State of Belief - Religion and radio done differently.

This week's episode of The State of Belief features interviews with guests along Interfaith Alliance's “The Vote is Sacred Bus Tour.” Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush visits with Karim Khayati, Rabbi Deanna Sussman, Rev. Sarah Jones, Dan Osborn, Connie Ryan, State Sen. Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott, Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot, Rhonda Lindner, Rev. Breanna Illéné, […] The post November 2, 2024 – The Vote Is Sacred Bus Tour first appeared on State of Belief.

 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 singled out. As we mark the start […] The post September 30, 2023 – Banned Books Week with Tracie D. Hall and Sabrina Baêta first appeared on State of Belief.

 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, […] The post September 23, 2023 – The Gospel According to James Baldwin with author Greg Garrett first appeared on State of Belief.

 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 […] The post September 16, 2023: Faith and Public Service with Texas Reps Salman Bhojani and James Talarico first appeared on State of Belief.

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. […] The post September 9, 2023: The Real Moral Majority with Rev. Jen Butler first appeared on State of Belief.

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 is Senior Fellow […] The post September 2, 2023 – What Good Religion Can Do With Katherine Marshall first appeared on State of Belief.

 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 […] The post August 26, 2023 – A Call to Conscience at the Parliament of the World's Religions first appeared on State of Belief.

 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 how these themes […] The post August 19, 2023 – The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy with Robert P. Jones first appeared on State of Belief.

 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 80 nations. […] The post August 12, 2023 – Preview: Defending Freedom and Human Rights at the Parliament of the World's Religions first appeared on State of Belief.

 I’m convinced that Christian nationalism makes us bad Christians. -Andrew Whitehead 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 […] The post August 5, 2023 – American Idolatry with Andrew Whitehead first appeared on State of Belief.

 “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, […] The post July 29, 2023 – Protecting Democracy with Congressman Jamie Raskin first appeared on State of Belief.

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 outreach during […] The post July 22, 2023 – Staying Awoke with Derrick Harkins first appeared on State of Belief.

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 […] The post July 15, 2023 – Setbacks from SCOTUS with Elizabeth Reiner Platt first appeared on State of Belief.

The tables turn this week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast. Our host, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, will be sitting in the guest chair, as former CBS News White House Correspondent Peter Maer interviews Paul about his first year at the helm of Interfaith Alliance. As the great-grandson of […] The post July 8, 2023 – Peter Maer Interviews Paul Raushenbush first appeared on State of Belief.

 From the COVID-19 pandemic to the January 6th insurrection, there's no shortage of twists and turns the nation has endured in recent years. Underpinning each of these events is a battle over what's true and what's false, forcing Americans to more carefully consider where they receive their information. This week on The State of […] The post July 1, 2023 – Kevin M. Kruse, Re-righting History first appeared on State of Belief.

All this month, Interfaith Alliance and its partners are celebrating Faith for Pride, our annual effort to mobilize people of all faiths and none in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Our work aims to energize faith-based organizations, congregations, and activists around Pride Month and equip them with the tools to support LGBTQ+ justice year-round. On this week's […] The post June 17, 2023 – Faith for Pride 2023 first appeared on State of Belief.

Since 2006, our radio show and podcast State of Belief has brought lively and impactful discussions to the homes of Americans across faith and place. Even after more than two decades, there is nothing on the airwaves like State of Belief: our conversations with inspiring leaders illuminate the path to securing equal rights for people from […] The post June 10, 2023 – Forward With Bishop William Barber II first appeared on State of Belief.

Nearly three decades ago, Interfaith Alliance was founded to celebrate true religious freedom and to challenge the bigotry and hatred arising from religious and political extremists. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever, as Christian nationalists and their allies try to blur the boundaries between church and state. On this week's State of Belief, […] The post June 3, 2023 – The None-bers Game With Ryan Burge first appeared on State of Belief.

The majority of faith groups and congregations across the country are inspired by their traditions to celebrate the inherent dignity and worth of all people, including the many beloved LGBTQ+ members of their communities. But an extremist minority is working to distort the meaning of religious freedom to discriminate against those who identify or believe differently than […] The post Faith for Pride 2023 first appeared on State of Belief.

If there’s one thing our age demands, it’s courage. Courage for solidarity with the marginalized; to uphold principle; and to live with integrity. A powerful book on the subject has just been published by Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Epicopal bishop of Washington, DC, How We Learn To Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life […] The post May 27, 2023 – How We Learn to be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde first appeared on State of Belief.

There may be different motives behind the widespread othering of Black and LGBTQI+ Americans today, but the tactics are, sadly, effective – and dangerous to our very democracy. Worse, religious rhetoric gets dragged into the conversation even as books on historical racism get banned and some 500 anti-LGBTQI+ bills proliferate in statehouses across the country. […] The post May 20, 2023 – The White Mother I Never Knew, John Blake first appeared on State of Belief.

