda and Holly provide some “Separation of Church and State 101” in this episode to clear up confusion about the term and what it really means. They also share examples of people working together across ideological divides to combat Christian nationalism.

Get additional details on this program by visiting https://bjconline.org/s4-ep-15-eric-adams-cpac-and-christian-nationalism/

S4, Ep. 15: Eric Adams, CPAC and Christian nationalism

Is the Supreme Court immune from public pressure? What is the role of the government when it comes to nondiscrimination laws, gender identity, and posting Scripture? As we begin season 5 of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman take live questions from an audience on these topics and more. Hear their updates from the summer as they share what we can expect from this new Supreme Court term, as well as how decisions are impacting our country at all levels. 

Get show notes and additional information here: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-01-live-qa-with-holly-and-amanda/

S5, Ep. 01: Live Q&A with Holly and Amanda

What happens when you talk about Christian nationalism with the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a historian who wrote a book on white evangelical racism, and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism? Find out as we bring you portions of a panel conversation recorded in September during the Texas Tribune Festival. The Rev. Dr. Bart Barber, Dr. Anthea Butler, and Amanda Tyler talk about Christian nationalism’s connection to the January 6 attack, Baptist history, American history, Christian citizenship, and much more. You might hear surprising areas of agreement in this honest, in-depth, and animated conversation.

Get show notes and additional information here: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-02-southern-baptist-convention-president-white-evangelical-racism-author-and-respecting-religion-co-host-discuss-christian-nationalism/

S5, Ep. 2: SBC president, ‘White Evangelical Racism’ author, & podcast host on Christian nationalism

Much is said and assumed about the religious landscape of Black America, but it’s more diverse than the common narratives. Holly Hollman speaks with Dr. Sabrina E. Dent and Dr. Anthony Pinn about misconceptions and how they brought together Black Church leaders and Black nontheists for key conversations. Tune in for this open and honest conversation about how we can work across racial and religious lines to help all communities thrive.

Access show notes and additional information: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-15-black-americas-changing-religious-landscape/

S5, Ep. 15: Black America’s changing religious landscape

There is a novel – and concerning – development in public education and the relationship between the institutions of church and state: Oklahoma and Guam have proposed religious charter schools. Litigation has already started. But, what is a religious charter school, and why is the idea such a problem? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman say they are illegal and that they challenge some basic assumptions.

For show notes and additional information, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-16-the-trouble-with-religious-charter-schools/

S5, Ep. 16: The trouble with *religious* charter schools

Presidents have made broad appeals to our country without dividing along religious belief throughout American history. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at presidential leadership and talk about how our country’s founding documents set up our system of government that does not create a “Christian nation” in any sort of legal sense – rather, it ensures freedom of religion and freedom from a state establishment of religion. They also talk about why people like to claim we are a “Christian nation” and the reasons that is a problematic statement.

For show notes and additional information, visit: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-17-the-presidency-and-christian-nationalism/

S5, Ep. 17: The presidency and Christian nationalism

An alarming ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court is leading to the shutdown of in vitro fertilization clinics, and the concurrence’s use of Scripture and Christian theology is causing additional concerns. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at this troubling ruling, the various religious views on life, and why it’s an issue for a justice to cite the Bible in an opinion. 

Read show notes and additional information here: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-18-a-chief-justice-or-chief-theologian-for-alabama/

S5, Ep. 18: A chief justice or chief theologian for Alabama?

The Supreme Court declines to hear thousands of cases a year, but one recent denial included a troubling statement from Justice Samuel Alito. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at a case out of Missouri about potential jurors being struck from the jury pool because of their anti-LGBTQ beliefs, and they break down Justice Alito’s 5-page statement that seems to be asking for another case with the same issue at stake. What could this mean for the future, and why is Justice Alito still hung up on the Obergefell v. Hodges decision from 2015?

