Religion Unmuted

This episode of Religion Unmuted originally aired on June 25, 2021.

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When women do not feel called to lead within their faith community, what is lost? The Rev. Christine Lee joins us to share her take on women in leadership positions, drawing from her perspective as the first woman Priest-in-Charge at an Episcopal church in New York City. In this episode we address the unique struggles and contributions of women in religious leadership positions, as well as why there aren't more of them.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

This episode of Religion Unmuted originally aired on April 30, 2021.

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In 2017 the immigration policies known as "zero tolerance" and "family separation" were established, affecting thousands of men, women, and children trying to enter the United States. Hear the stories of three women—Lupe, Julia, and Gena—and how they were impacted by these policies—as a woman, as a daughter, and as a Christian. Author Gena Thomas joins this episode of Religion Unmuted to talk about immigration, family, and faith.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Gena Thomas' book, Separated by the Border: A Birth Mother, a Foster Mother, and a Migrant Child's 3,000-Mile Journey: https://www.genathomas.com/separated-by-the-border.html

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode, host Todd Ferguson sits down with legal scholar John Inazu to discuss navigating deep disagreements within a pluralistic society. Drawing from his latest book, Learning to Disagree, Inazu explores how the First Amendment right of assembly informs our understanding of belonging and differences. The conversation highlights the importance of "playing the long game" by building trust through lived experiences and interpersonal relationships rather than seeking instant resolutions. Ultimately, Inazu offers a hopeful perspective on discovering common ground while still honoring the depth of our religious and moral convictions.

TOPICS COVERED

(07:11) - The Role of Religious Institutions in Discourse

(13:14) - Playing the Long Game in Relationships

(24:32) - The Role of Universities in Navigating Difference

(29:16) - The Impact of Personal Identity on Scholarship

(33:12) - Common Ground Amidst Differences

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about John Inazu's book, Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect: https://www.jinazu.com/learning-to-disagree

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

What can a "hot-headed New Yorker" learn from 10 years in Oman? Justin Meyers of the Al Amana Centre joins Religion Unmuted to discuss the power of shway shway—slowing down—and the strategies he's learned for moving from tolerance to hospitality. He explains how Oman's unique religious landscape—characterized by the Ibadi tradition and a culture of deep hospitality—provides a framework for peaceful coexistence and covenantal pluralism.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about the Al Amana Centre: https://alamanacentre.org/homepage/

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is "whiteness" being worshiped in American churches? Sociologist Michael Emerson joins this episode to break down the "religion of whiteness," which he defines as a system that sacralizes white Western norms. Emerson examines how this phenomenon fuels Christian nationalism and public policy debates both in Texas and across the globe. The conversation concludes with a hopeful call for faith communities to dismantle these racialized structures by returning to original biblical narratives and fostering inclusive social movements.

TOPICS COVERED

(03:28) - Understanding the Religion of Whiteness

(06:14) - The Religionization of Race

(10:17) - Racially Diverse or Multiracial Churches

(14:00) - Challenging the Religion of Whiteness

(16:24) - Global Rise of Ethno-Religious Nationalism

(18:20) - The Identity Axis

(24:58) - A Personal Narrative around Faith and Scholarship

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Michael Emerson's book, The Religion of Whiteness: How Racism Distorts Christian Faith: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-religion-of-whiteness-9780197746288?cc=us&lang=en&

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

Season 4 launches with the surprising intersection of religion, politics, and the morality of taxation. Sociologist Ruth Braunstein joins this episode to explain how Americans often view their tax dollars not just as financial obligations, but as extensions of their moral selves that implicate them in government actions, similar to religious giving. Drawing from research on groups ranging from the Tea Party to anti-war activists, the conversation explores how money is categorized as "sacred" or "profane" and what this means for living in a diverse society.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Ruth Braunstein's book, My Tax Dollars: The Morality of Taxpaying in America: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691254999/my-tax-dollars?srsltid=AfmBOorNrWKXOd1mLDvnyN9-BOpXw9e1PAjK45ppEmVUMtAEVi5AAeJj

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode of Religion Unmuted, host Todd Ferguson speaks with Stacy Auld, Vice President of Spiritual Care and Values Integration for Houston Methodist, a prominent healthcare system. Stacy offers a fascinating look at the multifaceted role of a hospital chaplain, exploring how her work has evolved from providing bedside care to leading system-wide initiatives. Listen to discover the spiritual side of healing and what brings chaplains hope in a demanding but sacred profession.