In recent years, American evangelical identity has become so closely associated with only its most politically conservative, religiously narrow, and culturally white claimants. Today, white evangelicals are considered to be the most reliable supporters of the Republican Party and its political candidates. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, […] The post May 13, 2023 – Experts on Evangelicalism: Brad Onishi and Isaac Sharp first appeared on State of Belief.

The vast majority of Americans reject religious extremism – but that doesn't mean the anti-democratic Christian nationalist movement isn't a dangerous force to be reckoned with. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Eric K. Ward, executive vice president at Race […] The post May 6, 2023 – Eric Ward: A Punk Prescription for Building Community first appeared on State of Belief.

Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month provides us with an opportunity to recognize and appreciate Sikhs as an integral part of communities across America. Today, 19 states and numerous cities have adopted resolutions acknowledging the month. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush explores the […] The post April 29, 2023 – Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month first appeared on State of Belief.

Faith should be a bridge not a bludgeon. And yet, the Religious Right continues to weaponize religion to attack our LGBTQ+ siblings, religious minorities, and access to reproductive health care. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush speaks with guests at the forefront of […] The post April 22, 2023 – Dora Mohammad: Faith and Planned Parenthood first appeared on State of Belief.

We are seeing religious rhetoric and moral authority misused in many parts of our society. In state legislatures, the kind of sectarian language that would have never been uttered just a few years ago has become commonplace. And religious agendas are turning up at every level of government. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is enacting […] The post April 15, 2023 – Summit for Religious Freedom: AU's Rachel Laser first appeared on State of Belief.

Holy Week culminates with the arrival of Easter, a time when Christians gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus – the triumph of life over death. While Holy Week provides a time for prayer, worship, and community, the power of faith language to draw people together continues to be misused – most recently to feed […] The post April 8, 2023 – Living Easter with Bishop Mariann Budde first appeared on State of Belief.

Passover starts this year at sundown on Wednesday, April 5. A sacred holiday for the Jewish people, congregations this year are taking extra precautions ahead of this year's holiday after antisemitic incidents have reached a record high in the United States. Joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on this week's State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's […] The post April 1, 2023 – Rabbi Jonah Pesner: Passover Together first appeared on State of Belief.

Movements are made up of individuals – each with fears, biases, relationships and beliefs. That's why understanding – and if needed, countering – any movement requires a close and empathetic look at the individuals comprising it. Otherwise, it's just too easy to fall into the paralyzing “those people are all insane” dismissiveness so many Americans […] The post March 25, 2023 – Jeff Sharlet, The Undertow first appeared on State of Belief.

Antisemitism in this country has seen a resurgence few could have predicted just a few years ago. On State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is conducting a series of conversations about the history, strategy, impact and manifestations of bigotry and conspiracy theories aimed at our Jewish neighbors. Even more, we’re exploring ways dedicated […] The post Confronting Antisemitism first appeared on State of Belief.

This week, many Muslim Americans will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. A time of intense spiritual discipline, and fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk, Ramadan allows for contemplation of one’s relationship with God, intensive prayer, charity, and study of the Quran. As the seasons of Lent and Ramadan cross over […] The post MARCH 18, 2023 – Najeeba Syeed: A Peacemaker at Ramadan first appeared on State of Belief.

2023 is already a record year for anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S, with at least 385 anti-LGBTQ+ laws having been introduced at the state level as of March 3. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of […] The post March 11, 2023 – Majorities at the Margins first appeared on State of Belief.

As we turn the calendar page to March, celebrated as Women's History Month, this week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast we're excited to be speaking with Rev. Jennifer Bailey, founder and executive director of Faith Matters Network. Nowadays, there are endless opportunities for connecting along intersecting identities and priorities. […] The post March 4, 2023 – Rev. Jen Bailey, Creating Community Across Divisions first appeared on State of Belief.

As technology offers unprecedented opportunities for building alliances – and at the same time, division and rancor – The Rev. Adam Taylor is meeting the moment by working to create  communities for people united in their passion for social change. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, Adam walks […] The post February 25, 2023 – A New Vision With Rev. Adam Taylor first appeared on State of Belief.

Americans may have defeated Christian nationalist candidates at the ballot box this past November, but the ideology's influence still pervades our public life. That was the main takeaway from new survey data released last week, the most comprehensive poll to date on support for Christian nationalism across the nation. This week on State of Belief, […] The post February 18, 2023 – Christian Nationalism By the Numbers first appeared on State of Belief.

At a time when we're witnessing an alarming erosion in the rights of women, surging racism, increasing antisemitic rhetoric and violence, and growing attempts to erase the truth of queer identity and experience, it's crucial for us to be able to turn to leaders who can articulate a powerful, positive moral mandate for a more […] The post February 11, 2023 – Rabbi Sandra Lawson: Power in Positivity first appeared on State of Belief.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making national headlines once again, this time for being the impetus for College Board gutting its AP African American studies curriculum. The same people pushing to turn the United States into a Christian nation are working to erase the history of Black and Brown Americans, making it easier to spread […] The post February 4, 2023 – Fighting for Freedom in Florida and Beyond first appeared on State of Belief.

