Summary:

In this episode, Marcus and James delve into the complexities of the Johnson Amendment and its implications for the relationship between church and state. They explore the historical context of the amendment, its impact on moral speech, and the selective enforcement of laws. The discussion also highlights the Civil Rights Movement as a case study in navigating the gray areas of political advocacy. Recent legal developments are examined, along with the importance of a shared moral consensus in maintaining a functioning republic. The episode concludes with a call to action for churches to wisely engage in public discourse without fear of government reprisal.

Reference sources for this episode:

- 26 U.S.C. § 501 (Internal Revenue Code), “Exemption from tax on corporations, certain trusts, etc.,” accessed January 24, 2026, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501

- “Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC),” The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, accessed January 25, 2026, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/southern-christian-leadership-conference-sclc

- “Southern Christian Leadership Conference,” Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed January 26, 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Southern-Christian-Leadership-Conference

- “Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at Holt Street Baptist Church,” YouTube video, 15:00, posted by [channel name if available], access January 26, 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtp7kCi_LA

- Jesse Speaks, Facebook post, text accompanying image or commentary on Tom Holland, “Tom Holland isn't a preacher...What makes Holland’s conclusion so disruptive...,” posted on Jesse Speaks Facebook page, accessed [January 24, 2026], https://www.facebook.com/JesseSpeaksFB/posts/836982865823199

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Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com