The Rise of QAnon: From Fringe to Mainstream

From Jeffrey Epstein to QAnon, Why Do Conspiracies Thrive in Churches?

The Atlantic’s Pete Wehner, Christianity Today’s Emily Belz, and host Curtis Chang dive into QAnon, conspiracy theories, and the MAGA movement’s influence on American politics, culture, and the church. From Donald Trump’s messianic image to the shadows of Jeffrey Epstein, they reveal why conspiracies thrive in times of distrust—and how faith communities can fight back with truth and resilience.

(01:58) - Understanding the QAnon Conspiracy Movement

(04:10) - The Impact of QAnon Beliefs

(10:55) - The Role of Jeffrey Epstein’s Death

(17:13) - Christian Vulnerability to Conspiracy Theories

(25:13) - The History of Christianity and Conspiracies

(30:14) - The Grip of Trump on MAGA

(40:36) - Challenges Facing Church Leadership Today

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Emily Belz: How QAnon Lives On Under Trump 2.0
• Pete Wehner: Trump Discovers MAGA Has No ‘Off’ Switch
• Wired: All The Times Kash Patel Promoted QAnon
• FOX News: AG Pam Bondi on Epstein files: 'The public has a right to know' (March 3)
• Politico: Outraged Trump supporters not placated by DOJ’s actions on Epstein
• New York Times: Trump Embraces Conspiracy Theories He Only Winked at Before
• Life Way Research: 50% of U.S. Protestant Pastors Hear Conspiracy Theories in Church
• American Enterprise Institute: Findings from the January 2021 American Perspectives Survey
• Nicholas Carr's The Shallows
• More about Historical Antisemetic Conspiracies: Blood Libel
• More about William Miller & the Millerites

More from Emily Belz & Pete Wehner:

• Emily Belz’s article at Christianity Today
• Pete Wehner’s articles at The Atlantic

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