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As the weather heats up, so does the pace of Supreme Court decisions. On our season 5 finale of Respecting Religion, Amanda and Holly recap some recent decisions and discuss what we can expect in the next month. Religion is still at play in several cases, even if religious legal statutes aren’t the questions being considered. Plus, they look at some recent statements from Supreme Court justices during extracurricular activities and share what those reveal about the justices themselves and the work at the Court, including a rare – and surprising – statement one justice gave directly to the media.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:51): Recent Supreme Court actionsAmanda and Holly discussed the two Supreme Court cases dealing with abortion rights in episode 28 of this season: Conscience protections in SCOTUS abortion cases
Click here to read the Washington Post article tracking big cases this Supreme Court term.
The case upholding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is called Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America, Limited. Amanda and Holly mentioned two articles about it:
Amy Howe’s piece for SCOTUSblog: Supreme Court lets CFPB funding stand Steve Vladeck’s piece for One First: How to describe *this* CourtThe Louisiana voting map decision comes from the consolidated cases of Robinson v. Callais and Landry v. Callais.
Read Amy Howe’s coverage for SCOTUSblog: Court allows Louisiana to move forward with two majority-Black districts Read Steve Vladeck’s piece for One First: Louisiana’s Congressional Map Comes Back to the CourtSegment 2 (starting at 09:07): Justices on the stump: Shocking statements and unlikely pairings
Amanda and Holly mentioned recent reporting on appearances by justices of the Supreme Court. The articles they referred to are:
Justice Kavanaugh on the Presidency, the Court and Taylor Swift by Adam Liptak for The New York Times Justice Thomas Denounces ‘the Nastiness and the Lies’ Faced by His Family by Abbie VanSickle for The New York Times Justice Alito Warns of Threats to Freedom of Speech and Religion by Adam Liptak for The New York Times The Supreme Court seems bitterly divided. Two justices say otherwise. by Ann E. Marimow for The Washington PostAccording to reports discussed in this show, Justice Kavanaugh mentioned that the school prayer cases are settled law. School District of Abington Township v. Schempp (1963) and Engel v. Vitale (1962) are commonly called the “school prayer cases,” with the decisions in those cases finding government-sponsored religious exercises unconstitutional in public schools, providing protection for the religious liberty rights of all students. Learn more in this 2013 piece by Holly Hollman.
Amanda and Holly discussed this New York Times story by Jodi Kantor that the American flag outside of Justice Samuel Alito’s home was flown upside down in the days before the inauguration of President Joe Biden. After we recorded this episode, new reporting revealed Justice Alito’s summer house displayed the “Appeal to Heaven” flag in 2023. Read more in this New York Times story by Jodi Kantor, Aric Toler, and Julie Tate: Another Provocative Flag Was Flown at Another Alito Home
To watch the iCivics event featuring Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, visit this C-SPAN link.
Segment 3 (starting 26:58): A reading recommendation
Amanda’s book is called How to End Christian Nationalism, and it will be released October 22 from Broadleaf Books. Click here for links to pre-order the book.
Learn more about the work of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign by visiting the website.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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LGBTQ rights and religious freedom are often pitted against one another, but they are not mutually exclusive. This episode of Respecting Religion looks at the recent decision by the United Methodist Church to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings as well as the broader conversation. Holly Hollman is joined by guest co-host Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, BJC Communications Director. He shares some of his personal story, then he and Holly reflect on work bridging differences between LGBTQ rights advocacy and religious groups that oppose LGBTQ protections. They highlight the Respect for Marriage Act as one hallmark of bipartisan consensus building that achieves civil rights protections and safeguards religious liberty.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 1:23): The changing landscape of LGBTQ rights and religious freedomLearn more about Guthrie Graves-Fitzimmons in his BJC bio.
Find more resources on religious liberty and the LGBTQ community on BJC’s website.
For in-depth information about public opinion on LGBTQ rights among different religious groups, visit the Public Religion Research Institute’s website at this link.
Segment 2 (starting at 5:20): The United Methodist Church lifts ban on LGBTQ clergy
Read coverage from Ruth Graham of The New York Times: United Methodist Church Reverses Ban on Practicing Gay Clergy
Read Guthrie’s MSNBC column: “Why United Methodists’ historic vote means so much to gay Christians like me.”
