Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and award-winning author of "Money, Lies, and God," dives deep into the rising tide of Christian nationalism and its threat to American democracy. She explores Project 2025 and its authoritarian implications, the asymmetry in media accountability, and the backlash against 'wokeness' as a distraction from real socio-economic issues. Stewart also highlights how narratives around public education are being manipulated, and she emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements advocating for democratic values to counteract extremist ideologies.
The coalition of Christian nationalists and wealthy oligarchs aims to undermine American democracy by instilling fear and promoting authoritarian governance.
Wealth concentration among influential individuals significantly fuels anti-democratic initiatives, shaping political agendas that support Christian nationalist narratives.
Christian nationalism fosters a divisive ideology that seeks to reshape American identity and reinforce exclusionary societal norms against non-conformists.
Deep dives
The Anti-Democratic Movement
The current political landscape reflects a significant anti-democratic movement, characterized by a coalition of diverse groups such as Christian nationalists, oligarchs, and reactionary factions. These groups, while not ideologically unified, share a common goal of dismantling democratic institutions, as highlighted by a notable op-ed. By exploiting religious nationalism and instilling fears among their ranks, they have garnered support for their agenda, which seeks to establish a more authoritarian governance structure. This coalition is diverse in belief, yet they all converge on the need to undermine liberalism and democratic principles, as evidenced by the actions of leaders and funders within this movement.
The Role of Money and Influence
Significant concentrations of wealth play a critical role in this anti-democratic coalition, with wealthy individuals funding efforts to suppress liberal values and promote their agenda. Influential figures such as the DeVos family and the Wilkes brothers mobilize their resources to support organizations aimed at advancing a Christian nationalist narrative. The political impact of these financial backers is profound, as they often underwrite campaigns and initiatives that align with their anti-democratic goals. This intersection of wealth and ideology creates a powerful dynamic that undermines the foundations of a more equitable society.
Christian Nationalism Defined
Christian nationalism emerges as both an ideology and a political movement, presenting a belief system that America was founded as a Christian nation, and thus, the laws should reflect a specific interpretation of Christianity. This ideological frame fosters a mindset that excludes those who do not conform to its tenets, fostering an environment of division and persecution. The movement's organizational structure, including advocacy groups and religious networks, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing support and turning out voters for right-wing candidates. Not only does it promote a narrow view of America’s identity, but it also seeks to reshape societal norms in line with its reactionary beliefs.
Rhetoric of Fear and Division
The anti-democratic movement thrives on a foundation of fear, promoting a narrative that encourages its followers to see themselves as victims of a larger societal threat. This victim mentality is often accompanied by scapegoating of various groups, including racial or sexual minorities, to unify the base around a common enemy. This divisive rhetoric serves to mobilize support for authoritarian figures who promise protection and stability amid perceived chaos. The underlying message is that enemies are not just political rivals but are seen as threats to the very fabric of their identity and beliefs.
Challenges to Democracy
The rise of this anti-democratic coalition presents lasting challenges to American democracy, risking a shift towards authoritarianism and the erosion of long-established democratic norms. The intertwining of wealth, religious nationalism, and strategic misinformation has created a powerful engine for pushing anti-liberal initiatives. As a consequence, many citizens may find themselves disillusioned in the face of governmental failure and incompetence, providing an opportunity for counter-narratives to emerge. However, the effectiveness of these counter-movements relies heavily on building relationships within communities and effectively communicating the risks associated with these divisive and reactionary agendas.
Sam Harris speaks with Katherine Stewart about her new book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. They discuss Project 2025, Christian nationalism, white supremacy, whether the backlash against wokeness has been overblown, the asymmetric standards between right-wing and left-wing media, Trump’s appeal to evangelicals, wealth inequality, political ideology in public schools, and other topics.
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