Tag: Know About Political Engagement

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Why Should I Advocate for Religious Freedom?

Interview With Nathan Shackelford

What if we fostered a culture of curiosity about others’ religious beliefs, rather than judgment? In the last episode of Know Why’s series on political engagement, Liberty interviews Nathan Shackelford of First Liberty Institute. Nathan shares stories of religious discrimination happening today in the United States—from synagogues being rejected by cities, to pastors being criminally charged for offering shelter to the homeless, and more. Listen to learn how you can help defend religious freedom for all.

Everyone Should Care

Nathan Shackelford is the Manager of F3, a new initiative from legal firm First Liberty Institute. F3 equips young adults to stand up for religious freedom rights. He told Know Why that religious freedom is something everyone should care about, regardless of their political stance. “You should want the ability to express your faith without fear of government reprisal, no matter which side you’re on,” he said.

While many members of Gen Z in the U.S. support certain subtle expressions of religion, a majority do not support bolder expressions of faith, such as preaching in public or holding faith-based, counter-cultural opinions. But Nathan argues you can’t have one kind of expression of faith without the other.

“If you’re a person of faith, you shouldn’t have to turn off half of yourself when you’re in public,” he told Know Why.

Free to Express Your Faith

That’s what many of First Liberty’s legal cases center on—protecting Americans’ right to freely express their religious beliefs in public without fear of retribution from government or employers. Several of First Liberty’s U.S. Supreme Court wins have secured precedents that expand rights for people of all faiths, Nathan told Know Why.


“Every person of faith has to have the right to express their faith equally.”

Nathan shackelford

“Every person of faith has to have the right to express their faith equally,” he said. “If the First Amendment only applies to Christians but doesn’t apply to every other group, then the law is being selective in what it’s covering.” 

Fostering Openness

Nathan believes the impulse to want people of faith to hide their beliefs comes from a loss of openness and friendly debate in American culture. He thinks diverse expressions of faith should invite curiosity and conversation, rather than make people uncomfortable.

While some may doubt that religious discrimination is truly a problem in the United States, First Liberty Institute’s case list proves otherwise. Nathan summarizes a few ongoing and recent cases, including one involving a pastor who is being targeted by his city government for attempting to house the homeless. Another example involves a synagogue told by city officials that their kind were not wanted.

Defending religious freedom in America also has an impact on religious minorities around the world who are more harshly persecuted, Nathan explained. Many religious non-profits who offer global aid to the persecuted are based in the U.S. (and religious believers are most likely to give to charity). If religious organizations and individuals are not able to operate freely, people around the world suffer.

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To learn more about your religious freedom rights and how you can become involved in defending others’ religious freedom, explore the links below.

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Can Localism Ease Partisanship (And Even Anxiety?) Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Dr. Mark T. Mitchell

Does the philosophy of localism offer an antidote to the hostile partisanship that typically marks American politics? Can it even address the cultural problems of anxiety and loneliness? Dr. Mark T. Mitchell, co-founder of Front Porch Republic and Dean of Academic Affairs at Patrick Henry College, joins Liberty to talk about the importance of intentional living, physical space, embodied community, and more.

‘Bodies Matter’

Various episodes in Know Why Podcast’s “Know About Political Engagement” series have highlighted the importance of voting in local elections. But the idea of localism goes beyond voting. It’s a way of thinking and living that emphasizes the importance of physical space and in-person community. Through Front Porch Republic, “We are emphasizing the importance of face-to-face encounters with other human beings,” Dr. Mitchell told Know Why.

In today’s increasingly mobile, global age, face-to-face encounters are becoming less common. Even though many people tout the benefits of online or social media “communities,” Dr. Mitchell argues there can be no such thing.

“A real and legitimate community in its fullest sense requires sharing common space,” he said. “When our online technologies become substitutes for embodied presence, I think we’re in trouble.”

‘Restless Anxiety’

For examples of what kind of “trouble” substituting online “communities” for embodied community leads to, just consider the high rates of anxiety and loneliness among young generations today. Millennials and Gen Z are the most educated generations on record. Many were encouraged to “go far” and “follow dreams,” leading to the abandonment of hometowns for impressive degrees and careers. Happiness has not been their reward, however—but rather isolation, loneliness, and rootlessness.

What if more people chose to truly put down roots right where they are?

“A real and legitimate community in its fullest sense requires sharing common space.”

Dr. Mark T. Mitchell

“We surf. We scroll. All of this terminology is indicative of the kind of transient, unsettled, dissatisfied thumbing through life that is increasingly characterizing so many of our lives,” Dr. Mitchell told Know Why. “That’s no way to live, ultimately.”

