Religion

We've seen a recent rise in Christian nationalism, a powerful political movement. To some it looks like a threat to our democracy, and to others it looks like voting their values. But, what does it mean to Iowa Christian faith leaders and their congregations? We sit down with four of them to find out. But first, we hear from journalist Katherine Stewart about how Christian nationalism evolved and who benefits from it.

Federal immigration agent raids may have faded from the headlines, but not from many people’s minds. In northwest Iowa, community members are stepping up to help immigrants living with uncertainty.

In this episode of the 'Talk of Iowa' book club, author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss 'The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.' The book is a blend of memoir and reporting, focusing on McCammon's life growing up in an evangelical church in Missouri and attending an evangelical college before parting ways with the church as a young adult. McCammon also writes about the experiences of other so-called "exvangelicals." (This episode was originally produced April 15, 2025.)

Democrat Rob Sand is trying to connect with Iowa voters through his Christian faith as he campaigns for governor. He weaves religious references into his stump speech as he explains his positions and values, and that has drawn a strong reaction from some Republicans.

State officials have denied The Satanic Temple Iowa’s request to hold a holiday event in the Iowa Capitol for the second year in a row, as the state faces a religious discrimination complaint related to last year’s denial.

Author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.