The Making of "Heavenly Homeland"
Exploring the Crossroads of Faith and National Identity: A Deep Dive into our docu-series on Christian Nationalism
Introduction to "Heavenly Homeland"
On March 3rd, 2024, our team is thrilled to announce the release of an impactful audio docu-series named “Heavenly Homeland.” This series embarks on a critical examination of Christian Nationalism through a multi-faceted lens. The journey begins with the first episode, which lays the groundwork by defining this ideology, and scrutinizes the widely held belief in America's founding as a Christian Nation. The narrative then transitions to the intricate debate surrounding the separation of church and state, highlighting key legal cases that have either fortified or weakened this foundational principle. Subsequent episodes confront the historical misuse of the Bible in justifying atrocities like the doctrine of discovery and slavery. The series takes a deeper dive into the evangelical backing of figures like the former President Donald Trump, probing into the reasons behind such support and the misconception of his perceived deity status. In our concluding episode, we aim to present Christianity in a light untainted by political strife and controversy, focusing on what we believe to be the core tenets of the Christian faith.
The Reason Behind the Launch Date
Choosing March 3rd for our release—breaking from our usual schedule—carries profound significance. This day not only marks the anniversary of "The Star-Spangled Banner" becoming the national anthem but also commemorates the Supreme Court's oral arguments in Lemon v. Kurtzman, a case pivotal in shaping the church-state separation discourse in America. This selection of date is emblematic of the series' thematic depth and relevance.
The Genesis of Our Project
From the outset, I must confess that embarking on this project was beyond anything I'd ever envisioned for myself, yet I felt an undeniable pull towards it. Allow me to share the backstory. Four years ago, in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic, Pastor Josh Burtram—my co-host, friend, and partner in dialogue—and I decided to launch a podcast. Dubbed a 'pandemic project' by some (mainly our wives), we had no inkling of what it might grow into. My passion for politics (to the point of obsession, some might say) and his deep engagement with theology, coupled with our vastly different political and personal backgrounds, seemed to us a recipe for an engaging show. As the podcast developed, engaging with a myriad of exceptional voices from the realms of faith and politics, the looming shadow of Christian Nationalism and its complex implications became increasingly evident—a challenge not just to the Christian faith but also to the fabric of America's diverse society.
I come from a different place than Pastor Josh; not raised within the church, I spent a significant part of my life identifying as an atheist. This journey profoundly shapes my view on faith and the notion of imposing religious beliefs on those who may not subscribe to any divine entity or who might worship differently. Since embracing Christianity in 2008, I've discovered a profound beauty in the faith and the teachings of Jesus, finding solace during my darkest times. While wary of sounding overly evangelical, my hope is for others to explore and encounter this faith freely, without the hindrances of political contention or barriers that could deter their path.
The essence of Christianity, founded on the principle of freedom, cannot, nor should be, coerced yet this is what Christian Nationalism seeks to do. This conviction drove me to create a docu-series aimed at dissecting Christian Nationalism, providing our audience with a nuanced understanding of its societal impacts.
Behind-the-Scenes
Perhaps you weren't aware, but Faithful Politics is a modest-sized podcast that commands a surprisingly wide audience. Together with our YouTube channel, we're hitting an average of around 10,000 views each month. The entirety of our content is produced by either myself or Pastor Josh. To bring this audio documentary to life, I immersed myself in several courses to grasp the intricacies of editing and to get a grip on Logic Pro X, ensuring a seamless listening experience without constant volume adjustments, you’re welcome. Admittedly, I'm far from a professional sound engineer, yet the significance of this project motivated me to strive for excellence. Operating without external financial support, Pastor Josh and I manage the show's annual expenses, approximately $2,000, out of our own pockets, believing firmly in the value of our endeavor. While we're not aggressively seeking donations, we're certainly open to any contributions from those moved by our work. (In case you feel led to donate)
This docu-series showcases insights from a diverse array of over two dozen professionals spanning academia, seminaries, nonprofit advocacy, and constitutional law, among others, all of whom have previously appeared on Faithful Politics. By weaving together excerpts from our interviews with these guests, "Heavenly Homeland" narrates a compelling story, with all full interviews accessible via links in the show notes to ensure transparency and context. Last month, we offered a pre-screening to all participants, allowing them to see how their contributions were integrated, and we're deeply thankful for their overwhelming support.
Producing this series often meant working through weekends and late nights at the hospital during my eldest's treatment for a brain tumor. With both Pastor Josh and myself holding down full-time jobs outside of the podcast, this endeavor is truly a labor of love. Each episode, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, deliberately focuses on a distinct aspect of Christian Nationalism. This intentional design stems from my belief in the importance of providing our audience with digestible, focused content on a complex subject, without the need to sift through extensive material to uncover the insights they seek.
