When The Wolves Came
Meanings of Democracy Lab
Over the last decade, large swaths of evangelicals in the U.S. have embraced an extremist politics that threatens to turn our democracy into a theocracy. Through the eyes of one pastor in Phoenix, WHEN THE WOLVES CAME shows how some evangelicals are banding together to fight back – and how their efforts can fit into a bigger movement to defend democracy in the U.S.Hosted by Dr. Ruth Braunstein, When The Wolves Came: Evangelicals Resisting Extremism is a six-part audio documentary launching March 4 that follows this story. About Dr. Braunstein: Ruth Braunstein is an award-winning sociologist who studies religion, politics, and money. She is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut, where she leads the Meanings of Democracy Lab, which researches the growing resistance to Christian Nationalism. As part of this work, she created and hosts the audio documentary When the Wolves Came: Evangelicals Resisting Extremism. Her forthcoming book, My Tax Dollars: The Morality of Taxpaying in America, explores how taxpaying has become a moral battleground in public life.WhenTheWolvesCame.org
Episodes
Mentioned books
27 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 40min
6: David and Goliath
Caleb E. Campbell, a pastor and author, dives into the rising influence of white Christian nationalism under the Trump administration. He discusses how evangelical resistors are uniting with pro-democracy allies, challenging extremism within their faith communities. The conversation highlights the value of pluralism in fostering inclusivity and compassion in churches. They also explore the necessity of diverse leadership in building sustainable pro-democracy movements that engage varied ideological beliefs to combat extremism and support marginalized groups.
16 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 42min
5: Down the Rabbit Hole
Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a professor and expert in extremism, joins the discussion alongside Caleb E. Campbell, a pastor advocating for dialogue in polarized times. They delve into the rise of white Christian nationalism and its association with domestic extremism, urging for early intervention strategies. The conversation highlights the harmful impact of misinformation and addresses parental anxieties over cultural changes. Inspiringly, they share personal stories of transformation, emphasizing the power of empathy and community support in combating radicalization.
29 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 46min
4: Fight or Flight
Caleb E. Campbell, Pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church and author of 'Disarming Leviathan,' shares insights on confronting extremism in the church. He discusses whether to sever ties or engage with those holding controversial views. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating broken relationships post-pandemic and the intersection of faith and politics, particularly after the January 6 insurrection. With a focus on empathy and dialogue, Campbell offers strategies for engaging with American Christian nationalists and promoting understanding within evangelical communities.
9 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 44min
3: The Great Re-Sorting
Caleb E. Campbell, a pastor who transformed his life from white supremacist subculture to anti-racist ministry, shares his journey alongside Nathan Whitchurch, a church board member. They discuss how the pandemic and political turmoil impacted church dynamics, leading to a heartbreaking churn in congregations. Caleb reveals the backlash he faced for his race-focused sermons after George Floyd's death, while Nathan highlights the struggles of maintaining church leadership in a divided time. Their contrasting experiences shed light on the future of faith communities.
25 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 45min
2: Rise of the MAGAchurch
In this insightful discussion, scholar Robbie Jones, who leads the Public Religion Research Institute, uncovers the troubling ties between white evangelical churches and political nationalism. He highlights how Trump’s presidency intensified rifts within faith communities, revealing a surprising embrace of conservative ideologies and conspiracy theories like QAnon. The conversation delves into personal narratives, illustrating the complex interplay of faith and politics, while shedding light on how these divisions challenge core humanitarian values in evangelical spaces.
16 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 43min
1: A Tale of Two Churches
In this insightful conversation, Pastor Caleb Campbell, a former neo-Nazi turned evangelical leader, shares his urgent concerns about rising Christian nationalism in the U.S. He contrasts loving interpretations of Christianity with combative political messages. Caleb delves into the evolution of churches like Dream City, their outreach efforts, and how extremist ideologies are reshaping American faith landscapes. His personal journey underscores the challenges of navigating faith in a polarized society, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding.
Feb 18, 2025 • 2min
Coming Soon - When The Wolves Came
Christian nationalism has divided white evangelical churches; one Phoenix pastor and some unlikely allies are at the forefront of a growing resistance. Extremist politics have upended the evangelical world. Over the course of 6 episodes, Sociologist Ruth Braunstein examines the efforts of the insiders who are resisting white Christian nationalism.When The Wolves Came launches March 4.About Dr. Braunstein:Ruth Braunstein is an award-winning sociologist who studies religion, politics, and money. She is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut, where she leads the Meanings of Democracy Lab, which researches the growing resistance to Christian Nationalism. As part of this work, she created and hosts the audio documentary When the Wolves Came: Evangelicals Resisting Extremism. Her forthcoming book, My Tax Dollars: The Morality of Taxpaying in America, explores how taxpaying has become a moral battleground in public life.WhenTheWolvesCame.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
