Best Neighbor Democracy Podcasts (2024)

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2: Highway to History #2: Ruby Ridge & The Conspiracy Pyramid 1:57:24

15m ago1:57:24

1:57:24

Recorded August 23, 2024. Join writer/historian Mark Iverson and writer/history-enthusiast London Talbot as they discuss the nuance of history. This episode we have our first guest, Timothy Guill, a historian, a lecturer at Boise State University, a father, a veteran, as well as an expert in conspiracies in the United States and the psychology behi…

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S3 E44: Tommy Preson Phillips: Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ 1:15:53

1h ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Take Away Ideas Deconstruction isn’t about losing faith, but about re-centering on Jesus. Doubt and curiosity are essential tools in questioning rigid religious structures. The power dynamics of church leadership need reevaluation; Christ-like leadership centers on humility and service. The shift from religious laws to virtues (like love, peace, an…

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Stability or Chaos: Can the US Keep Leading the World? (w/ Professor Edward Goldberg) 54:28

22m ago54:28

54:28

In this episode, we question the future of American leadership and its crucial role in maintaining the liberal world order. Could a second Donald Trump presidency shift the balance of power, allowing authoritarian regimes like China and Russia to gain prominence? Professor Edward Goldberg - expert on globalization, and author of the book The United…

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Unfundamentalist Bible Studies: Reinterpreting James Ch 5 30:56

2h ago30:56

30:56

takeaways Tom Rundel reinterprets the Book of James for modern understanding. Suffering is a common experience, not to be glorified. Spiritual bypassing dismisses the reality of suffering. Prayer should be an honest engagement with one's situation. Lament is a significant part of spiritual practice. Community support is crucial for those who are su…

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S3 E42: Matt Tebbe: Politics as Christian Practice 1:22:49

9h ago1:22:49

1:22:49

takeaways The current political and cultural moment in the United States is characterized by the erosion of trust in democracy and the weaponization of fear and anger. Apocalyptic language is used in political discourse to create a sense of urgency and to rally support, but it often hinders productive conversations and solutions. Economic realities…

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1: Highway to History Ep. 1 - America is Complicated 54:47

23h ago54:47

54:47

Recorded August 14, 2024. Join writer/historian Mark Iverson and writer/history-enthusiast London Talbot as they discuss the nuance of history. This episode covers topics like Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers, the genocide of Indigenous Americans, the complexity of Abraham Lincoln, and a little about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Hist…

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MAGA Knows Best: The Way We Never Were (with Stephanie Coontz) 59:46

3d ago59:46

59:46

What if the family values we've been taught to cherish are nothing more than myths and, in fact, are dangerous? In this episode, historian and author of the book The Way We Never Were, Stephanie Coontz, helps us to understand the New Testament's radical interpretation of family, offering enlightening insights—and challenges the nostalgic allure of …

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Unfudamentalist Bible Studies: Reinterpreting James Ch 4 28:38

5d ago28:38

28:38

n this episode of Non-Fundamentalist Bible Studies, Tom Rundel explores the end of chapter three and the beginning of chapter four of the book of James. He emphasizes the importance of understanding wisdom and knowledge in a non-weaponized context, encouraging listeners to seek genuine wisdom through a beautiful manner of living rather than through…

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S3 E40: Bruce Epperly: Homegrown American Mystics 1:20:09

7d ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Takeaways Mystics experience the divine in everyday life and see the holiness in others. Mystics can be both heavenly minded and earthly good, working for peace, justice, and the well-being of all people. Political discourse should involve empathy, understanding, and dialogue, rather than demonization and polarization. Finding common ground and hol…

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Talk Isn’t Cheap: The High Cost of Lies and Gossip in Political Discourse (w/ Dr. Christopher Elias) 1:08:52

17d ago1:08:52

1:08:52

What if the very tools meant to inform and unify us are actually tearing our democracy apart? In this episode, we explore how gossip, rumor, and disinformation are used as tools in American politics, especially in the Trump era, to distort truth and threaten democracy. I chat with historian Dr. Christopher Elias, author of Gossip Men: J. Edgar Hoov…

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Unfundamentalist Bible Studies: Reinterpreting James Ch 3 35:26

12d ago35:26

35:26

The book of James addresses the power of speech and its implications. Teachers in the church are held to a higher standard. Controlling the tongue is crucial for personal and communal integrity. Words can shape perceptions and influence actions. Righteousness is fundamentally linked to justice. Inconsistency in speech reflects deeper issues in the …

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S3 E43: Caleb Campbell: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbors 53:06