“Restless anxiety keeps a people constantly searching—constantly scrolling you might say,” he said. And yet, “So many of the very best things in life are only realized in the wake of commitment.”

To Love Thy Neighbor, Know Thy Neighbor

While localism can help fulfill human needs of physical community and connection, it may also alleviate some of the nastiness of modern politics.

“So much of our political conversation obsesses with national politics, where partisanship is most profoundly obvious,” Dr. Mitchell said. But when more people are focused on working together to solve problems in their local communities, party differences start to matter less and less.

The first step on the path to engaging more with neighbors on local issues is opening yourself up to them—even if that means doing something as simple as sitting on your front porch to invite conversation. This may not always be convenient, but it’s necessary for robust local communities and real human connection.

“‘It’s easy to talk about love of humanity. It’s an abstraction,” Dr. Mitchell told Know Why. “The hard part is loving that bothersome person down the road, or a member of your own family.”

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Am I Placing Wholesomeness Above Holiness? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Dr. James Spencer

In this episode, Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center challenges Christians to reframe the way they interact with politics. As Dr. Spencer and Liberty discuss topics like cultural Christianity and Christian nationalism, Dr. Spencer argues that Christians’ political involvement should stem from a place of discipleship, not a desire for comfort. 

Wholesome vs. Holy

Dr. Spencer’s recent book, Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness, argues political action is often an effective means for loving God and loving our neighbor—the two greatest commandments in the Bible. But our motivation can be misplaced. For instance, as Christians, our motivation for getting involved in politics shouldn’t be “saving the culture” or restoring a cultural Christianity for our own comfort.

“Christians tend to settle for wholesomeness when only holiness will do,” Dr. Spencer said.

Won’t activism that is inspired by Christian principles have a positive effect on the culture? Dr. Spencer says that’s not guaranteed in Scripture.

“Our task is to be faithful regardless, and to allow God to do through us what we can’t see,” he told Know Why. That doesn’t mean our faithfulness won’t bear fruit—but it may not be in ways (or on timelines) we can see. “As we’re faithful, he’ll use that faithfulness across the generations.”

Christian Nation(alism)?

Many people use the term “Christian nation” to refer to America, due to strong Christian and theistic elements of its founding and history. But Dr. Spencer says we shouldn’t call America a Christian nation, since “Christian” has a precise definition that doesn’t apply to earthly governments.

“There’s a big distinction to be made between being inspired by the Bible and believing that the Bible is an inspired authority,” he said.

While he believes “Christian nationalism” is a “pejorative” often used to demean Christian political activists, he does believe that actual Christian nationalism is wrong. “I think that merging the church and the state is a fundamental theological error. The two simply do not go together,” he said.

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How Do I Contact My Elected Officials? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Debbie Wuthnow (Part 2)

How do you make a difference after the election is over? Build relationships with your elected officials—even those in Washington, D.C. In the second part of her interview with Know Why, Debbie Wuthnow, president of iVoterGuide, offers tips on contacting your representatives and telling your story to make a difference.

Contacting Congress

Being an informed voter is one of the first steps to political engagement. But what about after the election is over? Debbie encourages listeners to contact their elected officials. It’s probably easier than you think! Listen to the episode or check the resources below for an easy-to-follow checklist that will help you communicate when your representatives effectively.


“Any issue that matters to you is worth an email or a phone call to your congressman.”

Debbie Wuthnow

“That’s all lobbying is, is telling your story … to your representative,” Debbie said. “That story is what will guide them.”

Sharing your story may not result in a total victory for for the issue you care about, but it could be enough to enlighten officials with a new perspective or motivate them to advocate for adjustments as they negotiate legislation with other lawmakers.

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Does One Vote Really Count? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Debbie Wuthnow (Part 1)

Debbie Wuthnow joins the Know Why Podcast to discuss the many ways just one vote can make a difference. Debbie is the president of iVoterGuide, an organization that has equipped and educated millions of voters. In this episode, Part 1 of a two-part interview, Debbie shares stories of elections that were determined by a slim margin, and explains why votes are especially impactful in primary and local elections. She also provides practical tips and resources for finding information about your local elections and candidates.

The Power of One Vote

A national poll released by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School showed a few months ago that young Americans are less likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election (November 2024) than they were in 2020. Many may feel like it’s pointless to vote.

Debbie told Know Why that every vote truly does matter, even in presidential elections. “Nationwide, 60,000 votes in a few key counties swung the presidential election in 2020,” she said.


“Your vote really does have power.”

