Ep. 03: Religion and public schools

BJC Podcast

#Government #Religion #Baptistjointcommittee #Faithfreedom #Religiousfreedom #Religiousliberty #Supremecourt #BJC

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

5 років тому 46:11

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Has God been kicked out of the public schools? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman dig into a recent announcement from President Trump about constitutional prayer in public schools and explore the rhetoric and the reality. Hear their reactions to the Oval Office announcement (starting at 3:20), the stories behind the stories shared there (11:11), and the long history of guidelines on religion in the public schools through Supreme Court cases and consensus efforts (18:32). In the final segment, Amanda and Holly look at how religion is portrayed – and not – in the movie “Little Women” (37:35) and discuss a meditation practice in a public school.

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77 епізодів

BJC Podcast

Ep. 03: Religion and public schools

BJC Podcast

published 5 років тому

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The post Ep. 03: Religion and public schools appeared first on BJC.

77 епізодів

#Government #Religion #Baptistjointcommittee #Faithfreedom #Religiousfreedom #Religiousliberty #Supremecourt #BJC

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BJC Podcast

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S6, Ep. 08: Ten Commandments and Trump’s first week 37:51

7 weeks тому37:51

37:51

Special Presentation: We're bringing you the latest episode of the Respecting Religion podcast on the BJC Podcast feed. Join us on the Respecting Religion podcast feed for more episodes! In this week’s episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, Amanda and Holly discuss the problems with government mandates to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, focusing on a case out of Louisiana. BJC and other Christian groups filed a brief in that case to explain why, as Christians, we oppose the Louisiana law and how the government’s decision to choose a religious text to display in a public school setting not only cheapens our faith but also puts the government in a role it is not called to play. Plus, Amanda and Holly talk through President Donald Trump’s first week back in the White House, sharing where they saw concerning signs for religion and religious liberty. First released January 30, 2025 SHOW NOTESSegment 1 (starting at 01:53): President Trump’s first week back and backlash to a sermon Amanda and Holly talked about ways to handle a constant influx of news and the dangers of “God saved me” rhetoric when others died in the episode after the 2024 election: S6, Ep. 04: Election Day: What happened and where do we go from here Amanda wrote a piece for Bloomberg Opinion about the backlash to Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at the service of unity and what it teaches us about religious freedom: Trump’s Response to Bishop’s Sermon on Unity Is Un-American Learn more about the two new religious liberty cases to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in this piece on our website: U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear cases involving religious school funding, parent rights to opt out of grade school curriculum Amanda and Holly discussed the issues with religious charter schools in 2024: S5, Ep. 16: The trouble with *religious* charter schools Read more about the lawsuit filed by a group of Quaker congregations opposing raids in churches on religious freedom grounds in this article by Bernie Pazanowski for Bloomberg Law : Quakers Sue to Block Trump’s Immigration Raids in Churches Segment 2 (starting at 15:35): Louisiana’s mandate to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms Read the brief from BJC and other Chrisitan groups in Roake v. Brumley at this link . Learn more about the case in this post on our website: BJC urges federal appeals court to reject Louisiana law requiring public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments Holly and Amanda discussed the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision and its abandonment of the Lemon test in this episode in 2022: S3, Ep. 21: Not solving a problem, but creating one: Dissecting the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision Holly and Amanda discussed the Ten Commandments on two episodes in 2023 when a bill was being discussed in Texas: S4, Ep. 20: The Ten Commandments S4, Ep. 21: 613 Commandments: James Talarico on his defense of church-state separation as a Christian Segment 3 (starting 31:08): Oral arguments and what’s next Hear last week’s oral arguments in this case at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at this link . Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations with a gift to BJC .…

BJC Podcast

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Christian nationalism, Respect for Marriage Act, and the Supreme Court: Join us on Respecting Religion 2:16

2 years тому2:16

2:16

Want to learn more about the Respect for Marriage Act, the Supreme Court arguments in the 303 Creative case, and congressional testimony that mentions Christian nationalism for the first time? Join Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman on the Respecting Religion podcast feed. Now is a great time to catch up – search for “Respecting Religion” on this same podcasting provider! See a list of all episodes of Respecting Religion at https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/…