TOPICS COVERED

(03:44) - The expanded definition of spiritual care

(08:15) - Spiritual care research

(12:33) - Chaplaincy in the secular age

(17:36) - The future of the profession

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Check out our previous episode with sociologist and chaplaincy researcher Wendy Cadge, called "Seeing the Whole Person and the Whole Pain": https://religionunmuted.libsyn.com/site/seeing-the-whole-person-and-the-whole-pain

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://rplc.rice.edu/

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

Tariq Modood is Professor of Sociology, Politics, and Public Policy at the University of Bristol and recipient of the Boniuk Institute's 2025 Senior Scholar Award. Modood joined Religion Unmuted to discuss the evolving role of religion in modern, multicultural societies. He argues that demographic shifts have led minority groups to assert religious identities as key grounds for inclusion and respect, moving beyond earlier focuses on just racial or ethnic categories.

TOPICS COVERED

(02:16) - The changing face of identity

(06:26) - The US vs UK paradox

(10:36) - The challenge of policy-making

(14:57) - Theological vs. political pluralism

(18:11) - A lesson in convicted pluralism

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Tariq Modood's book, The New Governance of Religious Diversity: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+New+Governance+of+Religious+Diversity-p-9781509559138

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode we dive into key trends surrounding Generation Z with Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, including Gen Z's high rates of religious non-affiliation—with about 36% identifying with no religion. Deckman discusses how Gen Z women are driving progressive political engagement at higher rates than their male counterparts, propelled by issues like feminism, abortion, and LGBTQ rights. She also challenges the narrative of a "masculine religious revival," noting that her data shows young men's religious practice has remained static over the last decade.

TOPICS COVERED

(01:38) - Gen Z definition and demographics

(04:27) – Religious disaffiliation and impact on political views

(07:11) – Gender differences regarding religion and politics

(10:45) – Political engagement among women

(15:03) – The Republican Party and MAGA

(19:17) – Christianity as gendered

(22:44) - Religious institutions responding to Gen Z

(27:31) – The work of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)

(30:19) – End: final words on religion, politics, and meaning among Gen Z

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Melissa Deckman's book, The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-politics-of-gen-z/9780231560085/

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

For many Americans, a significant portion of waking hours are spent at work. In this episode, host Rachel Schneider is joined by three guests to discuss their book, Religion in a Changing Workplace, which explores how faith affects people while at work. They argue that workplaces should not suppress religion out of fear of conflict, but instead provide "nuanced" and even "active" accommodation to help employees flourish.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

In Who Pays for Diversity? Why Programs Fail at Racial Equity and What to Do about It, sociologist Oneya Fennell Okuwobi examines how well-meaning diversity efforts in universities, corporations, and churches often fail to achieve true racial equity—and can even harm people of color who sacrifice their well-being and advancement for the greater good. In this episode Okuwobi shares how her research on multiracial churches revealed the limits of "racial reconciliation" and "diversity" when these ideals are not paired with real structural change and support. She and host Rachel Schneider close with a discussion of how faith communities can move beyond symbolic gestures to create spaces rooted in justice, equity, and true flourishing.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Producer's note: At the time of this episode release, Rachel Schneider is Assistant Professor of Religion and Public Life at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As of July 2025, the Religion and Public Life Center is directed by Todd Ferguson.

Digital technologies are profoundly shaping personal identity, community, and spiritual life. Our guest Felicia Song has written about these issues in her book, Restless Devices, and tells us how her research stems from both personal and academic inquiry into modern technology and digital media. She argues that faith communities must seriously engage with technology's role in spiritual formation and communal life, especially as technologies like AI and social media increasingly shape our habits and expectations.

