Nomad Podcast Brian Zahnd – Christians in the Age of Trump [Revisited] (N333)
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Nov 25, 2024 Brian Zahnd, a noted theologian and author, discusses the complex ties between Christianity and American politics, highlighting 'Americanism' as a problematic faith identity. He critiques the evangelical movement's shift from radical beginnings to political entanglement, emphasizing the need for a faith that prioritizes compassion over nationalism. The conversation delves into navigating faith amid political turmoil and the importance of empathy in bridging divides, ultimately advocating for a spiritual life that resists oppression.
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Jesus Movement and the Catacombs
- Brian Zahnd's early encounter with Jesus during the Jesus Movement transformed him from a Led Zeppelin fan to a spiritual leader.
- At 17, he led the Catacombs, a group that embraced radical, communal living and challenged the established Christian order.
From Jesus Movement to Religious Right
- Zahnd witnessed the Jesus Movement morph into the religious right, aligning evangelical Christianity with the Republican Party.
- He laments this shift, viewing it as a tragic departure from the movement's initial radicalism.
Vietnam War: A Turning Point
- Zahnd traces the shift in American Christianity's political alignment to the Vietnam War.
- Mainline churches' anti-war stance led to evangelicals, eager to combat communism, becoming the dominant political force.