The Religion of Whiteness with Michael Emerson & Glenn Bracey II

In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with sociologists Michael Emerson and Glenn Bracey to unpack the core ideas behind their book The Religion of Whiteness.

The conversation explores a challenging but important question: how cultural identity—specifically whiteness—can operate as a system of belief that competes with or even overrides Christian teaching. Emerson and Bracey define the “religion of whiteness” as a set of beliefs, practices, and symbols that elevate white identity as sacred while marginalizing what falls outside of it.

They walk through the data behind their research, including survey findings showing how white Christians often respond differently to biblical teachings when those teachings challenge racial hierarchies. The discussion also examines how symbols like a white Jesus, the merging of the cross and the American flag, and even attitudes toward political violence can reinforce this framework.

The episode doesn’t stay abstract. It connects these ideas to real-world dynamics inside churches—why conversations about race are often resisted, how “stay out of politics” can function as a boundary, and why awareness itself can feel threatening.

This is a direct, data-driven conversation about faith, identity, and the tension between cultural loyalty and religious conviction.

Guest Bio

Michael Emerson is a sociologist specializing in race, religion, and inequality in the United States. He is currently a professor at Rice University and is widely known for his research on how religious communities shape racial attitudes and structures. He is the co-author of Divided by Faith and The Religion of Whiteness.

Glenn E. Bracey II is a sociologist at Villanova University whose work focuses on race, religion, and social inequality. His research examines how systems of belief and power interact within American institutions, particularly in the context of race and Christianity. He is the co-author of The Religion of Whiteness.

Relevant Links

The Religion of Whiteness by Michael Emerson and Glenn Bracey

Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith