You Might Think They're Absurd but They're Quite Serious: Frederick Clarkson on The New Apostolic Reformation

This episode with guest-host Jack Gieseking features an in-depth discussion with Frederick Clarkson about the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a significant and influential movement within the Christian Right. Clarkson explains the background and history of NAR, as well as its contemporary political significance. The conversation also touches on the relationship between NAR the January 6th 2021 Capitol insurrection, NAR’s relationship with Israel, and their strategy to build their voting block and flip districts, as well as the broader and far-reaching implications NAR has for democracy and religious freedom. 

Clarkson emphasizes the importance of understanding this movement, given its significant impact on politics and society. He calls for increased awareness and study of the NAR among all of us who care about fighting rising fascism. The discussion concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves about the NAR and develop a common vocabulary to facilitate meaningful conversations about its influence and implications.

Episode Resources

• The Insurgence: Sheriffs is a podcast series that uncovers how a national network of far-right sheriffs is mobilizing to create a White Christian republic, one county at a time. The series features first-hand accounts from people across the country who have come up against the sometimes-fatal consequences from the unchecked power of county sheriffs and their growing alignment with the new Far Right. The Insurgence: Sheriffs is created and hosted by investigative reporter and PRA Research Director Cloee Cooper, and co-executive produced by Political Research Associates and Cuentero Productions.
• Christian Right Denialism is More Dangerous Than Ever: A Reporter’s Guide to the New Apostolic Reformation, by Frederick Clarkson and André Gagné, Religion Dispatches, 2022. 
• Christian Nationalists Dream of Taking Over America. This Movement Is Actually Doing It by Kiera Butler, Mother Jones, 2024.
• Packed with Threats of Political Violence, Media Largely Ignore the NAR’s ‘Million Women’ Rally in DC, by Frederick Clarkson, Religion Dispatches, 2024.
• Where’s Wallnau? A NAR Apostle Takes Aim at Swing Counties in ‘The Battle for the Mountain of Government’, by Frederick Clarkson, Religion Dispatches, 2024.

Episode Keywords

New Apostolic Reformation, Christian Right, Christian Right leaders, Project 2025, Project 19