The Church and Public Theology: Navigating Faith and Politics with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger

Faithful Politics

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]

How should the church engage with the world without becoming entangled in political partisanship? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger to discuss his book The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church. As an artist, scholar, and minister, Dr. Felix-Jäger explores how the church can cultivate a faithful public witness through generosity, hospitality, and a biblically grounded understanding of freedom—without falling into the traps of culture wars and power-seeking.

We discuss the dangers of politicized theology, the role of the church in societal issues like immigration and justice, and how Christians can balance civic engagement with their ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom. Dr. Felix-Jäger also shares insights on consumerism in the church, the importance of discernment in modern political discourse, and how the church can embody the radical love of Jesus in a deeply polarized world.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger is an artist, scholar, minister, and educator whose work explores the intersection of faith and culture. He is an Associate Professor of Theology and Worship, Chair of the Worship and Media Department, and Director of Academic Research at Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California. He holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Wales, an MFA in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University, and an MA in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. His latest book, The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church, examines how the church can faithfully engage in public life without becoming captive to political ideologies.

Resources & Links:
📖 The Problem and Promise of Freedom (Baker Academic Website - 30% off): https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-problem-and-promise-of-freedom/421741
📚 What Money Can’t Buy by Michael Sandel: https://scholar.harvard.edu/sandel/publications/what-money-cant-buy-moral-limits-markets
🎙️ Follow Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenfelixjager/
Support the show

🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

📩 Reach out to us:

• Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: [email protected]
• Political Host, Will Wright: [email protected]

📱 Follow & connect with us:

• Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik
• Instagram: faithful_politics
• Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
• LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics

📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:
Chec...

Chapters

1. The Church and Public Theology: Navigating Faith and Politics with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes (00:12:51)

3. (Cont.) The Church and Public Theology: Navigating Faith and Politics with Dr. Steven Felix-Jäger (00:13:31)