Straight White American Jesus
Bradley Onishi + Daniel Miller
An in-depth examination of the culture and politics of Christian Nationalism and Evangelicalism by two ex-evangelical ministers-turned-religion professors. If you have ever wondered what social and historical forces led white evangelicals to usher Donald Trump into the White House this is the show for you. As former insiders and critical scholars of religion, Dan Miller and Bradley Onishi have a unique perspective on the Religious Right. Guests have included Chrissy Stroop, R. Marie Griffith, Janelle Wong, Randall Balmer, Katherine Stewart, and many others.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 11, 2026 • 38min
SWAJ Rewind: It's in the Code ep 158: No Human Is Illegal, Pt.1
A sharp examination of conservative Christian rhetoric on immigration, from bipartisan reform to deportation and border control. The discussion explores how sympathetic stories get abandoned, legal immigration is narrowly defined, and false choices turn newcomers into threats. It concludes by questioning whether these arguments ultimately prioritize preserving a white America over the humanity of immigrants.
20 snips
Nov 10, 2026 • 1h 9min
Axis Live: Stephen Miller is the De Facto President + Hegseth Impeachment
Stephen Miller’s rise to White House chief of staff, the future of ICE, and Trump’s immigration crackdown take center stage. The discussion examines MAGA’s 2028 power struggles, Josh Hawley’s prayer event, a potential January march, and lessons from 1974. Thomas Massie’s impeachment push against Pete Hegseth sparks debate over military control, Christian reconstructionism, and Democratic resistance.
Nov 8, 2026 • 1h 1min
Sunday Interview - The Texas Revolution: A Panel of Texans on Why It Happened and What’s Next
Mendi Tackett, a Texas activist fighting Christian nationalism; journalist Bekah Stolhandske McNeel; and Texas Monthly writer Robert Downen unpack Texas Democrats’ stunning victories. They examine Christian nationalism’s setback, Tarrant County’s political flip, young voters’ priorities, education as the next battleground, legal pushback, and how inclusive faith and shared values could reshape the state.
17 snips
Nov 6, 2026 • 1h 7min
Weekly Roundup: The Midterms Stopped the End of American Democracy
An unexpectedly sweeping midterm victory reshapes the electoral map, from Texas turning blue to Georgia’s historic slate of Black women officials. The discussion examines Republican turmoil, Trump’s response, voter-fraud claims, and breakthroughs for trans and non-binary lawmakers. It also explores Christian nationalism’s setbacks, Pete Hegseth and Doug Wilson, generational change, and the anti-trans measures showing the fight is far from over.
10 snips
Nov 4, 2026 • 30min
It's In the Code Ep. 213: Do Christians Even Know What a Christian Is?
What does it really mean to be a Christian? This discussion probes the familiar “personal Lord and Savior” formula, disputes over doctrine, biblical inerrancy, salvation, church practice, and moral conduct. It also explores why seemingly simple questions can expose uncertainty, gatekeeping, and power dynamics within conservative religious communities.
Nov 3, 2026 • 1h 9min
The Plan to Call Democrats' Win A "Coup" Is Already in Place + 5 Midterm Stories to Watch
Brad Onishi and Matthew D. Taylor examine election monitors, surging Black turnout, and battles over redistricting. They trace how attacks on Democratic candidates could fuel efforts to block certification and seating, while Senate control looms over confirmations and executive power. The discussion also explores James Talarico’s challenge to Christian nationalism, Iran escalation fears, and a prewritten coup narrative linked to New Apostolic Reformation networks.
Nov 1, 2026 • 1h 8min
The Sunday Interview: He Saw Palantir’s AI Pick Targets in Gaza. Now It’s Coming to the US.
Jacob Sprang, a humanitarian worker experienced in Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and Ukraine, discusses AI-assisted targeting and its human cost. He describes probabilistic cellphone surveillance, militarized aid, biometric data collection, and manufactured scarcity in Gaza. The conversation then turns to Palantir’s expanding role in ICE and U.S. policing, where surveillance technologies could replace evidence and due process.
Oct 31, 2026 • 1h 7min
Weekly Roundup - Midterm Eve: “Non-Citizen” Voting Claims, Blocking Muslim Members, and Trump’s Fixation on Men’s Bodies
With the midterms looming, the discussion explores Republican anxiety, coordinated claims of non-citizen voting, and plans to challenge the seating of Muslim and left-wing lawmakers. It also examines religious nationalism at the Pentagon, Israel’s adoption of election-denial tactics, and Trump’s increasingly body-focused version of masculinity in politics.
18 snips
Oct 28, 2026 • 31min
It's In the Code Ep. 212: Is God Eternal? (Part 2)
What does it mean for God to exist outside time? This discussion explores the tensions between divine eternity, action in the world, foreknowledge, and human freedom. It examines classical Christian ideas from Boethius and Aquinas, Ockham’s attempt to preserve free will, and contemporary alternatives including Open Theism, process, feminist, and panentheistic theologies. It also asks why these difficult questions so often become taboo.
Oct 27, 2026 • 1h 4min
GOP's Desperate and Dangerous Midterm Closing Message + MAGA Wants A Dictator in Brazil
Matthew D. Taylor, a religion scholar and author of Defying Tyrants, joins a timely conversation about Brazil’s election and MAGA’s calls for a coup. They trace the far-right networks linking Brazil and the United States, rising election denial, remigration rhetoric, and anti-Muslim attacks. The discussion also explores how Christian nationalism casts Trump as a political savior and threatens democratic norms.