For more on this program, including show notes, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-19-still-smarting-over-obergefell-justice-alito-calls-for-a-new-case/

S5, Ep. 19: Still smarting over Obergefell, Justice Alito calls for a new case

Get a first-hand account of attending the State of the Union address on this episode. Amanda Tyler talks with Holly Hollman about her experience, providing a new way to think about who represents our country in the room during the president’s address. She shares about her invitation and various discussions with members of Congress about Christian nationalism. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve your country by working at a polling place on Election Day, hear about Amanda’s experience in Texas and how you can do the same, helping to ensure free and fair elections for our representatives in D.C.

For show notes, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-20-attending-the-state-of-the-union/

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S5, Ep. 20: Attending the State of the Union

Is an American flag in a church sanctuary an example of Christian nationalism? What about faith-based advocacy? Helping voters get to the polls? Saying the Constitution is “divinely inspired”? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer some common questions they hear about Christian nationalism, and they talk about the questions we should be asking ourselves.  

Get show notes and additional information for this program on BJC's website: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-21-but-is-it-christian-nationalism/

S5, Ep. 21: But … is it Christian nationalism?

There are many religious holidays in the spring, but not all are given the same public acknowledgment – from government-sponsored events to time off from school and work. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss how Christian privilege shows up in how our country recognizes and accommodates certain holidays, as well as how holidays help us understand and celebrate the religious pluralism in our country.

Access show notes and additional information here: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-22-spring-break-and-religious-holidays/

S5, Ep. 22: Spring break and religious holidays

When former President Donald Trump announced during Holy Week that he was endorsing the “God Bless the USA” Bible, the reaction was swift. But, beyond the punchlines and the obvious concerns, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss why the video is concerning to our current political moment and the continued rise of Christian nationalism. Not all examples are this obvious – what does this mean to those important conversations?

For show notes and additional information, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-23-the-bible-doesnt-need-trumps-endorsement/

S5, Ep. 23: The Bible doesn’t need Trump’s endorsement

Hear excerpts from a special event we organized at the University of Southern California on race, religion and citizenship in this episode of Respecting Religion. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans and the Rev. Dr. Christopher The brought their unique experiences and expertise to a conversation on religious and racial identity, moderated by the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard. Hear their insights about a theology of democracy, their experiences with racism, how to identify authoritarianism, and what lessons Scripture has for our current climate.

For additional details, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-24-race-religion-and-citizenship/

S5, Ep. 24: Race, religion and citizenship

Some troubling trends at the Supreme Court are starting to affect the legal profession and how students in law school approach the U.S. Constitution. As SCOTUS continues to upend decades of established precedent in church-state law, Amanda and Holly discuss what’s changed since they were in law school and the rapid changes in church-state law itself. They look at the views of legitimacy of the Court, and Holly shares specifically what she sees in her work teaching church-state law at Georgetown University Law Center. 

For show notes and additional information, visithttps://bjconline.org/s5-ep-25-the-crisis-in-teaching-constitutional-law/

S5, Ep. 25: The crisis in teaching constitutional law

The intersection of abortion and religion often grabs headlines, and this episode of Respecting Religion looks at recent developments in two states: Arizona and Indiana. Amanda and Holly discuss an Indiana case that involves free exercise arguments under state law to support abortion, and they examine the impact of Arizona’s 1864 law that criminalizes abortion. Both situations are resulting from the tremendous change in the law after the Dobbs decision in 2022, leading to some unexpected situations. 

For show notes and additional information, visit https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-26-archaic-laws-and-new-theories-emerge-from-state-abortion-debates/

S5, Ep. 26: Archaic laws and new theories emerge from state abortion debates

For the 100th episode of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer listener questions, ranging from the law surrounding the tax-exempt status of religious institutions to their favorite Supreme Court justices. They also look at some of the big Supreme Court decisions and the shifts on the Court since this podcast began four years ago, sharing some of their favorite and most impactful episodes.

For show notes and additional information, visit our website: https://bjconline.org/s5-ep-27-100-episodes-and-100000-downloads/

S5, Ep. 27: 100 episodes and 100,000 downloads

What is Christian nationalism? What does it look like in our world today? What are people doing about it? Join us for a special 10-week series on understanding the dangers of Christian nationalism. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler speaks with researchers, journalists, theologians, historians, and others to explore how Christian nationalism endangers both our religious communities and our American democracy. Guests include Walter Brueggemann, Sister Simone Campbell, Eboo Patel, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, author Steven Green, Bill Leonard, and many more.  Episodes release each Wednesday, starting July 31, 2019. For additional information, visit BJConline.org.

