Scripture's Use and Abuse in American Politics: A Conversation with Kaitlyn Schiess

Episode • Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 11m

Explore how Scripture has been used and misused in American politics as Mike and Tim sit down with author Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss her new book, 'The Ballot and The Bible'. They delve into historical and contemporary implications of bringing faith into the public square, offering insights on navigating the intersection of religion and politics in a pluralistic society.

Key Takeaways:

The Role of Scripture in Politics – Understanding how the Bible has been historically used to both justify and challenge political systems in America.
Misinterpretations and Misuses – Discussing examples of how Scripture has been misapplied in political discourse, contributing to division and oppression.
Bringing Faith into the Public Sphere – Insights on responsibly sharing personal religious convictions in a diverse society without coercion.
Importance of Contextual Biblical Reading – Emphasizing reading the Bible in community and considering historical and canonical contexts to prevent misuse.
Engaging in Upcoming Political Seasons – Practical advice on how to prepare spiritually and mentally for political engagement, focusing on local issues and healthy dialogues.

Guest Highlights:

Kaitlyn Schiess – Author of 'The Ballot and The Bible' and 'The Liturgy of Politics', PhD student in political theology at Duke Divinity School, and contributor to the Holy Post podcast. Kaitlyn shares her expertise on faith and politics, encouraging thoughtful and respectful political engagement rooted in deep scriptural understanding.

Resources Mentioned:

'The Ballot and The Bible' by Kaitlyn Schiess – Link
'The Liturgy of Politics' by Kaitlyn Schiess – Link
Holy Post Podcast – Link
Duke Divinity School – Link

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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