"Kennedy v. Bremerton: Ruling on a Prayer" w/ Amanda Tyler & Brian Kaylor

This week we get the honor of speaking with Amanda Tyler (Executive Director, BJC) and Brian Kaylor (President, Word & Way) about a recent SCOTUS case involving prayer. In its simplest definition the Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case is about Coach Kennedy praying on the 50 yard line after a game, and whether or not that prayer is considered government speech. This case centers around two key issues: Whether a public-school employee who says a brief, quiet prayer by himself while at school and visible to students is engaged in government speech that lacks any First Amendment protection; and (2) whether, assuming that such religious expression is private and protected by the free speech and free exercise clauses, the establishment clause nevertheless compels public schools to prohibit it.

Amanda and Brian help us make sense of the oral arguments and discuss potential implications of the ruling, should SCOTUS favor Coach Kennedy's position.

Listen to the entire oral arguments

Guest bios:

Amanda Tyler is executive director of BJC. She leads the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty, defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by government. Learn more about what BJC does

Brian Kaylor, Word&Way Editor & President since 2016, is an award-winning writer and sought-after expert on issues of religion, politics, and communication. He also hosts the award-winning podcast "Dangerous Dogma"

Learn more about Word & Way