Impolite Conversation: Religion and Politics

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A scholarly-but-informal monthly chat at the intersection of religion and politics.

Tim Hill Dan Clanton Doane University


    • Jun 1, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 65 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Impolite Conversation: Religion and Politics

    #70: What Six Years of Imp Convo Has Meant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 51:45


    On this our final episode, we talk to a few of the people that made this venture possible, and then we chat with each other  about what the experience has meant to us. And in One Last Thing (a segment whose name has never been so apt), we reach for bits of culture that help us come to terms with what we're losing. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: In our conversation with our repeat guests, we referenced Newdow v. US and Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. In our conversation with our editors, we alluded to the great freeware Audacity and the Lincoln, Nebraska institution that is Stauffer's Café and Pie Shoppe. Dan's One Last Thing was Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Tim's One Last Thing was the Ancillary Justice trilogy. 0:00-4:53: Introduction 4:57-31:35: Conversations with friends 31:40-43:25: Reflections 43:30-46:59: Dan's OLT 47:00-49:26: Tim's OLT 49:27-50:53: Credits 50:37-51:44: Extended Outtake (from episode 13) *** Thank you for listening these past six years! This show has been a labor of love, and it has been a pleasure and privilege for us to produce it each month. We hope you have gotten half as much out of listening to it as we have out of producing it. --Tim and Dan

    #69: Religio-Political Prophecy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 35:26


    This month, we start the show with a special announcement. Then we talk with James Beverley, author of God's Man in the White House, about the world of religio-political prophecy. And in One Last Thing, Dan is taking advantage of his free trial of HBO Max and Tim is taking advantage of the public library.   Some of the things we talked about on this show: Dr. Beverley mentioned the Vineyard Movement and the Kansas City Prophets, as well as the prophecy ministries of a number of individuals, including Jeremiah Johnson, Lance Wallnau, and Kat Kerr. Many of these ministries align with the New Apostolic Reformation. Dr. Beverley also mentioned the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University. Here is the Catholic News Service article that quotes Dan alongside an advisor to the Pope. Dan's One Last Thing was the HBO Max series Harley Quinn. Tim's One Last Thing was the Hank Green novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing.   0:00-2:43: Introduction and announcement 2:47-27:53: Berkeley interview 27:58-31:53: Dan's OLT 31:53-34:27: Tim's OLT 34:28-35:26: Credits

    #68: The “Love Jihad”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 48:52


    This month, we talk to Laura Dudley Jenkins, author of Religious Freedom and Mass Conversion in India, about the Indian conspiracy theory known as the "love jihad." And in One Last Thing, Dan splits theological hairs in discussing an animated Star Wars series, while Tim is feeling (ahem) somewhat more expansive. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: Dan mentioned the Deepa Mehta film Fire and the resulting riots. Dr. Jenkins mentioned this story of a boy whose clock was mistaken for a bomb and the research that suggests it's easier to inoculate people against conspiracy theories than debunk them after the fact. She also talked about how farfetched theories provide good signals of group unity. And this story from last summer is a good example of QAnon craziness interfering with genuine efforts to stop sex trafficking. Tim mentioned the Satanic Panic, which in some ways is still going on. Dan's One Last Thing was Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Tim's One Last Thing was The Expanse. 0:00-1:12: Introduction 1:16-39:07: Jenkins interview 39:12-44:24: Dan's OLT 44:25-47:42: Tim's OLT 47:43-48:51: Credits

    #67: Rural Conservatism and Dan’s New Book!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 40:12


    This month we talk to Ross Benes, a native son of Brainerd, Nebraska who has written a book about his hometown and his journey away from it and its conservative values. And then Dan tells us all about his new book, The Oxford Handbook of the Bible and American Popular Culture. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been visiting Northern Ireland and Tim has been visiting eastern Tennessee. Some of the things we talked about on this show: Mr. Benes mentioned What's the Matter with Kansas? and Dinesh D'Souza's What's So Great About Christianity. That film trilogy Dan mentioned is The Qatsi Trilogy by Godfrey Reggio. Dan's One Last Thing was Derry Girls. Tim's One Last Thing was The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. (But also: go watch In and Of Itself.) 0:00-2:04: Introduction 2:08-20:44: Benes interview 20:49-33:22: Clanton interview 33:26-35:52: Dan's OLT 35:52-38:55: Tim's OLT 38:55-39:55: Credits 39:58-40:12: Outtake

    #66: Religious Clothing Norms and the Biden Inauguration

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 46:19


    This month, we talk to a researcher at the Pew Research Center about her work on the harassment women face around the globe when their clothing is deemed either too secular or too religious. And then we have a chat about the Trump years just ended and our expectations for the newly-installed Biden Administration. And in One Last Thing, Dan is engaging his "lizard brain," while Tim is worrying about those who spread rumors of lizard people. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: We can't talk about Christian nationalism without mentioning the work of Katherine Stewart, Bradley Onishi, and Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry. In the early days of the Trump Administration, there was much talk of Trump playing the role of King Cyrus. Dan mentioned this book by Lynn Davidman, and Tim referenced this article about the backlash to one particular Biden executive order. Donald Trump has a lot of respect for the sacrament of communion. Dan's One Last Thing was the NBC sitcom Superstore. Tim's One Last Thing was the book A Lot of People Are Saying. 0:00-1:10: Introduction 1:15-7:18: Majumdar interview 7:23-38:57: Inauguration conversation 39:02-41:46: Dan's OLT 41:47-44:56: Tim's OLT 44:57-46:02: Credits 46:06-46:18: Outtake

    #65: What Is Religion, Anyway? What Is Politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 51:19


    After five-plus years of talking about the intersection of religion and politics, this month we step back and actually try to define our terms, with the help of our old friend Courtney Bruntz. And in our year-ending One Last Thing, Dan reaches for a hopeful note and Tim gives up on humanity. Some of the things we talked about this month: Dan and Courtney discussed definitions of religion by Schliermacher, Durkheim, Freud, Ninian Smart, and Stephen Prothero. Dan mentioned this article by Kathryn Loughton. Courtney discussed this new book by Richard Jaffee. Tim's six-word definition of religion comes from this book by Harold Lasswell. Dan's year-ending One Last Thing was the podcast Office Ladies. Tim's year-ending One Last Thing was the film God's Not Dead.   Happy New Year! Thanks for listening in 2020.   0:00-1:33: Introduction 1:37-43:00: Conversation with Dr. Bruntz 43:04-47:16: Dan's OLT 47:17-49:57: Tim's OLT 49:58-51:03: Credits 51:07-51:19: Outtake

    #64 1/2: The Orange Wave, Episode 0

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 41:58


    We're taking a month off to lick our psychic wounds, so this month friend of the show Bradley Onishi has graciously agreed to allow us to share Episode 0 of his Orange Wave project, which we discussed on our last episode. If you like what you hear, you can find all ten episodes at their web site, along with transcripts and suggested readings. Happy listening!

