Straight White American Jesus

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/“Are you mad at God?” This is a question that will almost certainly be posed to anyone undergoing faith deconstruction. It might come from someone who means well and who cares about the person deconstructing. Or it might come from a partisan advocate of high-control religion. What is happening when someone poses this question? Even if it comes from a place of care, how does it express the dynamics of high-control religion? And why, if it’s a question, does it so often feel like an attack, like a dismissal? Check out this week’s episode to hear Dan’s reflections on these and other issues related to this question.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCOrder Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163Check 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/In this episode, Brad breaks down the troubling rhetoric from Christian nationalist pastors—and even figures like Elon Musk—who claim that empathy is a sin and a societal weakness. He critically examines Pastor Joe Rigney’s book, The Sin of Empathy, which argues that empathy is particularly dangerous for women and should be rejected in Christian teachings.Also joining the discussion is Dr. Jill Richardson, who offers practical strategies for consuming news without feeling overwhelmed. She shares small, actionable steps to stay informed while maintaining hope, joy, and humor in the fight against authoritarianism.Tune in for an insightful conversation on why empathy matters—and why some want to erase it.Jill's Substack Not Crying Wolf: https://jilleileenrichardson.substack.com/p/about-this-substackLinktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCOrder Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163Check 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 arrest of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil sparks a deep dive into free speech and activism amid the rise of Christian nationalism. The hosts explore the alarming conflation of Palestinian support with terrorism, scrutinizing political rhetoric and its implications for civil liberties. They discuss the marginalization of minority voices and how nationalism is shaping immigrant rights. The connection between education, politics, and religious nationalism is also dissected, revealing a troubling trend of censorship and political influence on schools.

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/In this special episode of Straight White American Jesus' Brad and Dan delve into the recent indictment of Robert Morris, a former evangelical leader and advisor to Donald Trump. They discuss the intersection of patriarchy, purity culture, and the disturbing allegations against Morris, reflecting on previous coverage and interviews related to the case.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCOrder Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Calvillo, an expert on Latino Pentecostal communities, and Reverend Lois Olena, a scholar of the Holocaust and refugee advocate, delve into the shocking reality of ICE raids at churches. They discuss the emotional upheaval experienced by families during worship and the pivotal role of faith communities in advocating for immigrant rights. The conversation highlights contrasting views within Pentecostalism regarding immigration policies and the intertwined nature of faith and social justice, revealing how these challenges reshape church missions amid fear and hope.

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/“You’re confusing Christians with Christianity.” This is another response that those undergoing “faith deconstruction” often receive when engaging with the partisans of high-control religion. This response reflects widespread cultural understandings of religion, so it has a ring of plausibility. But is it? Listen to this week’s episode as Dan discusses why this response is not only implausible, but is weaponized by the partisans of high-control religion to coerce and control those who would challenge it.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCOrder Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163Check 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 interviews Zach Mack, host of NPR's Alternate Realities. Zach shares his personal journey with his father, who became radicalized by online conspiracy theories and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) prophecies. Through a unique bet involving 10 conspiracy predictions, Zach and his father navigated their relationship, exploring the reasons behind his father's beliefs while growing closer despite differing worldviews. The conversation delves into the mechanics of online radicalization, the role of religious prophets like Julie Green, and the impact on family dynamics. Zach's story highlights the challenges and complexities of engaging with loved ones consumed by misinformation.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCOrder Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163Check 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 discussion highlights the dramatic removal of Representative Al Green during the State of the Union, symbolizing troubling political alignments. The hosts analyze the rise of Christian nationalism, intertwining faith with politics through figures like Trump and Vance. They explore the controversial proposal to close the Department of Education, examining its implications on vulnerable students. Additionally, hopeful signs of legal resistance against the administration's overreach are presented, underscoring the complexities of identity and policy in contemporary America.

In this conversation, Dr. Leah Payne hosts Gabriel Raeburn, a Harvard research fellow specializing in the prosperity gospel, and Bradley Onishi, who explores religion and politics in Silicon Valley. They examine the captivating ties between Donald Trump and the prosperity gospel, emphasizing how it shapes political agendas today. The discussion also highlights the intriguing connections between charismatic figures and tech billionaires, exploring their shared influence on American values and the paradox of prosperity amidst government dependence.

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/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJCIn this bonus episode of 'Straight White American Jesus,' hosts Brad Onishi and his cohost delve into a critical analysis of a tumultuous press conference between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. They explore how the event sheds light on Trump's worldview and his approach to foreign policy, characterized by dominance and transactional relationships, a stark departure from traditional American exceptionalism. They discuss the implications of Trump's tactics, contrasting his approach with historical U.S. policy and the symbolic significance of Zelensky's stance. The episode also features listener questions and a humorous story from Dan.For subscribers - a story from Dan's church days about a woman at church getting very personal during Sunday school + listener Q+A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices