Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us

Jesus and John Kennedy?

Jun 03, 2024

I’ve been interested in religion and politics for as long as I can remember. Indeed, the first two names I knew other than those of my family were “Jesus” and “Kennedy.” (With due apologies to my friend, Kristin Du Mez, some future biographer might write a book about me called Jesus and John Kennedy — 😂.)

The Cottage has always been about both faith and public concerns. I’ve never shied away from reimagining Christianity in its spiritual practices, poetry, biblical stories, theologies, and liturgies. And I’ve never stopped engaging issues of cultural change, current events, history, and political life. I always attempt to balance the two, moving between them with the same sort of integration in which they reside together in my own soul.

There are some Cottage readers who like the former better than the latter; and others prefer the latter over the former. Both can be controversial and easily misunderstood. My goal is to provide some historical ballast and sensible hope in the midst of these rough currents. But I’m not a disinterested observer in either religion or politics — I hold to preferences, positions, and policies that I believe to be more humane, just, and loving than other choices.

This June, I’m joining with my friends Tripp Fuller (Homebrewed Christianity) and Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals) to explore faith and politics in an online course, FAITH AND POLITICS FOR THE REST OF US.

The course isn’t a tirade against something. Instead, we are for something.

We want to remind ourselves — and you all — of the rich diversity of Christian theological approaches to faith and politics — to provide alternatives to the narrative of white Christian nationalism that has come to dominate the public conversation of religion and politics.

The course is NOT a regular part of the Cottage. It is produced by Homebrewed Christianity and is co-hosted by the three of us. This “summer school class” starts TUESDAY, JUNE 4 (and can be watched live or on your own schedule).

TO JOIN, you need to SIGN UP SEPARATELY through Homebrewed.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: FAITH AND POLITICS FOR THE REST OF US.

It is a donation-based course — you can sign up for free or donate any amount to defray costs. The class is also designed so that you can share it in adult education settings in church groups next fall. We think you’ll be surprised how religion and politics can promote thoughtful discussions.

It is such an important topic — and we’re at a fever pitch arguing over faith and politics here in the United States. These aren’t intended to add to the anger. Rather, I hope you’ll find both thoughtful, informed, and helpful.

The first is of me talking about religious freedom. It was recorded in 2018 — and was intended to be part of a documentary called True Believer. Sadly, it wound up being edited out. But the film’s producer posted it recently on Instagram because she considers it important. I’d forgotten about this!