The Bishop's Gambit

The Bishop's Gambit

Author: Institute of Religion Politics and Culture, Amanda Henderson, Iliff School of Theology January 12, 2025 Duration: 15:49
In a bold response to the incoming U.S. president, Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Robert McElroy as Bishop of Washington, D.C., signaling the Vatican’s commitment to immigration, environmental justice and a moral counter to Trump-era politics. RNS Vatican correspondent Claire Giangravè explores the significance of this appointment and its implications for faith and power in the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Complexified is a conversation that starts from a simple, uncomfortable truth: the forces of faith and power are woven into the fabric of our everyday existence, from kitchen tables to courtrooms. Hosted by Amanda Henderson of the Iliff School of Theology and presented by the Institute of Religion Politics and Culture, this podcast deliberately steps into the tangled intersections where belief systems meet policy, cultural norms, and social strife. We move beyond superficial debates to examine how these deep structures actually function, why certain problems feel so immovable, and where the possibilities for genuine movement might lie. Each episode is an effort to untangle a specific, knotty issue, listening for the underlying narratives and historical currents that often go unspoken. The goal isn't to provide easy answers but to foster a more nuanced comprehension, the kind required for meaningful engagement rather than repeated conflict. Tuning into this podcast means joining a rigorous yet accessible exploration of our shared life, acknowledging the complexity so often glossed over in public discourse. It’s an invitation to think more deeply about the roots of our divisions and the potential pathways forward, grounded in the conviction that clearer understanding is a necessary first step toward any durable change.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 97

Complexified
Podcast Episodes
Baptizing the Battlefield: Pete Hegseth’s Holy War at the Pentagon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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A Secretary of War leads worship at the Pentagon—how far can faith go before it becomes policy? Pete Hegseth calls it a “warrior ethos.” Critics call it a constitutional crisis. In this episode of Complexified, Amanda He…
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In overwhelming times, spiritual practice starts small—and stays true. When the world feels too big to fix, it’s tempting to shut down—or spiral. In this intimate conversation, author and scholar Simran Jeet Singh joins…
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Duration: 22:00
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Duration: 27:46
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Loose Reins, Tight Factions: the Southern Baptist Convention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:57
One of the most powerful religious institutions in America is also one of the most chaotic. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), with its billion-dollar budget and massive political influence, operates without centrali…