Segment 3 (starting 16:33): Bridging differences
Holly and Guthrie discussed the 2020 Brookings Institution report “A Time to Heal, A Time to Build,” by E.J. Dionne Jr. and Melissa Rogers.
Respecting Religion has devoted several episodes to the topics discussed in this episode. Listen to Season 4, Episode 7 for more on the Respect for Marriage Act, Season 4, Episode 26 for more on 303 Creative v. Elenis, and Season 1, Episode 17 for more on Bostock v. Clayton County.
Read more about BJC’s reaction to the Obergefell decision in 2015 in this column from Holly Hollman: Obergefell decision does not remove the separation of church and state. You can also access a 2-page resource with frequently asked questions about the decision.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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How do religion and religious freedom arguments interact with cases about abortion access? The legal landscape here is beyond complex, and in this episode, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at how conscience protections were discussed in two recent Supreme Court cases about abortion. There is a deepening religion and policy conversation in our country, and they discuss how that conversation is reflected in these oral arguments – from Church Amendments to the doctrine of preemption.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic MedicineAmanda and Holly discussed state laws after the Dobbs decision two weeks ago – in episode 26 of season 5: Archaic laws and new theories emerge from state abortion debates
Learn more about the Arizona legislature’s repeal of the 1864 law in this article by Stacey Barchenger and Ray Stern in the Arizona Republic: Arizona abortion ban repeal signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, but 1864 law will linger for months. What’s next?
Learn more about the 6-week ban on abortions in Florida in this article by Stephanie Colombini for NPR: Florida’s 6-week abortion ban is now in effect, curbing access across the South
We played a series of clips from the oral arguments in U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which the Supreme Court heard on March 26, 2024. You can hear the audio at this link. The clips we played featured:
Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar (from 00:00:48 into the arguments) Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar (from 00:28:31 into the arguments) Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar (from 00:29:11 into the argument) Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Attorney Erin Hawley (from 01:16:40 into the argument)Read an overview of conscience protections from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at this link.
Segment 2 (starting at 19:26): Moyle v. United States
Moyle v. United States is a consolidated case with Idaho v. United States.
“EMTALA” stands for “Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.” Read what the American Medical Association says about the case and EMTALA at this link.
We played a series of clips from the oral arguments in Moyle v. United States, which the Supreme Court heard on April 24, 2024. You can hear the audio at this link. The clips we played featured:
Justice Elena Kagan and Attorney Joshua Turner (from 00:06:09 into the argument) Attorney Joshua Turner and Justice Elena Kagan (from 00:08:02 into the argument) Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Attorney Joshua Turner (from 00:23:54 into the argument) Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Attorney Joshua Turner (from 00:48:43 into the argument)Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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For the 100th episode of Respecting Religion, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer listener questions, ranging from the law surrounding the tax-exempt status of religious institutions to their favorite Supreme Court justices. They also look at some of the big Supreme Court decisions and the shifts on the Court since this podcast began four years ago, sharing some of their favorite and most impactful episodes.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): How did we get to 100 episodes?The podcast series on the dangers of Christian nationalism ran in 2019, and it’s available on the BJC Podcast feed, and you can see all of the episodes on this page of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism website.
Holly and Amanda mentioned some of their favorite episodes, including:
S3, Ep. 21: The live show reacting to the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision S4, Ep. 22: Amanda’s experience at the ReAwaken America tour S1, Ep. 15: Reacting to President Trump’s photo-op with a Bible in 2020You can see a list of every single episode at BJConline.org/RespectingReligion
Segment 2 (starting at 19:06): Questions on tax-exempt status, tough conversations, and more
Holly mentioned the 1983 case of Bob Jones University v. United States. You can read the decision here.
For more about the Respect for Marriage Act, check out episode 7 from season 4: Does the Respect for Marriage Act protect religious liberty?
For more on the Johnson Amendment and the way it protects churches and other groups who are eligible for the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, visit this page on our website. Amanda and Holly also discussed it a bit on episode 4 of season 2: Grading the Trump administration on religious freedom.