Debbie Wuthnow

But in primary elections and local elections, one vote has even more impact. One in 20 registered voters participates in primary elections, Debbie said. That means your vote goes a long way in determining which candidates will ultimately face off. In local elections, including for offices like school board members and county judges, “average turnout is only 6% of registered voters,” she told Know Why.

How to Research Candidates

To find out when elections are in your area and who’s on the ballot, Debbie says to search online for your county name and “sample ballot.” You can also contact your county election office.

To begin researching candidates, one place to start is iVoterGuide.com. If iVoterGuide doesn’t have information on a particular candidate you’re looking for, you can also search candidates’ names online and on social media platforms. Debbie recommends reading what they write and seeing what events they attend to judge if their values align with yours.

Debbie also recommends following the money. Go to FEC.gov and search any federal candidate’s name to see campaign finance records, which must remain public by law. State and local campaign financial information must remain public. Google your state name and “campaign finance reporting” to find information. For financial information on local candidates, Debbie recommends starting with your county election office. Read more about researching candidates by clicking on the resources below.

Be sure to listen next week for Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Debbie Wuthnow!

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Why is Federalism Essential? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Richard Lim (Part 2)

In Part 2 of his interview with Know Why, Richard Lim, host of the podcast This American President, explains what federalism is and why it’s essential for protecting freedom. He also sheds interesting historical perspective on the division in America today, and notes which aspects of the current presidential election cycle are historically unique. If you want to better understand how America’s government works and get a historian’s insight on the state of our politics, don’t miss this episode!

What is Federalism?

The Electoral College is part of a broader system of government called federalism, which, according to Richard, “is absolutely essential.”

“All it is is a division of responsibility,” he explained. “If you split up power, you make it more difficult for any one entity to get too much power. So the whole point of federalism is freedom.”

But, “The system is only as good as the people who run it,” he told Know Why. He warns that people who want to centralize more power in Washington, D.C. are undermining their own freedom because they don’t understand that the point of federalism is to protect it.

“The whole point of federalism is freedom.”

Richard Lim

“The national government is taking on responsibilities that were never intended be under the purview of the federal government, for good reason,” he said.

Unique and Unprecedented

Richard wrapped up his conversation with Liberty by offering a historian’s perspective to the 2024 presidential election. So far, unique aspects of this election year include the presumed candidates, Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. It’s rare for two ex-presidents to be running against each other, he noted, but not unprecedented.

Many believe the current divisiveness in American society is unprecedented. While acknowledging its severity, Richard notes that it’s not new in American history. Americans were divided at other times, though aspects of the current division are unique.

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes,” he said.

Listen to Part 1 of Richard’s interview.

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Why Do We Have the Electoral College?

Interview With Richard Lim (Part 1)

Knowing about presidential politics in the United States requires knowing about the Electoral College. What is it? Why do we have it? How does it work? How does it impact the weight of your vote? How does it impact candidates’ campaigning strategies—and why does that matter? Richard Lim, historian and host of the podcast This American President, joins Know Why to answer all these questions and more! 

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is a representative body like the Senate or the House of Representatives. Citizens don’t vote directly on federal laws but elect representatives to vote on laws for us. Similarly, the Electoral College consists of electors who vote for U.S. President based on the votes of the people they represent. Richard tells listeners to pay attention to their ballot this November. You’ll notice that you aren’t technically voting for your preferred presidential candidate, but rather for electors who will cast that vote for you later.


“Which system protects the rights of as many people as possible? That’s what you have to consider.”

richard Lim

Why Does the Electoral College Matter Today?

Many people today believe the Electoral College should be abolished in favor of a popular vote. Richard explains that the Founders created the Electoral College to protect the rights of states with smaller populations. Richard told Know Why this helps bring balance to presidential races. Candidates are motivated to spend time talking with a wider variety of people than their main voter base. This makes candidates more attune to the entire nation. With the Electoral College, the presidential race becomes about more than getting the most votes (even though winning the Electoral College without winning the popular vote is rare); it becomes about which candidate can understand and connect with the broadest range of Americans.

Listen to the full episode for more—including interesting facts about past presidential elections and the Electoral College, why the Electoral College makes recounts much easier, and how it can positively impact the power of your vote. Be sure to check back next week for Part 2 of Richard’s interview.

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How Can I Keep Faith Above Partisanship? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Chris Butler

Many people abandon faith values upon entering the political sphere. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Chris Butler, Executive Leader at the AND Campaign and Lead Pastor at Chicago Embassy Church Network, joined Know Why to discuss how Christians can engage in politics without making their party their identity. Listen to hear Chris’s practical tips for faithful, strategic political engagement—including a test to see whether you’ve been “brainwashed” by your party.