Preview Trailer: The Dangers of Christian Nationalism

On the first episode of our podcast series on Christian nationalism, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler speaks with five Christian leaders who are taking a stand against the dangerous ideology: a Catholic, a Quaker, a Lutheran, a Cooperative Baptist, and an American Baptist. 

Hear from Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (starting at 5:17); Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (10:11); Diane Randall from the Friends Committee on National Legislation (15:02); Sister Simone Campbell of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice (19:14); and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (23:13). 

For more on the campaign, visit ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org

Ep. 01: Christian Leaders On Christian Nationalism

Dr. Andrew Whitehead talks about his work researching Christian nationalism in the second episode of our special podcast series. A professor of sociology at Clemson University, he explains what Christian nationalism is, how he and other researchers measure the ideology, and how it affects the way individuals see the world. Whitehead also shares how Christian nationalism differs from religious practice and the way it impacts all Americans.

Show notes:
Follow Dr. Whitehead on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ndrewwhitehead

In 2020, Whitehead and Dr. Samuel Perry will release a new book, titled "Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States."

To read some of Dr. Whitehead’s research on Christian nationalism and its impact on culture, visit his Academia.edu profile: https://clemson.academia.edu/AndrewWhitehead 

While not part of our interview, one of Dr. Whitehead’s articles is being widely discussed this week in the aftermath of two mass shootings. You can read his research on how Christian nationalism impacts views on gun laws online. The "Christians Against Christian Nationalism" statement opposes the harmful ideology of Christian nationalism and does not specifically address gun control or any other policy issue.

Ep. 02: Academic view of Christian nationalism

We take a look at the political and religious history behind the idea that the United States was founded as a “Christian nation” in this episode of our podcast series on Christian nationalism. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler talks with Dr. Steven Green, author of "Inventing a Christian America: The Myth of the Religious Founding," about the political history of this concept, including how, when and why it originated. On the second half of the episode, we hear from church historian Bill Leonard (starting at 21:38)on what religious leaders said and did during the founding of the United States and how that relates to the freedoms we have today.

Show notes:
Steven Green is the Fred H. Paulus Professor of Law and Affiliated Professor of History and Religious Studies at Willamette University. He also directs the interdisciplinary Center for Religion, Law and Democracy. Green is the author of several books, including Religious Freedom and the Supreme Court; The Third Disestablishment: Church, State, and American Culture, 1940-1975; and Inventing a Christian America: The Myth of the Religious Founding.

Bill Leonard is the Founding Dean and Professor of Divinity Emeritus at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. During the episode, Amanda Tyler mentions an article he wrote for Baptist News Global: Legislating ‘In God We Trust’: using the state to do the Church’s work. You can read it online: https://baptistnews.com/article/legislating-in-god-we-trust-using-the-state-to-do-the-churchs-work/#.XVQcQuhKiUl

Visit https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/ to read and sign a statement calling out Christian nationalism.

This episode is a companion to episode 7, which focuses on the history of racism and white supremacy in connection to Christian nationalism. You can listen to that conversation with Jemar Tisby at this link: https://soundcloud.com/bjcpodcast/christian-nationalism-race-white-supremacy

Ep. 03: Were we founded as a Christian nation?

What does the Bible have to teach us about Christian nationalism? How does that political ideology undermine the Christian faith and the nature of God? Author and scholar Walter Brueggemann talks about the theological dangers of Christian nationalism in the fourth episode of our podcast series. Don’t miss his thoughts on what the prophets have to teach us about our current times, the importance of the crucifixion and resurrection narrative in these conversations, and what the Bible says about oppression, hope, truth and power.

One of the most influential Bible interpreters of our time, Dr. Walter Brueggemann is the author of more than 100 books, including The Prophetic Imagination.

