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/If someone is working through faith deconstruction, it’s a virtual guarantee that they will be confronted with this dismissal of their questions and critiques at some point. But what exactly is going on when a partisan of high-control Christianity says this? What response are they trying to bring about from the person deconstructing? And how is this response intended to insulate high-control religion from criticism and honest questioning? Join Dan this week for answers to these and other questions. 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

Tamara Saenz-Kermelis, an activist fighting extremism in Idaho, and Megan Coons, a social worker and women’s rights advocate, shed light on a shocking incident where a woman was forcibly removed from a town hall by unidentified men. They discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism and extralegal militias in their community. Both emphasize the crucial need for civic engagement and accountability, urging listeners to be vigilant against growing extremism. Their personal experiences inspire a call to action for democracy and women's rights in an increasingly hostile climate.

The hosts dive into the controversial 'Golden Visa' proposal allowing wealthy foreigners to buy U.S. citizenship, questioning who qualifies as valuable. They discuss the implications for marginalized groups under Trump’s policies and scrutinize Elon Musk’s surprising influence in government. The conversation critiques the treatment of asylum seekers and the ethical considerations surrounding wealth and immigration. With a mix of light-hearted banter and serious political analysis, they tackle serious societal inequalities and the normalization of wealth amid political decisions.

Why is questioning faith often seen as negativity? This discussion dives into the struggles of faith deconstruction in high-control religions, highlighting emotional challenges and personal anecdotes. It explores the tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths, especially in the context of American history and religious narratives. The conversation also addresses the defensive reactions within Christian communities and the repercussions of toxic positivity, linking these dynamics to broader societal issues.

Annika Brockschmidt, a German historian and expert on authoritarianism, joins Andrew Seidel to explore unsettling parallels between contemporary America and 1930s Germany. They discuss the rise of authoritarianism, legal manipulation, and propaganda techniques used by both regimes. Brockschmidt highlights the critical importance of civic engagement in resisting these trends, while examining how average citizens and political leaders can protect democracy. The conversation raises urgent questions about political violence and the protections of constitutional principles today.

In this discussion, Anna Lind-Guzik, head of The Conversationalist, sheds light on pressing issues surrounding government disarray and gender violence. She intriguingly connects familial violence to authoritarian regimes, revealing the psychological control at play. The dialogue navigates the unsettling alliance between Trump, Musk, and Putin, raising alarms about American exceptionalism and lack of accountability. Lind-Guzik underscores the urgent need for bold actions in confronting these evolving challenges in the political landscape.

The discussion kicks off with Trump's audacious claim of kingship and the implications of his new executive order centralizing power. They delve into his troubling relationship with authoritarian figures like Putin amidst shifting perceptions of U.S. foreign policy. The revelations about political intimidation impacting democratic processes are alarming, as is the examination of churches' responses to ICE policies. Rising approval ratings highlight growing discontent among Americans, signaling potential shifts in political attitudes.

Explore the complexities of faith deconstruction and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The discussion challenges the dismissive belief that those who question their faith were never sincere in the first place. It highlights how these accusations serve as gaslighting, undermining genuine faith journeys. The podcast also looks into the social dynamics of relationships influenced by religious communities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing positive traits amid the questioning of beliefs.

Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author known for her works on the intersection of religion and politics, joins the discussion to unpack key themes from her latest book. She dives into the alarming rise of Christian nationalism, the anti-democratic shifts led by groups like the Claremont Institute, and the increasing authoritarian rhetoric in U.S. politics. Stewart also shares insights on the impact of disinformation and offers actionable steps for individuals to defend democracy, ending on an inspiring note of hope.

The discussion highlights Elon Musk's alarming influence over federal agencies through new hiring powers. A surreal press conference with Trump and Musk raises concerns about democracy. The dialogue also critiques Secretary of Defense Hegseth's stance on Ukraine and J.D. Vance's contentious immigration theology, including the Pope's response. Additionally, they explore evolving public trust in the Supreme Court, revealing a surprisingly optimistic sentiment during tumultuous times.