14d ago53:06

53:06

Takeaways Caleb's upbringing in a conservative home shaped his early views on faith. His experience with neo-Nazi skinheads led to critical questioning of ideologies. The rise of American Christian nationalism has created a divide in churches. Many church members are influenced by external political narratives. Christian nationalism is a blend of p…

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Are We Past the Rubicon? - After 'After America' 42:39

17d ago42:39

42:39

Deep Dive returns! In this episode we bring back a number of contributors to our recently concluded limited series - After America - and ask if they have hope for American democracy, or if we already past the Rubicon. Can American democracy survive the storm of voter disenfranchisement, misinformation, and rising authoritarianism? This episode prom…

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Unfundamentalist Bible Studies: Reinterpreting James Ch 2 31:15

19d ago31:15

31:15

Faith without action is dead. The early Christian community emphasized caring for one another's needs. Treating all people equally is important and goes against favoritism. Love for our neighbors and living out the social vision of Jesus is crucial. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.faceboo…

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S3 E39: David Gushee: Defending Democracy From its Christian Enemies 1:05:30

21d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Takeaways Faith can provide an organizing center, meaning, and purpose in life. Gushee's journey of faith involved a conversion experience as a teenager and a broadening of perspectives through studying Christian ethics. Democracy is a system of government that belongs to the people and is based on a constitution and the rule of law. Authoritariani…

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After America Series Finale: When Tyranny Ends – Rebuilding America After Authoritarianism 47:42

24d ago47:42

47:42

How does a nation rebuild itself after falling under authoritarian rule? In the series finale of After America, we take you through the harrowing aftermath of an imagined Trump's second presidential term, where democratic institutions were eroded, civil liberties dismantled, and marginalized communities oppressed. We examine the monumental task of …

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Unfundamentalist Bible Studies: Reinterpreting James Ch 1 42:22

26d ago42:22

42:22

Reinterpreting scripture passages can help avoid harmful and wounding interpretations that have been used in a religious and fundamentalist context. Understanding the cultural context in which scripture was written is crucial for interpretation. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the goodness…

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S3 E38: Chuck DeGroat: Trauma, Narcissism, Deconstruction, Dark Night of the Soul 56:00

28d ago56:00

56:00

Links Pre-order Chuck's New Book: [click here] Chucks Author Page: [click here] Chuck's Amazon Page: [click here] Takeaways Chuck DeGroat's faith journey was shaped by a mix of embodied spirituality and disorientation due to brokenness in his parents' marriage. He found a broader understanding of faith through the contemplative tradition and the my…

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After America E11: Backsliding to the Brink - A Global Playbook for American Authoritarianism 1:10:04

1M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Is democracy at risk worldwide? In this penultimate episode of After America, we examine the alarming trend of democratic backsliding, the global rise of authoritarianism, and how it might provide a blueprint for a second Trump presidency. We compare the authoritarian tendencies of leaders in India, Russia, and Hungary, whose tactics in weakening t…

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S3 E37: Matt Tebbe: Money, Power, and Abuse in the Church 1:22:47

1M ago1:22:47

1:22:47

Introductions Climbing Mt. Whitney Facing Internal Demons on the Mountain Spiritual Roots in Catholicism Grace in Community & Abuse on Church Staff Abusive Leadership Embraces Power and Causes Trauma Using Your Voice with Clarity and Humility Spiritualizing the Poor is a Hermeneutic Mistake The God of Mammon, Power, Money, and Economy What “Love of…

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After America E10: The New World Disorder - Authoritarians and Global Chaos 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

Can American democracy survive the encroachment of authoritarian regimes? This episode of "After America" tackles this critical question by exploring the global impact of authoritarianism and democratic backsliding. We take a close look at the establishment of post-World War II institutions like the United Nations, NATO, and the International Monet…

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S3 E36: Randy Woodley: Indigenous Spirituality and Decolonizing Christianity 56:10

1M ago56:10

56:10

Chapters Introductions Cherokee roots My Oppressive Missionary Colonizer Years Colonialism woven into the Christian faith The Violence of Christian Supremacy Conservative politics picks up the torch of colonialism The Problem of Disembodied Theology Shalom and the Failed Western Experiment Decolonizing the Faith Colonial Theology that needs to Go: …

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After America E9: Strongmen, Weak Economies - How Authoritarianism Tanks Economies 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Can democracy deliver the economic stability and growth we need, or do strongman tactics offer a more effective solution? In this episode, we dissect the economic impacts of contrasting political systems, drawing on the U.S. responses to COVID-19 under both Trump and Biden. We discuss the historical economic performances of authoritarian states lik…