Learn more about the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign at BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism

Ep. 04: Theological view of Christian nationalism with Walter Brueggemann

"Project Blitz," a coordinated effort to draft and pass bills informed by Christian nationalism, is showing up in state legislatures across the country. What is this effort, and what are its goals? Frederick Clarkson, the writer who broke the story about Project Blitz, discusses its origins, motivations and definitions of success. 

This is episode five of our 10-week podcast series on Christian nationalism. Visit BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism for more on the series and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. 

Show notes:
Frederick Clarkson is an author and journalist who has written about politics and religion for more than three decades. He currently serves as a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates. You can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fredclarkson

Clarkson first broke the story on Project Blitz in an article for Religion Dispatches: https://rewire.news/religion-dispatches/2018/04/27/project-blitz-seeks-christian-nationalism-alec-big-business/

This podcast includes a discussion of Religious Freedom Day proclamations. Learn more about their connection to Project Blitz in this article from Clarkson: https://rewire.news/religion-dispatches/2019/01/08/the-battle-for-the-meaning-of-religious-freedom-day/

In this discussion, “dominionism” is mentioned. For more on its connection to Project Blitz, read this article published by Political Research Associates: https://www.politicalresearch.org/2019/04/11/blitzing-to-dominion
 
Read more articles from Frederick Clarkson at Religion Dispatches: https://rewire.news/author/frederick-clarkson/

Ep. 05: Understanding Project Blitz

What happens when bills influenced by Christian nationalism appear in state legislatures? Minnesota State Sen. John Marty discusses his experience standing against legislation from the “Project Blitz” playbook in this episode of our podcast series on Christian nationalism. He talks about how his Christian faith influences his work defending the rights of all people, and he shares stories about the pushback and accusations he received as he worked to make sure his faith isn’t used to crush others.  

This is episode six of our 10-week podcast series on Christian nationalism. Visit https://bjconline.org/christiannationalism/ for more on the series and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. 

Show notes:
State Sen. John Marty represents the 66th district in the Minnesota Legislature. He has been a state senator for more than 30 years. You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JohnMarty

During this episode, Marty discusses the controversy in the Minnesota State Senate over the funding of the Minnesota Historical Society, related to a planned presentation from historian Steven Green. Read more about that controversy in this article from Religion Dispatches: https://rewire.news/religion-dispatches/2019/06/24/a-recent-local-controversy-may-reveal-the-soft-theocracy-at-the-heart-of-project-blitz/

You can listen to Steven Green on episode 3 of our podcast series, which focuses on the religious and political history of the founding of the United States: https://bjconline.org/were-we-founded-as-a-christian-nation/

Episode 5 of our podcast series focused on the details of “Project Blitz,” with author and journalist Frederick Clarkson: https://bjconline.org/understanding-project-blitz/

Ep. 06: Standing against Project Blitz in a state legislature

What is the connection between the history of racism and Christian nationalism? On this podcast, Jemar Tisby shares a historical view of white Christian nationalism in America, including how conflations of politics, race and religion in our past continue to impact conversations today. The author of "The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism," Tisby discusses how American Christianity and racism have overlapped for more than 400 years, including examples across several centuries of history. Don’t miss this important conversation to better understand our country’s origins and how we can work together to dismantle the idea of white Christian nationalism. 

This is episode seven of our 10-week podcast series on Christian nationalism. Visit BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism for more on the series and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. 

Show notes:
Jemar Tisby is president of The Witness (https://thewitnessbcc.com/), a black Christian collective that engages issues of religion, race, justice, and culture from a biblical perspective. He also co-hosts the Pass the Mic podcast (https://thewitnessbcc.com/pass-the-mic/) and is the author of The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. Visit his website: https://jemartisby.com/ You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jemartisby

As mentioned at the end of the podcast, Tisby is also part of the Joy and Justice Conference, taking place October 4-5 in Chicago. Organized by The Witness, this conference continues the 400-year history of black joy and justice. Learn more: https://joyandjustice.com/

During the conversation, several authors, books, and projects were mentioned:

