-
Trump vs. Reagan
What do Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump have in common? Surprisingly, it’s their use of religion as a powerful political tool. Diane Winston, professor of journalism and communication at the University of Southern California, notes that Reagan was both a man of deep faith and a savvy politician who knew how to attract Christian votes. […]
-
Following in the Footsteps of a Famous Father
For many people, it would be hard to follow in the footsteps of a famous father. But for Rev. Dr. Bernice King, her calling to serve is a natural progression of being the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. “There’s good in the worst of us and there’s bad in the best of us. I […]
-
The Supreme Court’s Influence on American Democracy
In a recent discussion, Michael Waldman from the Brennan Center for Justice examined the Supreme Court’s significant role in shaping American democracy. Waldman emphasized how pivotal the Court’s decisions have been throughout history, especially during times of political and social upheaval. While understanding our history is crucial, Waldman noted, it shouldn’t confine how we interpret […]
-
How the FBI Gave Rise to White Christian Nationalism
What happens when a professor of religious studies sues the FBI? For Lerone Martin, it ends up becoming the book “The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover: How the FBI Aided and Abetted the Rise of White Christian Nationalism.” “I started out thinking I was going to write a book on religious radio…how religious radio shaped […]
-
Celebrating Walter Capps’ Impact on Religious Studies
In a celebration of legacy and learning, the UC Santa Barbara Department of Religious Studies recently hosted a panel featuring renowned scholars of religion who were once graduate students of the late Walter Capps. The current chair of the department, Juan Campos, moderated the panel, which highlighted Capps’ enduring influence on the academic community and […]
-
Empowering Voices: Insights from Women in Leadership 2024
Celebrating and honoring the legacy of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space, Women in Leadership brings together trailblazers who have shattered barriers and paved the way for women worldwide. This year’s panel featured Ina Garten, cookbook author, television host, and former White House budget analyst; Michelle K. Hanabusa, founder and creative […]
-
E.J. Dionne Reflects on America Today
In early May, journalist E.J. Dionne delivered the Burke Lectureship at UC San Diego, marking his ninth appearance on UCTV. Known for his political columns in the Washington Post, Dionne addressed America’s growing social isolation and loneliness, calling for a renewed focus on community and faith to heal the nation’s divisions. Dionne honored the spirit […]
-
Finding a Place to Call Home in California
Despite an investment of over $20 billion in recent years to combat homelessness, California still faces a critical challenge with alarmingly high numbers of people living on the streets and in their vehicles. Jessica Castillo-Tapia, a graduating senior at UC Santa Barbara, understands the harsh realities of housing insecurity from her own life experiences. Raised […]
-
Navigating the Political Landscape with Congressman Jamie Raskin
Congressman Jamie Raskin has been serving the people of Maryland’s 8th congressional district with pride since his election in 2016. Prior to his political career, he was a constitutional law professor at American University Washington College of Law for over 25 years, shaping the minds of future jurists. During President Trump’s tumultuous tenure, Raskin’s deep […]
-
American Democracy and the Crisis of Majority Rule
What happens when a government begins to restrict voting, violent threats are made against election workers, and an incumbent tries to overturn an election result? According to the international organization Freedom House, such efforts lower your country’s score on the global freedom index, which measures the strength of your democracy. A decade ago, the U.S. […]