“Fake news” permeated the national discourse in late 2016. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s radio show and podcast, we’ll speak with an expert who literally wrote the book on the topic. Stanford Professor Robert Proctor coined the term “agnotology” in his seminal book by the same name to describe “deliberately manufactured ignorance.”

When Dr. Proctor joined us on the show last spring, we had no idea just how vitally relevant his work would prove to be in the election. He’ll return this week to speak with host Rev. Welton Gaddy about the dark art of manufactured ignorance. They’ll explore the role fake news and disinformation played in electing Donald Trump, and how informed citizens can battle its influence in the coming months and years.

Welton will also be joined by Religion News Service Editor-in-Chief Jerome Socolovsky to review the year in religion news. 2016 was a busy and challenging year for journalists covering the religion beat. We’ll discuss the most significant, as well as the most overrated, stories from last year and explore what’s ahead in religion reporting.

Finally, Welton will be joined by Interfaith Alliance president Rabbi Jack Moline to discuss the role of religious leaders in the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump. While Barack Obama welcomed a range of faith voices – from Bishop Gene Robinson to Pastor Rick Warren – to participate in his inauguration, Trump’s list is… a bit less diverse. We’ll discuss this month’s officially-sanctioned intersection of religion and government and what it says about the incoming Trump administration. CLICK HERE FOR EXTENDED INTERVIEW VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT

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