Culture, Faith and Politics with Pat Kahnke

I tackle a question I hear often: *“If it weren’t for Donald Trump, would you still be open to the rest of what the GOP/MAGA movement stands for?”* I used to think *yes*. But after 2016, the marriage between the religious right and MAGA woke me up—especially when I saw even “Christian” leaders abandon their convictions overnight.

I confront the Trump administration's newly proposed 2026 refugee policy, which slashes the U.S. refugee cap to an all-time low--and openly prioritizes white South African immigrants. It's a near "white's-only" refugee policy, and it's not just political...it's spiritually bankrupt. This isn't about border security. It's about  white nationalism dressed up as patriotism, and too many white evangelicals are defending it in Jesus' name. As a pastor, I call that what it is: anti-Christian and anti-American.

This week voters across the country showed up and pushed back against Trump’s MAGA movement in a big way. And while I don’t do political hype, I saw real signs that MAGA is scared—and with good reason. (November 5, 2025)

A huge number of white conservative Christians in America aren't misled -- they're committed.  Committed to a dangerous, unbiblical view of authority. Today, I break down a deeply revealing 2024 survey from PRRI that shows how authoritarian beliefs -- not just abortion or party loyalty -- are driving Christian support for Donald Trump.

Join us as Pat Kahnke and Amy Hawk dive into the controversial teachings of Christian nationalist leader Doug Wilson (Moscow, Idaho), exploring his “church network” ties, his public interview with CNN, and what it really means for faith, culture & power.  In this episode we cover: Why we’re paying closer attention to Doug Wilson — from fringe pastor to movement figure. His representation of the “good eggs” analogy and what it signals about his worldview. How his interview with CNN frames “clown world,” drag‑queen story hours, abortion, and America ruled by Christ. The deeper concerns around domination, obedience, legalism, and authoritarianism in the churches Wilson leads. A preview of our upcoming guest interview with Tia Levings (author of A Well‑Trained Life: My Journey Out of a Patriarchal Church) and what we can learn from her story. Why it matters: This conversation isn’t just about one church or one pastor. It’s about how religious authority, cultural power, and gender dynamics play out in real life. Link to the Report from Doug Wilson's organization about his handling of the difficult situation we talked about: https://heidelblog.net/crec-presiding-ministers-report-on-the-sitler-and-wright-sex-abuse-cases/    

Pete Hegseth, Doug Wilson & the Rise of Religious Nationalism | Conversation with Amy Hawk Is America’s defense leadership aligning with an authoritarian Christian nationalist project? Pat Kahnke and author Amy Hawk unpack Pete Hegseth’s rhetoric (“FAFO,” “Department of War”), his Moscow-Idaho connections, and Doug Wilson’s “All of Christ for All of Life.” Topics We Cover Hegseth’s speech to generals: machismo, “war-fighters,” and the “enemy within” “Personnel is policy” and why it matters for civilian control of the military Doug Wilson’s Moscow movement: institutions, slogans, and authoritarian theology “All of Christ for All of Life” and culture-war governance Household headship, voting debates, and the rhetoric around “heritage Americans” Why this is not fringe anymore—and why Christians and non-Christians should care

Tihomir Kukolja, a Balkan conflict survivor and reconciliation minister, shares profound insights on political violence and Christian responses, drawing from his experiences during the Yugoslav wars. He highlights alarming parallels between the past and current U.S. tensions, cautioning against incendiary rhetoric. Kukolja critiques the dangers of Christian nationalism, media manipulation, and collective guilt. Emphasizing love, justice, and truth, he urges Christians to engage meaningfully and advocate for mercy while navigating today’s polarized landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Karen Johnson, a historian and professor at Wheaton College, dives into her book, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice. She explores the tension between individual prejudice and systemic racism, revealing how housing policies like redlining still affect American life today. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the gospel must incorporate justice along with personal salvation. With stirring stories of ordinary heroes, she highlights the complex relationship between faith, race, and American history, urging listeners to embrace a broader understanding of the gospel.

Dr. Benjamin Park, a historian of Mormonism and professor at Sam Houston State University, dives into the surprising embrace of Christian nationalism by Latter-day Saints. He explores the unexpected historical ties between these two movements, from the Kingdom of Nauvoo's political ambitions to the influence of Cleon Skousen's writings. Park examines the evolution of LDS political identity, the rise of support for Trump, and dissenting voices within the community, revealing a complex landscape of faith and politics.

In this insightful discussion, Adam Swenson, a Substack writer and podcaster, delves into the term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' and its implications for moral and spiritual discourse. He shares personal experiences that highlight the emotional toll of political engagement. Adam and Pat Kahnke explore how the Trump movement is reshaping Christian ethics, advocating for compassion over cynicism. They argue that true discipleship involves caring deeply about social issues, countering the cultural pressure to suppress empathy in a polarized climate.