    #64: The Orange Wave

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 41:48


    This month we talk to friend-of-the-show Bradley Onishi from the podcast Straight White American Jesus about his extraordinary podcast miniseries The Orange Wave. And in One Last Thing, Dan goes highbrow and Tim does...not. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Brad mentioned several books: The End of Empathy by John Compton, The Shadow Network by Anne Nelson, Unholy by Sara Posner, and The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart. (And here's last month's show, featuring Ms. Stewart!) Brad also mentioned President Trump's declaration that "I don't think science knows" and Senator Mike Lee's recent tweets about democracy, which drew a lot of attention. Tim discussed the empirical literature on conspiracy theories, including the finding that there are about as many truther Democrats as birther Republicans. Dan's One Last Thing was the podcast Erroll Garner Uncovered. Tim's One Last Thing included this Channel 4 report, but was mostly about the trailer for Fatman. (Note: In the episode, Tim wrongly identified Channel 4 as part of the BBC. It is a for-profit, commercial station. He regrets the error.) 0:00-2:04: Introductions and an announcement 2:08-35:54: Onishi interview 35:59-38:30: Dan's OLT 38:31-40:41: Tim's OLT 40:41-41:48: Credits

    #63: The Power Worshippers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 44:40


    In this episode, we talk to Katherine Stewart, author of The Power Worshippers, about her deep dive into the world of Christian nationalism. And in One Last Thing, we're both seeking solace and a sense of normalcy in the midst of these weird and turbulent times. NOTE: This interview was conducted before Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away.   Some of the things we talked about on this show: Ms. Stewart mentioned the work of Kristen Kobes Du Mez, author of, among other things, Jesus and John Wayne. She also referenced the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Americans United for Life (AUL). Dan's One Last Thing was Street Food: Asia. Tim's One Last Thing was Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame.   0:00-1:32: Introduction 1:36-38:46: Stewart interview 38:50-41:25: Dan's OLT 41:26-43:31: Tim's OLT 43:32-44:39: Credits

    IC Supplemental: RBG

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 29:34


    America lost an icon on Friday, so we called our friend Ann Duncan to help us process the news. We talked about why Ruth Bader Ginsburg meant so much to so many, about what her legacy might be, and about what's likely to happen now that she's gone.

    #62: The Politics and Religion of QAnon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 46:53


    This month we talk to Marc-André Argentino about where QAnon came from, where it might be going, and how it's starting to look more like a religion than a simple belief or set of beliefs. And in One Last Thing, Dan is relaxing with a cartoon, and Tim is grumbling about a cartoonish theological argument. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: Mr. Argentino made reference to theodicy, Dominionism, and "red pilling." He also mentioned Pizzagate, the Wayfair conspiracy theory, the "Satanic panic," Plandemic, and the recent "Save the Children" rallies. And he talked about the Omega Kingdom Church, though he didn't mention it by name. Finally, he discussed the work of Joseph Uscinski and the idea of hyperreality invented by the philosopher Jean Baudrillard. Here is an article Argentino published about QAnon as a "hyperreal religion." Dan brought up the fact that QAnon is global now, and referenced a recent Atlantic article by Adrienne LaFrance. Tim discussed his own Twitter run-in with the tribe of Q. Dan's One Last Thing was about Star Trek: Lower Decks. Tim's One Last Thing was about God's Not Dead.   0:00-1:21: Introductions 1:25-37:39: Argentino interview 37:44-40:43: Dan's OLT 40:43-45:37: Tim's OLT 45:37-46:41: Credits 46:46-46:53: Outtake  

    #61: Supreme Court Wrap-Up 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 49:50


    This month we continue our annual tradition of trying to ask questions about the Supreme Court term gone by that are intelligent enough to be worthy of the answers we get from friend-of-the-show Ann Duncan. And in One Last Thing, Dan is watching the story progress in a show that he loves and Tim is watching a movie in which no one makes any progress at all. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: The cases from this term were Bostock v. Clayton County, June Medical Services v. Russo, Espinoza v. Montana, Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania, and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru. The past cases which came up in our conversation were Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. Ann mentioned Blaine amendments. Dan's OLT was season two of Hanna. Tim's OLT was the movie Palm Springs. 0:00-0:56: Introduction 1:00-42:45: Duncan interview 42:50-46:00: Dan's OLT 46:01-48:39: Tim's OLT 48:40-49:49: Credits

    #60: Nones in the US and Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 68:50


    This month we talk to sociologists Joel Thiessen and Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme about their new book None of the Above: Nonreligious Identity in the US and Canada. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been contemplating the apocalypse while Tim just wants to annoy the villagers. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Dr. Wilkins-Laflamme mentioned the work of Phil Zuckerman, The Disappearing God Gap?, and this open access article written by our guests. Dan's OLT was Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Tim's OLT was Untitled Goose Game. 0:00-1:12: Introduction 1:16-60:15: Thiessen and Wilkins-Laflamme interview 60:19-65:13: Dan's OLT 65:14-67:15: Tim's OLT 67:15-68:22: Credits 68:25-68:50: Outtake

    IC Supplemental: Trump Vs. Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2020 16:06


    On our first supplemental episode in almost three years, we talk about the president's decision to assault peaceful protesters in order to walk to a church and hold up a Bible. Here are the books and articles we referenced along the way: How Democracies Die, by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt "The Christians Who Loved Trump's Stunt," by McKay Coppins "Trump's Brandishing of the Bible Plays Into a Cultural Legacy of Racism and Colonialism," by Katie Edwards and Helen Paynter "Trump's Church Photo Has No American Precedent. Does It Have One in Fascism?" by Talya Zax "Christian Nationalism Talks Religion, But Walks Fascism," by Samuel L. Perry and Andrew L. Whitehead Here are the reactions to Trump's stunt by Franklin Graham, Ben Sasse, and Pat Robertson. The New York Times reported on Trump's approval slipping among evangelicals. And here's an early oral history of the incident. *** Finally, this happened after we recorded, but it seems only fitting to include these images of the portion Pennsylvania Avenue that has been ceremonially renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza."

