In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer

Jeff Sharlet

May 9, 2023

Jeff Sharlet, NYT best-selling author, discusses religion, politics in Trump era, prosperity gospel, and dangers of democracy post-Trump. Explores extremism, far-right movements, evangelical voter bloc impact, and intertwining of Christianity with right-wing ideology. Advocates for change, challenges status quo, and prepares for impending societal challenges ahead.

01:09:24

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Episode guests

Jeff Sharlet

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Quick takeaways

The blending of religious rhetoric with militaristic nationalism in the evangelical movement symbolizes a dangerous convergence towards political violence.

The evangelical landscape's shift towards christian nationalism and white supremacy challenges traditional values and highlights an entwining of politics, religion, and weaponized faith.

The fusion of evangelical voter block with extremist factions poses a critical threat to democracy, emphasizing the urgent need to address the rise of right-wing movements.

Deep dives

Exploring the Influence of Christian Nationalism and Fascism

Christian nationalism and fascism are intricately intertwined, with the journey from evangelical roots to a far-right armed movement showcasing a shift towards political violence. The rise of Trump symbolizes the blend of religious rhetoric with militaristic nationalism, shaping a movement that celebrates guns, wealth, and a distorted version of Christianity. The undertow metaphor aptly captures the deep currents of prosperity gospel, conspiracy theories, and a thirst for power that underpin this dangerous convergence.

Introduction

5min

Reflections on a Book of Essays: Unpacking Democracy's Dangers

7min

Exploring Extremism and Tensions in America Through Investigative Reporting and Literature

4min

Navigating Extremism: Encounters and Insights

16min

The Intersection of Christianity and Right-Wing Extremism

20min

Challenging the Status Quo and Advocating for Change

14min

Exploring the Impending Societal Challenges and Urgent Decisions Ahead

3min

Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with Jeff Sharlet, Author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, exploring the themes of his forthcoming book, The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War.
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LINKS

https://wwnorton.com/author/SHARLETJEFF/jeffsharlet

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BOOKS

The Undertow: Scenes From A Slow Civil War

The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

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Jeff Sharlet is the New York Times best-selling author or editor of eight books, including The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, adapted into a Netflix documentary series, and This Brilliant Darkness. His reporting on LGBTIQ+ rights around the world has received the National Magazine Award, the Molly Ivins Prize, and Outright International’s Outspoken Award. His writing and photography have appeared in many publications, including Vanity Fair, for which he is a contributing editor; the New York Times Magazine; GQ; Esquire; Harper’s; and VQR, for which he is an editor at large. He is the Frederick Sessions Beebe ’35 Professor in the Art of Writing at Dartmouth College, where he lives in the woods with many animals.

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Support the show

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In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of Fall In Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy.

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In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer

Jeff Sharlet

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Exploring the Influence of Christian Nationalism and Fascism

Unearthing the Evolution of the Evangelical Movement

The Intersection of Politics, Violence, and Misinformation

Evolution of Transgressive Language and Actions

Implications of Political and Social Landscapes

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podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

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AI-powered
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Discover
highlights

In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer

Jeff Sharlet

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Exploring the Influence of Christian Nationalism and Fascism

Unearthing the Evolution of the Evangelical Movement

The Intersection of Politics, Violence, and Misinformation

Evolution of Transgressive Language and Actions

Implications of Political and Social Landscapes

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

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highlights