BJC Podcast

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Subscribe to the Respecting Religion podcast feed for new episodes 1:46

3 years тому1:46

1:46

For new podcast episodes featuring BJC’s Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman, subscribe to the “Respecting Religion” podcast feed. It is available on this same podcasting provider. There, you’ll find their latest conversations on faith freedom for all, including their reactions to Supreme Court arguments and decisions impacting religious liberty. Subscribe to Respecting Religion today! Learn more at https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 09: Reviewing the Biden administration’s first year in religious liberty 39:43

3 years тому39:43

39:43

It’s been one year since President Joe Biden took office. What have we seen from his administration in regards to religious liberty? From executive actions to court cases to appointments, Amanda and Holly take a look at this administration’s actions that impact faith freedom for all. In segment three, they talk about how President Biden has continued to practice his private faith in a very public role over the past year. You're listening on our old feed -- to get access to the show notes and additional information, listen to this show on the feed named "Respecting Religion" or visit this link: https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-09-biden-administrations-first-year-in-religious-liberty/…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 08: Flying the flag and Christian nationalism: Previewing Shurtleff v. Boston 42:59

3 years тому42:59

42:59

The Christian flag is at the center of a case the Supreme Court hears next week. Amanda and Holly preview Shurtleff v. Boston , share how this situation made it to the highest court, and look at the central legal question presented before the justices. They discuss the best arguments from both sides that the Court will consider when it determines whether this flagpole outside Boston City Hall is government speech or a public forum. In segment three, Amanda and Holly discuss the Christian nationalism aspects to the case, and they talk about the Christian flag’s history, including how this powerful symbol has been appropriated in destructive ways. For show notes and further details, subscribe to this program on its dedicated podcast feed -- search for "Respecting Religion."…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 07: Is religion really just like soccer or book club? Responding to the oral arguments in Carson v. Makin 36:25

3 years тому36:25

36:25

You're listening to this podcast on the old feed! Join us on the feed called "Respecting Religion" for the latest episodes. It’s a frustrating day at the Supreme Court when several justices seem not to care about the reasons religion gets special treatment in our constitutional system. Amanda and Holly share audio clips and their reaction to the oral arguments in Carson v. Makin , including spotting some faux outrage from the justices and how six justices seem poised to chart a new and troublesome direction in church-state law. They talk about obvious differences between determining protecting free exercise of religion and requiring taxpayer funding of religious education. In segment three, Amanda and Holly share how they are welcoming the holidays. SHOW NOTES: Segment one: Why should religion be treated differently? (starting at 00:55): Amanda and Holly previewed the oral arguments in Carson v. Makin in episode 5: What’s the problem with the government funding religious education? Amanda shared her first impressions of the oral arguments on Twitter. You can read her thread here . You can follow her on Twitter @AmandaTylerBJC . We played the following clips from the oral arguments, available at this link . *Michael Bindas, attorney for the challenge to Maine’s program: 1:31-2:09 *Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Deputy Solicitor General Malcolm Stewart, arguing on behalf of the Biden administration 1:31:36-1:32:46 Segment two: Is this a choice program? Is there discrimination between different religions? (starting at 14:40) We played the following clips from the oral arguments, available at this link : *Christopher Taub, attorney defending Maine’s program: 42:54-44:14 *Justice Elena Kagan: 29:15-30:04, and then 30:30-31:17 Segment three: The advent of the holiday season (starting at 29:08) Amanda and Holly talked about this New York Times piece by Tish Harrison Warren: I’m not ready for Christmas. I need to take a minute. Amanda wrote a devotional for Word & Way ’s Unsettling Advent series. You can read her devotional here , and read the entire series here . Subscribe to get future editions sent to your inbox. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC .…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 06: Challenging misinformation: How to have productive conversations with friends and family 38:28

