Episode 39: Leading Joyfully in a Divided World: Faith, Politics, and Curiosity with Kaitlyn Schiess

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Polished Podcast, host Jane Doerman sits down with Kaitlyn Schiess—author, writer, podcaster, and Duke Divinity School student—to explore what it means to lead joyfully in a politically divided world. With a heart for integrating faith and politics, Kaitlyn shares how timeless Christian traditions, deep theology, and spiritual practices can guide us to engage the world around us without losing our convictions—or our joy.

As we navigate a post-election landscape, Kaitlyn offers a fresh perspective on how faith can shape our approach to politics, not through force or division, but by modeling curiosity, hospitality, and a spirit of hope. Together, Jane and Kaitlyn unpack the complexities of living out our beliefs in a fractured political system while staying grounded in faith.

Connect with Kaitlyn Schiess:

 

Find Kaitlyn Schiess’ books - Liturgy of Politics and The Ballot and the Bible in our Amazon store front: https://www.amazon.com/shop/polishednetwork/list/128UA9GV0PKNP?tag=onamzpolinetw-20&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfpolishednetwork_KKZAX2MW72ZE1ESYV1YR

 

Kaitlyn’s Website: http://www.kaitlynschiess.com 

Kailtiny’s X: https://x.com/KaitlynSchiess

Kaitlyn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynschiess/

Holy Post Podcast: https://www.holypost.com/ 

Curiously Kaitlyn Podcast: https://www.holypost.com/curiously 

Katilyn’s article on Common Good Magazine: https://commongoodmag.com/do-we-have-a-political-vocation/ 

Questions to Ask Yourself While Auditing Your Media Consumption

1. What is this media source teaching me to love?

2. What is this media source teaching me to fear or hate?

3. Who does this media encourage me to see as my neighbor?

4. Who does it tempt me to view with suspicion, fear, or condescension?

5. What general story does this media tell about what’s ultimately wrong in the world?

6. According to this media, what will ultimately fix the problem?

7. Where does this media's narrative align with the story of Scripture?

8. Where does it conflict with the story of Scripture?

9. What story from Scripture can remind me of God’s truth when I’m tempted to believe an untrue narrative?

10. How can I integrate prayer and Scripture reading to counteract false or harmful stories?

 

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