Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode, host Corey Nathan talks with renowned journalist, scholar, and public intellectual E.J. Dionne Jr. E.J. is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, a professor at Georgetown University, and a prolific author. Together, they discuss democracy, faith, political polarization, and the enduring need for real argument and hope in public life.
What We Discuss:
-
How E.J.’s upbringing shaped his approach to political debate and dialogue.
-
Why engaging seriously with opposing ideas is crucial to democracy.
-
The difference between optimism and hope — and why hope is essential.
-
How faith and civil society contribute to repairing societal divisions.
Episode Highlights:
-
[00:03:00] E.J. shares how his father encouraged open political debate.
-
[00:06:00] Reflections on DEI, the “woke” debates, and critiques of excesses.
-
[00:10:00] The Trump administration’s unintended role in uniting pro-democracy groups.
-
[00:15:00] Anger and economic grievances in Fall River, Massachusetts.
-
[00:24:00] Why hope, not just optimism, is vital for public life.
-
[00:36:00] E.J.’s personal faith journey and the importance of humble belief.
-
[00:48:00] Reflections on Pope Francis’ legacy and the Catholic Church.
-
[01:05:00] What worries E.J. about democracy today — and what gives him hope.
Featured Quotes:
"In real argument, you enter imaginatively into the ideas your opponent holds." — E.J. Dionne
"Hope is the virtue on which faith and love depend." — E.J. Dionne
"You can really disagree with people you love, and you can love people you disagree with." — E.J. Dionne
"We find sanctity even in mundane conversations." — Corey Nathan
Resources Mentioned:
📘 Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right - Princeton University Press
📰 E.J. Dionne's column at The Washington Post – www.washingtonpost.com/people/ej-dionne-jr
📣 Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, please:
✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion
✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media
@coreysnathan:
Our Sponsors:
- Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
- Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com
Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.