Holly mentioned episode 6 from season 3: Challenging misinformation: How to have productive conversations with friends and family.
Segment 3 (starting at 34:07): Questions on podcast recommendations, favorite Supreme Court justices, and more
The podcasts mentioned by Amanda and Holly were:
Strict Scrutiny
Prosecuting Donald Trump
The Ezra Klein Show
Another Mother Runner
Amicus
Ten Percent Happier
Amanda and Holly discussed being interns at BJC. The internship program is ongoing – learn more about the opportunities by visiting BJConline.org/internships
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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The intersection of abortion and religion often grabs headlines, and this episode of Respecting Religion looks at recent developments in two states: Arizona and Indiana. Amanda and Holly discuss an Indiana case that involves free exercise arguments under state law to support abortion, and they examine the impact of Arizona’s 1864 law that criminalizes abortion. Both situations are resulting from the tremendous change in the law after the Dobbs decision in 2022, leading to some unexpected situations.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): The Arizona situationOur next episode will be our 100th episode! It’s your chance to ask Amanda and Holly anything – send in your questions by April 29 to [email protected].
Amanda and Holly previously discussed the aftermath of the Dobbs decision in episode 4 of season 4, released in October 2022. The show was titled “A religious freedom right to an abortion?”
The New York Times has this helpful resource that shows the differences in the laws regarding abortion in states across the country.
Amanda and Holly mentioned this article for Vox written by Nicole Naera: The history of Arizona’s Civil War-era abortion ban
After we recorded this program, the Arizona House voted to repeal the 1864 law, and the Arizona Senate is expected to vote on it next week. Read more in this Washington Post article by Caroline Kitchener and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez.
Segment 2 (starting at 12:12): The Indiana litigation
For a more in-depth discussion of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), check out episode 6 of season 5: RFRA at 30.
Read the opinion from the Indiana Appeals Court and the concurrence at this link.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Some troubling trends at the Supreme Court are starting to affect the legal profession and how students in law school approach the U.S. Constitution. As SCOTUS continues to upend decades of established precedent in church-state law, Amanda and Holly discuss what’s changed since they were in law school and the rapid changes in church-state law itself. They look at the views of legitimacy of the Court, and Holly shares specifically what she sees in her work teaching church-state law at Georgetown University Law Center.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 01:15): Respect for the Supreme Court in law schoolRead “The Crisis in Teaching Constitutional Law,” an opinion piece by Jesse Wegman for The New York Times.
Holly mentioned recent episodes of Respecting Religion that covered:
Religious accommodation in the workplace (episode 26 of season 4 on Groff v. DeJoy) The funding of private religious schools with government funds (episode 20 of season 3 on Carson v. Makin) Prayer by a coach on the 50-yard-line (episode 21 of season 3 on Kennedy v. Bremerton)Amanda mentioned the book Deciding to Decide: Agenda Setting in the United States Supreme Court by H.W. Perry.
Segment 2 (starting at 10:51): Turning points, hypocrisy, and partisan muscle
Holy mentioned how SCOTUS uses history and tradition and the case of Greece v. Galloway, which we covered in episode 3 of season 5.
Segment 3 (starting at 21:26): The differences in the Souter/Stevens/O’Connor era and what it’s like in the classroom today
To read more about the Supreme Court religious liberty cases involving Jehovah’s Witnesses, check out this article by Jane G. Rainey published by the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Hear excerpts from a special event we organized at the University of Southern California on race, religion and citizenship in this episode of Respecting Religion. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans and the Rev. Dr. Christopher The brought their unique experiences and expertise to a conversation on religious and racial identity, moderated by the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard. Hear their insights about a theology of democracy, their experiences with racism, how to identify authoritarianism, and what lessons Scripture has for our current climate.
Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): The event on race, religion and citizenship
The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans and the Rev. Dr. Christopher The were the speakers for this year’s edition of our annual Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures, titled “Whose country is it anyway?” held April 2 on the campus of the University of Southern California. Their conversation was moderated by the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard. Click on each name to read more about them and their impressive credentials.
