Religion & Politics: Conversations Worth Having

taboo or not, let’s talk

Politics and religion – topics we’re often told to avoid at the dinner table or in “polite company.”

But for me, these were the very topics most frequently discussed around our dinner table, shaping how I see the world today. Now, I have the privilege of continuing those conversations with my wife, brother-in-law, and children, at least every other Sunday. And yes, those two topics still come up.

The miracle in it all? We don’t always agree. In fact, we often debate—respectfully and passionately. It is possible, I promise. Yet, when we move to the living room and someone inevitably asks, “¿Quién quiere un cafecito?” (Who wants coffee?), it’s clear that politics and religion take a back seat to watching our seven dogs do something funny.

Politics and religion are in my DNA. While I’m far from an expert, my curiosity drives me to understand as much as I can about these topics before I leave this earth.

From left to right: George Thomas Coates, H.O. Coates, C.H. Coates, Herbert H. Coates, Herbert W. Coates, Dr. Gregory R. Coates

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Greg Coates—a theologian, author, and sixth-generation pastor in the Free Methodist tradition. As a Latino, cafeteria Catholic, I’ll admit I wasn’t raised to understand the differences between Methodists, Baptists, or suburban mega-churches. But I was taught to respect that our Protestant brothers and sisters have something valuable to say.

crisis in the american church

There’s a crisis in the American Christian church—across all denominations. Pews are emptying. In 1999, 90% of Americans identified as Christian. Today, that number has dropped to 64%. It’s a significant decline, but despite predictions, Christianity has endured for centuries. Does it have a true future? Is there reason to have hope? Christian Nationalism is now a very real issue recognized by all sides of the political system.

Dr. Coates and I delve into the issues and reasons behind the decline of the American Christian church, the rise of Christian Nationalism, and what the future may hold.

I’m genuinely proud of this episode. We’ve only scratched the surface, but as with every episode of this podcast, I learned something new. I hope you will too.