A prayer circle in the Oval Office makes for a striking photo, but the real story sits behind the lens: how a network of independent charismatic leaders became power brokers and why that shift matters for democracy. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, a renowned religious scholar and author, who helps map out some recent American history—from Latter Rain revivals, to the New Apostolic Reformation, and prime-time policy fueled by fringe prophecy. Along the way, we draw a clear line between everyday “God bless America” civil religion and a harder creed Dr. Taylor calls, "Christian supremacy"—the claim that Christians are entitled to rule.

Taylor explains how spiritual warfare language migrated from church pulpits to campaign rallies, recasting opponents as demonic and compromise as defeat. That shift, he argues, turned elections into exorcisms and normalized a revolutionary posture that helped fuel January 6 and continues to shape rhetoric and policy. We also explore why this moment emerged now: the global surge of independent charismatics, the post-1990s slide in Christian identification, and the strongman bargain many believers made after cultural defeats like the Obergefell decision.

Grounded in history and attentive to faith, the conversation doesn’t call for withdrawal from public life. Instead, we make the case for a noncoercive Christian presence that seeks persuasion over domination and protects the rights of those who disagree. Whether you’re evangelical, exvangelical, or simply curious about the intersection of religion and power, this episode offers a clear framework to understand the stakes—and the alternatives.

If you'd like to learn more from Dr. Matthew D. Taylor you can purchase his book, The Violent Take It By Force, and find him online and on social media.

And please don't forget to share this episode and join the conversation on YouTube!

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