Humanism Now | Empowering Conversations with Voices for Reason, Compassion and Change 31. Katherine Stewart on Money, Lies & God: How Billionaires Weaponised Religion to Undermine Democracy
May 7, 2025
Katherine Stewart, an award-winning journalist and author, dives deep into the alarming rise of religious nationalism and its ties to billionaires. She discusses how the 'Good News Club' reveals the stealth tactics of these nationalists and the historical roots that have made abortion a political tool. Stewart emphasizes the manipulation of religious sentiments for power and the global ramifications of these movements. Yet, she also offers a glimmer of hope, advocating for voter engagement and a focus on core societal issues to counteract the erosion of democracy.
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Religious Club Infiltrates Schools
- Katherine Stewart discovered a fundamentalist religious club in her daughter's public school promoting Christianity as endorsed by the school.
- Children were encouraged to recruit peers, illustrating an orchestrated effort to use schools as "mission fields".
Christian Nationalism's Political Roots
- Christian nationalism in the US has roots in the late 1970s with the New Right reacting against social progress such as civil rights and women's movements.
- Abortion became a political tool to unify the movement, not originally a core religious crusade.
Christian Nationalism vs Broader Christianity
- Christian nationalism does not speak for all Americans; many Christians prioritize social justice and helping the vulnerable.
- Wealthy funders from diverse faiths use religious identity politics to mobilize voters for economic agendas against the broader public interest.