Audience Engagement and Impact
Although this documentary is accessible and potentially enriching for both secular and religious viewers, my deepest desire is for it to deeply connect with Christians and individuals who have distanced themselves from the church. I believe devout Christians, especially those well-versed in the Gospels, will find significant value in the perspectives offered by various theologians on how Christian Nationalism affects both faith and ministry. Legal enthusiasts will particularly appreciate our second episode, which delves into Supreme Court cases and district court decisions that have propelled faith into the political arena, impacting a broad segment of voters. Moreover, our fourth episode, “Choosing Barabbas,” promises to be an eye-opener for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing friends, family, or fellow church members due to the evangelical backing of Trump. Furthermore, the series' finale aims to instill hope among believers and offer non-believers a nuanced view, underscoring that Christians are not a monolith.
Our aspiration is for this series to resonate with our listeners and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on Christian Nationalism. We would be deeply grateful for your support in spreading the word about our docu-series and podcast. The engagement and growth of our audience are genuinely organic, powered by the dedication of listeners like you, and we treasure this community immensely. Your weekly tuning in and support are what drive us forward, and we cherish the unique connection we share with each of you.
Now You May Ask Yourself…
For a show that prides itself on offering different opinions on matters of faith and politics why aren’t you showing the other side of Christian Nationalism?
Our show takes pride in presenting a spectrum of viewpoints on faith and politics, sparking curiosity about our portrayal—or lack thereof—of Christian Nationalism's other facets. We deliberated on featuring insights from Clay Clark, the ReAwaken Tour's founder, and Stephen Wolfe, the author behind 'The Case for Christian Nationalism.' However, our aim was not to stage a makeshift debate that might overshadow the nuanced views on Christian Nationalism with a dominant narrative of dissent. We valued the contributions of these guests too much to risk their perspectives being lost in a potentially biased discourse.
Does Pastor Josh’s involvement violate the Johnson Amendment?
Regarding Pastor Josh's participation and the Johnson Amendment, it's clear that no lines have been crossed. The Johnson Amendment, established in 1954, restricts 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities, including religious organizations, from directly engaging in political campaigning. The crucial distinction lies in the separation of personal beliefs from official church stance or the utilization of church assets in a politically biased manner.
Pastors and religious leaders maintain the right to articulate political views on a personal level, distinctly separate from their religious roles, without leveraging church platforms. For instance, sharing political thoughts in personal blogs or on social media, where it's evident that these are personal opinions, remains within legal bounds. Notably, Pastor Josh's involvement in our project primarily features in the final episode, focusing on Christianity's compassionate role, further distancing his contributions from any potential conflict with the Johnson Amendment.
Is being against Christian Nationalism the same as being anti-Christian?
Addressing whether opposition to Christian Nationalism equates to anti-Christian sentiment, it's crucial to distinguish between the faith and a political ideology that intertwines Christian identity with national allegiance, often at the expense of inclusivity and religious freedom. Christian Nationalism's advocacy for a merged identity of Christian beliefs and national governance can alienate those outside its defined religious norms, challenging the essence of pluralism and religious liberty.
Opposing Christian Nationalism is a stance against the politicization of Christianity aimed at fusing church and state, not an opposition to Christianity or its followers. Many Christians resist Christian Nationalism, arguing it distorts the faith's core teachings of love, inclusivity, and respect for diverse beliefs.
Are those who identify as Christian Nationalist bad people?
At the heart of Christian Nationalism is the intertwining of Christian faith with national identity, often emphasizing a specific cultural heritage linked to Christian principles. It's a perspective that has sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning its implications on social and political policies.
First and foremost, it's crucial to distinguish between the beliefs individuals hold, the actions they take, and their intrinsic value as people. Our beliefs are often shaped by a myriad of factors—our upbringing, community, and personal experiences. These beliefs can lead to actions that, depending on one’s perspective, can be seen as either constructive or harmful.
Christian Nationalism, for some, is a way to affirm and protect their cultural and religious heritage. They see it as a means to promote values they believe are foundational to their identity and the well-being of their nation. However, critics argue that when national identity becomes too tightly woven with a specific religious ideology, it can lead to exclusionary practices and policies that marginalize those who don’t share the same beliefs.
It’s essential to recognize the diversity within any group. Not all who identify with Christian Nationalism hold uniform beliefs or intentions. While some may interpret their beliefs in ways that lead to exclusionary or divisive actions, others might focus on aspects they believe contribute positively to their community's moral fabric.
In addressing the complexities of Christian Nationalism, our aim should not be to label individuals as "good" or "bad" based on their beliefs. Rather, we should strive to understand the motivations behind these beliefs and the impact they have on our society and political landscape. Engaging in respectful and empathetic dialogue allows us to explore these motivations and impacts more deeply, fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
As we navigate these discussions, especially within the context of our Faithful Politics community, we are reminded of the importance of listening and learning from each other. By inviting a range of voices to share their perspectives, we enrich our understanding and contribute to a more nuanced conversation about the role of faith in politics.
If I have additional questions about Heavenly Homeland or your podcast, Faithful Politics, who can I contact?
For further inquiries about "Heavenly Homeland" or "Faithful Politics," our website hosts all contact details. Feel free to reach out to me, Will Wright, at Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com, or Pastor Josh Burtram at Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com.
We also have a Facebook Group where we like to discuss issues of faith and politics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
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We eagerly await every message, email, and comment, encouraging you to engage with us openly.