Church and Main

Church and Main

At the Intersection of Religion and Public Life

Church and Main is a religion and public affairs podcast. We look at where religion intersects with 21st-century public life with a focus on the story of Mainline Protestantism, its problems, its strengths, and its future. Join Pastor Dennis Sanders on the journey.

The Quiet Christian Resistance to America's Refugee Crackdown with Emily Belz | Episode 272
Church and MainMarch 06, 2026
273
01:00:4848.73 MB

The Quiet Christian Resistance to America's Refugee Crackdown with Emily Belz | Episode 272

When the federal government began arresting legal refugees in Minnesota, faith communities across the state stepped up in surprising ways.

A Theology of Protest with David Swanson | Episode 271
Church and MainFebruary 27, 2026
272
00:40:5232.76 MB

A Theology of Protest with David Swanson | Episode 271

David Swanson discusses the role of protest within the Christian faith.

Why Social Justice and Spirituality Go Together with Wes Granberg-Michaelson | Episode 270
Church and MainFebruary 20, 2026
271
00:51:1241.04 MB

Why Social Justice and Spirituality Go Together with Wes Granberg-Michaelson | Episode 270

I speak with Wes Granberg-Michelson about the essential link between spirituality and social justice in today's political climate, looking at the urgency for faith communities to act while remaining grounded in spiritual practices. Drawing from his book, "The Soul Work of Justice", Wes advocates for...

Is It Fascism? Reasoning Together About Trump 2.0 with Anthony Robinson | Episode 269
Church and MainFebruary 13, 2026
270
01:13:1658.72 MB

Is It Fascism? Reasoning Together About Trump 2.0 with Anthony Robinson | Episode 269

Trump 2.0 is different than Trump 1.0.

Why Minneapolis Needs Potlucks with Rachel Pieh Jones | Episode 268
Church and MainFebruary 06, 2026
269
00:48:5539.21 MB

Why Minneapolis Needs Potlucks with Rachel Pieh Jones | Episode 268

Rachel Pieh Jones joins to talk about the importance of potlucks in Minneapolis during a time of division. Drawing from her experiences in Djibouti and Somaliland, Rachel discusses how communal meals can bridge diverse communities and foster empathy, particularly amid the challenges faced by immigra...

Character Matters in Politics with Matt Lewis | Episode 267
Church and MainJanuary 30, 2026
268
00:55:4144.63 MB

Character Matters in Politics with Matt Lewis | Episode 267

Political commentator Matt Lewis joins the podcast to talk about the shifting relationship between character and politics from the 1990s to the present. We examine how character dynamics during the Bill Clinton era contrast with current debates surrounding Donald Trump. Matt shares personal insights...

Can AI Help or Hinder Human Flourishing? with Paul Hoffman | Episode 266
Church and MainJanuary 23, 2026
267
00:56:0945.01 MB

Can AI Help or Hinder Human Flourishing? with Paul Hoffman | Episode 266

Dr. Paul Hoffman speaks about the intersection of faith and technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Hoffman discusses his recent book, "AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep," exploring how AI can both aid and hinder human flourishing from a theological perspective. We look at the implica...

The Lost Cultural Influence of the Religious Left with Lane Davis | Episode 265
Church and MainJanuary 16, 2026
266
00:54:2443.61 MB

The Lost Cultural Influence of the Religious Left with Lane Davis | Episode 265

Lane Davis, an ordained minister and assistant professor of Church History, unpacks his insightful article, "How the Religious Left Ceded Power to the Religious Right." We explore Lane's journey from pastoral ministry to academia and discuss the historical decline of liberal Christianity's political...