234. Political Power and American Evangelicalism, with Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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Here in the U.S. the impact of the election and the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are inescapable.
In this episode, Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, discusses the unsettling trend of political polarization in the church, the role of pastors in responding to the pressure to reclaim a "Christian America," and the importance of having diverse relationships as we navigate this season of polarization.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Tim Alberta shares his story of being criticized for his political views while at his father's funeral.
• Tim Alberta expresses concern over the perceived decline of "Christian America."
• Alberta warns about the losses incurred when churches self-select into narrow ideological spaces.
• Diverse relationships are necessary for spiritual growth and addressing complex issues.
• Markus Watson mentions Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer’s organizations working to address political polarization. These organizations bring different churches together to facilitate conversations and humanize each other.
• Alberta discusses how American Christians often view the U.S. as a nation set apart or a new Israel in covenant with God. This belief leads to a conflation of defending America with defending God.
• Some Christians view political opponents as cultural and spiritual adversaries, treating political warfare as spiritual warfare.
• There seems to be a fear among evangelicals of losing status, indoctrination of children, and being targeted by the government.
• Alberta discusses the shift from a culture sympathetic to Christian ideals to one perceived as hostile, creating a siege mentality.
• There seems to be a sense of entitlement within the evangelical community, akin to the belief of the ancient people of Israel..
• Tim Alberta highlights the difficulty for Christians to relate to scriptural suffering due to comfort and wealth in America.
• Some Christians compromise their virtues to reclaim a "Christian America," engaging in unethical behavior for a perceived greater good.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Tim Alberta:
  • www.bytimalberta.com
  • The Atlantic
  • Twitter/X - @TimAlberta
• Books mentioned:
  • The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, by Tim Alberta
  • American Carnage, by Tim Alberta
• Related episodes:
  • Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer
  • Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton
  • Grace-Filled Politics, with Aaron Schafer

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