In the gripping conclusion of The State of Belief’s 2024 season, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dives into a captivating dialogue centered on the musical “Wicked.” This conversation with Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, a passionate admirer of the original Gregory Maguire novel and its adaptations, explores the issues that may arise in 2025.
Guthrie, who serves as the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance, lends his expertise to the discussion.
Thematic Connections
The pair unpack crucial themes that resonate not just in “Wicked” but also echo today’s political climate—specifically, the resistance to authoritarianism, the critical need to question authority, the importance of celebrating differences, and the necessity of standing firm in one’s values despite facing opposition.
These discussions provide fertile ground for examining how both the narrative of “Wicked” and our societal challenges intersect compellingly.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on their personal journeys, Paul and Guthrie recount how “Wicked” has influenced their dedication to social justice and equality from a young age.
Guthrie shares enlightening content from his Advent devotional, which intertwines insights from “Wicked” with five vital lessons to help navigate the complexities of the forthcoming year.
Empathy in Dialogue
A notable point raised by Guthrie is the power of understanding diverse viewpoints.
He highlights the need for empathy toward those who may hold different opinions on political and policy matters.
This form of cognitive empathy is key—it doesn’t mean we must agree with everyone, but it helps us comprehend the underlying reasons for their beliefs and actions.
Guthrie brings an impressive background to the table.
His previous roles at significant organizations like the BJC, the Center for American Progress, and the National Immigration Forum highlight his commitment to advocacy.
With a Master of Divinity degree and the author of “Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity,” he has also written an Advent devotional that has been published in Word & Way.
Through this conversation, he provides a thoughtful framework for addressing the challenges ahead, inviting listeners to engage with the story of “Wicked” in new and meaningful ways.
Source: Religionnews
