Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 12/5/25 Brandt Burleson on How He Helped Israel Propagandize American Christians
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Dec 10, 2025 Brandt Burleson, former Strategic Outreach Director for the Israeli Consulate, shares his unique journey into interfaith outreach. He discusses the use of Christian theology to influence American communities politically. Brandt reflects on challenges engaging different denominations, revealing tactics like geofencing to target churches digitally. With candid anecdotes, he critiques the merging of faith and foreign policy, also contemplating the sincerity of pastors involved in these efforts. Finally, he hints at using his skills for anti-war organizing.
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Unexpected Path To Faith-Based Outreach
- Brandt Burleson took a consulate admin interview unaware it was for Israel and later became Strategic Outreach Director targeting American Christians.
- He realized quickly the role centered on Christian Zionist outreach and influencing theology to shape political support.
Theology As A Foreign-Policy Tool
- The consulate explicitly used theology to produce political support rather than neutral cultural outreach.
- That tactic creates long-term strategic problems by turning policy into a holy war with irreversible psychology.
Hired For Language, Not Middle East Skills
- Burleson grew up in a moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship church and did not start as a Christian Zionist believer.
- He was hired because he could 'speak Christianese,' not for Middle East expertise.
