During the Cold War, conservatives prided themselves for their opposition to the Soviet Union and totalitarianism and blasted those who wavered as “un-American.” In the current crisis in Ukraine, however, we have seen some conservatives defending Putin and Russia. What happened? David French tries to explain why some Republicans and evangelicals foolishly see Putin as a hero and defender of Christendom. Then he discusses his recent article about the rise of Christian Nationalism. Why is it so appealing among independent, Pentecostal churches, how is it spreading beyond those circles, and why are educated, elite Christian leaders reluctant to speak up about it?

0:00 - Intro 3:01 - Crisis in Ukraine“Burning Straw Men by the Bushel”- https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/burning-straw-men-by-the-bushel?utm_source=url

Putin’s February 21 address - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67828“

We’re All Ukrainians Now” - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/were-all-ukrainians-now?utm_source=url

31:13 - Rise of Christian nationalism“The Seeds of Political Violence Are Being Sown in Church” - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/the-seeds-of-political-violence-are?utm_source=url

French Friday: Putin, Pentecostals, & Christian Nationalism