    #59: Christian Nationalism & COVID and AKA Jane Roe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2020 44:45


    On this episode of Impolite Conversation, we invited Andrew Whitehead, co-author of Taking America Back for God, back on the show to explain to us how Christian nationalism complicates life in a pandemic. Then we chatted about the new FX documentary AKA Jane Roe. And in One Last Thing, Dan is glad he gave a show another chance, and Tim has branched out into a new form of comfort viewing. Some of the things we talked about on this show: Dan mentioned Bruce Lincoln's book Holy Terrors. Andrew talked about this sign from an anti-closure rally. He also mentioned two books, Thy Kingdom Come by Randall Balmer and The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart. Here is the story of Nino Vitale, who refuses to wear a mask because he believes his face is made in the image of God. And here is some polling information regarding evangelicals, and regarding COVID. Finally, here is some background about Operation Rescue. Dan's OLT was season 2 of Titans. Tim's OLT was Gourmet Makes from Bon Appetit. He recommends starting with the Pop-Tarts episode. 0:00-1:01: Introduction 1:05-21:50: Whitehead interview 21:54-38:20: AKA Jane Roe discussion 38:24-40:58: Dan's OLT 40:58-43:42: Tim's OLT 43:42-44:44: Credits

    #58: The American Church’s Complicity With Racism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 44:55


    On this month's episode, we talk to Jemar Tisby, author of The Color of Compromise, about the shameful history of the American church's complicity with racism and racial oppression. And in One Last Thing, Dan and Tim switch personalities: Dan has been listening to a podcast, while Tim has been listening to an audiobook. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: Mr. Tisby mentioned the books The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, by Mark Noll and White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo. Mr. Tisby also talked about GT Gillespie, Myrlie Evers and the Supreme Court decision Shelby County v. Holder. He also encouraged listeners to watch all of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, which too often gets reduced to the single sentence about "the content of their character." Tim brought up Lee Atwater's infamous comments about race and winning elections, and he and Mr. Tisby talked about Republicans' strange insistence on turning ballot access into a partisan issue. Dan mentioned Orval Faubus, Vincent Harding, and the book Noah's Curse, by Stephen Haynes. Dan's OLT was the podcast Office Ladies. Tim's OLT was the book Destiny of the Republic, by Candice Millard. 0:00-1:19: Introduction 1:23-34:59: Tisby interview 35:04-40:11: Dan's OLT 40:11-43:47: Tim's OLT 43:48-44:55: Credits

    #57: Robb Ryerse Is Running For Our Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 33:03


    This month on Impolite Conversation, Tim talks to Robb Ryerse of Brand New Congress and Vote Common Good about his work with those organizations, as well as his own run for Congress in 2018, which he chronicled in his memoir Running For Our Lives: A Story of Faith, Politics, and the Common Good. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been watching gritty adaptations of lighthearted comics and Tim just wants to hold at bay the anxieties of our current moment. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Pastor Ryerse was inspired to run for Congress by this episode of the Robcast from evangelical author Rob Bell. He also mentioned Brian McClaren's idea about a constitutional reading of Scripture and the Netflix documentary Knock Down the House. Tim and Pastor Ryerse talked about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's speech about her faith during an Oversight Committee hearing in February. Dan's One Last Thing was about the Netflix series Titans. Tim's One Last Thing was about Arvo Part's "Spiegel im Spiegel." 0:00-1:02: Introduction 1:06-26:54: Ryerse interview 26:59-29:47: Dan's OLT 29:48-31:56: Tim's OLT 31:57-33:03: Credits

    #56: Nerd Podcasting Supergroup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 48:57


    This month on Impolite Conversation, we join forces with the guys at Straight White American Jesus (you should really go subscribe) to form a nerd podcasting supergroup! Then...the four of us just sit around and talk about evangelicals in America and Brazil. And in One Last Thing, Dan and Tim have both been watching Amazon Prime, but for very different reasons. Some of the things we talked about on this show: Tim went back to his high school days reminiscing about The Arsenio Hall Show, but what Dan wanted was Super Friends. Mitt Romney's historic vote in the impeachment trial might have something to do with Donald Trump's relative unpopularity in Utah. In any case, Utahns seem to be okay with it. No one (in America, anyway) knows more about Bolsonaro and Brazilian evangelicals than Amy Erica Smith. Tim mentioned this climate change commercial from 2007. Dan mentioned the Left Behind series and the bluegrass song "Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb." Tim also referenced Jonathan Chait's article about how Republicans hold a globally unique position on climate change among mainstream conservative parties. Dan just wants everyone to remember that Anita Bryant once got a pie in the face. Dan's One Last Thing was about Star Trek: Discovery. Tim's One Last Thing was about Troop Zero. And in case you missed the reference, here is Ron Swanson enjoying Lagavulin. And here is more information about the Voyager probes and the golden records. 0:00-1:42: Introduction 1:46-40:53: SWAJ conversation 40:57-44:02: Dan's OLT 44:02-47:30: Tim's OLT 47:31-48:30: Credits 48:34-48:57: Outtake

    #55: The Politics of Chosen-ness and Trump on Religious Liberty

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2020 40:52


    For February, we talk to Michael Coogan about his book God's Favorites: Judaism, Christianity, and the Myth of Divine Chosenness. Then Dan and Tim about the new rules announced by the Trump Administration last month regarding religious liberty. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been staying in to watch TV, and Tim has been going out to the movies. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Dan mentioned the book I Still Believe and the classic article "Canaanites, Cowboys, and Indians." Dr. Coogan alluded to those evangelicals who believe Trump's election was the result of divine intervention. Here is the show we did in March 2019 on the movie The Trump Prophecy. You can read about the event at which Trump announced his new religious liberty rules (and see video of some of it) here. This is the famous (or infamous, depending on you point of view) Christianity Today editorial that Tim referenced. Dan's OLT was The Mandalorian. Tim's OLT was Knives Out. He also mentioned this conversation about the movie at the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast.   0:00-1:28: Introduction 1:32-21:43: Coogan interview 21:48-32:21: Religious liberty conversation 32:26-36:02: Dan's OLT 36:03-39:24: Tim's OLT 39:25-40:30: Credits 40:36-40:52: Outtake

