In this insightful conversation, April Ajoy, a content creator and author of Star Spangled Jesus, shares her transformative journey from Christian nationalism to advocating for a more inclusive faith. She discusses her upbringing in a traveling evangelist family, the disillusionment that followed personal tragedies, and how humor became essential in challenging the absurdities of religious extremism. April emphasizes the importance of faith evolution and standing against Christian nationalism, shedding light on the complexities of navigating belief in today’s polarized world.
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April's Christian Nationalist Roots
April Ajoy grew up in a Pentecostal family deeply involved in Christian nationalist ideology.
She actively participated by touring and promoting her father's book "America Say Jesus" and even sang a patriotic Christian song on national TV.
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Definition of Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism conflates political beliefs with theology, making them interchangeable.
It aims to legislate morality based on a narrow fundamentalist scripture interpretation and enforces American exceptionalism.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Humor as a Tool for Resistance
April began using humor on TikTok to express her frustrations against Christian nationalism.
Her viral video about Christians who don't support Trump helped her realize she wasn't alone in her doubts.
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America Say Jesus explores the author's journey from Christian nationalism to progressive Christianity, challenging religious extremism through satire and personal storytelling.
What happens when your faith and your politics collide? In this powerful episode, content creator and author April Ajoy shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist to becoming a progressive Christian voice calling out religious extremism. Raised in a family of traveling evangelists, April grew up believing America was a Christian nation blessed by God—until personal tragedy, political disillusionment, and her brother’s coming out shattered that worldview.
She opens up about her time working at the 700 Club, the pain of deconstructing toxic theology, and how humor became her tool for resistance. April’s story offers a deeply personal window into how faith can evolve without being abandoned—and why standing up to Christian nationalism is both necessary and hopeful.
👤 Guest Bio April Ajoy is a content creator, author of Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith, and co-host of The Tim and April Show. Raised in a Pentecostal family steeped in evangelical and nationalist ideology, April now uses satire, storytelling, and social media to challenge Christian nationalism and promote a more inclusive, justice-centered faith.
🔗 Resource Links Star Spangled Jesus by April Ajoy: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781546006688 The Tim and April Show: @TimandAprilShow on YouTube
Faithful Politics 