Faith Conversation Videos

Christian Nationalism is one of the most pressing challenges facing the church in America today. It distorts Christian faith by blessing exclusion, elevating power, and weakening our commitment to the dignity and flourishing of our neighbors.

In this Faith Conversation at Westwood Presbyterian Church, Dr. Reinhard Krauss, Executive Director of the Academy for Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Studies, helps us think carefully and faithfully about how Christians might respond. A Germany-born Bonhoeffer scholar with a Ph.D. from the University of St Andrews, Dr. Krauss brings deep historical, theological, and pastoral wisdom to a topic that can often feel urgent, divisive, and difficult to discuss well.

Rather than simply “cursing the darkness,” this conversation invites us to consider what it might mean to light a candle: to bear witness to the way of Jesus with humility, courage, and love. Dr. Krauss offers a thoughtful and accessible reflection on the contrast between the logic of power and the call of Christ, inviting viewers into deeper discernment about faith, nation, allegiance, and the church’s public witness.

Celebrating another Season of Faith Conversations

This year’s Faith Conversations invited us to listen deeply at the intersection of faith and public life. Organized and sponsored through the faithful efforts of WPC’s Adult Education Committee, these gatherings created meaningful space for learning, reflection, and dialogue across some of the most pressing questions facing the church and world today.

This season’s conversations include:

• Coach Cori Close — on faith, leadership, vocation, and the pursuit of an “uncommon” life.

• Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather — on South Sudan, peacemaking, and the human cost of war.

• Dan Redfeld — on the beauty, history, and meaning of beloved Christmas music.

• Dr. Daniel Wehrenfennig — on navigating congregational change with wisdom, courage, and care.

• Dr. Katharine Hayhoe — on Christians, climate, and faithful action in a changing world.

• Dr. Reinhard Krauss — on the rise and danger of Christian nationalism.

Whether you missed a conversation or would like to revisit one that stayed with you, we invite you to watch them in our Faith Conversations playlist on our YouTube channel here!