    #54: Uighur Erasure in China

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2020 44:57


    This month, we get our good friend Courtney back in front of the microphone to discuss the "cultural genocide" occurring in Xinjiang province in northwest China. And in our year-reviewing One Last Thing, we're both thinking about Netflix original series as ways to encapsulate 2019. There isn't a lot of stray talk in this episode, but you can learn more about the oppression of the Uighurs here, here, here, and here. And here is the UN definition of genocide. Dan's OLT was about season 3 of Netflix's Stranger Things. Tim's OLT was about Netflix's Russian Doll. 0:00-1:00: Introduction 1:05-38:44: Uighur conversation 38:48-40:41: Dan's OLT 40:42-43:41: Tim's OLT 43:42-44:48: Credits 44:53-44:57: Outtake

    #53: The Meaning of Dec. 25 and Anti-Semitic Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 57:50


    For the holidays, we're digging into why Christmas is celebrated on December 25--and no, it's not just because of Saturnalia. And then we chat about the sharp rise in anti-Semitic violence the past few years and whether or not there's any reason for hope. And in One Last Thing, Dan read another audiobook this month and Tim has been flipping through the scholarly journals. Some of the things we talked about this month: Our guest, Dr. McGowan, brought up mariology. Here are discussions of the planned attack on the synagogue in Pueblo, CO and the successful one in Poway, CA. And here is a description of the vandalism in an Omaha, NE cemetery. Dan mentioned a verse in the Gospel of John that refers to Jews as the children of the devil. (And here is why it shouldn't be taken out of context.) Dan's OLT was about Mythos: The Grek Myths Retold, by Stephen Fry. Tim's OLT was about "Kids These Days: Why the Youth of Today Seem Lacking," by John Protzko and Jonathan W. Schooler. 0:00-0:58: Introduction 1:02-27:06: McGowan interview 27:10-50:40: Anti-Semitic violence discussion 50:45-53:49: Dan's OLT 53:50-56:49: Tim's OLT 56:50-57:49: Credits

    #52: Christian Right in the States and Faith in the 2020 Democratic Nomination Fight

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2019 47:25


    This month, we talk to Tim's longtime friend Kimberly Horn Conger about her work documenting the Christian Right at the state level. Then she sticks around to help us break down how the 2020 Democratic hopefuls are using faith, and whose rhetoric might be most effective. And in One Last Thing, both Dan and Tim are reflecting on bad behavior. Some of the things we discuss in this episode: Dr. Conger referenced several Supreme Court cases, including Obergefell v. Hodges, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and Webster v. Reproductive Health Services. She also mentioned the book The Rights Turn in Conservative Christian Politics, by Andrew Lewis. Dan mentioned The Culture of Disbelief, by Stephen Carter. Dan's One Last Thing was about How to Behave Badly in Elizabethan England, by Ruth Goodman. Tim's One Last Thing was about the Twitter account @presvillain and the essay "On Bullshit." (Tim also mentioned Calvinball. If you don't know Calvin and Hobbes, drop everything and buy one of Bill Watterson's books.) 0:00-1:41: Introduction 1:45-20:58: The Christian Right in the states 21:02-38:19: Faith in the 2020 Democratic nomination fight 38:24-41:13: Dan's OLT 41:14-45:57: Tim's OLT 45:58-47:01: Credits 47:05-47:24: Outtake

    #51: Holy Disunity and Trump as Messiah

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2019 52:21


    This month we talk to Presbyterian minister Layton Williams about her new book Holy Disunity and her thesis that authenticity is more important than unity. Then the two of us settle in to chat about the "quasi-messianic" language that's come out of the White House recently. (Note: we knew when we recorded this episode that the events we discussed in our B-segment would have been overtaken by other scandals many times over by the time it came out, but we had no way of knowing there would be an actual impeachment inquiry underway. So enjoy this window into the more innocent time that was the middle of last month.) Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Here is the tweet and the video that made our second segment possible, and here is the article that inspired us to talk about it. Dan mentioned this moment as possible evidence of Trump's cognitive decline. Tim's OLT was about the New York Times' 1619 Project. And Dan's OLT was about the audio versions of Robert Caro's biographies of Lyndon Johnson.   0:00-1:44: Introduction 1:48-22:33: Williams interview 22:38-45:44: "Trump as messiah" conversation 45:49-48:09: Tim's OLT 48:10-51:22: Dan's OLT 51:23-52:21: Credits

    #50: Teaching the Teachers and What We’ve Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 36:10


    It's our 50th episode! This month we talk to Christopher Murray, a DC-area high school teacher who started a program to teach his colleagues about the religious diversity they might find among their students. And then we spend a few minutes chatting about what we've learned in our first 50 episodes. Finally, in One Last Thing, Dan is going on vicarious coffee dates and Tim is revising the history of early 90s TV. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: Here is the article that inspired our talk with Chris Murray. Tim referenced this famous experiment. Dan's OLT was about Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Tim's OLT was about Zack Morris is Trash. (He especially loves this episode.) 0:00-1:18: Introduction 1:22-14:43: Murray interview 14:47-28:47: 50th episode chat 28:52-31:56: Dan's OLT 31:57-35:09: Tim's OLT 35:10-36:10: Credits

    #49: Supreme Court Wrap-Up 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 46:41


    This month we return to our August tradition of discussing the 2018-19 Supreme Court term with friend-of-the-show Ann Duncan. And in One Last Thing, both Dan and Tim have been watching TV of a supernatural variety. *** We burned through a lot of Supreme Court cases in this episode. If you want to read the decisions for yourself, the cases are American Legion v. American Humanist Association (Establishment clause), Box v. Planned Parenthood (abortion), Bucklew v. Precythe (death penalty), Madison v. Alabama (also death penalty), Gamble v. US (abortion again, kind of), and Commerce v. New York (the census). Ann referenced this tweetstorm by the President of the United States of America and recommended the latest season of NPR's Embedded. Dan's OLT was about the third season of Netflix's Stranger Things. Tim's OLT was about the Amazon Prime miniseries Good Omens. 0:00-1:24: Introduction 1:28-40:36: Supreme Court discussion with Dr. Ann Duncan 40:41-43:06: Dan's OLT 43:06-45:36: Tim's OLT 45:36-46:40: Credits

    Episode #48: Toddie Peters on Reproductive Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2019 40:01


    This month: with abortion restrictions making headlines across the South and Midwest, it's a good time to talk to Rebecca Todd Peters about her new book Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice. And in One Last Thing, both Dan and Tim have been watching movies about unsavory characters, but those movies were...not the same. UC Berkeley Law School published this primer on reproductive justice. And this Vox article discusses the data Dr. Peters referenced about declining abortion rates. Dan's OLT was about Pink Flamingos. Tim's OLT was about the documentaries FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened and FYRE FRAUD. 0:00-1:26: Introduction 1:31-31:52: Peters interview 31:57-35:06: Dan's OLT 35:07-38:37: Tim's OLT 38:38-39:39: Credits 39:45-40:01: Outtake

