Due to my current situation (i.e., not employed in academia), I am thinking that I will need to change my research agenda for the foreseeable future. Because I don’t have access to a research library, I will need to switch to a project that does not require regular trips to a library. Fortunately, an idea that I had two years ago fits the bill.

Since the late 1980s, a number of Christian talk radio programs have begun that focus on political issues. These programs attempt to address political topics from a Christian point-of-view. Research I did in 2005 located twenty-one such programs, although I am sure there are more out there. They include both local and nationally syndicated programs.

Because most of these programs are from the Evangelical branch of Christianity, the Bible should play a significant role in how they deal with questions of politics. Why I would like to do, therefore, is examine the shows to see how the Bible is used in their discussions. Most of the research would be done by listening to their broadcasts, many of which are available online. This would be supplemented by a questionnaire that would be sent to each of the shows, asking them to explain their own hermeneutics and what training (formal and/or informal) their host and program researchers have in biblical studies.

This research program would allow me to make use of my double major from my undergraduate work. In addition to being a religion major, I also majored in political science. I have always been fascinated by the intersection of the two spheres, and this project would allow me to focus on how some very public Christians enter into political debates.

If any of my American readers know of any Christian political talk shows, I would appreciate it if they could let me know. As research progresses, I will share it here on the blog.

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