Flipping Tables 6. American Jesus with April Ajoy
6 snips
Mar 5, 2025 
April Ajoy, a former Christian nationalist and author of 'Star Spangled Jesus,' shares her transformative journey out of a tightly-knit evangelical upbringing. She candidly discusses the dangers of Christian nationalism, including how it intertwines religion with politics and affects personal faith. From her struggles with purity culture to her evolving views on LGBTQ+ issues, April emphasizes the need for an inclusive faith rooted in compassion. Her insights challenge the hypocrisy in political morality and encourage civic action for positive change.
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Raised In A Traveling Pentecostal Ministry
- April Ajoy describes growing up in a Pentecostal, traveling-ministry family immersed in charismatic practices and purity culture.
- She says her community treated politics and faith as one, teaching that electing Christian officials preserved America's Christian identity.
When Politics Becomes Theology
- April explains Christian nationalism often merges theology and partisan identity so questioning one undermines the other.
- She argues that conservatism became treated as the default expression of true Christian faith in her community.
Middle School 'Persecution' Backfires
- April recounts her first hopes for 'persecution' at public school and the humiliating result of being nicknamed "condom girl."
- She wrote a school essay quoting a Christian song line and instead of backlash, received praise and attention she hadn't expected.
