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Amanda Tyler on BJC’s commitment to learning from BIPOC scholars, theologians, preachers, writers, philosophers, poets, prophets and podcasters about faith freedom for all.
BJC’s Amanda Tyler on a violent mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol, many cloaking their destructive acts in Christian imagery.
BJC’s Amanda Tyler says what Jeep’s Super Bowl ad misses is that both nostalgic Christian nationalism and violent Christian nationalism are harmful and divisive. Published by Religion News Service.
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Former National Security Adviser Flynn calls for ‘one religion’
Even in these divided times, many onlookers -- including prominent Christian conservative leaders -- were shocked and condemned such a brazen call from Michael Flynn to unite America under a single religion.
Supreme Court justices ponder questions of sincerity, safety, in execution chamber arguments
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Ramirez v. Collier, in which a death row inmate in Texas is challenging the state’s refusal to allow a minister to lay hands on him and pray audibly during his execution.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to halt vaccine requirement for Maine health care workers seeking religious exemption
By a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court last week refused to issue an emergency injunction sought by a group of Maine health care workers against the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
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The Supreme Court brought the execution chamber into the courtroom as it heard arguments about the activities clergy can perform at the moment of death. Amanda and Holly share clips from the arguments in Ramirez v. Collier and discuss issues raised by the justices. From questions about sincerity of religious belief to the key laws that protect the religious exercise of prisoners, hear what the justices focused on and learn about the arguments made by both sides. In segment three, Amanda and Holly discuss the roles of pastors in cases like this and how churches connect with prisoners.
This week, Amanda and Holly explore questions swirling around vaccine mandates and religious exemptions related to COVID-19. Is there a newfound religious awakening that is leading to new requests? Are people gaming the system? Dive into the issue that is on the mind of employers, government officials and individuals across the country. Amanda and Holly discuss the religious liberty rationale for religious exemptions, the compelling government interest in mandating vaccines and how those values have been balanced in the past and in dealing with the present pandemic. They also talk about some of the difficult decisions employers are facing as they try to keep their workforce safe, healthy and productive. In the third segment, they look at the broader impact of COVID-19, including new reports on the trustworthiness of clergy when it comes to this topic.
The Supreme Court is about to hear arguments in a type of case it usually addresses in its emergency or “shadow” docket: Questions surrounding clergy and religious exercise in the execution chamber. Amanda and Holly review the issue by considering cases over the past few years, including how the justices have shifted over time, with strong words from Justice Elena Kagan and the arrival of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. In segment two, they dive into the first religious liberty case the Court will hear oral arguments this term in Ramirez v. Collier (starting at 14:50), including the statute at the heart of the case: RLUIPA. In segment three, Amanda and Holly step back to discuss their personal experiences visiting death row early in their legal careers.
As we kick off season three of Respecting Religion, Amanda and Holly take a look at where we’ve been and the big cases the Supreme Court will hear this term. They dig into doctrinal shifts at the Court and recent studies about religion cases, explaining what the numbers don’t show. In segment two, they dive into the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia (15:55), involving a faith-based group’s voluntary partnership with the government to administer a foster care program. The decision hinged on a single line in a contract, and they share why it’s not as sweeping a decision as the 9-0 outcome might make it seem. In the third segment, hear what Amanda, Holly, and BJC have been doing since we last gathered for a podcast — from new school routines to calling out Christian nationalism.
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White Christian Nationalism: How Racism Undergirds Christian Nationalism
This conversation between author and scholar Jemar Tisby and researcher Robert P. Jones sheds light on ways white supremacy is intertwined with Christian nationalism and how we can work to root it out of our churches and ourselves.
Moving Faith Freedom Forward Across the Country
Hear from members of the BJC community throughout the United States as they share how they are working to take a stand for faith freedom for all.
Fierce Freedom with the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Hear from members of the BJC community and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis in this program, recorded live on June 18, 2021, as we consider ways to define freedom. The program includes a discussion of freedom with Dr. Lewis and others.
Religious Liberty Has Been White Too Long: Voices of Black Scholars
In our discussions about religious liberty, how can we dismantle a narrative that centers white experiences and upholds white supremacy? Hear from Dr. Nicole Myers Turner of Yale University, Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood of Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Anthony Pinn of Rice University, and Dr. David Goatley of Duke Divinity School.
