Best Ray Kirstein Podcasts (2024)

1
Faith in Choice: Two Years After Dobbs 55:43

4d ago55:43

55:43

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 51:03

11d ago51:03

51:03

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 1:07:24

17d ago1:07:24

1:07:24

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

25d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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…

1
Ringing in the New With Rainn Wilson 55:13

6M ago55:13

55:13

It’s the final hours of 2023! As we prepare to turn the page to the New Year on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio program and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by a guest who uses skills honed as a successful entertainer to promote a deeply spiritual message. "We have to move spirituality from the church a…

1
The Spiritual Power of Humor With Rev. Susan Sparks 50:51

6M ago50:51

50:51

It may feel like there's little to laugh about these days... But the fact is, seeking out joy and amusement is even more important when things seem grin. This key to emotional resilience is just one part of the ground we cover on this week’s The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, as host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushen…

1
2023 Freedom of Thought Report; The Year in Religion News 1:03:01

6M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Religious freedom is measured by how free individuals are to pursue minority beliefs... And that measure is particularly noteworthy for the freedom to follow an entirely secular set of values. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Gary McLelland of Humanist I…

1
Speaker Mike "Moses" Johnson and the Christian Lawmakers 54:19

7M ago54:19

54:19

House Speaker Mike Johnson comparing himself to Moses while describing his divine call to the third most powerful office in the land stood out even as he accepted the National Association of Christian Lawmakers’ American Patriot Award for Christian Honor and Courage. How can leaders prioritize democracy for all when their overt fealty is to a funda…

1
Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida; Election '24 58:17

7M ago58:17

58:17

The 2024 election campaign is taking shape - and the way different tactics worked or didn't work to impact the 2023 vote can help us predict what's coming next November. In particular, understanding how religion shapes politics at the national and local levels is more important now than ever. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s …

1
Thanksgiving with Father James Martin 53:51

7M ago53:51

53:51

During the holiday season we tend to reflect on the past year, remembering the difficult times and giving thanks for the courage to move forward into the next season with hopeful joy. In the story of the raising of Lazarus, we are confronted with what it means to leave behind what holds us back and embrace new life. This week on The State of Belief…

1
Creating Change Through Film 1:02:28

7M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

In today’s digital age, people find themselves immersed in a vast ocean of media. From scrolling through social media feeds to streaming videos and engaging with the 24-hour news cycle, the consumption of media has become an integral aspect of daily life. Imagine a world where the majority of the content consumed is designed to foster empathy, chal…

1
Diwali with Sushma Dwivedi; Sharon Salzberg on Openness and Freedom 1:02:42

8M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

There are so many ways to lean into living authentically and celebrating the moments that bring us the most joy, especially in times when our world seems dark. And that can provide the resilience we all need to handle the dark part. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush…

1
American Values Survey with Robert P. Jones; Diane Winston and Reagan’s Evangelical Vision 1:06:52

8M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

The last several decades have seen the parallel rise of both evangelicalism and white nationalism in our mainstream media and politics. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush looks at disturbing trends revealed in the annual Public Religion Research Institute Americ…

1
The Faith Fight Against Belief Bans 59:22

8M ago59:22

59:22

Over the past few years, a coordinated national censorship campaign – with deep ties to the Christian nationalist movement – is targeting books about and awareness of minority faiths and ethnicities, LGBTQ+ identity, racism, and history. Thankfully, people of faith and conscience are organizing in their communities and taking a stand for our freedo…

1
Unharden Our Hearts: Religious Leaders on the Violence In the Middle East 1:06:17

8M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

In the days since the outbreak of brutal violence in Israel and Gaza, communities across the country and around the world have been drawn into conflict, grief, and uncertainty. Even before the violence started, religiously-motivated hate crimes in America had spiked, reaching their highest levels since 2001 – and we’re seeing how current events in …

1
David Gushee: Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies 49:36

9M ago49:36

49:36

The horrifying attack on the United States Capitol on January 6 has forced us to reckon with the fact that the greatest threats to our democracy can come from within. In particular, the insurrection’s unmistakable links to religious extremism have demonstrated the urgency of bolstering our core democratic values in all of our communities. This week…