From Church to Politics

“So many people walk into politics out of the church,” Chris told Know Why. That’s why the AND Campaign was founded. “Pretty soon people who come out of the church into politics don’t look very much like the church. They just look like the politics,” he added.

“Step by step, working together, we really can make a real difference in the tone and tenor of our politics.”

Chris Butler

It’s possible to engage in politics and even participate in a particular party. Chris said the key is being partisan at the level of your participation, not your identity.

“It is so important for believers to find their indentity in Christ, not in a political party or an ideological affiliation,” he said.

Prepare for the Moment

To help Christians keep their identity in Christ this election year, the AND Campaign launched the Civic Revival Initiative. The initiative offers resources and action items for those who want to engage faithfully and effectively in politics in 2024. One of the exercises the initiative encourages includes listing 10 things your own political “side” is getting wrong.

“If you can’t do that, it’s not because your side is perfect,” Chris told Know Why. “It’s probably because you’ve gone a little bit too deep into it and begun to be a little bit brainwashed.”

Other aspects of the Civic Revival Initiative help Christians prepare their hearts for the political friction and disagreements sure to happen during an election year. It is possible to maintain civility and retain relationships with people who think differently than you, but “we don’t perform well in the moment when we haven’t prepared for the moment,” Chris said.

Ultimately, he encourages young adults to get involved where they can, using their vote “strategically” but also engaging beyond the voting booth.

“Step by step, working together, we really can make a real difference in the tone and tenor of our politics,” Chris said.

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How Can I Become An Informed Voter (Part 2)? Know About Political Engagement

Interview With Lisa Hendrickson

Primaries, propositions, and partisanship, oh my! Does political jargon make your head spin? In Part 2 of her interview with Know Why, campaign manager Lisa Hendrickson explains primaries, offers tips on staying engaged in between election cycles, and discusses the importance of finding common ground with your political opponents.

Inform Yourself

Lisa strongly encourages people to become more politically active. During election season, this includes voting in primary elections. Many people misunderstand primaries, or prefer to only vote in general elections, Lisa told Know Why. In her opinion, not participating in primaries is equivalent to letting someone else make important decisions for you.

She also encourages young adults to dedicate the time and energy to researching candidates for themselves to become truly informed. Even though it’s time-consuming, it’s worth it.


“It’s the day-to-day, moment by moment staying involved that makes a difference.”

Lisa Hendrickson

“You know more about the Kardashians or Taylor Swift, but will take no time to make sure you have freedom the next election cycle,” she said of people who don’t take the time to research candidates and issues.

Stay Engaged

While becoming an informed voter is arguably a first step to becoming politically engaged, Lisa told Know Why that staying active in between election cycles is just as important. “It’s the day-to-day, moment by moment staying involved that makes a difference,” she said. “It’s not just showing up in an election year, then going home.”

While Lisa doesn’t like the word “compromise,” she does believe it’s crucial to have civil conversations with political opponents in order to find common ground and make a difference in those areas. That can’t happen if opponents aren’t willing to talk.

“You need to sit at a table long enough with someone to find out what you can agree on,” she said.

Listen to Part 1 of Lisa’s interview with Know Why here.

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Know About Political Engagement: How Can I Become an Informed Voter?

Interview with Lisa Hendrickson (Part 1)

Feel confident next time you head to the polls! To kick off our new series, Know About Political Engagement, Lisa Hendrickson joins the Know Why Podcast with tips on becoming an informed voter. Drawing from her years of experience managing campaigns and working in various political roles, Lisa encourages listeners to own their vote and know why it counts. 

Own Your Vote

Lisa’s interest in political engagement took root when she was young. In grade school when she would complain that something was unjust, her mother would ask, what are you going to do about it? Today, Lisa believes in taking responsibility for one’s own freedom by staying politically active.

“If you’re not involved in politics, in my opinion, it will control you,” she told Know Why.

The first way to get involved is to vote. But for first-time or inexperienced voters, heading to the polls can be overwhelming—especially because there are no one-size-fits-all instructions. Details on how, when, and where to vote can vary between states, counties, and even precincts. Lisa offers tips on finding the relevant information for your area. She and Liberty also discuss tips for staying aware of important local elections.


“Do you care enough to make sure that you own your vote?”

Lisa Hendrickson

Most of all, Lisa encourages Know Why listeners to do the hard and time-consuming work of researching candidates and issues and truly owning their vote. Don’t just vote for someone because a celebrity or politician you like endorsed them, she says.

“I’m ok with people voting a different way than me as long as you’re ok to own it,” she said.

Check back next week for Part 2 of Lisa’s interview with Know Why.

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