Telling Jefferson Lies: Debunking the Myth that America was Founded as a Christian Nation

Consequences of Christian Nationalism

Apr 12, 2024

Exploring the dangers of Christian nationalism in politics and religion, including state-sponsored violence, erosion of democracy, and attacks on minority rights. Discussion with expert guests on the negative impacts of intertwining religion and government. Highlighting real-life examples and the connection to extremist views in American society.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Evangelical Involvement in Uganda's Anti-Gay Legislation

01:40 • 8min

The Danger of Christian Nationalism

09:36 • 7min

Risks of Extremist Christian Nationalism in American Society

16:23 • 23min

Exploring the Impact of Make America Great Again Rhetoric on People of Color

39:15 • 5min

Protection of Minority Rights and the Threat of Christian Nationalism

44:30 • 3min

Consequences of Christian Nationalism

47:37 • 2min

Dream-like Imagery on the Beach with Pigs and Garbage

49:19 • 5min

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In general terms, I believe Christian nationalism is bad history, bad politics, and bad religion. In prior episodes, I have concentrated on the bad history. In this segment and the next, I focus mainly on the bad politics. Around the world, religious nationalism is associated with state sponsored violence against citizens, use of force to take political control, erosion of the separation of church and state, degrading of democratic principles and attacks on minority rights. I believe Christian nationalism is also bad for Christianity which I will examine in the next episode.

Note: I did not mention that long time Fellowship leader Doug Coe passed away in 2017. I believe that explains some of the shifting within the Fellowship. Having said that, there always was an element within that group which didn't make a strong commitment to human rights.

Resources mentioned:

The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War by Jeff Sharlet.

The Family, Netflix documentary, by Jeff Sharlet.

Charismatic Revival Fury, podcast by Matthew Taylor, produced by Brad Onishi

Expert guests this segment: Dartmouth College historian and author Randall Balmer, Communications director at Americans United for the Separation of Church and State Rob Boston, Louisville pastor and social worker Joel Bowman, Mount St Mary's University philosophy instructor Scott Coley, Grove City College social work associate professor Jennifer Hollenberger, historian Troy Jackson, journalist Jonathan Larsen, author and journalist Katherine Stewart, religion scholar with the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies Matthew Taylor, and historian and author Jemar Tisby.

SHOW NOTES:

Telling Jefferson Lies is written, produced, and hosted by Warren Throckmorton. For more information about the podcast or the book Getting Jefferson Right, go to gettingjeffersonright.com.

Today’s closing song is Debris by Roman Candle. Telling Jefferson Lies Theme song is The World Awaits Us All also by Roman Candle. See the show notes for more credits. Just two more episodes to go. Please like the podcast and spread the word on social media. Thanks for listening.