Straight White American Jesus

The historic election of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, takes center stage, as his stance on immigration and impact on politics are discussed. A troubling incident in Minnesota involving a racial slur highlights deep societal tensions and the dynamics of fundraising in Christian communities. The show delves into themes of white supremacy, conservative Christian victimhood, and the need for greater understanding of purity culture. A critical examination of racism in American Christianity also unfolds, connecting these issues to broader cultural and political landscapes.

Lisa Sobel, a Jewish activist from Louisville, teams up with attorney Ben Potash to challenge Kentucky's restrictive abortion laws through a pivotal lawsuit. They share impactful stories revealing the intersection of faith, identity, and reproductive rights in a predominantly Protestant state. The conversation highlights personal experiences with IVF, the historic ties of Jewish motherhood, and the broader implications of recent legal shifts. Their advocacy not only aims to protect individual rights but also champions communal respect amidst diversity.

Lisa Sobel, a Jewish activist and litigant, shares her fight against Kentucky's restrictive abortion laws, arguing they infringe on her religious rights. The discussion navigates the conflict between state policies and Jewish teachings on life, particularly regarding in vitro fertilization. Sobel highlights the emotional turmoil faced by women under these laws and the historical advocacy role of Jewish leaders for reproductive rights. The podcast reveals the ongoing struggle to uphold reproductive freedom amidst rising Christian nationalism in Kentucky.

This discussion dives into the troubling tactics used by high-control Christianity to discredit faith deconstructionists, particularly through the accusation of selfishness. It explores how this claim serves to enforce community control and silence dissenting voices. The conversation also highlights the psychological manipulations, such as gaslighting, faced by those questioning their faith, revealing the emotional toll of leaving rigid belief systems. Lastly, it navigates the complex interplay between self-care and societal expectations regarding selfishness.

Oklahoma State Representative Mickey Dollens joins the discussion, bringing his passion for church-state separation and advocacy for religious freedom. He emphasizes civic engagement and shares the FORWARD framework, empowering listeners to lobby effectively. Dollens discusses how grassroots activism can combat Christian nationalism, recounting inspiring stories that illustrate community power. He also tackles educational challenges and encourages individuals to hold their representatives accountable through personal advocacy and effective communication.

The hosts delve into Americans' views on Trump, revealing that many see him as a dangerous dictator, especially after his controversial immigration policies. They discuss a crucial Supreme Court case on church-state separation regarding funding for a Catholic charter school. The conversation also critiques the disconnect between elite politicians and ordinary citizens, emphasizing the implications of unchecked executive power and the complexities of political engagement in today's climate.

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ “It’s An Easy Fix” “It’s an easy fix.” That’s what the proponents of high control religion often say in response to those who ask hard questions or level pointed critiques. But is it an “easy fix”? If not, what is the strategy behind suggesting that it is? How does the assertion that high-control religion can “easily” be modified actually work to maintain it? Why should we recognize that this response aims to coerce and maintain control over would-be faith deconstructors? Join Dan in this episode as he explores these questions and issues. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the Trump White House's proposal for a $5,000 baby bonus aiming to boost the U.S. birth rate. It critiques the underlying white nationalist ideologies linked to this initiative, arguing it seeks to shape traditional family structures. Connections to Hungary’s pro-family policies under Viktor Orbán highlight a global conservative trend. The discussion also reflects on how these agendas can undermine broader public welfare while revealing the political strategies at play in the context of immigration and national identity.

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan talk about the controversial legacy of Pope Francis following his recent death, discussing his mixed reception among both conservatives and progressives. They highlight recent initiatives, including President Trump's anti-Christian bias task force led by figures such as Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth. The discussion touches on the differences between genuine religious freedom and Christian supremacy, as well as the potential uses of the task force for political propaganda. Brad and Dan also cover recent legal losses for Trump, including issues with China trade tariffs, university disputes, and challenges in Ukraine. They conclude with updates on ongoing protests and legal actions, emphasizing growing pushback against the administration. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/Brad speaks with Dr. Ruth Braunstein about her new podcast on the evangelicals resisting extremism within their communities. https://www.ruthbraunstein.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices