Complexified

A keffiyeh-wrapped Baby Jesus in nativity scenes, including one recently displayed at the Vatican, has sparked controversy and challenged traditional images of Christ’s birth. This provocative symbol brings attention to the political realities of modern-day Bethlehem and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, prompting deeper questions about the connections between faith, resistance, and justice. RNS Reporter Yonat Shimron joins us to probe the depth of meaning behind the symbols.

Examining Elon Musk’s “shadow gospel” and how his surprising alliance with conservative Christians is forged through shared enemies and a powerful exchange of influence. From critiques of “wokeness” to ideological battles shaping faith and politics, they explore what Musk’s rise as a “cultural Christian” means for the balance of religion, politics, and power.

Live from the American Academy of Religion, Amanda Henderson speaks with Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, a leading scholar, sociologist, and ordained Baptist minister, about the enduring power of African American spirituals. Discover how these songs of survival and liberation expose lies, sustain communities, and offer a prophetic voice for justice in today’s political climate.

Katelyn Beaty [https://twitter.com/KatelynBeaty], author and co-host of Saved by the City [https://religionnews.com/saved-by-the-city/], joins to examine the striking gender shift in evangelical churches, where Gen Z men now outnumber women in the pews. Beaty explores how pastors are adopting hyper-masculine tactics, from Monster Truck-style events to “Indiana Jesus,” to appeal to men seeking structure and belonging. Meanwhile, young women are walking away, rejecting spaces that feel increasingly shaped by political polarization and outdated gender roles.

Colorado State Rep. Iman Jodeh [https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/iman-jodeh] reflects on the political conundrums faced by Muslim voters amid the Gaza genocide and a growing sense of betrayal by traditional political allies. Jodeh shares how her community channeled feelings of abandonment and anger into advocacy, pressing lawmakers for accountability and grappling with the hard choices of the recent election. From her unique position as the first Muslim and Palestinian legislator in Colorado, she offers insight into the resilience and determination required to demand justice in a fraught political landscape.