Mike Force Podcast – PTC: Politics is our new Religion – Here Is How to Win
Host: Mike Glover
Date: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special “Preaching the Choir” Sunday edition of the Mike Force Podcast, veteran, father, and Christian Mike Glover tackles the increasingly pervasive role of politics in people’s lives—arguing that, for many, politics has become a new kind of religion. Glover draws on biblical references, personal anecdotes, and social commentary to discuss how political identity is supplanting faith, shaping relationships, and distorting purpose, then offers practical steps to reclaim peace and perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Politics as the New Religion ([00:00]–[04:20])

• Glover opens by noting how the political climate has shifted, observing people he once knew as faith-focused now entirely consumed by outrage and partisan identity.
• He compares the new political fervor to religious commitment, saying:

  “The cable channel became their church, the social media feed became their scripture, and now they’re preaching from a pulpit.” ([02:37])

• Politics, Glover contends, has given many a sense of purpose, but at the cost of faith, relationships, and personal wellbeing.

2. Warning Against Political Idolatry ([04:20]–[07:40])

• Mike quotes Matthew 6:24 (“No one can serve two masters”) to caution listeners about misplaced allegiance.
• He describes the emotional captivity many experience:

  “We say God is first, but we let elections determine our mood. News headlines determine our peace.” ([04:55])

• The result, he warns, isn’t civic engagement but spiritual and emotional bondage.

3. The Fruits of Political Discipleship ([07:40]–[10:00])

• He warns of the “discipleship” happening through political content:

  “When your emotional state rises and falls with the latest outrage cycle, you’re not a participant in political dialogue. You’re being discipled by politics.” ([07:52])

• He cites James 1:20 (“the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”) and laments seeing once-gracious people now full of suspicion, division, and fear.

4. Personal Transformation and Relationships ([10:00]–[13:10])

• Glover describes the breakdown of relationships, even within families and church communities, solely over political identity.
• Memorable quote:

  “The moment your political identity teaches you to hate someone made in the image of God, you’ve crossed a line your faith never gave you permission to cross.” ([11:25])

• He warns against virtue signaling and the hypocrisy of those loudly proclaiming faith while being the quickest to judge and condemn.

5. The Need for Perspective and Rightful Priorities ([13:10]–[15:02])

• The host reminds listeners:

  “Politics was never designed to carry the weight of your soul. Only Christ can do that.” ([13:18])

• Citing Paul (“set your minds on things above and not on earthly things”), Glover urges a reset in priorities.

Actionable Steps: “How to Win” ([15:02]–[19:30])

Glover concludes with three specific, practical steps for listeners:

1. Fast From Political Content for Seven Days ([15:15])

• Complete disengagement from “cable news, political podcasts, doom scrolling headlines” for one week.
• Replace with time in scripture, prayer, meaningful conversation, or improving health.
• If withdrawal feels difficult, he says that’s a sign of unhealthy attachment:

  “If the idea of stepping away for a week makes you anxious, well, even more so you have the answer, exactly what you need to do.” ([15:45])

2. Rebuild a Relationship Across a Political Line ([16:35])

• Pick a single person estranged for political reasons and reach out.
• The goal isn’t to debate, but simply to reconnect on a human level:

  “Refuse to let a voting booth destroy a relationship Jesus told you to protect.” ([17:00])

3. Serve Your Local Community Tangibly ([17:20])

• Engage in positive real-world action—volunteering, helping a neighbor, serving at church, or coaching.
• Glover shares his own plans to meet with a senator on veteran issues as an example.

  “Trade online outrage for real world impact. It’s amazing how small politics feels when you’re actually helping real people in real life.” ([17:55])

He asserts that these three actions would dramatically reduce tension in listeners’ lives “nearly overnight.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The cable channel became their church, the social media feed became their scripture, and now they’re preaching from a pulpit.” ([02:37])
• “We say God is first, but we let elections determine our mood. News headlines determine our peace.” ([04:55])
• “When your emotional state rises and falls with the latest outrage cycle, you’re not a participant in political dialogue. You’re being discipled by politics.” ([07:52])
• “The moment your political identity teaches you to hate someone made in the image of God, you’ve crossed a line your faith never gave you permission to cross.” ([11:25])
• “Politics makes a terrible god and we were meant for something higher.” ([19:20])

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Episode opening, theme introduction
• 02:37 – Politics replacing faith imagery
• 04:55 – Allegiance and emotional captivity to politics
• 07:52 – “Discipled by politics,” effects on emotional wellbeing
• 11:25 – Warning against letting politics damage relationships
• 15:15 – Step 1: Fast from political content
• 16:35 – Step 2: Reconnect with someone across the political divide
• 17:20 – Step 3: Serve your local community
• 19:20 – Closing encouragement: “Politics makes a terrible god and we were meant for something higher.”

Tone & Language

Glover’s style is earnest, pastoral, and direct, blending personal vulnerability with actionable wisdom and scriptural guidance. The conversation is grounded in Christian faith, with a call to humility, service, and relational restoration.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Politics, while important, cannot provide identity, peace, or true purpose—faith must come first.
• Consider a temporary break from political content to regain perspective.
• Restore relationships frayed by politics with compassion and humility.
• Redirect energy from online outrage to tangible acts of service within your community.

Stay informed, vote your conscience, and stand for truth—but remember: politics makes a terrible god.