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/“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

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.