Chasing Shadows Chasing Shadows The Finale.
17 snips
May 10, 2024 
Stuart Wexler, a historian and author focused on religiously motivated violence, joins to discuss his research on America's Secret Jihad. He delves into the alarming rise of domestic terrorism and the challenges faced by the FBI in countering it. Wexler explores the disturbing nexus of accelerationism and Christian identity, the role of militarized churches, and historical propaganda tactics. The conversation raises pressing questions about extremism's impact on society and the urgent need for vigilance and action.
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Polarization Creates A Large Terrorism Risk
- The U.S. is extremely polarized and that polarization creates fertile ground for domestic terrorism.
- Stuart Wexler warns the scale and technology make it hard for the FBI to contain emerging threats.
Accelerationism Drives Some Extremists
- Accelerationism is the intent to hasten societal collapse rather than reform it.
- Wexler notes Christian Identity has long held accelerationist aims and now secular groups share the concept.
End-Times Theology As A Gateway
- Dispensational end-times beliefs (e.g., Left Behind) can be a gateway for violent accelerationist ideas.
- Christian Identity groups can exploit that theological overlap to recruit or radicalize Christian nationalists.