Ep. 34 - Is There a Religious Left?

Donald Trump’s election provoked backlash from many people of faith, with religious leaders taking a highly visible role in protesting the administration’s policies. But does the so-called “religious left” really exist? Indeed, argues religion reporter Jack Jenkins. His new book American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country traces the inspiration, dreams, and demands of the clergy and activists that make up this growing “coalition of coalitions.” Jenkins speaks with Commonweal associate editor Matt Sitman about how the religious left differs from the religious right, the growing influence of Rev. William Barber, and what the Democratic party might do to court religious voters in the upcoming 2020 election. For further reading · From Catholic Worker to DSA, Gary Dorrien · Reading Buttigieg, James T. Kloppenberg · Three Cheers for Socialism, David Bentley Hart · American Paganism, David Albertson