3 years тому38:28

38:28

What do you do when you’re around the dinner table or visiting family over the holidays and hear someone share misinformation? How do you have productive conversations and truthful exchanges that bring people together? From fake narratives that drive violence to the mundane myths that build a false foundation, Amanda and Holly talk about common misconceptions they hear, what they see when talking about the dangers of Christian nationalism, and how you can find areas of agreement with others. They share some specific ways they would handle difficult statements in one-on-one conversations. In segment three, Holly and Amanda talk about the pros and cons of online worship from their own experience. **You are listening to this podcast on the old feed. Search for "Respecting Religion" to find this podcast on its current feed.** Segment one: Why is misinformation such a problem in Christian communities? (starting at 00:49): Amanda and Holly discuss this May webinar from the Council on Foreign Relations: Disinformation and Faith Communities , which featured Joan Donovan from the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, along with Ed Stetzer of Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center. They also mention a piece Stetzer wrote for USA Today in September 2020: “Evangelicals need to address the QAnoners in our midst” Amanda wrote this column for Baptist News Global about Michael Flynn’s troubling comments: If you’re paying attention to Christian nationalism, you won’t be shocked by Michael Flynn’s call for ‘one religion under God’ Segment two: Handling difficult conversations with others (starting at 14:28) Learn more about the Christian Against Christian Nationalism campaign at christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org . Amanda referenced this summer’s webinar: White Christian Nationalism: How Racism Undergirds Christian Nationalism Amanda read this Tweet from author Kaitlyn Schiess: The problem with the “confront your family about politics on Thanksgiving” thing isn’t that we can’t influence our families or shouldn’t have those conversations, it’s thinking one tense dinner will do it. Long, compassionate faithfulness > “bold” one-time confrontation. Here are some resources to help combat misinformation from the Christians Against Christian Nationalism website: Frequently asked questions Small group curriculum: Responding to Christian Nationalism Webinars, including “Confronting Christian Nationalism in Your Congregation” are at this link Statement of Christians Against Christian Nationalism Segment three (starting at 28:41): Online and in-person worship services Amanda and Holly talked about this NPR story by Deena Prichep: Worshipers found religious homes near and far thanks to virtual services Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC .…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 05: What’s the problem with the government funding religious education? A preview of Carson v. Makin 38:14

3 years тому38:14

38:14

You are subscribed to our old feed! Subscribe to "Respecting Religion" on this same provider to get the clean feed and to access show notes! A central concern for BJC in protecting faith freedom for all involves keeping the government out of religion, and that principle is at stake at the Supreme Court next week. Holly and Amanda preview the case of Carson v. Makin , talking about the Baptist beginnings of protecting religious liberty, the importance of religious education, the unique school system in the state of Maine, and how this case is different from cases involving school vouchers. After listening to this episode, you’ll also be able to impress your friends with trivia about Maine’s public school system. In segment three, they talk about a troubling article and share a warning about overreaching arguments. For show notes and additional information, please find this episode on the "Respecting Religion" feed or visit this link: https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-05-government-funding-religious-education-carson-v-makin/…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 04: Searching for sincerity and standards: SCOTUS on religious rites in the execution chamber 38:59

3 years тому38:59

38:59

You're listening to this show on the old feed -- subscribe to "Respecting Religion" on its permanent feed so you don't miss any episodes! This was released November 18, 2021. Description: 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. Show notes: Segment one (starting at 00:43): Amanda and Holly previewed the Ramirez v. Collier case in episode two this season — you can listen to that on your feed and access show notes at this link . This Texas Tribune article by Jolie McCullough provides a helpful overview of the case: U.S. Supreme Court weighs religion’s place in the Texas death chamber. During the conversation, Amanda and Holly played clips from the oral arguments. You can listen to the entire argument at this CSPAN link . The clips played in this segment were: Justice Samuel Alito, starting at 16:52 in the oral argument. Chief Justice John Roberts, starting at 47:20 in the oral argument. To learn more about the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (“RLUIPA”), visit BJConline.org/RLUIPA . Segment two (starting at 19:11) Read the brief BJC joined in the Ramirez v. Collier case at this link . The clips from oral arguments played in this segment were: Justice Brett Kavanaugh, starting at 9:23 in the oral argument. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, starting at 1:05:31 in the oral argument. Justice Elena Kagan, starting at 1:26:32 in the oral argument. Segment three (starting at 34:48) Amanda and Holly talked about this article by Robert Barnes in the Washington Post that shares background on the pastor at the center of the case: Supreme Court considers a minister’s role at the time an inmate is put to death Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC .…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 03: What’s going on with religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates? 40:25

