Christianity

The Faith Angle

What does it mean to live as a person of faith in this crazy moment in American history? That’s the question behind The Faith Angle, a provocative podcast from journalists Kirsten Powers and Jonathan Merritt. From bathroom bills to conservative Christian cake bakers to Pope Francis’ impact, the duo will explore the issues that matter to people of faith. Each episode features an explainer on this issue, discussion of relevant headlines, and a lively interview with a thought leader. Think of it as ‘a survival guide for the faithful in Trump’s America.”

Latest Episodes:

Evangelicals Should Not Support Donald Trump w/David French May 29, 2018

Show notes

One of the highest-profile #nevertrump evangelicals David French joins The Faith Angle podcast to discuss the unholy alliance evangelicals have made with Donald Trump. The writer for National Review and almost-presidential candidate talks about how evangelicals are ignoring Scripture and evangelical tradition to support one of the most immoral and unchristian leaders in American history and why they should stop.

You Asked, We Answered May 24, 2018

Show notes

Kirsten and Jonathan answer questions from Faith Angle listeners from why Arizona is Kirsten's second favorite state to what the duo thinks of religious liberty laws.

Why We Should Keep Talking About Race with Austin Channing Brown May 15, 2018

Show notes

The difficulties to honestly discussing race are many, but the effort is still worth it. In this episode, author and activist Austin Channing Brown shares her experiences of helping religious organizations become more inclusive and why she has devoted her life to a fight that seems to never end.

What Happens When We Talk Honestly About Race May 08, 2018

Show notes

After his New York Times column "Dear White People" went viral, professor George Yancy discovered firsthand how conversations on racism are often not well received. Hear Kirsten and Jonathan explore how honest conversations about race are often fraught and contentious.

Evangelicalism: Should You Stay or Should You Go? May 03, 2018

Show notes

Evangelicalism has an image problem. Today, many see it as nothing more than a cover for white republicanism and as a result, they are leaving the movement. Is a mass exodus warranted or should principled dissenters stay and work for change? Kirsten and Jonathan interview Christopher Stroop, one of the leaders of the evangelical movement who started the popular #emptythepews hashtag, and Lisa Sharon Harper, an author and activist who is still holding onto the "evangelical" label despite the movement's flaws.

Does Christianity Have a Masculinity Problem? May 01, 2018

Show notes

It has been widely reported that on any given Sunday, more women than men will attend church in America. Some have concluded that the Church has been "feminized" and needs to become more masculine, so Kirsten and Jonathan explore the myths and pitfalls of "muscular Christianity." The duo also interviews Owen Strachan, an author and leading voice among Christians who believe men have been ordained by God to lead in the home and church.

Calling a Truce in the War Between Religion and Science Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

The Trumpvangelicals aren't going away, a new poll shows. But that didn't stop a group of influential anti-Trump evangelicals from gathering and calling for a new expression of faith in America. Jonathan and Kirsten also address a longtime tension between religion and science that affects everything from climate change debates to teaching evolution in schools. The duo talks to "Science Mike," author of Finding God in the Waves, about how science can actually enhance and enrich your faith.

Nurturing Gratitude in a Time of Political Polarization and Rancor Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

This week, The New Yorker claimed that people in the Big Apple are creeped out by Chick-fil-A's Christian values. Kirsten and Jonathan discuss whether this news narrative is true and, more importantly, problematic. They also talk about how to nurture gratitude in a time where headlines drive us toward discouragement and interview Diana Butler Bass, a scholar who will revolutionize your understanding of gratitude.

Five Years of Francis: Has the Pope Changed the Faith for Better or Worse? Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

It's been five years since Pope Francis' election, so Kirsten and Jonathan discuss his influence—from his personal life to his most controversial comments. He's wildly popular among Catholics and Christians generally, but many conservatives are concerned he is changing the Church for the worse, particularly when it comes to marriage. So the episode wraps with a lively debate between The New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and Jesuit author Fr. James Martin.

Bonus: Do Pro-Lifers' Views Place Their Jobs at Risk? Apr 09, 2018

Show notes

Kirsten and Jonathan discuss The Atlantic's recent firing of pro-life columnist Kevin Williamson who said women who have abortions should be hanged. They also interview conservative commentator and radio host Erick Erickson for his perspective.

You can read Erickson's full article in Townhall here.