In this episode of Religion Unmuted, John Barton and host Elaine Howard Ecklund discuss the urgency of interreligious peacebuilding and how religion can serve as both a barrier and a bridge in global conflicts. Blending theory, practice, and personal narrative, this episode explores how rooted, yet open, religious identities can contribute to peacebuilding in an increasingly divided world.

Consultant, professor, author, and former pastor Curtis Chang joins Religion Unmuted to discuss the dangers of partisan idolatry and why he believes Christians should prioritize faith over political identity. Chang also shares insights from his books, emphasizing the virtues of hope and humility and framing anxiety as a natural response to loss that can lead to spiritual growth.

In this episode of Religion Unmuted, Diane Winston discusses the intersection of religion, media, and politics, focusing on how the media shaped the religiously infused vision of the American Dream during the Reagan era and how similar dynamics play out with Donald Trump today. She explores the influence of Evangelical Christians in politics, especially their support for Trump despite his lack of religious commitment, and reflects on the changing portrayal of religious values in the media.

Marla Frederick, Dean of Harvard Divinity School, and countless others owe their education--and much more--to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Frederick shares how her experience at Spelman College shaped her views on faith, leadership, and her approach as dean of a multi-religious institution of higher education.

Bringing her journalistic eye to a sociological problem, Pamela Prickett gives listeners insight into a growing American issue: thousands of bodies are going unclaimed by relatives after death—up to 150,000 each year. Prickett unpacks the why behind the issue, as well as the ways that religion is being used to craft rituals and communities of care so that people do not go unremembered or unmourned.

The Religion Unmuted season 3 hosts, Elaine Howard Ecklund and Rachel Schneider, reveal the new, expanded vision for this season of the podcast. They also get a bit personal, sharing how their own identities and work have had an impact on Religion Unmuted and its vision.

In this episode, Religion Unmuted takes a historical look at Christianity and in particular how patriarchy was fundamental in the religion's founding. Our guest April DeConick also brings attention to the ways in which women did have specific roles in early Christianity and how that can be honored today.

The 2016 election shone a bright light on the entanglement of politics and faith for white evangelical Christians. Historian and author Kristin Kobes Du Mez talks the past, present, and future of evangelicalism in America as well as the role of women in this cultural and religious movement that is here to stay.

The work of a chaplain involves providing spiritual care to individuals outside of a congregational setting, work that can be difficult and varied. According to our guest, sociologist Wendy Cadge, a chaplain can be witness to a person's whole pain as well as recognize and discuss death, all in ways that can be difficult for family, healthcare workers, and even society at large to do. In this episode she tells some of the stories of chaplains gleaned from her years of research, including the ways that politics, gender, and a global pandemic can affect a chaplain's work.

Elaina Ramsey provides a practitioner's perspective on reproductive justice and religion in this episode of Religion Unmuted. As director of Faith Choice Ohio, she works to promote and advance reproductive justice as a holistic movement, and she explains why her faith is so integral to her fight for reproductive justice.

Let's start with the definition: Xochitl Alvizo has not one but two favorite definitions of feminism. We ask the religious studies scholar first to define the term in this episode of Religion Unmuted; then we move to unpacking the many layers behind feminism and feminist thought, including the importance of context, intersectionality, and in particular interactions with theology, religious practice, and religious trauma.

Juanita Rasmus is an author, speaker, spiritual director, and co-pastor of a large Methodist church in downtown Houston. She joins Religion Unmuted to share her personal mental health journey as well as how listening and noticing can lead to spiritual and emotional healing.

Following the last two presidential elections, Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss solicited letters from religious studies scholars to speak directly to our nation's politicians. Why should we listen to what scholars of religion have to say about today's most pressing problems? In this episode, Weiss shares her explanation for why these viewpoints matter, as well as the importance of expanding the diversity of religious voices coming to the table to speak about contemporary issues.