When defining racism, Tisby mentioned the work of psychologist and author Beverly Daniel Tatum, who is a former president of Spelman College: https://www.spelman.edu/about-us/office-of-the-president/past-presidents/beverly-daniel-tatum

Tisby also mentioned the work of Daniel Hill, author of White Awake: An Honest Look at What it Means to be White: https://pastordanielhill.com/white-awake-the-book/

When discussing solutions and how we can work together to dismantle white Christian nationalism,  Tisby mentions Ibram X. Kendi’s book How to Be an Antiracist: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist-1

During this conversation, Tyler and Tisby discuss the 1619 Project from The New York Times and the backlash it has received: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html

The Christians Against Christian Nationalism statement includes this statement: “It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation.” Read the entire statement and add your name at https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/. Tyler mentioned the FAQ page, which is available here: https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/faqs

This episode is a companion to episode 3 of our podcast series, which discusses the religious and political history behind the idea that we were founded as a “Christian nation,” featuring Dr. Steven Green and Dr. Bill Leonard: https://soundcloud.com/bjcpodcast/were-we-founded-as-a-christian-nation

Other episodes are available wherever you listen to the BJC Podcast – we’re on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), SoundCloud, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Google Play and more.

Ep. 07: Christian nationalism, race and white supremacy

As we continue to explore the overlap of Christian nationalism and white supremacy, this week’s episode looks at their connection and the impact on communities. Hear from the Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins about race, reconciliation, religious liberty, Christian supremacy and more in this wide-ranging conversation with BJC's Amanda Tyler. Wright-Riggins has more than 40 years of community and congregational service, and he currently serves as the co-executive director of the New Baptist Covenant.

This is episode 8 in our 10-week podcast series on Christian nationalism. Visit BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism for more on the series and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. You also  can subscribe to the BJC Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Show notes:
The Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins serves as the co-executive director of the New Baptist Covenant, an organization founded by former President Jimmy Carter to create vibrant Baptist communities, building bridges in places previously marked by division.  Learn more about it here: http://newbaptistcovenant.org/

He also serves as the mayor of his hometown of Collegeville, Pennsylvania. 

This conversation was recorded on March 27, 2019, in Overland Park, Kansas, on the campus of Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Wright-Riggins was the 2019 lecturer for BJC’s annual Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State. Learn more about the series and watch a video of his presentation at https://bjconline.org/shurdenlectures/.

On last week’s episode, we spoke with Jemar Tisby about the history of racism in our country and the church’s role in subjugation, which is related to this conversation. You can listen to episode 7 here: https://soundcloud.com/bjcpodcast/christian-nationalism-race-white-supremacy

Tyler and Wright-Riggins also mention Project Blitz during this conversation. Two previous episodes in our series go in-depth on that organized campaign: Episode 5 features author Frederick Clarkson providing an overview of Project Blitz (https://soundcloud.com/bjcpodcast/understanding-project-blitz), and Episode 6 features Minnesota state Sen. John Marty sharing his experiences standing against Project Blitz bills in a state legislature (https://soundcloud.com/bjcpodcast/standing-against-project-blitz).

Read and sign the statement standing against Christian nationalism at https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/

Ep. 08: Christian nationalism and white nationalism

In light of our conversations about Christian nationalism, this podcast takes a broader view of work in the church-state realm. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler is joined by Rabbi Ambassador David Saperstein, Melissa Rogers and BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman to look at the challenges to our constitutional commitment to religious liberty for all people.  As they note, disagreement on the proper application of the First Amendment’s religion clauses is not necessarily evidence of Christian nationalism. Hear them discuss the complexity in this area of the law, the role of religion in public life,  the dangers of government promotion of religion, how the Supreme Court tends to interpret the religion clauses, the protections provided by the separation of church and state, and more.

