Segments
Language, much like religion, can be a powerful tool for bringing people together, but also pushing people apart. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Rev. Welton Gaddy will look at the role language plays in our political and religious conversations. First, he will explore the rhetoric involved in balancing free expression with individual sensitivities with Greg Lukianoff. Then we’ll hear several powerful interviews from previous shows about the language found in the Constitution itself and the religious rhetoric heard in our politics. Finally, Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, will discuss America’s Christian-centric rhetoric despite our mandate for a pluralistic, secular government. 
The Long-Term Cost of A Balancing Act
This week, Greg Lukianoff, will be joining the program to discuss the balance between free expression of ideas and respect for individual sensitivities and the long-term cost of taking either of these to the extreme. Welton invited Lukianoff to the program after reading The Coddling of the American Mind, a cover article appearing in The Atlantic Magazine. Tune in to hear Welton and Lukianoff discuss the origins of individual sensitivity, microaggressions, religious diversity, and possible solutions.
Blasts from the Past
January 2016 will mark the 10th anniversary of State of Belief. As we look back over the many wonderful years we’ve spent together, this week Welton will highlight a few of his favorite interviews. The first is with Joe Labonte from 2007, during which Joe discussed his journey around the country to raise awareness of the US Constitution. In the following segment, Welton will revisit a September 2009 interview with Max Blumenthal about his best selling book Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party.
Discomfort with Differences
Welton will conclude this week with a discussion with Roy Speckhardt, the Executive Director of the American Humanist Association and author of the new book Creating Change Through Humanism. Together they will explore the dichotomy of Christian-centric rhetoric in a pluralistic, secular government and society. Roy will share his experiences and research about Atheist and Humanist Americans, around the stigma and misconceptions that often face this community.
