In this episode of Civic Brief Podcast, host Dr. Ike Wilson welcomes Bishop John Stowe, shepherd of the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, for an expansive and thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of art, faith, and civic engagement. Bishop Stowe draws on his rich experiences ministering on the US-Mexico border and in Appalachian Kentucky, sharing personal stories of community organizing and creative leadership in culturally diverse environments.
The episode dives into how faith communities and public institutions can defend human dignity amid increasing polarization and compound insecurity. Bishop Stowe reflects on the role of artists, musicians, and creators within faith traditions—spotlighting the importance of giving everyone a seat at the table and the power of relational networks to influence change. The discussion touches on themes of marginalization, environmental justice, and identity struggles, especially within LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities.
Together, Bishop Stowe and Dr. Wilson analyze the challenges posed by Christian nationalism, shifting demographics, and the need for critical engagement with media and technology. They also explore the impact of artificial intelligence on human creativity and spiritual formation, drawing compelling parallels to historic moments of technological advancement in the arts.
This deep and engaging episode of Civic Brief offers a unique perspective on how the arts, faith, and civic action intertwine in shaping communities and defending the common good—encouraging artists and creators to step forward as agents of social change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The complex interplay between faith communities and policy during times of polarization
✅ How marginalized voices can gain a seat at the civic table, from Appalachia to the US-Mexico border
✅ The rise and risks of Christian nationalism and the weaponization of religion
✅ How AI and technological shifts challenge the very definition of humanity—and the church’s response
Join the Travelers Community and explore resources at Wilson WiSE Consulting, as well as at Dr. Wilson’s companion Substack Newsletter, “Compound Security, Unlocked,” where you can share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future—one brief at a time.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 Bishop John Stowe on closed-door democracy & civic agitation
02:18 Dr. Wilson frames America’s “force & faith” collision
05:14 Anatomy of America’s sacred vs. secular founding
07:52 Community organizing at the US-Mexico border
11:02 Appalachian advocacy & the legacy of the 1975 Pastoral Letter
15:42 Dignity, identity, and LGBTQ+ justice
23:00 Christian nationalism: oxymoron or ominous trend?
28:52 Global migration, climate, and the limits of the nation-state
34:48 Local politics, power, and relational engagement
41:10 The legal and moral crisis at US borders
49:06 Institutional trust, critical thinking, and democracy’s crossroads
53:27 Scriptural distortion, the Gospel’s full message, and Old vs. New Testament
58:12 International flashpoints: Nigeria, US foreign policy, Israel-Palestine
1:09:47 AI, human centrality, and the future civic horizon
Key Takeaways:
💎True democracy and dignity require outsiders to agitate for seats at the table—community organizing isn’t just activism, it’s an expression of faith and a way to bridge civic and spiritual gaps.
💎“Christian Nationalism” isn’t just problematic—it’s fundamentally incompatible with the teachings of Jesus and authentic Christianity, as it serves power, not the gospel.
💎Artificial intelligence could redefine spiritual and civic life as radically as the Gutenberg Bible, but its ethical power lies in using it for heavy lifting—not creativity—and always disclosing its sources.
💎 Weaponizing faith for political purposes undermines dignity, safety, and trust
Resources & Mentions:
Guest Bio:
Bishop John Stowe serves as Bishop of Lexington, KY, and President of Pax Christi USA. Renowned for his pastoral leadership on the US-Mexico border and Appalachian advocacy, he is a national faith leader dedicated to justice, interfaith cooperation, and the unapologetic defense of human dignity—whether confronting Christian nationalism or championing the dignity of immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.
Tags:
Civic Engagement Podcast, National Security and Public Policy, Leadership and Strategy Podcast, Dr. Ike Wilson Podcast, The Civic Brief, faith and policy, Christian nationalism, LGBTQ dignity, AI ethics, Bishop John Stowe, Dr. Isaiah Ike Wilson III, democracy, US-Mexico border, Appalachia, civic brief podcast, Dr. Isaiah Ike Wilson III, Bishop John Stowe, faith and democracy, Christian nationalism, U.S. civil-military relations, compound security, force and faith, religious liberty, participatory democracy, community organizing, U.S.-Mexico border, immigration policy, Appalachian poverty, environmental justice, polarization in America, LGBTQ rights, Church and State, media trust, artificial intelligence and ethics, global conflict, U.S. foreign policy, social justice, interfaith dialogue, Pax Christi USA, rule of law, Dr Ike Wilson, Ike Wilson,
