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ComplexifiedAuthor: Institute of Religion Politics and Culture, Amanda Henderson, Iliff School of Theology
For too long we have avoided talking about religion and politics. But the truth is, religion and politics are about daily life. When we avoid the hard topics connected to religion and politics, we become stuck in the status quo. On Complexified we dive into the places where religion and politics collide with real-life, so we can get unstuck- so we can make real change. We dive into our most entrenched problems to better understand the hidden histories and experiences of real people on the front lines. We look at the ways religion has shaped our systems - and the ways we see ourselves and others from there, we work together to imagine new paths forward. Language: en Genres: Government, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Baptizing the Battlefield: Pete Hegseth's Holy War at the Pentagon
Wednesday, 11 March, 2026
When the podium becomes a pulpit. At a Pentagon press briefing this week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth closed his remarks with a reading from the Book of Psalms and ended with "Amen." Press briefings don't usually end that way. RNS reporter Jack Jenkins joins Amanda Henderson to trace how we got here — from monthly worship services in the Pentagon auditorium to biblical scripture overlaid on weapons systems to a Secretary of War who told his troops the nation needed to be "on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." When the podium becomes a pulpit, what happens to everything else? That question hasn't gotten easier. 00:00 — Introduction: When the Podium Becomes a Pulpit 01:27 — The Original Episode: Setting the Scene 02:41 — The Generals' Meeting and the Warrior Ethos 05:14 — Christianity in the Military: Civil Religion vs. Hegseth's Faith 06:57 — "SecWar's Worship Service": The Pentagon Prayer Series 07:59 — Bible Verses Over Fighter Jets: The Social Media Campaign 10:15 — Recruitment, Viral Content, and Capital-B Believers 12:50 — The Theological Question: Faith as Military Doctrine 15:17 — Pushback — and Why It's Hard to Find 17:14 — Closing: The Baptism of the Military Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
