Faith and Politics: A Conversation with Nicholas B. Shrum

In this episode of the Dialogue Out Loud podcast, host Taylor Petrey interviews Nicholas Shrum about his thought-provoking essay, “Materializing Faith and Politics: The Unseen Power of the NCCS Pocket Constitution in American Religion,” featured in the Summer 2024 issue of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought.

Nicholas Shrum delves into the symbolic and performative power of the NCCS pocket Constitution, particularly within the context of Christian nationalism and Latter-day Saint beliefs. He highlights how this pocket Constitution, which includes curated religious and political material, has become a significant tool for politicians, anti-government activists, and religious figures, imbuing the U.S. Constitution with divine significance.

By tracing its historical origins and its use in events like the Bundy standoffs and political speeches, Shrum argues that the pocket Constitution transforms into an active, almost anthropomorphic object within American religious and political landscapes. This episode explores how this seemingly simple document reflects and shapes ideologies far beyond its textual content, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the intersections between faith, politics, and material culture.

Join us for this fascinating conversation and gain new insights into the powerful role of the NCCS pocket Constitution in American religion and politics.

Listen now on the Dialogue Podcast Network and explore more from Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought at dialoguejournal.com.