    #47: Israeli Democratic Erosion and the Museum of the Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2019 53:28


    To start off the summer, we talk this month about the erosion of democracy in Israel and Dan's recent trip to the Museum of the Bible. NOTE: we recorded this show prior to last week's announcement that Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for new elections in Israel. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: There are lots of good resources on the question of whether Israel is in a democratic backslide, including this Brookings Institute briefing paper and this Vox article. If you don't know The Princess Bride, here is the reference Dan was making. But then, if you've never seen The Princess Bride, you should really be doing that rather than listening to this show. Material Dan read about the Museum of the Bible included both Bible Nation by Candida Moss and Joel Baden and Steven Young's chapter in Christian Tourist Attractions, Mythmaking, and Identity Formation. And you can read some of Dan's thoughts about the museum, and see some of his pictures, in the newest area of our web site. Dan's One Last Thing was about the AMC/Netflix show The Killing. Tim's One Last Thing was about The Good Place: The Podcast and the Cube Rule of Food.   0:00-1:35: Introduction 1:40-23:33: Israeli democratic erosion 23:37-44:51: Museum of the Bible 44:56-48:25: Dan's OLT 48:25-51:49: Tim's OLT 51:49-53:01: Credits 53:03-53:28: Outtake

    #46: Crisis in the UMC

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 47:22


    On this month’s Impolite Conversation, we talk to a scholar and a bishop about the continuing crisis regarding the status of LGBTQ people in the United Methodist Church. First, Iliff School of Theology president Thomas Wolfe shares his thoughts with us. Then Karen Oliveto, the first LGBT bishop in UMC history, spares some moments to consider what the situation means for her and her flock. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been watching TV (again) and Tim has been reading News of the Gross (again). Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Here is the statement Dr. Wolfe released to the Iliff community. And here is Bishop Oliveto’s memoir. Dan’s OLT was about the Amazon show Hanna. And Tim’s OLT was about this poor woman. 0:00-1:57: Introductions 2:01-27:41: Wolfe interview 27:46-41:17: Oliveto interview 41:21-43:45: Dan’s OLT 43:46-46:10: Tim’s OLT 46:11-47:13: Credits 47:17-47:22: Outtake

    #45: Immigration and Christian Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2019 34:35


    On this month's Imp Convo, Oxford Pastorate associate pastor Robert Heimburger joins us via Skype to talk about his new book God and the Illegal Alien: United States Immigration Law and a Theology of Politics. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been watching TV again and Tim is taking music advice from an old friend. Warning: there is a brief moment of explicit language in this episode. No links from the main show this month, but Dan's OLT is The Umbrella Academy, and Tim's is The Dip Delivers. 0:00-1:22: Introduction 1:26-27:38: Heimburger interview 27:43-31:47: Dan's OLT 31:47-33:34: Tim's OLT 33:35-34:35: Credits

    #44: The Trump Prophecy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 55:29


    This month, Impolite Conversation goes to the movies to discuss the Liberty University-produced film The Trump Prophecy and what it tells us about evangelical culture and the connection between the religious right and Donald Trump. And then Dan and Tim chat some more about the film and What It All Means. (Spoiler: we didn't like it.) And in One Last Thing, Dan is tracking a serial killer, and Tim is watching a woman be killed serially. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: The Trump Prophecy is available to rent, but we wouldn't recommend it. Dr. Willenbrink provided the greatest summary of The Day After Tomorrow we've ever heard. The talking heads in The Trump Prophecy included Jerry Boykin and Michele Bachmann. Here are the supplements sold by the real Dr. Colbert. Dr. Willenbrink also introduced us to the term SAGE Cons, but not this kind. Tim brought up the short-lived, much-mourned TV show Firefly, and how the spaceship was a character on the show. One Last Thing should be like the music of "Karma Chameleon," not the lyrics of "Karma Chameleon." Dan's One Last Thing was the BBC series The ABC Murders (also available on Amazon Prime). Tim's One Last Thing was the Netflix series Russian Doll. (Trailer NSFW.) 0:00-1:53: Introduction 1:57-39:09: Willenbrink interview 39:14-48:15: Trump Prophecy conversation 48:20-51:20: Dan's OLT 51:21-54:26: Tim's OLT 54:26-55:29: Credits

    #43: The Faith Profile of the 116th Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 39:52


    There's a new Congress in Washington, DC, so we're spending this month talking about the growing diversity of the faiths it represents, the ongoing "theistic bias" in representation, and the consequences for American governance. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Here is the Pew report we based our conversation on. Dan referenced videos reducing the world's population to 100 representative people. Here's one. Tim referenced this graph of the nations of the world by GDP and religiosity. Dan's One Last Thing was the BBC America series Killing Eve. Tim's One Last Thing was the Amazon Prime series Homecoming. 0:00-1:14: Introductions 1:15-32:38: Congress conversation 32:43-35:43: Dan's OLT 35:43-38:23: Tim's OLT 38:23-39:33: Credits 39:38-39:52: Outtake

    #42: Don’t Ask Muslims to Condemn Terrorism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2019 48:56


    On this the first Imp Convo of 2019, friend of the show Todd Green talks to us about his new book Presumed Guilty: Why We Shouldn't Ask Muslims to Condemn Terrorism. And in a 2018 retrospective edition of One Last Thing, Dan gets meta about the year gone by and Tim muses on scandals past and present. Some of the things we discussed on this episode: Todd referenced this Google Doc which documents thousands of instances of Muslims condemning terrorism. Tim really, really likes the podcast Slow Burn. 0:00-1:14: Introduction 1:18-42:34: Green interview 42:39-45:24: Dan's OLT 45:25-47:52: Tim's OLT 47:52-48:56: Credits

    #41: “God’s Politics” and The Hollywood Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2018 64:27


