A study done earlier this year by researchers at Arizona State University and Boston College found nearly 90% of religious leaders believe in human-caused climate change and a majority believe humans play a major role. But about half of those leaders said they never talked about the issue in their sermons — and a quarter only mentioned it once or twice.
So, how — and when — do clergy members decide to discuss issues that could be seen as divisive or controversial in their congregations?
To find out, The Show spoke with Rev. Jay Augustine, senior pastor at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta. He also teaches at Hampton University and is the author of the 2023 book "When Profits Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit."
More religion news
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Let’s meet a deeply religious Democrat: House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos. He told The Show his identity as a Christian is fundamentally tied up in his work as a public servant. -
The Show spoke to Arizona Senator T.J. Shope. A Republican from Coolidge who’s been in the Legislature for the last 14 years, Shope is what we might call a “cradle Catholic.” -
Ditat Deus, which is Arizona’s state motto, means “God Enriches." ASU professor Evan Berry talks about where it came from and what it means in today's government. -
If you’ve ever watched our state Legislature in session, you might notice something you don’t hear that often in American society anymore: A prayer. -
It’s not much of a stretch to say that America, and Americans, are polarized. Social media, cable TV news, even our day-to-day interactions with other people can be filled with disagreement. And in some cases, that disagreement can be vehement.
