Grace Saves All: Christianity and Universal Salvation

Ep. 208 David Bentley Hart - a bracing assessment of Christian complicity with authoritarianism and fascism in a time of increasing violence (take 2)

Oct 14, 2025
David Bentley Hart, a renowned philosopher and theologian, dives deep into the intersections of Christianity and violence. He discusses the impact of rising political tensions and critiques the American Christian apocalyptic mindset that fuels violence. Hart emphasizes the misinterpretation of scriptures like Romans 13 to justify authoritarianism. He urges the importance of recognizing and naming fascism in modern politics. Additionally, he advocates for true Christian ethics, focusing on universal justice and the moral responsibility of communities.
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INSIGHT

Religion And Tech Fuel Cultural Psychosis

  • American religious culture has an enduring, disembodied violent streak that amplifies national instability.
  • Technology-driven siloing and constant alerts deepen a shared cultural psychosis, fueling extremist violence.
ANECDOTE

A Murder Motivated By Dominionist Theology

  • The Horman killer fused far-right dominionist theology with violent action and believed he served God.
  • Hart highlights this as an example where religious conviction justified targeted political murder.
INSIGHT

Memorial Rhetoric Echoes Nazi Boilerplate

  • Rhetoric at the Charlie Kirk memorial echoed classic Nazi propaganda and cultivated an us-versus-them mentality.
  • Hart warns such rhetoric primes audiences to accept or enact internal violence.
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