The VP Picks, Religious Diversity, and a Vision for Democracy

This week, we’ve pushed up the release of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly podcast, to get you the insightful expert commentary you need, when you need it. We’re excited to share with you this week’s episode, which is so timely and insightful that we’re releasing it early.

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by two brilliant commentators who share fascinating thoughts about Kamala Harris’s choice of running mate, as well as Donald Trump’s pick, and some of the implications for different faith communities.

“I think this country – we’re hungry for multiple iterations and emanations and embodiments of Christianity as well. So it’s not just other faith traditions, but what are we going to learn from the Walzes’ commitment to their Christian faith and their understanding of what helped produce a state that has one of the highest per capita refugee and asylum seeker population in the United States?”

 – Dr. Najeeba Syeed, a prominent interfaith leader in Minneapolis, speaking about the Lutheranism of Minnesota’s governor Tim Walz, the Democratic VP nominee, and how he embodies part of Minnesota’s history as a welcoming multifaith state.

“I think a lot of American Jews were feeling really ambivalent about this possible candidacy. On the one hand, naturally, there’s a lot of pride…On the other hand, there’s a lot of fear and dread.”

 – Rabbi Jay Michaelson, a contributing columnist for the Forward, on his mixed feelings about Pennsylvania’s Jewish governor Josh Shapiro ultimately not joining the ticket. He’s also got plenty to say about the diverse family of Republican VP nominee JD Vance.

At Interfaith Alliance, we’re proud that The State of Belief is one of the only national podcasts regularly diving in to key debates about the intersection of religion, politics and democracy. Later this month, Paul will be in Chicago covering the Democratic National Convention. And soon, you’ll hear all about the 2024 Nuns on the Bus & Friends Tour with NETWORK Lobby Executive Director Mary Novak, the ongoing impact of Christian nationalism with Religion Historian Randall Balmer, and many other essential voices bringing clarity and inspiration to a tumultous election year.

One thing that you could do today that would really help support The State of Belief would be to subscribe to receive it through your favorite podcasting platform. A strong subscriber base on the platforms helps with the algorithms to make sure that our important conversations reach more people. Visit stateofbelief.com/subscribe.

Thank you for being part of the conversation!