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S3 E35: Kathy Khang: Finding a Home, Immigration and Power in the Church 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

Chapters Introductions Good Coffee Spiritual Roots in the Korean Church in Chicago Renting church space and false hospitality Rethinking Hospitality as the Church Loving Disagreement what it is and is NOT Love is not nice Toxic Positivity The Moving Goalposts of expectation False apostolic authority used to create exclusive dogma What loving your e…

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After America E8: Hate Thy Neighbor - Othering Democracy to Death 1:07:44

2M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

What if the very fabric of American democracy is under threat from within? In this episode of After America, we explore the insidious power of othering and its devastating effects on our nation's democratic principles. We start by highlighting the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation following the Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, movi…

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S3 E34: Anthony Smith: Faith, Race, and Politics 1:16:14

2M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

Chapters Introductions Faith Rooted Organizer Anthony vs Confederate Statue An Ecumenical Exorcism of White Nationalism and Racism An Apocalyptic moment and call Christians call to apocalyptic action Hyper individualism and its damage on society The Gospel and White Jesus made an atheist The Gospel evolve to meet us White Christian Nationalism is a…

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After America E7: Courting Disaster - Exploiting Judicial Power for Authoritarian Ends 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

What happens when a cornerstone of democracy begins to show cracks? On this episode of After America as we scrutinize the U.S. Supreme Court's transformation and its far-reaching impacts on American democracy. We trace key moments from Justice Antonin Scalia's death to the rapid confirmation of conservative justices under President Trump. This epis…

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S3 E33: Chris Green: Dead Answers vs Living Questions 1:06:37

2M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Chapters Intro Theology and Art Where does art come from? What does art do? Art involves us in the truth Art opens us up to truth Imagination and Faith Sweaty Pentecostalism Knowing more about demons than about God Bonhoeffer A true place to belong Incarnation shows us what God is like Conclusion Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast…

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After America E6: Lie Hard - How Authoritarians Weaponize Bad Information 54:29

2M ago54:29

54:29

How does disinformation threaten the very fabric of our democracy? In this episode of After America, we explore this pressing issue. We examine the intentionality behind disinformation campaigns and the alarming findings from the Pew Research Center about the spread of fabricated news during the 2020 election. We highlight the distinctions between …

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S3 E31: Matthew J Distefano: The Wisdom of Hobbits for Today 1:11:23

2M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Key points include: • The unhealthy balance between individual well-being and community demands in evangelical settings. • The symbolic and inspirational aspects of Tolkien’s stories and how they relate to real-life experiences. • The importance of continuing to do good without relying on miraculous interventions. • Reflections on the role of margi…

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After America E5: Altar-ing the Constitution - Christian Nationalism's Rewrite 59:55

3M ago59:55

59:55

Can Christian nationalism coexist with American democracy, or is it a threat to the very foundation of our nation? Join us for a compelling discussion on "After America" as we tackle these urgent questions. This episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Mike Johnson's rise to Speaker of the House and how his Christian nationalist views are sha…

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S3 E30: Larry Jordan: Non Religious Spirituality 1:17:06

3M ago1:17:06

1:17:06

Takeaways Hold beliefs loosely and be open to subjective experiences and objective evidence. Recognize the limitations of creedal faith and the need for a more contextualized understanding of God. Explore the concept of oneness and the connection between mysticism, science, and different religious traditions. Embrace a sense of awe, gratitude, and …

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After America E4: White Supremacy, Red Alert - Right-Wing Extremism's Threat to Democracy 1:05:59

3M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

White supremacist and right-wing militia groups are threatening American democracy. Join us as we unveil the alarming rise and evolution of these extremist ideologies, tracing their roots from historical moments like Ruby Ridge and Waco to modern-day influences bolstered by political figures such as Donald Trump. In this episode, we uncover how pol…

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S3 E29: Tom Rundel: Recognize High Control Religious Language 44:56

3M ago44:56

44:56

Take Aways Liminality is the space between what was and what will be, where we are trying to figure out how to be in a rapidly changing world. High-control religious environments can be toxic and manipulative, exerting authority over individuals and stifling personal growth. It is important to recognize and reject religious jargon that seeks to con…

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After America: Statement on American Political Violence (and How to Reject It) 5:55

3M ago5:55

5:55

A statement on the current state of political violence in the United States from the After America team. Music: Infados - Kevin MacLeod ------------------------- Follow Deep Dive: Instagram YouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - JoystockBy Sea Tree Media

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After America E3: The Rise of Nazi Germany, the Fall of Rome, and America's Future 57:21

