The Al Franken Podcast

John Fugelsang on Jesus’s ACTUAL Politics

20 snips
Oct 19, 2025
John Fugelsang, a comedian and bestselling author, contrasts Jesus' teachings with modern political rhetoric, exposing the disconnect between Christ's message of love and compassion versus right-wing agendas. He shares insights from his book, discussing how Evangelicals misuse scripture to justify oppressive policies. With anecdotes from his upbringing and experiences, Fugelsang emphasizes the importance of civil discourse in addressing inconsistencies in faith-based arguments, particularly on issues like immigration, gun violence, and social justice.
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ANECDOTE

Leaving A Fundamentalist Church

  • Fugelsang left his Southern Baptist church after a teacher justified an abortion clinic murder to students.
  • His parents required him to keep attending some church, so he switched to a Methodist congregation instead.
INSIGHT

Jesus’s Teachings Versus Political Priorities

  • John Fugelsang argues the political priorities of far-right Christians contradict Jesus's teachings on compassion and the poor.
  • He shows Jesus emphasized mercy, feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and opposing the death penalty.
INSIGHT

Selective Use Of Scripture

  • Fugelsang distinguishes Jesus's silence on homosexuality from Leviticus and Paul’s later writings.
  • He explains right-wing Christians selectively weaponize Old Testament rules they don't otherwise follow.
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