Episodes 35
Avg. Duration 1h 10m
Activity Sporadic
Since Nov 2022
Latest Episode Jun 2025

Publishing Details

Schedule
Monthly
Format
Episodic
Hosting
feeds.libsyn.com

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About This Podcast

How do you disagree with substance, respect, and a spot of laughter? Is it possible for deep difference to be the uncanny glue of a free society, and not the spark for its conflagration? What does good-faith persuasion look like anymore? Zealots at the Gate from Comment explores these questions through the friendship of two men: Muslim political thinker Shadi Hamid and Christian theologian Matthew Kaemingk. Through frank, unapologetic dialogue interrogating the future of democracy and the role of religion in North American cultural life, this is a conversation bent on charting out a new paradigm for navigating philosophical and even tribal difference with openness, good humour, and convicted humility.

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Recent Episodes

S4E4 Muslims and Christians on Natural Law

Jun 11, 2025 1h

Are there universal moral laws that bind all humanity? Are some things just right and wrong? In a polarized world, can we hope to agree on moral issues? Christians and Muslims have long histories of…

S4E3 What Mormonism Reveals About America

Apr 23, 2025 1h 16m

The Mormon faith is deeply American in just about every way, and yet Mormons have never quite been accepted in America. Why? What is it like to be a Mormon in America? How do Mormons navigate…

S4E2 What the Hell? The Fate of Non-Muslims

Mar 19, 2025 1h 6m

Are you afraid of hell? Do you know who's going there? We know that our beliefs about the afterlife can often influence the ways in which we treat so-called insiders and outsiders. What we think…

S4E1 The Seven Deadly Sins in our Divided Age

Feb 26, 2025 1h 14m

The seven deadly sins aren't just a relic of the past—they continue to shape the way we live, lead, and engage with one another. In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield, a Comment contributing editor and…

S3E11 How to Lose an Election (Well)

Oct 23, 2024 1h 10m

That's it! I'm moving to Canada. After a long election season, many American voters will find it difficult to accept defeat. And while it is hard, democratic life demands the regular practice of…

S3E10 Is There a Judeo-Islamic Tradition?

Sep 11, 2024 1h 18m

Muslims and Jews share more than either side might want to admit. Their monotheistic theology, their emphasis on law, and their long history of living alongside each other all play a role in…

S3E9 Do Muslims Fit in a Political Party?

Aug 01, 2024 1h 22m

Muslim voting habits in America have changed in the past, and they are changing again. What issues might draw them to the political right or left? Dalia Mogahed has been studying Muslim Americans for…

S3E8 Can God Save Trump?

Jul 17, 2024 1h 8m

In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, he and his followers have been discussing the role of God in sparing his life. Reflecting on his good fortune, Trump has even speculated about…

S3E7 Learning to Disagree

Jul 10, 2024 1h 5m

Our many differences in religion and politics are not problems to be solved. In this episode we interview John Inazu, the author of a new book titled Learning to Disagree. A professor of religion and…

S3E6 The Rise of the Secular Evangelicals

Jun 26, 2024 1h 1m

What is the political future of American evangelicalism? And what explains the rise of "secular" evangelical politics? Russell Moore is the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and the author of…

S3E5 Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?

Jun 19, 2024 1h 2m

Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk can't postpone the difficult question any longer. Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Their answers (and disagreements) might surprise you. LINKS Relevant…

S3E4 A Muslim Goes to Wheaton

Jun 12, 2024 1h 35m

Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk visited Wheaton College (the so-called evangelical Harvard) to discuss faith, politics, and deep difference. Interviewed by Alexander Massad, they were asked about…

S3E3 The Politics of Hell

Jun 05, 2024 53m

"Hell is actually pretty underrated. I mean it, when it comes to democratic life, a belief in hell is quite helpful." Shadi kicked off a recent public lecture with this rather unexpected and…

S3E2 Gaza and the Gods of Tribalism

May 29, 2024 1h 14m

How are American evangelicals and Muslims responding to the war in Gaza? More than half a year into the war, Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk discuss the (im)possibility of remaining neutral and the…

S3E1 Gaza: A Political and Spiritual Reckoning

Oct 19, 2023 55m

We're failing. The Israel-Hamas war is barely two weeks old and we are witnessing a collective religious failure. Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike are failing to live up to their own principles.…

S2E10 How to Exorcise Your Political Demons

Jun 28, 2023 1h 18m

Political demons? Really? While everyone can agree that there's something terribly wrong with America's political culture, should we really describe it as "demonic" or even "demon-possessed"? Muslims…

S2E9 Islamic Feminism: An Oxymoron?

Jun 21, 2023 1h 31m

Can Muslims be feminists? Should they be? This week, we speak with Hadia Mubarak, a self-described Muslim feminist, about the role and place of women in Islam. Professor Mubarak is the author of a…

S2E8 A Catholic Socialist in a Secular World

Jun 07, 2023 1h 1m

Can the American Left make space for deep religious commitment? Elizabeth Bruenig, a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist, is one of the most prominent—and controversial—Catholic socialists in America today.…

S2E7 How to Fight Political Burnout

May 25, 2023 59m

Americans are politically exhausted. Shadi happens to be one of them. But he's taking action. In this special episode, our venerable co-host opens up about burnout, finitude, and his own struggles…

S2E6 Tinder and the Gods of Modern Sex

May 17, 2023 1h 15m

Welcome to a frank and thought-provoking discussion of the modern sexual marketplace and its discontents. Our guest and guide is Washington Post columnist Christine Emba. Author of the widely…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Zealots at the Gate have?

Zealots at the Gate has published 35 episodes since November 2022, covering topics in Religion, Religion & Spirituality.

Is Zealots at the Gate still active?

Zealots at the Gate is currently sporadic with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 1h 10m.

How do I contact Zealots at the Gate for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Zealots at the Gate, including email and social media links.

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