Know Your Enemy

The Christian Right's "Wild Faith" (w/ Talia Lavin) [TEASER]

Oct 18, 2024

Talia Lavin, a journalist and author of "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America," delves into the darker aspects of conservative evangelicalism. She explores themes like the traumatic impact of evangelical parenting methods, including corporal punishment rooted in fears of original sin. The conversation also uncovers the roots of authoritarianism tied to fundamentalist teachings, alongside the rise of conspiratorial beliefs such as QAnon and End Times theology, examining how these beliefs have influenced evangelical support for Trump.

04:54

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Talia Lavin

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights how authoritarian parenting methods in fundamentalist communities are justified by beliefs in children's inherent sinfulness, causing long-lasting emotional damage.

It explores the psychological implications of systemic violence in childhood, suggesting this conditioning normalizes brutality and perpetuates cycles of harm into adulthood.

Deep dives

The Impact of Corporal Punishment in Parenting

Corporal punishment, including practices like spanking, is often justified within certain fundamentalist religious communities, where children's perceived inherent sinfulness prompts brutal disciplinary measures. These methods are frequently accompanied by a ritual of forgiveness, leading to confusing messages about love and discipline, which can leave lasting scars on parent-child relationships. Many parents feel coerced into this style, fearing that failing to discipline in this manner could result in dire spiritual consequences for their children. This dynamic perpetuates a cycle of shame and violence, ultimately damaging both parents and children alike.

The Dark Side of Faith-Based Parenting

2min

The Roots of Authoritarianism in Fundamentalist Upbringing

3min

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In this episode, Matt is joined by journalist Talia Lavin to discuss her new book, Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America, one of the most fascinating and unique books published on the Christian right during the Trump-era. Lavin takes her subjects seriously, but not uncritically, and especially focuses on the wrecked and ruined lives left in the wake of conservative evangelicalism's more conspiratorial and authoritarian elements, from the Satanic Panic to James Dobson's parenting manual on how to beat a "strong-willed child" into compliance. Along the way, they talk about the triumph of QAnon, End Times theology, the importance of the New Apostolic Reformation, and more—all with an eye toward how these religious views and practices help explain conservative evangelicals' overwhelming support for Donald Trump.

Sources:

Talia Lavin, Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America(2024)

— Culture Warlords: My Journey Into the Dark Web of White Supremacy (2020)

— "The Sword and the Sandwich"

Listen again:

"The Prayers and Prophecies of Pat Robertson," Know Your Enemy, July 17, 2023