3 years тому40:25

40:25

You're still listening to the show on the old feed. Search for "Respecting Religion" and listen to us there! 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. See our "Respecting Religion" podcast feed for comprehensive show notes or visit https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-03-whats-going-on-with-religious-exemptions-to-covid-19-vaccine-mandates/…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 02: Out of the shadows and into the courtroom: Religion in the execution chamber 38:38

3 years тому38:38

38:38

You're listening to this podcast on our old feed. Search for "Respecting Religion" on this same podcast provider to find the current feed -- we won't be here much longer! 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 , 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. Subscribe to our new feed or visit https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-02-religion-in-the-execution-chamber/ for our show notes…

BJC Podcast

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S3, Ep. 01: The fondness of magistrates: Is religion really winning at the Supreme Court? 38:41

3 years тому38:41

38:41

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. Please join us on our new podcast feed -- search for "Respecting Religion" on this same podcast provider. In this episode, 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. For show notes and additional information, find the program on our new feed. You can also visit https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-01-is-religion-really-winning-at-the-supreme-court/…

BJC Podcast

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Previewing season 3 of Respecting Religion -- subscribe to our new feed! 1:27

3 years тому1:27

1:27

Respecting Religion is coming back this month -- join us on our new podcast feed! Search for "Respecting Religion" and subscribe. The new icon will be a photo of Amanda and Holly in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Join BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler and General Counsel Holly Hollman for new conversations on religion and the law this season, including the most significant cases concerning religion and religious liberty at the Supreme Court. They'll be discussing government funding of religious schools, the religious liberty rights of prisoners, Christian nationalism and flag flying, the continuing debates about religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination mandates, and more. As lawyers and people of faith, Amanda and Holly think these topics deserve respectful conversation -- something that we don’t always hear in the public square or in our social media feeds. Look for new episodes to be released each Thursday on the new feed, starting October 21, 2021. All of season one and two are already on the new feed, so you can catch up!…

BJC Podcast

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Season 2 bonus episode: When ministers become candidates 54:22

4 years тому54:22

54:22

Race and religion are topics at the forefront of the U.S. Senate race in Georgia between Sen. Kelly Loeffler and the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock. On this bonus episode of Respecting Religion, we bring you a conversation between BJC Director of Education Charles Watson Jr. and Executive Director Amanda Tyler about what happens when ministers become candidates. In this dialogue broadcast live on December 2, they go beyond partisan politics and dive into the sensitive topics, discussing the implications of using sermons in attack ads, the power structure of whiteness, Christian nationalism, liberation theology, double standards and how you can’t ignore the racial components at play right now. Plus, they ask a serious question: How do the attacks against the Rev. Warnock compare to similar attacks on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his time? Show notes: You can watch this conversation on BJC’s Facebook page at this link . Brian Kaylor of Word & Way wrote a story on the conversation, and you can read his article here . The Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock was the keynote speaker for BJC’s 2016 symposium on religious liberty and the Black church, held at the Howard University School of Divinity. Watch his entire presentation here , and see a highlight video here .We also have a website page dedicated to the event: https://bjconline.org/howardsymposium/ Read and sign the statement standing against Christian nationalism at christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org . Visit BJC’s page on resources related to race and religious liberty at this link . The 2021 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest asks students to write about members of the clergy running for political office. Read the full writing prompt and details at BJConline.org/contest . It is open to all high school juniors and seniors, and entries are due March 26, 2021. If you would like to continue this conversation with your church or in other contexts about liberation theology or other topics discussed today, reach out to Charles Watson Jr .…

BJC Podcast

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Season 2, Ep. 06: What’s next? The Biden administration and religious liberty (Featuring Melissa Rogers) 54:31

4 years тому54:31