Listen to the entire program at this link.
The event was in partnership with USC’s Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, and Berkeley School of Theology.
Learn more about BJC’s annual series at BJConline.org/ShurdenLectures.
Segment 2 (starting at 1:45): A theology of democracy, experiences of racism, and a new understanding of The New Colossus
Rev. Dr. The mentioned “warmth of other suns,” giving credit to how Isabel Wilkerson uses the phrase. She is the author of the book The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.
Rev. Dr. The mentioned “The New Colossus,” the poem by Emma Lazarus that is inscribed on a plaque in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. You can read it here.
Segment 3 (starting at 12:29): Authoritarianism and lessons from Scripture
Rev. Dr. Evans mentioned Walter Wink, a theologian who discussed how power structures resist our need for transformation. Learn more about him in his obituary from The New York Times.
Segment 4 (starting at 18:27): Politics and access to power
Dr. Catherine Brekus delivered the 2023 Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lecture, which focused on the myth of American “chosenness.” Hear it in episode 23 of season 4, and listen to the panel that followed it on episode 24.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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When former President Donald Trump announced during Holy Week that he was endorsing the “God Bless the USA” Bible, the reaction was swift. But, beyond the punchlines and the obvious concerns, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss why the video is concerning to our current political moment and the continued rise of Christian nationalism. Not all examples are this obvious – what does this mean to those important conversations?
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Why is this a problem?
The New York Times has more about the video and the marketing in this article by By Michael Gold and Maggie Haberman: Trump’s Newest Venture? A $60 Bible.
Segment 2 (starting at 08:11): Reacting to the video pitch
You can watch the video endorsing the Bible at this link on YouTube.
Amanda and Holly talked about using the Bible as a prop and the idea of “divinely inspired” founding documents in episode 21 of this season, titled “But … is it Christian nationalism?”
Dr. Jemar Tisby shared about how he and other authors worked to stop an earlier version of this Bible in an article on his Substack: Three Years Ago We Stopped Harper Collins/Zondervan from Publishing the "God Bless the USA" Bible
Segment 3 (starting at 26:44): Understanding how this is part of a larger political strategy
Holly read from this piece by Michael C. Bender in The New York Times: The Church of Trump: How He’s Infusing Christianity Into His Movement
Amanda discussed her experience attending the ReAwaken America tour in episode 22 of season 4.
Amanda read from this piece by David French in The New York Times: Trump is no Savior
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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There are many religious holidays in the spring, but not all are given the same public acknowledgment – from government-sponsored events to time off from school and work. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss how Christian privilege shows up in how our country recognizes and accommodates certain holidays, as well as how holidays help us understand and celebrate the religious pluralism in our country.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): The March Madness of spring break and public school holidaysAccess “A Parent’s Guide to Religion in Public Schools” published decades ago by the National PTA and the First Amendment Center with funding from the Freedom Forum at this link on BJC’s website.
Segment 2 (starting at 15:05): Religious holidays and public officials/elected leaders
Read about Dr. Anthea Butler’s experience at the White House St. Patrick’s Day celebration in this reflection on her Substack.
Segment 3 (starting at 24:00): Reflections on Christian privilege
Amanda mentioned her forthcoming book, How to End Christian Nationalism. It releases October 22, and it is available for preorder at endchristiannationalism.com.
Read the story by Kevin Reynolds in the Salt Lake Tribune discussing Muslim players fasting during March Madness, which coincides with Ramadan: BYU doesn’t have to play on Sundays. So should the NCAA better accommodate Muslim athletes during Ramadan?
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Is an American flag in a church sanctuary an example of Christian nationalism? What about faith-based advocacy? Helping voters get to the polls? Saying the Constitution is “divinely inspired”? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer some common questions they hear about Christian nationalism, and they talk about the questions we should be asking ourselves.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What does it mean to determine the level of Christian nationalism?Learn more about the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, including the statement of principles, at ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org. If you are a Christian who agrees with the statement, we encourage you to sign your name!
Segment 2 (starting at 08:23): Answering some political questions about Christian nationalism
Amanda mentioned this recent op-ed by David French in The New York Times: What is Christian Nationalism, Exactly?