3M ago57:21

57:21

If American democracy were to collapse, what historical parallels could help us understand what we might be in for? Nazi Germany? Learn how the Nazis swiftly exploited the Reichstag Fire in 1933 to enact the Reichstag Fire Decree, leading to a brutal suppression of political opponents and securing their dominance in the March 5th elections. We expl…

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S3 E28: Justin Scoggins: Inking Christ: Tattoos as Religious Art 1:03:22

3M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Take Aways Meeting tangible needs in the community is an important expression of faith. Faith is a journey of growth and evolving perspectives. Extending grace and love to others is a central aspect of the Christian faith. The stigma of tattoos in the Christian context can be challenged and reevaluated. Personal expressions of art, such as tattoos,…

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After America E2: The Oppressed Majority - How the Constitution Aids Authoritarianism 44:33

3M ago44:33

44:33

What if the very institutions designed to protect American democracy are now its greatest threat? In this episode, we scrutinize why Donald Trump remains a formidable candidate nearly four years later, and how key democratic norms and institutions like the rule of law, free and fair elections, and a free press are being systematically eroded. This …

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43: Genocide In the Name of Democracy - The French Revolution and the Extermination of the Catholic Vendèe 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

The justification to single out and exterminate another group of people can come from any group coalesced around any ideological system of belief, be it religious or secular in nature. In Revolutionary France, the secular forces of the newly established French Republic were threatened on all sides by the old system of empire they had just overthrow…

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S3 E27: Eric Nevins: Dark Night of the Vocational Soul 58:25

3M ago58:25

58:25

Highlights: Embrace the ongoing process of spiritual growth and recognize that there is no arrival point. Question expectations that God will make everything smooth sailing and happy. Allow God the freedom to be creative in how He works in your life and the lives of others. Recognize the tension between the objective and subjective experiences of G…

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After America E1: Elephants in the Room - The GOP's Authoritarian Makeover 55:15

4M ago55:15

55:15

What happens when the very fabric of American democracy is put to the test? Join us as we confront the alarming state of our nation in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, featuring a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. We begin by dissecting the chaos of January 6th, 2021, when a Trump-incited mob stormed the Capitol, marking a p…

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42: Anti-Gay Idaho - A History of Proposition 1 1:06:56

4M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

The rallying cry of the pro Prop 1 crowd was "stop gay special rights." They felt that if gay people in Idaho were labeled a minority officially, they'd be protected from discrimination in the workplace and other public organizations like schools and libraries. They said gay people were not a minority like black people or Latinos because they chose…

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S3 E26: Keith Giles: Decoding the Gospel of Thomas 1:20:02

4M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

Insights The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of the sayings of Jesus and does not have a narrative like the other Gospels. The Gospel of Thomas was suppressed by early church leaders, particularly those who opposed the Valentinians. The Gospel of Thomas was found in 1945 in a clay jar buried in the desert. Scholars have dated the Gospel of Thomas …

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Countdown to After America: Economic Hardship, Loss of Culture, and Authoritarianism w/ Dr. Arlie Hochschild 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail? Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay --------- How do…

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S3 E25: Steve Harper: Christian Nationalism Isn't Christian 1:20:05

4M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

The importance of stripping away layers of interpretation to reveal the true essence of Christ. The challenges of countering Christian nationalism and the significance of speaking the truth in love. The concept of God as a being and the implications of this understanding. The connection between spiritual formation and the inspiration behind the boo…

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Countdown to After America: Extremism, Judicial Power, and Political Violence w/ Drs. Faris, Benesh, & Hawdon 1:04:36

4M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail? Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay ------------- Ca…

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41: The Bracero Program - Mexican Nationals Enduring Discrimination in WWII Era Idaho and The Pacific Northwest 1:20:08

4M ago1:20:08

1:20:08

From 1942 until 1948, Mexican citizens came to the United States at the behest of the federal government to fill the labor gaps created by the increased need for agricultural production during WWII. They bolstered the agricultural economy of the United States and proved an asset to the development of our nation, but they also face rampant racism an…

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S3 E24: Thomas Jay Oord: On Trial for Heresy 56:30

4M ago56:30

56:30

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church of the Nazarene is a complex and challenging endeavor, involving theological, social, and personal dimensions. The conversation sheds light on the tensions and complexities within the church and society regarding LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding. Thomas Ja…

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Countdown to After America: The Threat of Christian Nationalism to Democracy with Dr. David Gushee 57:09

4M ago57:09

57:09

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail? Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay ------------- Ca…