    This month on Impolite Conversation we chat with the Very Reverend (and longtime Dan-friend) Barkley Thompson about trying to approach the political realm as a Christian rather than a partisan. His new book is In the Midst of the City: The Gospel and God's Politics. And then we break format to shamelessly promote Tim's new book with Heather Yates of the University of Central Arkansas, The Hollywood Connection: The Influence of Fictional Media and Celebrity Politics on American Public Opinion. (Makes a great stocking stuffer!) And in One Last Thing, Dan mourns the passing of Stan Lee and Tim dances on the grave of the Florida felon disenfranchisement law. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Reverend Thompson mentioned his love for Wendell Berry and Flannery O'Connor, especially the short story "A Good Man Is Hard to Find." Reverend Thompson also alluded to Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone and Paul Tillich's discussion of "ultimate concern." Tim mentioned Bernard Cohen's famous assertion that "the press may not be successful much of the time in telling people what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling its readers what to think about." Here is a short literature review on the phenomenon of agenda-setting. And here is the episode of Imp Convo co-hosted by the great and good Ashley Van Fleet. Dan's One Last Thing was about the passing of Stan Lee. Tim's One Last Thing was about Florida voters repealing that state's felon disenfranchisement law. Dan mentioned John Oliver's (NSFW) take on that topic. 0:00-1:03: Introduction 1:07-37:47: Thompson interview 37:51-56:26: Hill interview 56:30-59:29: Dan's OLT 59:29-63:03: Tim's OLT 63:03-64:07: Credits 64:11-64:27: Outtakes

    #40: Politics’ Impact on Religion

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2018 46:18


    This month on Impolite Conversation: we reconsider the causal arrow between religious attendance and political beliefs as we welcome Michele Margolis to talk to us about her book From Politics to the Pews: How Partisanship and the Political Environment Shape Religious Identity. And in One Last Thing, Dan wants to talk about Fear, while Tim wants to talk about inspiration. Some of the things we talked about this month: Dan mentioned Tradition in a Rootless World, by Lynn Davidman. Dan's OLT was about Bob Woodward's new book Fear: Trump in the White House. And that got us chatting about Dan Drezner's #ToddlerinChief thread and NBC's count of the days the president has spent at self-owned properties. Tim's OLT was about the astounding world record set by Eliud Kipchoge. 0:00-1:03: Introductions 1:08-37:11: Margolis interview 37:15-41:20: Dan's OLT 41:20-44:55: Tim's OLT 44:55-45:54: Credits 45:59-46:18: Outtakes

    #39: Christian Nationalism and Gun Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2018 36:02


    On this month's episode, Andrew Whitehead talks to us about his recent article which links Christian nationalism with opposition to gun control. He explains what scholars mean by "Christian nationalism" and how a religion founded long before the invention of either guns or America is used to justify an absolutist reading of the Second Amendment. And in One Last Thing, Tim has been prepping for Halloween and Jack Ryan has been disappointing Dan. Some of the links for this episode: Dr. Whitehead's article, "Gun Control in the Crosshairs," is available ungated. Tim's OLT was about The Adventures of Superhero Girl. Dan's OLT was about the Amazon reboot Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. 0:00-1:32: Introduction 1:36-25:51: Whitehead interview 25:55-29:52: Tim OLT 29:53-34:52: Dan OLT 34:53-36:01: Credits

    #38: Religious Freedom, the Sessions DOJ, and “Satanists” in Arkansas

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2018 53:00


    This month on Impolite Conversation, we dive into the recent headlines to talk about religious freedom and what Jeff Sessions' Department of Justice really means when it uses that term. Then we turn our attention to Arkansas, where Satanists--or really, "Satanists"--erected a goat-headed idol on the statehouse grounds in Little Rock. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been reading a book-length history of Batman and Tim has been reading stories so short, they fit into a single tweet. Some of the things we discussed in this episode: The executive orders that frame the first topic are cataloged at the White House web site. You can read more about the Religious Liberty Summit here. Two books worth reading on church and state issues: Founding Faith by Steven Waldman and The Culture of Disbelief by Stephen Carter. Three court cases integral to this conversation: Reynolds v. US, Sherbert v. Verner, and Employment Division v. Smith. There were many articles about the protest in Little Rock, but this may be the best one. Oh, and here's the petition to name a piece of a septic system after an Arkansas state legislator. Dan's OLT was The Caped Crusade by Glen Weldon. He recommends the audiobook. Tim's OLT was the Micro Flash Fiction account on Twitter. 0:00-1:34: Introductions 1:35-27:24: Religious Liberty Task Force 27:28-44:47: Protest in Little Rock 44:52-48:32: Dan's OLT 48:33-51:23: Tim's OLT 51:24-52:31: Credits 52:35-53:00: Outtakes

    Episode #37: Supreme Court Wrap-Up 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2018 56:39


    This month, we welcome back friend-of-the-show Ann Duncan to talk about the 2017-18 Supreme Court season, including Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, NIFLA v. Becerra, and Trump v. Hawaii. She helps us understand why this was such a good year for conservatives in terms of the Court's religion cases, and scopes out what soon-to-be Justice Kavanaugh portends for the terms to come. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been spending his summer at the movie house, while Tim has been catching up on Chinese science fiction. Some of the things we discuss in this episode: Ann mentioned Moral Combat by Marie Griffith and this article by Winnifred Sullivan. Here's a case summary of Korematsu v. US, which many (including the dissenting justices) compared to the ruling in Trump v. Hawaii. Dan's OLT was about Deadpool 2 (trailer NSFW) and The Incredibles 2. And Tim's OLT was about The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin. 0:00-1:05 Introduction 1:05-50:40: Duncan interview 50:45-53:02: Dan's OLT 53:03-55:33: Tim's OLT 55:33-56:38: Credits

    #36: Sex in the Roman Empire and the Bible as a Political Weapon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2018 52:33


    In this month's Impolite Conversation, we talk to David Wheeler-Reed about his new book, Regulating Sex in the Roman Empire: Ideology, the Bible, and the Early Christians. And then Dan and Tim chat about what it means when politicians quote Scripture to make a political point. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been doing some reading of his own about the ancient world, but Tim just wants to strut his summer away. Some of the things we talked about on this episode: This was an unusually Bible-heavy episode: we discussed I Corinthians 7, I Corinthians 13, Romans 13, and this passage from Exodus. Dan's OLT was Alberto Manguel's book Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey: A Biography. Tim's OLT was a little bit Slow Burn but mostly The Stunning's new album Twice Around the World. 0:00-1:58: Introduction 2:02-29:38: Wheeler-Reed interview 29:42-45:00: Bible in politics discussion 45:04-47:43: Dan's OLT 47:44-50:55: Tim's OLT 50:56-52:15: Credits 52:18-52:33: Outtake