Visit this link to access the report on Christian nationalism and the January 6 insurrection from BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Amanda mentioned this article by Steven Monacelli for the Daily Dot: A new social network built on a vision of Christian supremacy in America gains traction with GOP politicians
Hear Amanda and Holly’s reaction to President Trump’s 2020 appearance at St. John’s Church with a Bible in episode 15 of our first season: Protests, the president and the photo op with a Bible
Segment 3 (starting at 29:09): Answering some church-related questions about Christian nationalism
Read about the new survey results from PRRI on the support for Christian nationalism at this link.
To learn more about Patriot Churches, read this 2020 article in The Washington Post by Sarah Pulliam Bailey: Seeking power in Jesus’ name: Trump sparks a rise of Patriot Churches
Segment 4 (starting at 38:54): History and civics questions about Christian nationalism
Amanda and Holly spoke about some lawmakers sharing the idea that the Constitution is “divinely inspired” in episode 10 of season 4: A report, a prayer vigil, and a somber anniversary: Two years after January 6
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Get a first-hand account of attending the State of the Union address on this episode. Amanda Tyler talks with Holly Hollman about her experience, providing a new way to think about who represents our country in the room during the president’s address. She shares about her invitation and various discussions with members of Congress about Christian nationalism. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve your country by working at a polling place on Election Day, hear about Amanda’s experience in Texas and how you can do the same, helping to ensure free and fair elections for our representatives in D.C.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): The cost of speaking out against Christian nationalismAmanda mentioned this article by Jack Jenkins for Religion News Service: Freethought Caucus’ Huffman invites Christian nationalism critic to State of the Union
Read the report published by BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation on Christian nationalism and the January 6, insurrection.
Click here to watch Rep. Jared Huffman’s floor speech on the dangers of Christian nationalism, which mentions the joint report.
Hear Amanda’s conversation with Rob Reiner and Dan Partland on their film “God & Country” in episode 12 of this season of Respecting Religion
Segment 2 (starting at 08:44): Attending the State of the Union address
Amanda and Rep. Jared Huffman filmed a video together before they went to the State of the Union address. You can watch it on Instagram.
Amanda and Holly discussed the Alabama ruling impacting IVF treatments in the state on episode 18 of this season of Respecting Religion.
Segment 3 (starting at 30:23): Serving as an election worker
Holly spoke with Chris Crawford of Protect Democracy about ways people of faith can be involved in free and fair elections on episode 14 of this season of Respecting Religion.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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The Supreme Court declines to hear thousands of cases a year, but one recent denial included a troubling statement from Justice Samuel Alito. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at a case out of Missouri about potential jurors being struck from the jury pool because of their anti-LGBTQ beliefs, and they break down Justice Alito’s 5-page statement that seems to be asking for another case with the same issue at stake. What could this mean for the future, and why is Justice Alito still hung up on the Obergefell v. Hodges decision from 2015?
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What happened in this case?Holly mentioned this resource from The Washington Post that shows an update on cases as the term progresses: The Supreme Court Trump-Colorado ruling, and big 2024 decisions to come
Amanda and Holly discussed Donald Trump’s plan to create a task force fighting anti-Christian bias in episode 13 of this current season ‘God Made Trump,’ Biden campaigns at a church, and more news from the campaign trail
Amanda read from this article in The New York Times by Abbie VanSickle describing the factual background of the lawsuit: Justice Alito Renews Criticism of Landmark Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
Segment 2 (starting at 14:33): Why did Justice Alito write this statement?
You can read Justice Alito’s statement on the denial of cert on page 25 of this PDF document of the order list from the Supreme Court on Feb. 20, 2024.
Amanda mentioned three cases invoked by Justice Alito:
Trinity Lutheran v. Comer (2017) Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah (1993) Carson v. Makin (2022)Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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An alarming ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court is leading to the shutdown of in vitro fertilization clinics, and the concurrence’s use of Scripture and Christian theology is causing additional concerns. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at this troubling ruling, the various religious views on life, and why it’s an issue for a justice to cite the Bible in an opinion.
