The Michael Shermer Show Money, Lies, and God
29 snips
Mar 11, 2025 
Katherine Stewart, author and expert on the intersection of faith and politics, delves into the rise of religious nationalism and its ramifications for American democracy. She discusses alarming strategies used by religious groups to infiltrate public schools and the erosion of church-state separation. The conversation touches on the influence of wealth in politics, revealing how affluent donors shape policies that undermine civil rights. Stewart also highlights the need for grassroots activism to combat misinformation and safeguard democratic values.
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Origin of Stewart's Investigation
- Katherine Stewart's investigation began when a religious program appeared at her daughter's public elementary school.
- The program aimed to indoctrinate young children into a reactionary form of Christianity.
Exploiting Legal Loopholes
- Religious groups exploit legal loopholes to establish programs in public schools, blurring the line between school endorsement and private speech.
- They claim religious discrimination if excluded, yet enjoy unique tax privileges and exemptions from anti-discrimination laws.
Culture War Concerns
- Some parents choose religious schools due to concerns about perceived hostility towards their worldview in public education.
- They view religious neutrality as an attack and believe public schools promote atheism or humanism over their values.
