Ethicist and organizer Dr. Aaron Staufer returns to the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing questions facing progressive Christianity today: how do we move from feeling overwhelmed and powerless to actually building meaningful change in our communities? Aaron brings his experience as both a theologian and organizer to help us understand why mainline Protestantism has struggled to find its public voice, and more importantly, what we can do about it. We delve into the historical trajectory from the social gospel movement to today’s challenges, exploring why building strong community relationships is essential for any genuine social change, and discussing how initiatives like Solidarity Circles are helping faith leaders develop the skills they need for movement work. This conversation gets into the weeds of democratic practice, theological imagination, and the practical work of organizing—all while trying to figure out how the church can be a force for justice in an increasingly complex world.
In the conversation, we discussed the decline of mainline Protestant public witness, moving beyond charity; lessons from the Social Gospel movement; the crisis in theological education; why theology matters; practical strategies for congregations; Christianity’s moral silence on Palestine; class analysis; and organizing.
Aaron Stauffer is the Director of Online Learning and Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He earned his PhD in social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and has organized with the Industrial Areas Foundation in San Antonio, Texas and Religions for Peace. His work has appeared in Tikkun, Sojourners, The Other Journal, Political Theology, and CrossCurrents, as well as other scholarly and popular publications. You can check out his previous visit to the podcast – Theology for Action.
What’s a Solidarity Circle?
Solidarity Circles is the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion & Justice’s flagship leadership cohort for clergy, faith leaders, and grassroots organizers who want to build the solidarity economy—not just preach about it.
A virtual, 9-month peer network that meets for 90-minute Zoom sessions each month with asynchronous coursework, plus one-on-one coaching and a private online space to keep the conversation rolling.
Grounded in liberating theology, power analysis, and community-organizing practice, each Circle can help you craft a concrete project in your own community—anything from a worker-owned childcare co-op to a sermon series on just economics.
What You’ll Get:
Three themed units / nine modules (video + readings) on:
What’s wrong with our economy & theology—what alternatives exist?
Cooperative & solidarity-economy basics.
Power analysis, deep listening, and storytelling for change.
Relationship-rich coaching: facilitators walk with you from big idea to on-the-ground experiment.
A cross-movement network of peers tackling similar challenges—say goodbye to that “I’m doing this alone” feeling.
Logistics & Cost:
Duration: 9 months (2025-26 academic year)
Format: 100 % online—join from anywhere!
Tuition: $500 (need-based scholarships keep it accessible.)
Application: Now open—spaces filled on a rolling basis, next cohort begins in August/September 2025; early apps recommended.
Aaron Stauffer is a Featured Speaker for the “Democracy in Tension” Online Summit - Register Now!
Democracy today faces profound challenges – polarization, inequality, populist authoritarianism, and widespread cynicism are eroding the foundations of democratic life. Yet, what if democracy's greatest strength lies not in eliminating these tensions, but in productively embracing them?
Reimagine democracy as a space for productive tension—not uniform agreement.
Engage new tools to resist polarization, cynicism, and political despair.
Explore how religion and democracy can coexist in pluralistic societies.
Transform political enemies into adversaries through agonistic engagement.
Confront the forces eroding democratic life with bold, practical insight.
Connect with scholars and citizens committed to revitalizing democratic imagination.
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: All lectures will be released on Monday, July 28th. You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.
COST: A course like this is typically offered for $250 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can (including $0) to help make this possible for everyone!
Aaron Stauffer Will Be Joining Us For Theology Beer Camp!
Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to “nerd out” on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities.
Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more!
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