This past Wednesday, Interfaith Alliance released the comprehensive new report Big Tech, Hate and Religious Freedom Online. As a part of that release, Interfaith Alliance hosted an expert panel discussion, moderated by State of Belief host Rev. Paul Raushenbush. On this week's show, you'll hear the warnings and strategies the panelists. Zaki Barzinji is the […] The post January 28, 2023 – Big Tech, Hate and Religious Freedom Online first appeared on State of Belief.

At a time when the Religious Right and its elected allies misuse religion and attempt to force one set of beliefs on all, it is  always worth considering how we can channel faith to contribute toward the greater good. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, we'll be discussing […] The post January 21, 2023 – In Pursuit of the Greater Good first appeared on State of Belief.

This Monday, Americans across the spectrum of backgrounds and beliefs will join together to celebrate the life and incalculable impact of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If we are to honor his vision for the Beloved Community – and push back against those on the who have tried to repurpose his beliefs – […] The post January 14, 2023 – Dr. Martin Luther King Today first appeared on State of Belief.

Right now, people across faith and place are readjusting to everyday life after the holiday season. The dawn of a new year is always an opportunity to reflect, lean on our loved ones and our communities for strength and guidance, and consider what kind of change we want to see – and manifest – in […] The post January 7, 2023 – Making the Most of the New Year first appeared on State of Belief.

Each new calendar year seems to bring a fresh slate of challenges for this country. While some of us might look to the new year with trepidation, we can take comfort in the incredible victories our community achieved together in 2022. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, we […] The post December 31, 2022 – A Fresh Start in 2023 first appeared on State of Belief.

The Supreme Court's demolition of reproductive rights. The powerful faith-based mobilization behind the Respect for Marriage Act. The alarming rise of Christian nationalism on the campaign trail. To say 2022 has been a momentous year for religion and politics would be a huge understatement, and there's no better time than these last days of the […] The post December 24, 2022 – Religion and Politics in 2022 first appeared on State of Belief.

On December 13, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into federal law, ensuring all Americans can marry who they love. For months, Interfaith Alliance has been working alongside partners to push the Respect for Marriage Act across the finish line before a new Congress takes over in January. Rev. Paul Raushenbush, President of […] The post December 17, 2022 – How the Respect for Marriage Act Became Law first appeared on State of Belief.

Antisemitism is sharply on the rise across the nation. Unprovoked violence, dangerous rhetoric from public figures, leadership changes at Twitter enabling soaring numbers of hateful posts… It feels like a vicious cycle that threatens to desensitize Americans to levels of anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence that would have been unthinkable not too long ago. This week […] The post December 10, 2022 – Combating Antisemitism first appeared on State of Belief.

The 24/7 news cycle can feel relentless. As technology continues to advance, we increasingly live in a time of information overload and constant multitasking. Especially at the end of a long year, it’s a good time to take a step back, reflect, and make the time to process the hectic world around us – and […] The post December 3, 2022 – Religion by the Book first appeared on State of Belief.

Happy Thanksgiving! As challenging as this moment is for so many of us, the practice of active gratitude offers promise for both hope – and healing. On this special edition of State of Belief, the weekly radio program and podcast from Interfaith Alliance, host Rev. Paul Raushenbush shares an extended conversation with Rabbi Joshua Stanton, […] The post November 26, 2022 – Thanksgiving first appeared on State of Belief.

Across faiths, we're united by a shared obligation to protect our neighbors. Over the past week, we saw two powerful demonstrations of that principle in action in our nation's capital, as faith leaders across diverse backgrounds and beliefs gathered on Capitol Hill to combat Islamophobia and advance marriage equality. This week on State of Belief, […] The post November 19, 2022 – United for Our Neighbors first appeared on State of Belief.

It's been a week of surprises since election day on Nov. 8th. While control of both houses of Congress still hang in the balance, conventional wisdom suggests Christian nationalism, election denial and conspiracy theories turned out to be far less effective than feared. The wisdom our guests bring to this week's State of Belief, Interfaith […] The post November 12, 2022 – What Now? first appeared on State of Belief.

From coast-to-coast in recent years, we've witnessed the reemergence of appalling efforts being made to disenfranchise members of marginalized communities at the ballot box. These actions are why the fight to preserve voting rights for all has been a central focus of the work of many religious social justice groups for years. This week on […] The post November 5, 2022 – The Power of the Vote first appeared on State of Belief.

Considering the stakes, this year's midterm elections are far from normal. Recent polling suggests that Christian nationalism could be gaining traction on the right, but fortunately younger generations are resisting its encroachment into public life. Our vote remains powerful, but there is undoubtedly a clear and concerted effort underway by the Political Religious Right and […] The post October 29, 2022 – Midterm Mania and the Fight to Protect Democracy first appeared on State of Belief.