4: Weaponize Humor and Ridicule

Resisting Authoritarianism: Lessons from Global Movements

In this final episode of 'American Un Exceptionalism,' hosts Matthew Taylor and Susie Hayward reflect on the lessons learned from their exploration of global resistance to religious nationalism and authoritarianism. They discuss the Trump administration's preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and its potential implications. The episode outlines a playbook for building a resilient, agile, and nonviolent resistance movement against MAGA Christian authoritarianism. Key strategies include building broad coalitions, leveraging youth and culture, using non-cooperation tactics, and employing religious symbols and language. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of learning from international examples and taking care of one's mental and spiritual well-being to sustain the struggle for democracy.

00:00 Introduction to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

00:53 The Irony of the Declaration of Independence

02:44 Trump Administration's Control Over the Narrative

03:19 Historical Parallels with Roman Empire

04:46 Welcome to American Un Exceptionalism

05:30 Reflecting on Lessons from Global Resistance

06:05 Review of Global Case Studies

08:55 Warnings from Global Authoritarianism

18:56 The Democratic Resistance Playbook

29:03 The Power of Humor in Resistance

29:50 Women Leading the Movement

31:30 Non-Cooperation Tactics

36:04 Global Democratic Resistance

39:32 Religious Resistance Strategies

43:49 Clerics and Religious Institutions in Resistance

49:08 Creative Christian Modes of Resistance

53:57 Soul Care for Sustained Resistance

56:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

Dr. Matthew D. Taylor is the senior Christian scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where he specializes in American Christianity, American Islam, Christian extremism, and religious politics. His book, The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy (Broadleaf, 2024), tracks how a loose network of charismatic Christian leaders called the New Apostolic Reformation was a major instigating force for the January 6th Insurrection and is currently reshaping the culture of the religious right in the U.S. Taylor is also the creator of the audio docuseries Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation.

Rev. Susan Hayward: was until recently the lead on the US Institute of Peace’s efforts to understand religious dimensions of conflict and advance efforts engaging religious actors and organizations in peacebuilding. She has conducted political asylum and refugee work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Advocates for Human Rights. Rev. Hayward studied Buddhism in Nepal and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.

www.axismundi.us

Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi

Producer: Andrew Gill

Original Music and Mixing: Scott Okamoto

Production Assistance: Kari Onishi

Funded through generous contributions from ICJS, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the ICRD.