    #35: Talking Same-Sex Marriage Opposition With College Sophomores

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2018 45:05


    In this episode, we go into Dan's class on "Gender, Sex, Race, and the Bible" to discuss Ludger Viefhues-Bailey's book Between a Man and a Woman? Why Conservatives Oppose Same-Sex Marriage. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been watching the Marvel apocalypse, Courtney has been thinking about graduations as endings, and Tim just wants to gross you out. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: If you want some summer reading, you can email Dan for his syllabus. In his book, Viefhues-Bailey referenced both What's the Matter With Kansas? and this debate between Alan Wolfe and James Davison Hunter. Courtney mentioned the Buddhist flag. Dan's OLT is about Avengers: Infinity War. And if you don't know an infinity stone from a kidney stone, NPR's Glen Weldon has you covered. Courtney's OLT is about graduations. And Tim's OLT is about this poor woman. 0:00-1:27: Introduction 1:32-35:45: Roundtable discussion 35:49-38:23: Dan's OLT 38:24-41:10: Courtney's OLT 41:10-43:38: Tim's OLT 43:38-44:48: Credits 44:49-45:04: Outtake

    #34: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part III (AUDIO FIXED)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2018 47:03


    On this episode of Impolite Conversation, our friend Kimberly Jarvis joins us as we wrap up our three-month exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a roundtable discussion of what the future of the conflict might look like. And in One Last Thing, Kim has more thoughts on the Middle East, Courtney has thoughts on being an A’s fan, Dan has thoughts on Jessica Jones, and Tim has thoughts on the recent Simpsons dust-up. Note: there was a small problem with the audio in the first release of this show. This release should fix it. Some of the things we discussed in this show: This map shows the 1948 border between Israel and the Palestinian territories. Dan mentioned King David, featuring Richard Gere. Kim referenced this article on the recent Palestinian protests. Tim talked about Israel/Palestine by Alan Dowty. Kim’s OLT was about the documentary Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS and the book Notes on a Foreign Country. Courtney’s OLT was about the Oakland A’s. Dan’s OLT was about season 2 of Jessica Jones. And Tim’s OLT was about The Problem With Apu. 0:00-1:41: Introductions 1:41-33:05: Israel/Palestine conversation 33:10-36:06: Kim’s OLT 36:06-38:19: Courtney’s OLT 38:19-41:50: Dan’s OLT 41:51-45:36: Tim’s OLT 45:37-46:51: Credits 46:54-47:03: Outtake

    #34: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part III

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2018 47:03


    On this episode of Impolite Conversation, our friend Kimberly Jarvis joins us as we wrap up our three-month exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a roundtable discussion of what the future of the conflict might look like. And in One Last Thing, Kim has more thoughts on the Middle East, Courtney has thoughts on being an A's fan, Dan has thoughts on Jessica Jones, and Tim has thoughts on the recent Simpsons dust-up. Some of the things we discussed in this show: This map shows the 1948 border between Israel and the Palestinian territories. Dan mentioned King David, featuring Richard Gere. Kim referenced this article on the recent Palestinian protests. Tim talked about Israel/Palestine by Alan Dowty. Kim's OLT was about the documentary Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS and the book Notes on a Foreign Country. Courtney's OLT was about the Oakland A's. Dan's OLT was about season 2 of Jessica Jones. And Tim's OLT was about The Problem With Apu. 0:00-1:41: Introductions 1:41-33:05: Israel/Palestine conversation 33:10-36:06: Kim's OLT 36:06-38:19: Courtney's OLT 38:19-41:50: Dan's OLT 41:51-45:36: Tim's OLT 45:37-46:51: Credits 46:54-47:03: Outtake  

    #33: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2018 45:01


    This month, we continue our exploration of the history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with a discussion about the history of the region since Israel's founding since 1948. And in One Last Thing, Dan gets reflective about Black Panther and Tim gets excited about a TV show that wants to ruin everything. Some things we discussed in this month's show: Our guest Vaughn Shannon wrote a book about Israel, Palestine, and the United States. Dan's OLT was about Black Panther, but more about the hope it gives us for the future. Tim's OLT was about Adam Ruins Everything. 0:00-1:19: Introduction 1:20-37:31: Shannon interview 37:36-40:56: Dan's OLT 40:57-43:43: Tim's OLT 43:44-45:01: Credits

    #32: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2018 41:52


    For March, we begin a three-month conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by chatting with the eminent Middle East historian James Gelvin about the roots of the dispute. And in One Last Thing, we've all been watching television that we don't really have time for. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: -Dr. Gelvin's book The Israel-Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War is an excellent primer on the issue, and is available in four different languages. -Dan's OLT was about the long-running BBC series Poirot. -Courtney's OLT was about the much shorter-running but still excellent The Good Place. -And Tim's OLT was about the even shorter-running and much weirder Altered Carbon. 0:00-0:14: Announcement 0:15-1:48: Introduction 1:52-32:10: Gelvin interview 32:15-35:43: Dan's OLT 35:44-37:52: Courtney's OLT 37:53-40:38: Tim's OLT 40:39-41:46: Credits 41:47-41:52: Outtake

    #31: Our American Decalogue

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2018 39:56


    In this episode of Impolite Conversation, Jenna Weissman Joselit discusses her new book Set in Stone: America's Embrace of the Ten Commandments. And in One Last Thing, we all riff on Oprah 2020 after Courtney's date with the Golden Globes. Plus, Dan has things to say about Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Tim has been streaming some TV shows. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: Dr. Weissman Joselit prefers the 1929 version of Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments to the 1956 version. We debate the Supreme Court's wisdom in its rulings in Van Orden v. Perry and McCreary County v. ACLU. And that reminded Dr. Weissman Joselit of this mall in Lewisville, TX. Courtney's OLT about Oprah's speech at the Golden Globes got us talking. Dan's OLT was about Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but also a little bit about CinemaSins on YouTube. Tim's OLT touched on both Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Hulu's Marvel's Runaways. 0:00-1:42: Introduction 1:42-25:28: Weissman Joselit interview 25:33-32:20: Courtney's OLT/Oprah talk 32:20-36:15: Dan's OLT 36:16-38:32: Tim's OLT 38:33-39:40: Credits 39:42-39:57: Outtakes

    #30: Roe v. Wade: Past, Present, and Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2018 39:12


