Faithful Politics
Dive into the profound world of Faithful Politics, a compelling podcast where the spheres of faith and politics converge in meaningful dialogues. Guided by Pastor Josh Burtram (Faithful Host) and Will Wright (Political Host), this unique platform invites listeners to delve into the complex impact of political choices on both the faithful and faithless.
Join our hosts, Josh and Will, as they engage with world-renowned experts, scholars, theologians, politicians, journalists, and ordinary folks. Their objective? To deepen our collective understanding of the intersection between faith and politics.
Faithful Politics sets itself apart by refusing to subscribe to any single political ideology or religious conviction. This approach is mirrored in the diverse backgrounds of our hosts. Will Wright, a disabled Veteran and African-Asian American, is a former atheist and a liberal progressive with a lifelong intrigue in politics. On the other hand, Josh Burtram, a Conservative Republican and devoted Pastor, brings a passion for theology that resonates throughout the discourse.
Yet, in the face of their contrasting outlooks, Josh and Will display a remarkable ability to facilitate respectful and civil dialogue on challenging topics. This opens up a space where listeners of various political and religious leanings can find value and deepen their understanding.
So, regardless if you're a Democrat or Republican, a believer or an atheist, we assure you that Faithful Politics has insightful conversations that will appeal to you and stimulate your intellectual curiosity. Come join us in this enthralling exploration of the intricate nexus of faith and politics. Add us to your regular podcast stream and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Let's navigate this fascinating realm together!
Not Right. Not Left. UP.
Faithful Politics
How Faith Shapes Politics: PRRI’s Melissa Deckman Breaks Down the Numbers
What do Americans really believe about LGBTQ rights, same-sex marriage, and religious liberty? In this episode of the Faithful Politics Podcast, we’re joined by Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), one of the nation’s most trusted voices on the intersection of faith, culture, and politics. Deckman unpacks PRRI’s groundbreaking American Values Atlas, a massive data project that tracks shifts in public opinion across all 50 states, and shares insights from new research on the growing number of exvangelicals leaving the church.
Together, we explore why support for non-discrimination protections remains strong—even among many faith communities—how attitudes toward same-sex marriage have evolved since the Obergefell decision, and why religious refusals continue to spark debate in the courts and in everyday life. Deckman also explains how generational divides, mistrust of institutions, and regional differences complicate the story of religion and democracy in America.
If you want to understand how religion is shaping political debates on LGBTQ rights, abortion, immigration, and the future of American democracy, this conversation provides clarity, context, and the data to back it up.
- American Values Atlas: https://ava.prri.org
- Exvangelicals: Who They Are, Why They Left, and What They Believe: https://prri.org/spotlight/exvangelicals-who-they-are-why-they-left-and-what-they-believe/
Guest Bio
Melissa Deckman, Ph.D. is the CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), a nonpartisan research organization at the forefront of studying the intersection of religion, culture, and American politics. A political scientist and widely published scholar, Deckman has written extensively on gender, religion, and public opinion. Under her leadership, PRRI has produced landmark studies like the American Values Atlas and recent reports on the rise of exvangelicals. Her expertise makes her one of the leading voices on how faith communities influence—and are influenced by—the shifting tides of American democracy
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