SHOW NOTES:
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What is the Alabama case about?The Alabama Supreme Court case is called LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine. You can read the decision and the concurrence here.
For additional information on the case, listen to the NPR interview with law professor Mary Ziegler in this story: How Alabama’s ruling that frozen embryos are ‘children’ could impact IVF
Amanda and Holly discussed the Dobbs decision in episode 4 of season 4.
Segment 2 (starting at 13:18): The decision and even more-troubling concurrence
Listen to the “On the Media” interview with Matthew D. Taylor: Christian Nationalism is Reshaping Fertility Rights, and Books Dominate at the Oscars
Amanda talked about her experience at the ReAwaken America tour in episode 22 of season 4 of Respecting Religion.
Segment 3 (starting at 31:15): Additional reactions to the opinion
Read the entire piece by Noah Feldman for Bloomberg at this link: Embryos Are Now Children in Alabama. Blame the Supreme Court.
Amanda and Holly discussed the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision in episode 21 of season 3.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Presidents have made broad appeals to our country without dividing along religious belief throughout American history. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at presidential leadership and talk about how our country’s founding documents set up our system of government that does not create a “Christian nation” in any sort of legal sense – rather, it ensures freedom of religion and freedom from a state establishment of religion. They also talk about why people like to claim we are a “Christian nation” and the reasons that is a problematic statement.
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Religious freedom at the founding
Learn more about the celebration of the holiday known as Washington’s Birthday from the National Archives.
Amanda and Holly mentioned this article by Peter Smith for the Associated Press: Many believe the founders wanted a Christian America. Some want the government to declare one now. He also wrote this piece with some frequently asked questions.
Amanda mentioned a book she is writing that will come out later this year, which is titled How to End Christian Nationalism.
Watch Holly’s video answering the question “Is America a Christian nation?” at this link.
The Rev. Jennifer Hawks wrote this piece about Article VI for Baptist News Global: How the Constitution’s original religious freedom guarantee almost didn’t happen
Amanda spoke with historian Steven Green in 2019 for this episode of our podcast series on the dangers of Christian nationalism: We were founded as a Christian nation?
Michael Meyerson is the author of Endowed by our Creator: The Birth of Religious Freedom in America. You can read more about his 2014 lectures – given for the Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty and the Separation of Church and State – in this recap.
The BJC Fellows Program is open to all young professionals interested in deepening their historical, legal and theological understanding of religious liberty. The deadline to apply for the 2024 class is March 1 – visit BJConline.org/Fellows to learn more and apply.
Segment 2 (starting at 24:21): Words from previous presidents
Click here to visit BJC’s website page with a few quotes from Founders, presidents, and Baptists about the relationship between church and state. The quotes include links or citations to the original source material.
Segment 3 (starting at 33:20): What now?
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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There is a novel – and concerning – development in public education and the relationship between the institutions of church and state: Oklahoma and Guam have proposed religious charter schools. Litigation has already started. But, what is a religious charter school, and why is the idea such a problem? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman say they are illegal and that they challenge some basic assumptions.
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What are religious charter schools, and what’s the problem?
Holly and Amanda discussed the trouble with school vouchers in episode 8 and episode 9 of this season.
In an order on his way out the door, former Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor issued an opinion that said religious charter schools were ok, but then new Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond reversed that guidance. Read Don Byrd’s article for BJC’s website about the Oklahoma and Guam charter schools: Guam joins Oklahoma in approving government-funded religious charter schools after legislature overrides governor’s veto
Segment 2 (starting at 12:39): The lawsuits in Oklahoma trying to stop this action
You can download the petition for the lawsuit by Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond in the Oklahoma Supreme Court at this link on the website of the Oklahoma State Courts Network.
The lawsuit brought by the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and others is called OKPLAC, Inc. v. Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. Read the Complaint and learn more on the websites of the ACLU and of Americans United. OKPLAC is the “Oklahoma Parent Legislative Advocacy Coalition.”
Segment 3 (starting at 18:43): State and constitutional questions about charter schools
Visit this resource from the U.S. Department of Education to learn more about charter schools.
