When The Wolves Came

5: Down the Rabbit Hole

Apr 1, 2025

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a professor and expert in extremism, joins the discussion alongside Caleb E. Campbell, a pastor advocating for dialogue in polarized times. They delve into the rise of white Christian nationalism and its association with domestic extremism, urging for early intervention strategies. The conversation highlights the harmful impact of misinformation and addresses parental anxieties over cultural changes. Inspiringly, they share personal stories of transformation, emphasizing the power of empathy and community support in combating radicalization.

42:12

Episode guests

Cynthia Miller-Idriss

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights the concerning intertwining of evangelical Christianity with conservative politics, as exemplified by attendees viewing voting choices through a faith-based lens amidst the upcoming election.

It emphasizes the effectiveness of relational approaches and community support in combating extremist ideologies, showcasing initiatives designed to facilitate constructive dialogue and healing.

Deep dives

The Convergence of Politics and Faith

A recent event at Dream City Church showcased the intersection of evangelical Christianity and conservative political ideologies, with attendance exceeding a thousand people. The event featured worship songs, sermons, and speakers, including Charlie Kirk, who made controversial claims linking Christian faith to political choices, particularly around the upcoming presidential election. Kirk asserted that a genuine Christian could not vote for Democratic candidates, framing such choices as inconsistent with their faith. This fusion of worship and political rhetoric reflects a growing trend within certain evangelical communities that equate political stances with spiritual fidelity.

Intro

2min

Fear, Manipulation, and the Power of Misinformation

3min

Concerns Over Cultural Changes and Parenting Values

4min

Unraveling Domestic Violent Extremism

12min

Building Bridges Against Extremism

8min

Faith, Community, and Transformation

13min

We attend a Christian nationalist event shortly before the 2024 election and talk to an extremism expert about how to prevent radicalization. One QAnon believer changes his tune with the help of Pastor Caleb and his church.

Show Notes:

Learn more: Multi-faith Neighbors Network Peacemakers Toolkit and Disarming Leviathan

Episode Guests:

Caleb E. Campbell is a pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and the author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. https://www.disarmingleviathan.com/

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a Professor in the School of Public Affairs and in the School of Education at the American University in Washington, DC, where she is also the founding director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab.

John Thielepape is Director of Projects at GlocalNet and Multi-faith Neighbors Network in Keller, TX. John attended Belmont University, Baylor University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary obtaining BBA, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degrees.

Lionel Estrada is a father, grandfather, Jesus follower, worship leader, songwriter and addiction/trauma therapist from Phoenix, AZ. He has been a member of Desert Springs Bible Church for almost 20 years.

Nathan Whitchurch graduated from the University of Southern California in 2007 with a B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree and moved to Phoenix, AZ. Nathan joined the DSBC board of elders in 2013 and continues to serve as an elder, volunteer, and spiritual leader there.

For more, including full transcripts, go to WhenTheWolvesCame.org

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