Kaitlyn Schiess | The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics - EP #51


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Aug 28 2023 46 mins   9

Welcome to an incisive conversation with Kaitlyn Schiess, the brilliant mind behind "The Ballot and the Bible." We've all experienced that challenging intersection of politics, faith, and scriptures.

Kaitlyn, with her deep-rooted understanding of this tryst, steers us through her personal journey, from evangelical upbringing to studying at Liberty University amidst the 2016 election. A compelling narrative, questioning Donald Trump's approach to the Bible, ensues, presenting a poignant critique on the intersection of faith and politics.

Our fascinating exploration digs into the profound influence Christianity and scriptures have wielded over American politics since its inception. Imagine biblical language used to describe political dissenters during the Revolutionary War! Yes, we uncover such striking instances and turn our lens on the 'City on a Hill' metaphor by John Winthrop, revealing its darker implications. The picture of how this metaphor justified violent land acquisition in America stands testament to the power of scripture when twisted for political ends.

As we wrap up, fear not! We steer the conversation towards hope, dissecting the potential for a positive use of scriptural language in politics. The uphill task of conversing with individuals deeply set in their beliefs unfolds, along with strategies to navigate such conversations. We also attempt to understand the role of fear and interpretations of scripture on politics, referencing popular works like the Left Behind series. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you pondering over the complex intersection of faith, politics, and the Bible.