The trinity of recent Supreme Court cases mentioned were:
Trinity Lutheran v. Comer (2017)
Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue (2020)
Carson v. Makin (2022)Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Much is said and assumed about the religious landscape of Black America, but it’s more diverse than the common narratives. Holly Hollman speaks with Dr. Sabrina E. Dent and Dr. Anthony Pinn about misconceptions and how they brought together Black Church leaders and Black nontheists for key conversations. Tune in for this open and honest conversation about how we can work across racial and religious lines to help all communities thrive.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): Misconceptions about the religious landscape of Black AmericaDr. Anthony Pinn is the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities at Rice University, and he’s also the Founding Director of Rice’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning. He is the author/editor of more than 35 books, and he is also director of research for the Institute for Humanist Studies. Read Dr. Pinn’s full biography here.
Dr. Sabrina E. Dent is the director of the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation, which is the home of our project on Race and Religious Freedom. Learn more about the Center on our website and in this video. She is the editor and contributing author of the book African Americans and Religious Freedom: New Perspectives for Congregations and Communities. Read Dr. Dent’s full biography here.
“(Dis)belief: Reimagining the Religious Landscape of Black America” was the topic for the 2023 Religious Freedom Mobile Institute. Click here to read about it in a piece by Jaziah Masters, Research Fellow for the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation.
Segment 2 (starting at 20:13): The connections between religious freedom and racial justice
BJC’s “Religious Freedom Has Been White Too Long: Voices of Black Scholars” was BJC’s 2021 lecture featuring Dr. Anthony Pinn, Dr. Nicole Myers Turner, Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood, and Dr. David Goatley. Watch the event at this link and read a recap on our website.
James Baldwin wrote in The New York Times on Feb. 2, 1969, that the bulk of the country’s white population is beyond hope of moral rehabilitation. “They have been white, if I may so put it, too long.”
Segment 3 (starting at 30:23): Key moments from the conference
As mentioned, Dr. Dent and Dr. Pinn will be co-editors of a forthcoming book of essays from the participants in the conference. Keep up with BJC and the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation for the latest!
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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What is the role of churches and other houses of worship in protecting democracy? This topic usually comes up because of bad actors that overstep into partisanship, but today’s show looks at how faith communities can help our elections run smoothly. Holly Hollman speaks with Chris Crawford of Protect Democracy – a nonprofit, cross-ideological organization that has a new playbook to help faith communities ensure “all eligible voters can access a ballot and every valid vote is counted.” Learn more about how people of faith can love their neighbors and take active roles in protecting our system of government.
SHOW NOTES:
Segment 1 (starting at 00:45): Working across differences without papering over themRead more about Chris Crawford at this link.
Protect Democracy and Interfaith America partnered to help faith communities to serve their communities during the 2024 election. Click here to access the Faith in Elections Playbook, and learn more about Protect Democracy at this link.
Protect Democracy’s guide for recognizing authoritarianism is available at this link.
Segment 2 (starting at 11:49): The Faith in Elections Playbook
Chris Crawford mentioned A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy. Learn more about their work on their website.
Chris Crawford mentioned PowerThePolls.org as a resource to learn more about being a poll worker.
Segment 3 (starting at 31:03): Religious freedom and protecting our democracy
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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Now that the first votes have been cast in the presidential primaries, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at some of the troubling statements and activities on the campaign trail concerning the role of religion and religious freedom – from both Democrats and Republicans. While candidates are – and should be – free to talk about the ways their faith inspires them, there are some red lines when it comes to politicking in houses of worship with tax-exempt resources or using political power as a way to impose religion on others.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): What makes someone “religious” according to voters?Amanda and Holly mentioned the following articles:
Trump’s biggest Iowa gains are in evangelical areas, smallest wins in cities by By Dan Keating, Adrian Blanco and Clara Ence Morse for The Washington Post
Trump Is connecting with a different type of evangelical voter By Ruth Graham and Charles Homans for The New York Times
Most Republicans think Donald Trump is a person of faith. We asked why by Samuel Benson for Deseret News
There's a seed of truth in the 'God Made Trump' ad. But his acolytes don't see it. by Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons for MSNBC.com. It includes a link to the “God Made Trump” campaign video
Amanda and Holly discussed the “God Made a Fighter” video for the 2022 gubernatorial campaign of Ron DeSantis in episode 6 of season 4: Evaluating Christian nationalism as a campaign strategy.
