Politics is messy. Most people honestly hate talking about it. But if you’re a person of faith, specifically a Christian educator or a parent navigating the public school system, you can’t just opt out. You’re in the thick of it. That’s where the Politics by Faith podcast comes in, and it’s not what you probably think it is.
It’s not a "shout at the other side" show.
David Schmus, the Executive Director of Christian Educators, hosts the program. He’s been in the trenches. He isn't some ivory tower academic or a pundit looking for clicks. He’s basically trying to solve a puzzle: How do you stay deeply committed to your faith while working in a government institution that often feels hostile to it?
The show has become a lifeline for teachers. It’s a weird niche, right? But it works because it tackles the stuff most people are too scared to touch.
What the Politics by Faith Podcast Actually Does
Most political shows are about winning. This one is different. It’s more about being. Specifically, being a Christian in a space—like a public school classroom—where the rules are constantly shifting.
Schmus focuses heavily on the idea that politics is a mission field, not just a battlefield. You’ve probably heard that before, but he applies it to very granular, real-world scenarios. Think about things like gender identity policies, curriculum battles, and the basic right to pray. He doesn't just rant about these things; he looks at the legal precedents and the biblical mandates simultaneously.
The podcast often pivots between the "Big P" politics—like Supreme Court rulings or federal legislation—and the "small p" politics of school board meetings and faculty room dynamics. It's practical. It's grounded. It’s also surprisingly calm. In a world of high-decibel outrage, Schmus keeps his voice down. He’s more interested in wisdom than winning an argument on X (formerly Twitter).
Breaking Down the Complexity of Neutrality
One of the big themes Schmus hits on is the myth of neutrality. This is a huge talking point in modern education. The Politics by Faith podcast argues that no classroom is truly neutral. Everyone brings a worldview. If a teacher is told to leave their faith at the door, they aren't becoming "neutral"—they're being asked to adopt a different, often secular-humanist, framework.
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Schmus digs into how Christians can navigate this without being fired. He talks about the First Amendment. He references cases like Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the one about the praying coach. He explains what these wins actually mean for the average teacher in a blue state or a red state. It’s about knowing your rights so you can stand your ground without being obnoxious or illegal.
Why This Specific Perspective Matters Right Now
Education is currently the front line of the culture war. You know it. I know it. Every time you turn on the news, there’s a new story about a book ban or a mandatory diversity training.
The Politics by Faith podcast serves as a sort of "intellectual armor" for people who feel caught in the middle. David Schmus often brings on guests who are experts in constitutional law or theology. They don't just give opinions; they provide a framework.
The Christian Educators Connection
The podcast is a project of Christian Educators (formerly CEAI). This organization has been around since 1953. They aren't new to this. Because of this backing, the podcast has access to a massive amount of data and anecdotal evidence from thousands of teachers across the United States.
When Schmus talks about a "trend" in public schools, he’s usually basing it on reports from members in the field. This gives the show an authority that a lone podcaster in a basement just doesn't have. It’s institutional knowledge applied to the current political moment.
- They provide legal protection.
- They offer professional liability insurance.
- They provide a "biblical worldview" for educators.
If you listen to the episodes from late 2024 and throughout 2025, you’ll notice a shift. There’s a lot more focus on "parental rights." Schmus is very clear that the relationship between the teacher, the parent, and the student is sacred. When politics tries to drive a wedge there, he gets vocal.
Common Misconceptions About Politics and Religion
A lot of people think a Politics by Faith podcast is just going to be a GOP pep rally. Honestly, if you listen to Schmus, he’s more interested in the Kingdom of God than the Republican National Committee.
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He’s critical of both sides when they stray from what he views as biblical truth. He talks about the "idolatry of politics." This is a key concept: the idea that if you think a politician is going to save the world, you’ve already lost the plot. That kind of nuance is rare. It’s why the show gets a lot of respect even from people who might not agree with every single policy position he takes.
Nuance in the Classroom
He often discusses "the quiet presence." This is the idea that a Christian teacher’s greatest political act might just be excellence. Being the best teacher in the building. Being the one who loves the "difficult" kids. Schmus argues that this earns you the "social capital" to stand up for your faith when the big moments come. It’s a long-game strategy.
It’s not just about the "what," it's about the "how."
He talks about "loving your enemies" in the context of a hostile school board. That’s hard. It’s easy to tweet something mean; it’s much harder to sit across from someone who wants you fired and treat them with dignity. This is the "Faith" part of the podcast title. It’s an application of Jesus’s teachings to the messiness of 21st-century American governance.
Key Episodes and Recurring Themes
If you’re just starting out, you should look for episodes that deal with "Religious Freedom in Schools." Those are the meat and potatoes of the show. Schmus will break down exactly what you can and cannot do.
For example, did you know you can usually have a Bible on your desk as long as you aren't using it as a primary textbook for a secular subject? Or that you can lead a student-led prayer group if you’re invited? These are the "Know Your Rights" segments that keep teachers out of HR.
The Role of Parents
Lately, the podcast has spent a lot of time on the "Parental Rights in Education" movement. Schmus sees this as a pivotal moment in American history. He looks at the legal side—the 14th Amendment's protection of the "liberty interest" of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.
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He also looks at the spiritual side. He quotes Deuteronomy. He talks about the responsibility of the family unit. He basically says that the state is a "delegate," not the "owner" of the child. This is a radical idea in some circles, but it’s the bedrock of his political philosophy.
Actionable Steps for the Engaged Listener
You’ve listened to the episodes. You’ve heard David Schmus break down the latest Supreme Court ruling. Now what?
The Politics by Faith podcast isn't just for passive consumption. It’s a call to action, but a specific kind of action. It’s about engagement with integrity.
1. Know Your Local School Board
Most people can name the Vice President but can't name a single person on their local school board. Schmus emphasizes that this is where the real politics happens. Go to a meeting. See what’s being discussed. You don't have to be a firebrand; just be a witness.
2. Audit Your Own Perspective
Are you getting your politics from a 24-hour news cycle or from a deeper source? Schmus encourages listeners to spend more time in Scripture than in their newsfeed. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the only way to keep from losing your mind when the headlines get crazy.
3. Support Christian Educators
If you are a teacher, look into joining the organization. They provide the legal and spiritual support that the podcast discusses. Having that safety net allows you to be bolder in your faith without fearing for your mortgage every time you mention a biblical value.
4. Practice "Bilingual" Communication
One of the best skills Schmus teaches is how to speak to the secular world in a way they understand. Instead of just saying "the Bible says this," he teaches you how to explain why a certain policy is bad for "student flourishing" or "community cohesion." It's about translating eternal truths into the language of the public square.
5. Pray for Your Leaders
It’s a literal biblical command, but it’s also a political strategy. It’s hard to hate someone you are genuinely praying for. Schmus ends many of his segments with a focus on the humanity of our political opponents. They aren't demons; they are people who are often lost or operating from a different set of assumptions.
Politics isn't going away. Faith isn't going away. The intersection of the two is always going to be a high-friction zone. The Politics by Faith podcast provides the oil for those gears. It helps you stay functional, faithful, and focused on what actually matters in the long run. Whether you're in the classroom or the boardroom, the principles Schmus lays out are about more than just who wins the next election. They're about how you represent your faith in a world that is watching more closely than you think.