Want to learn more about the Respect for Marriage Act, the Supreme Court arguments in the 303 Creative case, and congressional testimony that mentions Christian nationalism for the first time? Join Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman on the Respecting Religion podcast feed. Now is a great time to catch up – search for “Respecting Religion” on this same podcasting provider!

See a list of all episodes of Respecting Religion at https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/

For new podcast episodes featuring BJC’s Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman, subscribe to the “Respecting Religion” podcast feed. It is available on this same podcasting provider. There, you’ll find their latest conversations on faith freedom for all, including their reactions to Supreme Court arguments and decisions impacting religious liberty.

Subscribe to Respecting Religion today! Learn more at https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/

It’s been one year since President Joe Biden took office. What have we seen from his administration in regards to religious liberty? From executive actions to court cases to appointments, Amanda and Holly take a look at this administration’s actions that impact faith freedom for all. In segment three, they talk about how President Biden has continued to practice his private faith in a very public role over the past year.  

You're listening on our old feed -- to get access to the show notes and additional information, listen to this show on the feed named "Respecting Religion" or visit this link: https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-09-biden-administrations-first-year-in-religious-liberty/

The Christian flag is at the center of a case the Supreme Court hears next week. Amanda and Holly preview Shurtleff v. Boston, share how this situation made it to the highest court, and look at the central legal question presented before the justices. They discuss the best arguments from both sides that the Court will consider when it determines whether this flagpole outside Boston City Hall is government speech or a public forum. In segment three, Amanda and Holly discuss the Christian nationalism aspects to the case, and they talk about the Christian flag’s history, including how this powerful symbol has been appropriated in destructive ways.

For show notes and further details, subscribe to this program on its dedicated podcast feed -- search for "Respecting Religion." 

You're listening to this podcast on the old feed! Join us on the feed called "Respecting Religion" for the latest episodes.

It’s a frustrating day at the Supreme Court when several justices seem not to care about the reasons religion gets special treatment in our constitutional system. Amanda and Holly share audio clips and their reaction to the oral arguments in Carson v. Makin, including spotting some faux outrage from the justices and how six justices seem poised to chart a new and troublesome direction in church-state law. They talk about obvious differences between determining protecting free exercise of religion and requiring taxpayer funding of religious education. In segment three, Amanda and Holly share how they are welcoming the holidays.

SHOW NOTES:
Segment one: Why should religion be treated differently? (starting at 00:55):

Amanda and Holly previewed the oral arguments in Carson v. Makin in episode 5: What’s the problem with the government funding religious education? 

Amanda shared her first impressions of the oral arguments on Twitter. You can read her thread here. You can follow her on Twitter @AmandaTylerBJC. 

We played the following clips from the oral arguments, available at this link.

*Michael Bindas, attorney for the challenge to Maine’s program: 1:31-2:09
*Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Deputy Solicitor General Malcolm Stewart, arguing on behalf of the Biden administration 1:31:36-1:32:46

Segment two: Is this a choice program? Is there discrimination between different religions? (starting at 14:40)

We played the following clips from the oral arguments, available at this link:

*Christopher Taub, attorney defending Maine’s program: 42:54-44:14
*Justice Elena Kagan: 29:15-30:04, and then 30:30-31:17

Segment three: The advent of the holiday season (starting at 29:08)

Amanda and Holly talked about this New York Times piece by Tish Harrison Warren: I’m not ready for Christmas. I need to take a minute. 

Amanda wrote a devotional for Word & Way’s Unsettling Advent series. You can read her devotional here, and read the entire series here. Subscribe to get future editions sent to your inbox. 

Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC. 

You are subscribed to our old feed! Subscribe to "Respecting Religion" on this same provider to get the clean feed and to access show notes!

A central concern for BJC in protecting faith freedom for all involves keeping the government out of religion, and that principle is at stake at the Supreme Court next week. Holly and Amanda preview the case of Carson v. Makin, talking about the Baptist beginnings of protecting religious liberty, the importance of religious education, the unique school system in the state of Maine, and how this case is different from cases involving school vouchers. After listening to this episode, you’ll also be able to impress your friends with trivia about Maine’s public school system. In segment three, they talk about a troubling article and share a warning about overreaching arguments.

For show notes and additional information, please find this episode on the "Respecting Religion" feed or visit this link: https://bjconline.org/s3-ep-05-government-funding-religious-education-carson-v-makin/