Amanda and Holly discussed the ReAwaken America tour in episode 22 of season 4.
Read more about Speaker Mike Johnson and Steve Bannon debating “God’s will” in this article by Mark Wingfield for Baptist News Global: Mike Johnson and Steve Bannon spar over whether it is ‘God’s will’ that Joe Biden is president
Segment 2 (starting at 23:05): A war on Christians? Trump’s promises if he returns to office
Holly mentioned this piece by Meryl Kornfield, Colby Itkowitz, Hannah Knowles and Marianne LeVine for The Washington Post: Ordained by God: Trump’s legal problems galvanize Iowa evangelicals
Read more about former President Donald Trump’s promises if he returns to office in this pice by Sarah Posner for MSNBC.com: Trump just promised an authoritarian ‘task force’ to impose Christian ideology
Segment 3 (starting at 31:47): President Biden at Mother Emanuel Church
Amanda mentioned this piece by Ken Macon for MSNBC.com on President Biden’s appearance at Mother Emanuel AME Church: It’s protesters, not politicians, who keep the history of Mother Emanuel AME alive
BJC has a one-page explainer of how houses of worship and other religious nonprofits can how to use their prophetic voice in the political process while maintaining their 501(c)(3) tax status. Click here to access the PDF, called “Advocates, not partisans.”
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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What is the cost of speaking out against Christian nationalism? In this episode, Amanda Tyler talks with Rob Reiner and Dan Partland, two people behind a new film that discusses the dangers of Christian nationalism to the country, to the faith, and to pluralism. They share candidly about what they learned while making “God & Country,” the cost for Christians who are speaking out against the political ideology, and what new conversations they are hoping to create with this film.
SHOW NOTES
Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): Rob Reiner and Dan Partland on Christian nationalism“God & Country” will be in theaters on February 16. Learn more at GodAndCountryTheMovie.com.
The phrase “separation of church and state” is not in the U.S. Constitution, but the concept is laid out several times, including Article VI’s prohibition on any religious test for office, the First Amendment’s prohibition of a government establishment of religion, and the First Amendment’s guarantee of the free exercise of religion. Read more in Brent Walker’s “Top 5 Myths of the Separation of Church and State.”
Learn more about the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign – a project BJC began in 2019 – by visiting ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org.
Segment 2 (starting at 20:58): Post-screening Q&A with Partland and Reiner
BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation released a comprehensive report on the role of Christian nationalism in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. You can access it here.
Dan Partland mentioned The Power Worshippers, a book by Katherine Stewart on the rise of religious nationalism. It serves as a basis for the movie.
Segment 3 (starting at 41:18): Closing
Michelle Boorstein covered the screening for The Washington Post in this article: ‘God & Country’ film spotlights Christian nationalism’s threat to democracy
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look back at the history of the holiday and the international context at the time of its first official celebration. On today’s podcast, hear from Coretta Scott King, speaking just months after the country’s first commemoration of the holiday in 1986. After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, she led the charge to establish her husband’s birthday as a national holiday. In this presentation, Mrs. King talks about the first celebration, plans for future celebrations, and some of her work promoting peace and freedom around the world.
Segment 1 (starting at 00:36): The first and second celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s speech is from BJC’s 20th National Religious Liberty Conference, held in October 1986.
Read the biography of Coretta Scott King on the website of the King Center at this link.
The theme for the 2024 King Holiday Observance is ‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.’ Visit the website of the King Center to learn more, including a list of different ways you can honor the day.
The Progressive National Baptist Convention was the denominational home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read more about their history at this link on their website.
“The King Center” is the name commonly used for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which was established by Mrs. King in 1968.
Segment 2 (starting at 06:18): International work for nonviolence
Segment 3 (starting at 18:09): Hopes and plans for future celebrations
Segment 4 (starting at 23:26): Closing
Click here to listen to a presentation from former Rep. Barbara Jordan during this same 1986 event, which we presented in episode 7 of this season.
Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
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