

2: Rise of the MAGAchurch
11 snips Mar 11, 2025
In this insightful discussion, scholar Robbie Jones, who leads the Public Religion Research Institute, uncovers the troubling ties between white evangelical churches and political nationalism. He highlights how Trump’s presidency intensified rifts within faith communities, revealing a surprising embrace of conservative ideologies and conspiracy theories like QAnon. The conversation delves into personal narratives, illustrating the complex interplay of faith and politics, while shedding light on how these divisions challenge core humanitarian values in evangelical spaces.
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Church Conflict
- Pastor Caleb Campbell witnessed increased combativeness at Desert Springs Bible Church after Trump's election.
- Members confronted him for supporting immigrants, a long-standing church practice.
DACA Dismay
- Trump's announcement to end DACA caused distress among Desert Springs youth, many of whom were affected.
- Campbell's condemnation of this decision led to further conflict within the church.
Early Opposition
- Knapp Nazworth, then at The Christian Post, co-authored an editorial denouncing Trump's candidacy.
- This was unusual for the publication and reflected initial evangelical skepticism towards Trump.