Show notes:
Melissa Rogers is the author of the forthcoming book, Faith in American Public Life, which will be published in October.  You can pre-order the book on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481309706/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Rogers mentioned “Religious Liberty in Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law,” a 1995 document that brought together many diverse organizations on principles of wide agreement regarding religion in the public schools and protections for religious expression. It is available here: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED387390.pdf. More recent resources include “A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools” (https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/teachersguide.pdf) and “A Parent’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools” (https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Parents-Guide-to-Religion-in-the-Public-Schools.pdf). In 2010, a collaborative project led by Rogers produced a document titled “Religious Expression in American Public Life: A Joint Statement of Current Law,” which covers a broader set of issues. You can access it as an interactive PDF here: https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/223/2017/10/divinity-law-statement.pdf

The recent religious display Supreme Court case mentioned is the 2019 decision in The American Legion v. American Humanist Association, regarding a free-standing cross on government property in Bladensburg, Maryland. Learn more about that case at BJConline.org/CrossCase.

Read and sign the statement standing against the political ideology of Christian nationalism at ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org.

More on this week’s guests:
Rabbi Ambassador David Saperstein is the director emeritus of the Religion Action Center of Reform Judaism, which represents the Reform Jewish Movement to Congress and the Administration. From 2015-2017, Rabbi Saperstein served as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, carrying out his responsibilities as the country’s chief diplomat on religious freedom issues. Online bio: https://rac.org/rabbi-david-saperstein-biography

Melissa Rogers is a visiting professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and she is a nonresident senior fellow in Governance Studies at Brookings. From 2013-2017, she served as  special assistant to President Obama and executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Online bio: https://divinity.wfu.edu/2019/01/melissa-rogers-nationally-known-expert-on-religion-in-american-public-life-appointed-visiting-professor/

Holly Hollman is BJC’s General Counsel and Associate Executive Director, who provides strategic leadership for BJC's amicus brief efforts, including more than 20 briefs filed at the U.S. Supreme Court during her tenure. She most recently led BJC’s involvement in the Bladensburg cross case. Online bio: https://bjconline.org/k-hollyn-hollman/

A video of this conversation is also available: https://youtu.be/CwLPgQcfSZw

Ep. 09: Religious freedom, church-state law and Christian nationalism

What’s the antidote to Christian nationalism? To conclude our podcast series, we take a look at what it means to embrace civic pluralism with Eboo Patel, the founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core. He talks with BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler about the difference in religious and civic pluralism, the origins of the term “Judeo-Christian,” connections between anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Catholic bigotry, and how we can create a “potluck nation,” where everyone brings their unique contributions to the table.

This is the final episode in our 10-part series on Christian nationalism. Visit BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism for more on the series and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. Other episodes are available at this link or wherever you listen to the BJC Podcast – we’re available on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), SoundCloud, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Google Play and more.

Show notes:
Eboo Patel is the founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC: https://www.ifyc.org/), which works internationally to promote interfaith leadership on college campuses. He is the author of four books, including Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity & the American Promise, which was mentioned during the conversation. Details: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691196817/out-of-many-faiths

BJC is bringing Patel to the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, on March 4-5, 2020. He will be delivering BJC’s annual Shurden Lectures, which are hosted by the Baptist House of Studies at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. For more information, visit https://bjconline.org/shurdenlectures/.

During the discussion, Patel mentions Diana Eck’s important distinction between the terms diversity and pluralism (http://pluralism.org/what-is-pluralism/), and he mentions Michael Walzer’s book "What it Means to be an American," available here: https://www.amazon.com/What-Means-American-Michael-Walzer/dp/1568860250. Patel also talks about Kevin Shultz’s book Tri-Faith America: How Catholics and Jews Held Postwar America to Its Protestant Promise (https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Faith-America-Catholics-Postwar-Protestant/dp/0195331761) when discussing the origins of the term “Judeo-Christian.”
 
To read and sign the statement denouncing Christian nationalism, visit https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/.

Ep. 10: Embracing civic pluralism

BJC goes behind the headlines to tackle today's serious threats to religious liberty. We bring you conversations about the importance of standing up for religious liberty for all people, threats to our First Amendment right, and our work in the courts and with Congress. Learn with us and make a difference in your community.

The BJC Podcast is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and most podcasting platforms.

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