State of Belief - Religion and radio done differently.

Movements are made up of individuals – each with fears, biases, relationships and beliefs. That’s why understanding – and if needed, countering – any movement requires a close and empathetic look at the individuals comprising it. Otherwise, it’s just too easy to fall into the paralyzing “those people are all insane” dismissiveness so many Americans […] The post March 25, 2023 – Jeff Sharlet, The Undertow first appeared on State of Belief.

Antisemitism in this country has seen a resurgence few could have predicted just a few years ago. On State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is conducting a series of conversations about the history, strategy, impact and manifestations of bigotry and conspiracy theories aimed at our Jewish neighbors. Even more, we’re exploring ways dedicated […] The post Confronting Antisemitism first appeared on State of Belief.

This week, many Muslim Americans will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. A time of intense spiritual discipline, and fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk, Ramadan allows for contemplation of one’s relationship with God, intensive prayer, charity, and study of the Quran. As the seasons of Lent and Ramadan cross over […] The post MARCH 18, 2023 – Najeeba Syeed: A Peacemaker at Ramadan first appeared on State of Belief.

2023 is already a record year for anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S, with at least 385 anti-LGBTQ+ laws having been introduced at the state level as of March 3. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of […] The post March 11, 2023 – Majorities at the Margins first appeared on State of Belief.

As we turn the calendar page to March, celebrated as Women’s History Month, this week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast we’re excited to be speaking with Rev. Jennifer Bailey, founder and executive director of Faith Matters Network. Nowadays, there are endless opportunities for connecting along intersecting identities and priorities. […] The post March 4, 2023 – Rev. Jen Bailey, Creating Community Across Divisions first appeared on State of Belief.

As technology offers unprecedented opportunities for building alliances – and at the same time, division and rancor – The Rev. Adam Taylor is meeting the moment by working to create communities for people united in their passion for social change. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Adam walks […] The post February 25, 2023 – A New Vision With Rev. Adam Taylor first appeared on State of Belief.

Americans may have defeated Christian nationalist candidates at the ballot box this past November, but the ideology’s influence still pervades our public life. That was the main takeaway from new survey data released last week, the most comprehensive poll to date on support for Christian nationalism across the nation. This week on State of Belief, […] The post February 18, 2023 – Christian Nationalism By the Numbers first appeared on State of Belief.

At a time when we’re witnessing an alarming erosion in the rights of women, surging racism, increasing antisemitic rhetoric and violence, and growing attempts to erase the truth of queer identity and experience, it’s crucial for us to be able to turn to leaders who can articulate a powerful, positive moral mandate for a more […] The post February 11, 2023 – Rabbi Sandra Lawson: Power in Positivity first appeared on State of Belief.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making national headlines once again, this time for being the impetus for College Board gutting its AP African American studies curriculum. The same people pushing to turn the United States into a Christian nation are working to erase the history of Black and Brown Americans, making it easier to spread […] The post February 4, 2023 – Fighting for Freedom in Florida and Beyond first appeared on State of Belief.

This past Wednesday, Interfaith Alliance released the comprehensive new report Big Tech, Hate and Religious Freedom Online. As a part of that release, Interfaith Alliance hosted an expert panel discussion, moderated by State of Belief host Rev. Paul Raushenbush. On this week’s show, you’ll hear the warnings and strategies the panelists. Zaki Barzinji is the […] The post January 28, 2023 – Big Tech, Hate and Religious Freedom Online first appeared on State of Belief.

At a time when the Religious Right and its elected allies misuse religion and attempt to force one set of beliefs on all, it is always worth considering how we can channel faith to contribute toward the greater good. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll be discussing […] The post January 21, 2023 – In Pursuit of the Greater Good first appeared on State of Belief.

This Monday, Americans across the spectrum of backgrounds and beliefs will join together to celebrate the life and incalculable impact of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If we are to honor his vision for the Beloved Community – and push back against those on the who have tried to repurpose his beliefs – […] The post January 14, 2023 – Dr. Martin Luther King Today first appeared on State of Belief.

Right now, people across faith and place are readjusting to everyday life after the holiday season. The dawn of a new year is always an opportunity to reflect, lean on our loved ones and our communities for strength and guidance, and consider what kind of change we want to see – and manifest – in […] The post January 7, 2023 – Making the Most of the New Year first appeared on State of Belief.

Each new calendar year seems to bring a fresh slate of challenges for this country. While some of us might look to the new year with trepidation, we can take comfort in the incredible victories our community achieved together in 2022. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we […] The post December 31, 2022 – A Fresh Start in 2023 first appeared on State of Belief.

The Supreme Court’s demolition of reproductive rights. The powerful faith-based mobilization behind the Respect for Marriage Act. The alarming rise of Christian nationalism on the campaign trail. To say 2022 has been a momentous year for religion and politics would be a huge understatement, and there’s no better time than these last days of the […] The post December 24, 2022 – Religion and Politics in 2022 first appeared on State of Belief.

On December 13, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into federal law, ensuring all Americans can marry who they love. For months, Interfaith Alliance has been working alongside partners to push the Respect for Marriage Act across the finish line before a new Congress takes over in January. Rev. Paul Raushenbush, President of […] The post December 17, 2022 – How the Respect for Marriage Act Became Law first appeared on State of Belief.

Antisemitism is sharply on the rise across the nation. Unprovoked violence, dangerous rhetoric from public figures, leadership changes at Twitter enabling soaring numbers of hateful posts… It feels like a vicious cycle that threatens to desensitize Americans to levels of anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence that would have been unthinkable not too long ago. This week […] The post December 10, 2022 – Combating Antisemitism first appeared on State of Belief.

The 24/7 news cycle can feel relentless. As technology continues to advance, we increasingly live in a time of information overload and constant multitasking. Especially at the end of a long year, it’s a good time to take a step back, reflect, and make the time to process the hectic world around us – and […] The post December 3, 2022 – Religion by the Book first appeared on State of Belief.

Happy Thanksgiving! As challenging as this moment is for so many of us, the practice of active gratitude offers promise for both hope – and healing. On this special edition of State of Belief, the weekly radio program and podcast from Interfaith Alliance, host Rev. Paul Raushenbush shares an extended conversation with Rabbi Joshua Stanton, […] The post November 26, 2022 – Thanksgiving first appeared on State of Belief.

Across faiths, we’re united by a shared obligation to protect our neighbors. Over the past week, we saw two powerful demonstrations of that principle in action in our nation’s capital, as faith leaders across diverse backgrounds and beliefs gathered on Capitol Hill to combat Islamophobia and advance marriage equality. This week on State of Belief, […] The post November 19, 2022 – United for Our Neighbors first appeared on State of Belief.