Religion Matters

We often describe our world as “post-colonial”; a world where empire is behind us, and what remains are its lingering effects. But what if that’s not quite true? In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore the idea that post-colonialism may be less a reality and more a myth. Drawing on recent global events (including U.S. military action in Venezuela, escalation in Iran, and renewed rhetoric about taking control of places like Greenland and Cuba) we ask whether patterns of colonial power have truly disappeared, or simply taken new forms. At the same time, we examine the role of religion in shaping how these events are understood and justified. From civilizational language in Pete Hegseth’s American Crusade to the reemergence of Christian rhetoric in discussions of war (including references to divine purpose and even biblical prophecy) we consider how religious narratives continue to intersect with political power. Engaging postcolonial theology, particularly the work of Robert Heaney, we reflect on a deeper question: what does it mean to do theology in a world where empire may not be past, but ongoing? This conversation moves beyond policy debates to focus on something more fundamental; the stories we tell about power, morality, and history itself. Because if colonialism hasn’t ended, but has instead been rebranded, then understanding its persistence requires not only political analysis, but religious insight. Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore the complex and deeply human intersections of religion and immigration in the United States. How has immigration shaped American religious communities — and how are those communities being reshaped in return? We examine the impact of immigration enforcement and ICE policies on congregations across the country, including the erosion of sanctuary protections once reserved for sacred spaces. What does it mean when places of worship, historically seen as refuges, are no longer safe havens? Our conversation also traces the long history of the dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, revealing how fear-driven narratives have surfaced again and again throughout American history. Yet amid these challenges, we ask an urgent question: How can religious communities respond differently? This episode calls faith communities to re-humanize themselves by re-humanizing others; through relationship-building, solidarity, and courageous engagement. At stake is not only immigration policy, but the moral and spiritual identity of religious life in America. Books and Articles referenced in this episode: Campese, Gioacchino. “A PEOPLE OF GOD WHO REMEMBERS: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON A ‘REFUGEE CRISIS.’” In Migration and Public Discourse in World Christianity, edited by Afe Adogame, Raimundo C. Barreto, and Wanderley Pereira da Rosa, 2:215–28. Augsburg Fortress, 2019.  Rajendra, Tisha. Migrants and Citizens: Justice and Responsibility in the Ethics of Immigration. Eerdmans Publishing, 2017. "One of the Bible's Biggest Moral Revolutions" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/opinion/immigrants-religion-bible-politics.html?searchResultPosition=3. February 22, 2026 Emily Belz "Refugees Disappeared. Churches Prayed and Layered Up". In Christianity Today. February 18, 2026. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/02/minnesota-ice-refugees-detention-immigration-persecution/   Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

Christmas is more than a Christian holiday; it’s a global response to darkness, uncertainty, and the need for hope. In this episode of Religion Matters, we explore Christmas alongside Roman Saturnalia, Yule fires, saints and monsters, La Posada, global South celebrations, Kwanzaa, and Asian traditions of light and home. A journey through ritual, food, and meaning that asks what humans do when winter, either literal or symbolic, sets in. Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

Kirk Sandvig explores global traditions that connect the living and the dead through ritual, memory, and, yes, food. From Celtic Samhain and soul cakes to Día de los Muertos, Buddhist ghost festivals, Japanese Obon, and Korean Young San Jae, we dive into how different cultures honor their ancestors through multisensory practices. Drawing on stories, scholarship, and the theology of Alfred North Whitehead, this episode asks: what does it mean to feed the dead, and what does that say about the living? Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

In this episode, we discuss the domestic and international implications of President Trumps first 75 days of his second term of office. Since his return we have see the reimplementation of the Muslim ban in America, the reestablishment of the White House Faith Office, the creation of the Task Force to Combat Anti-Christian Bias, as well as sweeping anti DEI initiatives that impact domestic and international trade/cooperation.  Many of these initiatives and executive orders have resulted in massive shifts in policy and practice, leading to a general sense of loss, confusion, dislocation, and depression. These are to topics discussed in the podcast, as well as the ways religious and educational institutions are able to find hope in these times of anxiety and uncertainty.Book recommendations:Katongole, Emmanuel, Born from Lament: The Theology and Politics of Hope in Africa. WmB. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2017.https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467446983/born-from-lament/  Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

In this episode, we get into the rhetoric and ideology used in the 2024 election. We discuss former president Trump's comparison  to a controversial messiah figure similar to Cyrus, the calling for Christian/White Nationalism, the American people's frustration with current and former power systems, as well as the roles religion, gender, ethnicity, and identity have played and will play in political discussions, regardless of who will win the presidency.  References:NPR segment - https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/1227070827/a-video-making-the-rounds-online-depicts-trump-as-a-messiah-like-figureWorld Values Survey  - https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV1.jspIsabel Wilkerson - CasteKristin Kobes Du Mez - Jesus and John WayneMusic by Caleb, Aiden, and Kirk Sandvig Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

Rev. Dr. Carver Pace helps us navigate the positives and negatives of maintaining online spaces for religious institutions. Since the Pandemic, religious institutions have been forced into the deep waters of not only increasing their online presence through virtual services, online giving, and digital prayer requests, but also hold responsibility to ensure this information stays safe and secure. This can be especially difficult for older populations and communities where internet access and technological know-how is limited. Having the right people and tools in place can make navigating these online spaces more inviting, safe, and secure.  Rev. Dr. Pace shares with us his research and experience to make this possible. Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

In this episode we get into the connections between religion and the olympic games. Issues of nationalism, identity, belonging, migration, environmental sustainability, and physical/spiritual transcendence are all discussed. We welcome in our new co-host, Briana Wong, from Phillips Theological Seminary. Thanks for joining us!! Janice McLean-Farrell is the Dirck Romeyn Associate Professor of Metro-Urban Ministry & Associate  Dean of Doctoral Studies, at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.Briana Wong is the Assistant Professor of the History of World Christianities at Phillips Seminary.Kirk Sandvig is a Lecturer in the Department for the Study of Religion at San Diego State University. Music composed in this episode comes from Aiden, Caleb, and Kirk Sandvig   Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

This episode features a series of interviews from community members in Southern California who deal with death regularly. Rev. Greg Coppock, pastor at Sunrise Christian Fellowship in Fallbrook, CA and former San Diego Sheriff Chaplain; Dr. Lillian Harvey Banchik, retired trauma surgeon; Rev. Cate Luehr, Children's Hospital Los Angeles Chaplain and ELCA pastor; Dr. Nilesh Vora, Oncologist, Hematologist, and Palliative Care Physician at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, share their insights regarding death, as well as provide advice for people dealing with death. Topics in this episode include:1) Talking to children about death2) Professionals coping with death3) The impact of death on the lives of the living, including caregivers Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions

This episode features a series of interviews from community members in Southern California who deal with death regularly. Rev. Greg Coppock, pastor at Sunrise Christian Fellowship in Fallbrook, CA and former San Diego Sheriff Chaplain; Dr. Lillian Harvey Banchik, retired trauma surgeon; Rev. Cate Luehr, Children's Hospital Los Angeles Chaplain and ELCA pastor; Dr. Nilesh Vora, Oncologist, Hematologist, and Palliative Care Physician at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, share their insights regarding death, as well as provide advice for people dealing with death. Topics in this episode include:1) General introductions2) The impact of faith and death3) The role of platitudes when dealing with death4) Medicalized death Music by Kirk, Aiden and Caleb Sandvig. Edited by Kirk SandvigPublished by Hidden Wave Productions