    On this month's show, we commemorate the 45th anniversary of the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade by talking to a scholar about how that case changed abortion politics, what the issue looks like today, and what we might expect going forward. And in One Last Thing, we take a final look back at 2017 to judge what best encapsulates the year we all just survived. Some things we talked about in this show: Our guest is Dr. Joshua Wilson. His book is The New States of Abortion Politics. Dr. Wilson mentioned Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt, and also a new Pew poll on abortion in America. He also said that most Americans' views on abortion are nuanced, a point underscored by a recent Vox poll. Dan's year-end OLT was Stranger Things. See the kids from that show on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Late Late Show with James Corden. Tim's year-end OLT was the eclipse. Here are some pictures from it, because you can never have too many pictures of the eclipse. 0:00-1:33: Introduction 1:38-32:11: Wilson interview 32:16-34:59: Dan OLT 35:00-36:57: Tim OLT 36:58-38:18: Credits 38:19-39:11: Postscript: Thank you, Bryan Kelley

    IC Supplemental: Roy Moore Loses and Trump’s Move on Jerusalem

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2017 20:58


    In this supplemental episode of Impolite Conversation, we talk to Nick Davis of Texas A&M about why white evangelicals were so loyal to Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, and then try to hash out what it means that President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

    #29: Hindu Nationalism and the Role of International Yoga Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2017 42:34


    This month, Tim, Dan, and Courtney discuss Hindu nationalism in India, and particularly the role played by International Yoga Day, a holiday you maybe didn't even know existed. Then in One Last Thing, Courtney has been watching Trump in China, and Dan and Tim have been watching television. Some of the things we talked about in this episode: The United Nations has information about International Yoga Day. The New York Times has a nice interactive timeline about the 2002 Gujarat riots, which Narendra Modi did little to stop or condemn. Here is the exit poll in which almost one in five Trump voters said he was not qualified to be president. NPR's Planet Money had a two-part series about the Indian rupee exchange. Courtney's OLT was about what ordinary Chinese people think of President Trump's recent visit to their country. Dan's OLT was about the Netflix series Stranger Things. And Tim's OLT was about the BBC America series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. 0:00-1:29: Introduction 1:30-33:17: Hindu Nationalism 33:21-35:59: Courtney's OLT 35:59-38:04: Dan's OLT 38:04-41:04: Tim's OLT 41:05-42:33: Credits

    #28: The Civil Rights Movement and Taking a Knee

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2017 40:07


    On this episode of Impolite Conversation, we talk to Paul Harvey of the University of Colorado--Colorado Springs about the role religion played in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and how that role has changed in 2017. Then we have a chat about Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, and the symbols of civil religion. And in One Last Thing, Dan is hunting serial killers, Courtney is keeping an eye on the halls of power in Beijing, and Tim goes intergalactic. Some things we talk about in this episode: During our talk with Dr. Harvey, we mentioned Moral Mondays, the Fight for 15, Stephen Carter's The Culture of Disbelief, and our own fifth episode. During our chat about football, Courtney referenced Ninian Smart's seven dimensions of religion. In One Last Thing, Dan talked about Mindhunter, Courtney discussed the recent Chinese election, and Tim discussed the WHIM between galaxies. 0:00-1:21: Introduction 1:25-16:36: Harvey interview 16:40-32:11: Football conversation 32:16-35:12: Dan's OLT 35:13-36:39: Courtney's OLT 36:40-38:41: Tim's OLT 38:42-39:59: Credits 40:00-40:07: Outtake

    #27: Rohingya Genocide and Philippine Crucifixion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2017 55:33


    We're happy to announce that this month's Imp Convo is the first for our new co-host, Courtney Bruntz! After two years of making the show, we finally have someone involved who knows what she's talking about. And since we have expertise on our panel, we're digging into it this month. First, Courtney walks us through the roots of the genocide currently being perpetrated against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. And then Dan gives us a preview of his latest research into Philippine crucifixion rituals. (Hint: he's found a comics connection.) And in One Last Thing, Courtney does doga, Dan gets poetic about The Defenders, and Tim can't get rid of The Babadook. Some things we talked about this month: The Rohingya refugee crisis has fallen off the front pages, but that doesn't mean it's gone away. Heartfelt Heroes has an active Facebook page, which includes pictures of Hawkgirl. Vice News has a short film about the Philippine crucifixion ritual. Please note that you are clicking on a film about people allowing themselves to be crucified. Don't say we didn't warn you. In One Last Thing, Courtney talks doga, Dan talks Defenders, and Tim talks Babadook. 0:00-2:07 Opening 2:08-25:12 Rohingya genocide 25:13-47:13 Philippine crucifixion rituals 47:14-49:32 Courtney OLT 49:33-51:11 Dan OLT 51:12-54:11 Tim OLT 54:12-55:33 Closing

    #26: Religious Literacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2017 50:01


    This month on Impolite Conversation, we talk with Leah Rediger-Schulte, Doane's new Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, about why religious literacy is important for ourselves, our schools, and our society. And in One Last Thing, Leah studies a nontraditional sacred text, Dan reads about the comic book purges of the 1950s, and Tim goes to see a romantic comedy that's about more than just romance and comedy. Some of the things we talked about this month: Stephen Prothero's book Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't was the inspiration for this episode. Prothero's quiz is in the back of the book, or you can find it online here. Dan mentioned Diana Eck's book Encountering God. Leah mentioned From Bubble to Bridge, by Marion Larson and Sarah Shady. Watch the social capital video produced by the Interfaith Youth Core. Or go to their website for lots of other resources. In One Last Thing, Leah talked about Vanessa Zoltan's podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. Dan's OLT was on The Ten-Cent Plague, by David Hajdu. Finally, Tim's OLT was about The Big Sick. 0:00-1:34 Opening 1:34-36:48 Rediger-Schulte interview 36:53-38:41 Rediger-Schulte OLT 38:42-43:36 Clanton OLT 43:37-47:59 Hill OLT 48:00-49:50 Closing 42-54-50:01 Outtakes

    #25: Supreme Court Wrap-Up 2017

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2017 53:45


    In this episode, we have our annual chat with Ann Duncan of Goucher College about what the Supreme Court hath wrought in the term that ended in June. And in One Last Thing, Dan has been visiting Pawnee, Indiana and Tim has been reading about super-powered rodents. Some of the things we talked about this month: The best place on the web for information and analysis of the Supreme Court is SCOTUSblog. Here is their coverage of Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, Pavan v. Smith, and Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project. In One Last Thing, Dan talked about Parks and Recreation. If you're politically minded, here's a reaction to Trump's victory in November written by a Parks and Rec writer in the voice of Leslie Knope. And finally, Tim discussed The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. 0:00-1:13 Opening 1:18-43:13: Duncan interview 43:17-47:54: Clanton OLT 47:54-52:15: Hill OLT 52:16-53:29: Closing 53:33-53:45: Outtake

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