

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

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 12min
Weekly Roundup: Trump Attacks Kamala Harris' Racial Identity
Annika Brockschmidt, a sharp commentator on identity politics and recent shifts in American politics, joins to unpack the volatile interplay of race and identity in the current landscape. They delve into Trump's controversial remarks on Kamala Harris’s heritage and the GOP's struggles to connect with women and minority voters. The conversation highlights the complexities of identity politics, examines Trump's outreach to Black audiences, and discusses evolving political strategies as the next election approaches. A sense of cautious optimism underscores their reflections on emerging public enthusiasm.

Jul 31, 2024 • 23min
It's in the Code Ep 108: “No Stake in the Country”
JD Vance, Republican Vice President nominee, stirs debate with his claim that childless individuals lack a stake in America's future. He delves into the religious and political underpinnings of this assertion and its implications for American Christian nationalism. The conversation critiques traditional gender roles and the marginalization of women and queer individuals under these ideals. Vance also addresses how this rhetoric influences notions of belonging, challenging listeners to question what it means to be a 'real American' in today's political climate.

Jul 29, 2024 • 33min
Misogyny, Breeding, and the Right's "Sacred" Family
Anika Brockschmidt is a Berlin-based journalist with keen insights into American right trends. She shares her experiences at the National Conservatism Conference, revealing a stark gender imbalance and a concerning ideology that views women largely as reproductive vessels. The discussion touches on the revival of patriarchy, the implications of declining birth rates, and the global network-building efforts of the political right. Anika critiques the rise of folkish nationalism, emphasizing its exclusionary nature and troubling ties to historical white supremacist ideologies.

Jul 28, 2024 • 12min
Mini-Episode: The Human Cost of Project 2025: A Story of Religious Discrimination in Adoption
Andrew Seidel narrates a powerful story about the challenges faced by Liz and Gabe Rootenram, a Jewish couple from Tennessee, in their adoption journey. They endured state-funded religious discrimination when trying to adopt a special needs child. The discussion unveils the emotional toll of this injustice and how Project 2025 could exacerbate discrimination against non-Christian and LGBTQ+ families. Listeners are encouraged to act against such discrimination and promote equality in adoption practices.

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 9min
Weekly Roundup: Kamala Harris Rises Despite Jezebel Attacks from the Right
In this discussion, Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, shares insights on her rise amidst a shifting political landscape. She emphasizes the importance of unity among diverse demographics despite facing criticism. The conversation also addresses JD Vance's controversial views and their potential electoral impact. Topics include the damaging racial and gender biases in political discourse, the excitement among voters, and the influence of radical conservative Catholicism on American politics. Harris highlights the crucial role of engaging younger voters and women.

Jul 24, 2024 • 26min
It's in the Code Ep 107: “DEI Candidate”
Exploring the concept of 'DEI candidate' for president and its ties to colorblindness ideology. Discussing how language can serve as an open code for contemporary American racism. Addressing the necessity of acknowledging race to combat discrimination and uphold equity.

Jul 23, 2024 • 53min
LifeWise Academy: The Project 2025 Connected Religious Release Program in Public Schools
Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/Brad interviews activist and parent Natalie Hastings, LifeWise Academy, a religious release program in public schools that takes children out of their school day for Bible study. Hastings provides insights into the program's growth, its impact on students, and its connections to larger political movements such as Project 2025. The discussion highlights concerns about the program's effects on school resources, inclusion, mental health, and the push for policies mandating such programs in different states.Natalie Hastings is a public school parent who began tracking the efforts of national extremism on public schools when her own district elected four new board members who promised to “fight CRT,” canceled an opt-in Racial Diversity Awareness Day, and passed a “Culture of Kindness” resolution to restrict teaching and discussions on race, gender identity, and inclusion. She educates and activates local communities to protect the rights of every student through Honesty for Ohio Education, an alliance of 70+ nonprofit organizations and its Honesty Teams Network, a partner in HEAL Together Race Forward’s #PublicSchoolStrong initiative. Hastings also manages research for Ohioans Against Extremism, (OHAgainstExtremism.org) a new website launching in August 2024.Other links:Policy across the US: www.schoolministries.orgParents Against LifeWiserespectpublicschools.com00:00 Introduction to LifeWise and Personal Journey01:07 Overview of LifeWise Program02:44 Interview with Natalie Hastings03:38 How LifeWise Operates05:38 Challenges and Controversies07:45 Expansion and Legislative Push30:51 Connections to Project 202539:26 Community Response and Resistance47:41 Conclusion and Subscriber Segment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2024 • 58min
Biden Out + JD Vance’s Postliberal Monarchist Catholicism
Guest JD Vance discusses his connections with reactionary Catholic intellectuals, Silicon Valley monarchists, and his views on 'common good conservatism'. The podcast also touches on the influence of conspiracism in American religion and politics, especially among evangelical and Christian nationalist groups.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
Weekly Roundup: JD Vance, Peter Thiel, and Leonard Leo
Controversial political figure JD Vance's connections with power players like Peter Thiel and Leonard Leo, advice to Trump, and alignment with conservative Catholic ideology. Also touches on Eileen Cannon's judicial decision, Trump's maneuvers, and Project 2025's significance.

Jul 17, 2024 • 27min
It's in the Code Ep 106: "Why Do They Support Their Own Oppression?”
The podcast discusses why oppressed individuals in high-control religious contexts support their own oppression. It explores the difference between subordination and oppression, the impact of counter discourses on institutions, and the challenge of recognizing and addressing self-oppression.


