OM DENNE EPISODE
Politics has always influenced religion, and religion has always influenced politics…but what happens when the two become impossible to separate?
This week, we tackle one of our most uncomfortable conversations yet. We explore whether our political identities are beginning to shape our faith instead of the other way around, why tribalism feels stronger than ever, and what happens when curiosity gives way to certainty. Along the way, we wrestle with difficult questions about integrity, Christian nationalism, political marketing, and whether we've become too quick to label strangers as enemies.
It's a conversation about politics…but even more than that, it's a conversation about how we choose to see other people.
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
- When Politics Becomes Identity: What starts as support for a candidate can slowly become something much bigger. We explore how political parties can evolve into identities that shape how we view ourselves…and everyone around us.
- Faith... or Religion? Is there a difference between following a religion and living out a faith? The conversation digs into whether beliefs should shape our politics or whether politics has quietly begun reshaping what we believe.
- The Danger of Tribal Thinking: Why are we so quick to divide people into "us" and "them"? We discuss why our brains naturally categorize people, how social media reinforces that instinct, and why reducing someone to a party label may cost us our humanity.
- Curiosity Is Hard Work: Research takes effort. Nuance takes time. We talk about why it's so tempting to let someone else do our thinking for us and why asking better questions might be one of the most important civic responsibilities we have.
- Character vs. Utility: Should we overlook a candidate's personal character if they promise policies we like? We wrestle with whether integrity still matters in leadership or if political usefulness has become the only qualification that counts.
- Listening Is Becoming a Lost Skill: Real conversations require humility. Throughout the episode, we challenge ourselves to listen longer, assume less, and remember that disagreement doesn't have to end in contempt.
- A Simple Question Can Change Everything: The episode ends with an unexpected reminder that curiosity isn't just good for politics…it's good for people. Sometimes taking out your earbuds and asking one question can change two lives forever.
Memorable Quotes:
- "If you're not curious, how are you going to accumulate the knowledge to be intelligent?" – Cole
- “There's a distinction between your faith and religion.” – Mecca
- “Your religion can dictate your politics, not the other way around. I think it's too corrosive for politics to dictate your faith.” – Callie
- "There are a lot of biblical stories that would very much solidify and back up that perspective that you're talking about. None of them are in red." – Cole
- “How do you stand there and say that you are a Christian and that you believe in the Bible and you believe in Jesus and yet, in essence, you're voting for a Pharisee?” – Mecca
- “Not everyone is as smart as you are.” – Callie
- "I'm not a socialist. But Representative Democracy sounds pretty good." – Cole
- “It's so dangerous to say, 'well, if you’re a Democrat, you’re evil.' Because that's just not true.” – Mecca
- “I can have a conversation with you and disagree with you while still respecting you and your beliefs, even if they are not mine.” – Callie
Resources Mentioned:
- Here's the quote Callie shared from Tim Whitaker (founder of The New Evangelicals) tearing into the Texas Senate primary. Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico and how evangelical voters are picking sides.
- Interior designer and wonderful human, Carmeon Hamilton had a whole moment on social media about how the smartest people in the room tend to be the quietest ones.
- Check out Mike Johnson ranting about the Democratic Socialists of America agenda.
Call to Action:
If there's one idea that runs through this entire conversation, it's this: curiosity is a choice.
It's easier to assume. Easier to categorize. Easier to believe the loudest voices or the people who already agree with us. But healthy relationships, healthy communities, and healthy democracies all require something harder. They require us to ask questions, listen well, and remember that the person across from us is more than a label.
Before you scroll past this episode, ask yourself: when's the last time you actually asked someone why they believe what they believe, instead of just deciding you already knew? Try it this week. Pick one person you've written off politically or religiously, and ask one real question. You may not change your mind but you might better understand someone else's.
If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share Two Millennials and Mom with a friend. Every conversation starts with someone willing to ask a question—and we're grateful you're asking them with us.