1
LGBTQI+ Faith Activism: Jon Cohen, Darcy Hirsh, and Allen Morris; Also Jewtina founder Analucía Lopezrevoredo 1:12:08

9M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Across faith and place, Americans know that religious and cultural diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. It is because of our beliefs, not in spite of them, that we are committed to building a country where all people are valued and can live with full dignity and respect. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly…

1
Banned Books Week with Tracie D. Hall and Sabrina Baêta 59:11

9M ago59:11

59:11

Since 2021, a coordinated campaign to censor certain literature, curricula, and ideas has spread like wildfire across American public schools and libraries. The growing movement to ban books has found startling success, and authors and characters representing marginalized communities – including minority faiths – have been disproportionately single…

1
The Gospel According to James Baldwin with author Greg Garrett 52:19

9M ago52:19

52:19

What insights essential for today's divided America can be found in the timeless writing of the great James Baldwin? And what recent developments in religion news are likely to resonate throughout our culture, in faith and secular areas alike? On this week's State of Belief, the weekly radio program and podcast from Interfaith Alliance, host Rev. P…

1
Faith and Public Service with Texas Reps Salman Bhojani and James Talarico 58:52

9M ago58:52

58:52

Since the beginning, The State of Belief has consistently pushed back against elected officials exploiting their positions of power to impose their own personal beliefs on those whom they serve. While that issue remains pervasive, other politicians have demonstrated that there is a better way – how personal faith can inspire devoted public service …

1
The Real Moral Majority with Rev. Jennifer Butler 51:33

10M ago51:33

51:33

From our nation’s founding, religion and politics have been intertwined. But the stereotype of what a “religious activist” looks like and believes is far from the reality. Our nation has a rich history of diverse people of faith fighting for justice, from racial equality, to health care access, to LGBTQ+ rights, the list goes on. This week on The S…

1
What Good Religion Can Do With Katherine Marshall 52:29

10M ago52:29

52:29

There are desperate needs in this world that religion and interfaith coalitions can address in uniquely effective ways. And a leading expert on the intersection of religion, development and peace joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on this week's State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast. Dr. Katherine Marshall i…

1
A Call to Conscience at the Parliament of the World's Religions 1:06:30

10M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

The Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together thousands of religious leaders and activists from around the globe and across diverse faith traditions. Interfaith Alliance was honored to participate in this month’s convening in Chicago and meet so many new friends across faith and place committed to fighting the good fight for an inclusive …

1
The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy with Robert P Jones 49:55

10M ago49:55

49:55

More and more, scholars of religion and history are making a point to differentiate between Christian nationalism – a pernicious and anti-democratic ideology – and white Christian nationalism, a specific manifestation of this extreme movement that has influenced our nation’s policy and structures for decades. Now, a historian and researcher exposes…

1
Preview: Defending Freedom and Human Rights at the Parliament of the World's Religions 50:20

11M ago50:20

50:20

Starting on Monday, August 14th, Chicago, Ill. will play host to a unique week-long global initiative for peace and mutual understanding: the Parliament of the World’s Religions. With a history tracing back to 1893, the Parliament’s convenings attract participants from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous, and secular beliefs and more than 8…

1
American Idolatry with Andrew Whitehead 57:24

11M ago57:24

57:24

You've heard a lot of compelling State of Belief conversations addressing the very real threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy and our pluralistic society. Now it's time to expand the focus to include the damage American religion itself is enduring from this authoritarian movement. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Allianc…

1
Protecting Democracy with Congressman Jamie Raskin 57:02

11M ago57:02

57:02

“You’ve got to view the ban on books and the attempt to stop Critical Race Theory, by which they mean any teaching of the actual history of the country with respect to racism and white supremacy - all of these are efforts basically to condition the children of America, the young people of America, to get ready for being subjects in an authoritarian…

1
Staying Awoke with Derrick Harkins 52:34

11M ago52:34

52:34

The Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins has made his mark in government, religion, and media. The former director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Biden, has also served as director of Interfaith Outreach for the Democratic National Committee, where he also led faith…

1
Elizabeth Reiner Platt, Columbia Law School Law, Rights, and Religion Project 46:51

12M ago46:51

46:51

In June, the Supreme Court delivered its ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis, a case brought forward by Lorie Smith, an evangelical Christian website designer in Colorado who said she should not have to provide services to same-sex couples due to her religious beliefs. The court decided 6-3 that the First Amendment’s free speech protection allows busi…

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