Grace Saves All: Christianity and Universal Salvation

Ep. 177 Brad Jersak - Naming the Beast (And we use the F word ..... "fascism" that is)

10 snips

Apr 8, 2025

In this discussion, Brad Jersak, a thought-provoking author and theologian known for his insights on Christian universalism and social justice, tackles the critical intersection of faith and politics. He delves into the troubling rise of fascism within contemporary Christianity and shares personal stories of resistance against authoritarianism. The conversation highlights the need for a prophetic church voice amidst nationalistic ideologies. Jersak also emphasizes hope for redemption and the importance of compassionate dialogue across divisions, drawing on historical perspectives for healing.

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ANECDOTE

Journey from Zionism to Awareness

Brad Jersak shares his journey from an evangelical Zionist upbringing to rejecting that viewpoint due to its destructive impact on Palestinians.
His move to the Mennonites opened his eyes to the violence against Palestinians, challenging his previous beliefs.

ANECDOTE

Mennonite Resistance to Authoritarianism

Brad recounts his mentor's family experience in Nazi Germany, showing how cultural conservatism can be co-opted by authoritarianism.
His mentor's grandfather resisted the regime despite community complicity, writing prophetic commentaries under house arrest.

ANECDOTE

Orthodox Church and Nationalism

Brad describes his attraction to Orthodox Christianity’s ancient theology but growing disillusionment with its nationalist entanglements.
He distances himself from Orthodox complicity with Russian fascism and aligns more with Anabaptist nonviolence.

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How Fascism Works

The Politics of Us and Them

Jason Stanley

In this book, Jason Stanley identifies and analyzes the ten pillars of fascist politics, which include exploiting a mythic version of a nation’s past, using propaganda to twist democratic ideals, promoting anti-intellectualism, and implementing law and order policies that target minority groups. Stanley draws on historical and contemporary examples from various countries, including the United States, Hungary, Poland, India, and Myanmar, to illustrate how these tactics create and reinforce divisions and make societies vulnerable to authoritarian leadership. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and resisting these fascist politics to protect democratic values.

Mein Kampf

Adolf Hitler

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

On Tyranny

Victor Gourevitch

Leo Strauss

Michael S. Roth

This book is a comprehensive analysis of Xenophon's dialogue Hiero, in which the tyrant Hiero and the poet Simonides discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exercising tyranny. The work includes a translation of the dialogue from its original Greek, Strauss's commentary on it, a critique of Strauss's commentary by Alexandre Kojève, and the complete correspondence between Strauss and Kojève. The discussion delves into the nature of tyranny, the distinction between tyrants and kings, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. The book also explores the debate between Strauss and Kojève on the role of philosophy in ruling the world and the concept of the Universal Homogenous State[1][3][5].