The Johnson Amendment: A Conversation with Rev. Jen Butler and Doug Pagitt

Shane talks with Rev. Jen Butler and Pastor Doug Pagitt about the new Executive Order of Donald Trump loosening restrictions on faith-based nonprofits when it comes to political endorsements and funding.  The US has prided itself on the "separation of Church and State," but this could be a historic shift in what that looks like. Connect with Rev. Butler • Rev. Butler's site: Website • Books: Link • @revjenbutler Connect with Doug Pagitt • Doug's site: Doug Pagitt - Author, Activist, Pastor • Vote For Common Good: Vote Common Good • @dougpagitt Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  • Instagram: @RedLetterXians  • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne   

This week, we're excited to talk with Los Angeles Pastor, Stephen "Cue" Jn-Marie, leader of the Church Without Walls on Skid Row. We discuss activism and faith in the current socio-political climate and delve into the emboldening of white supremacy, ICE raids, and the militarization of the state under the Trump administration. We also reflect on the spiritual and economic implications of modern-day Babylon, emphasizing the importance of non-violent resistance, moral courage, and community empowerment.   Connect with Cue • Church Without Walls: The Row Church • On Instagram: @therowla_ Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  • Instagram: @RedLetterXians  • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane announces the new God Loves Gaza campaign and shares his experience at 'Church at the Crossroads,' the inaugural, historic gathering of Christians standing in solidarity with Palestine.  Shane highlights the need for Christians to stand against violence, the importance of good theology, and calls for actions rooted in love and compassion.   Take Action: Sign the CATX Declaration Visit the God Loves Gaza site and sign the pledge.  Order a Peace Communion set.  Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

In this episode, we talk with Zach Lambert, lead pastor of Restore Church in Austin, Texas. We discuss the complexities of interpreting the Bible and the ways it can be misused or misunderstood. Lambert outlines his new book, 'Better Ways to Read the Bible,' which identifies harmful interpretive lenses—Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy—and proposes alternatives—Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness. He emphasizes that the Bible should promote healing and justice rather than violence and oppression. The conversation also examines how these interpretations are applied in social and political contexts, highlighting the significance of faith-based activism and community engagement. Zach will be joining us to discuss his book on this month's RLC book club, which you can register to watch for free: September Book Club Connect with Zach • Better Ways to Read the Bible: Better Ways to Read the Bible – Baker Book House • Zach on Instagram: @zachwlambert • Restore Austine: RESTORE AUSTIN | Join Our Community Today Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians • Instagram: @RedLetterXians • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

We talk with podcaster, author, and comedian, John Fugelsang about his new book, 'Separation of Church and Hate.' We discuss the manipulation of religion by the Christian far-right, Fugelsang's unique upbringing with parents deeply involved in religious service, and the distinctions between true Christ followers and those who use Christianity for ulterior motives. Connect with John John's websites: John Fugelsang John on Instagram: @johnfugelsang John's Podcast Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit  us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne  

This week, we talk with musician and filmmaker Steve Taylor. We explore the intersection of faith and art, examining how Christian music can both challenge and inspire. Steve talks about his influences, including punk rock and Rich Mullins, and touches on the importance of authenticity in the Christian community. Steve reflects on the power of art to speak truth and reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining integrity in the music industry. Connect with Steve • Steve's latest film project: SKETCH (2025) | Official Website | Now Streaming on Angel • Dead Sea Squirrels: Dead Sea Squirrels - Minno Kids Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians • Instagram: @RedLetterXians • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

This week, we talk with author and bridge builder, Latasha Morrison, about her new book 'Brown Faces in White Spaces.' We discuss reconciling and healing within the church, and explore the spiritual crisis mirrored in the political arena. This heartfelt conversation seeks to propel the mission of justice, love, and truthful theology forward. Connect with Latasha Latasha's site:  Be The Bridge organization: https://bethebridge.com/ Instagram: @latashamorrison Latasha's monthly newsletter Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne    

Shane interviews Rev. Dr. Sally Mann, a pastor, professor, and co-director of Red Letter Christians UK, about her recent arrest (along with 500 other people) under the UK Anti-Terrorism Act for peacefully protesting the violence in Gaza. They discuss the moral implications of the protest, the importance of nonviolent action inspired by faith, and the broader context of the Palestinian crisis. The conversation also touches on the role of Palestinian Christians, the disproportionate consequences faced by protesters, and how genuine faith calls for action against injustice. Connect with Sally RLC UK: https://redletterchristians.org.uk/ Sally on Facebook: Sally Mann RLC UK on Facebook: RLCUK Recent Article on Sally's arrest: Independent Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Shane Claiborne interviews Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian theologian, about his background, recent completion of his PhD, and his work on the Qur'an. They discuss misconceptions about Islam, interfaith relations, and the importance of loving one's neighbors. Bannoura also highlights the impact of the Gaza conflict on his personal life and calls for Western Christians to engage with issues around justice and theology, particularly concerning Palestine and Israel. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Church at the Crossroads conference, which aims to educate and mobilize Christians for peacemaking. Connect with Daniel Daniel's site and writing: https://danielbannoura.com/ Across The Divide podcast: https://www.peacecatalyst.org/across-the-divide-podcast A detailed list of resources to help understand and engage with the situation in Palestine and Israel: resources Instagram: @danielbannoura Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Want to be part of the movement? Give this podcast a 5-star rating on Apple and Spotify. It’s a small act with a big impact to spread the word about Jesus + justice — your support helps us spark dialogue and mobilize listeners for impact. ----more---- Shane talks with one of the world's great theologians and ethicists, Stanley Hauerwas, who Time magazine has called "America's theologian. Shane and Stanley talk about power, empire, and what it means to be the holy, countercultural, peculiar people of God. Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne