Straight White American Jesus

This discussion dives into the complexities of immigration, challenging the narrative of 'no human is illegal' while exploring the balance between authority and empathy. It critiques fear-driven border security rhetoric that often overlooks the positive contributions of immigrants. The conversation also examines how different interpretations of divine order influence views on immigration policy, advocating for compassion and justice over rigid definitions of sovereignty. Tune in for thought-provoking insights into the intersection of faith and immigration.

Dan Mach, Director of the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, dives deep into the legacy of the Scopes Trial. He discusses its lasting impact on the tension between science and religion in education. The conversation highlights modern battles over teaching evolution and the complexities surrounding religious charter schools. Topics also include the recent move to establish a Catholic public school in Oklahoma and its implications for taxpayer funding. Mach emphasizes the importance of understanding these debates in today's cultural landscape.

This week, the hosts tackle the aftermath of a Minnesota mass shooting, critiquing the hollow rhetoric of 'thoughts and prayers.' They discuss a controversial shakeup at the CDC, raising concerns about replacing expertise with ideology. The troubling resurgence of eugenics rhetoric in politics is also unpacked. Shifts in military education highlight restrictions on academic freedom, while the discussion shifts toward the threats to critical thinking in higher education. Despite the heavy topics, they reflect on resilience and the importance of community.

Discussing the ominous rise of fascism in the U.S., hosts analyze Trump's health and the regime's last-ditch efforts to maintain control. They highlight aggressive immigration policies like ICE raids, countered by resistance from Democratic governors advocating for states' rights. The conversation takes a humorous turn, dissecting aging and community living while reflecting on authoritarian tactics and military involvement. The dynamic between state and federal authority is explored, with pivotal implications for upcoming midterms and the evolving political landscape.

The discussion takes a deep dive into the selective biblical justifications used by conservatives to push anti-immigration agendas. It critiques the inconsistency between calls for compassion in scripture and the xenophobic rhetoric often employed. The host highlights the theological perspectives on inclusion and the challenges of addressing exclusionary interpretations of the biblical text. Additionally, the conversation examines how concepts like 'orderliness' are manipulated to shape social views on undocumented immigrants, raising important questions about faith and policy.

Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good, dives into the Democratic Party’s struggle with religious voters. He reveals alarming survey results indicating many Christians perceive the party as unfriendly to faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for better outreach and inclusivity within faith communities. Pagitt highlights how narrative and identity play critical roles in voter engagement. He calls for intentional strategies that welcome both religious and non-religious individuals to create a more united political front.

A solo host digs deep into how the MAGA movement is reshaping education and societal norms. Highlights include the rollback of support for English language learners and attacks on sanctuary cities. The discussion critiques the toxic rhetoric surrounding immigration and sheds light on the detrimental effects of dismantled diversity and inclusion programs on marginalized students. By connecting historical context to contemporary issues, the host emphasizes the need for vigilance and collective action against these dangerous shifts in policy.

This special reflection examines the controversial legacy of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. It highlights his authoritarian parenting styles and their disturbing ties to eugenics. The discussion connects Dobson's influence on family dynamics and purity culture to broader themes of Christian nationalism. The impacts of his teachings on gender roles and societal norms are critiqued, revealing their lasting effects on American politics and culture. The underlying connections to racism and anti-immigrant sentiments are also explored.

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 850-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this first episode examining Allie Beth Stuckey’s chapter on immigration, Dan considers Stuckey’s question “what happened?” to bipartisan support for immigration reform. She suggests that liberals and progressives have become radical on the issue of immigration and drifted far from the American mainstream. But Dan argues that Stuckey, and those on the right like her, have misled Americans for decades about their real positions on immigration, masking a desire to maintain a White America. As this has come more clearly into view, more and more Americans have come to oppose their views. Check out this week’s episode to hear more! 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 850-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad interviews Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, author of "Alt Reich," about the historical and contemporary roots of fascism and white supremacy in Western politics. They discuss the evolution of far-right ideologies from the 1930s to the present, the influence of eugenics and organizations like the Pioneer Fund and Heritage Foundation, and the mainstreaming of racist ideas in both the US and UK. The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of political disillusionment, the dangers of extremist groups gaining power, and the role of key figures like Steven Miller and Curtis Yarvin in shaping current policy and rhetoric. Alt Reich book: https://www.nafeezahmed.net/ 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