Amid an unrelenting year, a year in which suffering has pervaded social life, "self-care" has become a buzz word. Ads and articles about self-care abound on social media and in everyday discourse, but discussions about self-care have been disconnected from thinking about community care. In this episode of Religion Unmuted, Pamela talks with Rev. Jennifer Bailey about caring for ourselves, particularly as women, and how self-care links to loving others, across differences in race or faith.

When women do not feel called to lead within their faith community, what is lost? The Rev. Christine Lee joins us to share her take on women in leadership positions, drawing from her perspective as the first woman Priest-in-Charge at an Episcopal church in New York City. In this episode we address the unique struggles and contributions of women in religious leadership positions, as well as why there aren't more of them.

Where should we turn for the truth about immigration issues today? Whose stories should we be paying attention to? To discuss the possibility of multiple truths, we invite three of our previous guests to return to Religion Unmuted and reflect on their unique viewpoints as scholar, activist, and journalist working on the ground and at the intersection of immigration, religion, and gender. In addition to discussing the search for truth, they also reflect on the search for hope amidst crisis.

In 2017 the immigration policies known as "zero tolerance" and "family separation" were established, affecting thousands of men, women, and children trying to enter the United States. Hear the stories of three women—Lupe, Julia, and Gena—and how they were impacted by these policies—as a woman, as a daughter, and as a Christian. Author Gena Thomas joins this episode of Religion Unmuted to talk about immigration, family, and faith.

How do we build community that is strong in identity while remaining porous and flexible? Can women and religion be assets to inclusive community building? These questions have never been more urgent, as the United States wrestles with deep political divisions and faces a humanitarian crisis tied to immigration at the border. Drawing on her experience as a journalist, Anne Snyder reflects on the challenges and opportunities for building communities that are resilient, compassionate, and diverse.

Sister Norma Pimentel shares her personal journey—from spending her youth in both Mexico and the US (by traversing what she saw as a bridge, not a border); to finding her faith; and eventually devoting herself to a religious life in the Catholic Church. All of these experiences shaped her views on immigration and led her to her work today, as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Join us on this journey with Sister Norma to understand what she feels working with immigrants and refugees at the border, as well as how the experience of migration and crossing the border can be uniquely challenging for women.

Borders are everywhere—and not just physical borders, like that along the southwestern part of the United States which so often comes to mind. There are numerous political, ideological, and other figurative boundaries that separate us in our everyday lives. Scholar, author, and documentarian Miguel De La Torre sheds light on these borders during his conversation with Elaine, and how we might attempt to tear them down. They also discuss the unique ways that women experience immigration and physically crossing borders.

How does religion inspire and give hope to people in different communities who are working on the ground? In this episode, we want to push the conversation to deeper understandings of how religion, race, and gender shape American politics in everyday life. Jamillah Karim, Besheer Mohamed, and Laura Olson return for part 2 of the panel interview.

In this episode of Religion Unmuted, we bring back all three experts from previous episodes for a group conversation about pressing issues in the days leading up to the 2020 election. From COVID to the Supreme Court, abortion to racial justice, hear how religion and gender may play a crucial role in the election outcome.

'None of you truly has faith, until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.' Jamillah Karim grew up hearing this Muslim saying. In this episode, Karim describes this concept as "radical love," and how this tenet of Islam can be part of an effective response to calls for racial justice.

Let's talk politics: Gender matters, but do other things matter more when it comes to predicting people's views on certain issues and how they will vote? Our guest in this episode of Religion Unmuted, researcher Besheer Mohamed, uses polling data to tackle tough questions like this one and others, revealing a surprising story and dispelling common myths along the way.

There's no arena where the intersection between race, religion, and gender is more evident than it is in the contest for the presidential election. And that's never been truer than it is in 2020 in the contest between Trump and Biden. In this episode of Religion Unmuted, we talk to political scientist Laura Olson about the intersections--and divisions--between these major issues and how they're challenging the candidates in this election.

Religion Unmuted is hosted by sociologists Pamela Prickett and Elaine Howard Ecklund. In this teaser episode, Prickett and Ecklund share why they created this show--to provide an informed, social-science driven conversation about religion in public life and to elevate women's voices in conversations about religion--and preview what is to come in future episodes.