The Convocation Unscripted

A wide-ranging live conversation explores public executions, capital punishment, Christian nationalism, racial terror, and the normalization of authoritarian violence. The discussion also turns to Russian influence, Silicon Valley power, Pope Leo’s moral leadership, public scholarship, local democratic action, Theology Beer Camp, upcoming film and book projects, and finding belonging beyond evangelicalism.

A proposed Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs sparks a troubling discussion about spiritual readiness, chaplaincy control, Christian nationalism, and military power. The conversation examines crusade rhetoric, homeschooling initiatives, and ties to dominionist networks. It also mourns Pierre Damas Bel and critiques harsh immigration enforcement, before turning to new findings that Christian nationalism faces a strong democratic majority.

Amid the continued visible destruction of symbolic institutions, the Convocation Unscripted team asks, “Where are the conservative patriots?” You know, those who have so loudly professed a commitment to CONSERVING not only things like our most beloved public spaces like the Kennedy Center and the White House but cherished values like public service, ethics, and respect for the rule of law. There are signs that the facade is cracking—with Karl Rove stating he’s voting for a Democrat in Texas and Rep. Thomas Massie introducing articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth—but these remain lone voices shouted down by their fellow Republicans. We express some hope that more former Trump supporters will realize the danger in which they’ve put the country and Christianity and then change course; and we note the importance of welcoming them back into the democratic fold when they do. And we close with a reflection on a community based on covenant and care rather than self-serving transactions.Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jemartisby.b...https://bsky.app/profile/kkdumez.bsky...https://bsky.app/profile/dianabutlerb...https://bsky.app/profile/robertpjones...Follow on Substack: The Convocation- convocation.substack.comRobert P. Jones- www.whitetoolong.netDiana Butler Bass- dianabutlerbass.substack.comKristin Du Mez- kristindumez.substack.comJemar Tisby- JemarTisby.Substack.com

Sociologist Robert P. Jones, founder of PRRI and author of Backslide, joins historian and religion scholar Diana Butler Bass. They recall Wild Goose Festival chaos, discuss books that changed their understanding of faith and justice, and reflect on 9/11 memories, Islamophobia, civil liberties, retaliation, and the long shadow of fear over American politics.

A lively discussion explores J.D. Vance and Peter Thiel’s apocalyptic rhetoric, billionaire dreams of technological immortality, and the biblical warnings against playing god. The conversation connects Christian nationalism, climate denial, elite power, and threats to democracy, while highlighting books, Gloria Steinem, Wendell Berry, Dolly Parton, and practical ways to protect voting rights and take faithful civic action.

In this TCU+LIVE episode, the Convocation Unscripted team talked about the challenges of finding rest amid the ongoing assaults on our democracy and American decency--from the $100 billion spent on the unjust and unnecessary war in Iran to $20 million for new "shock gloves" that will be issued to ICE agents across the country, which are exactly what they sound like. Diana reminded everyone of the power of beauty and poetry, even--and especially--when they feel dissonant against the destructive background noise. Thanks to all the live subscribers who joined us with insightful questions, which lead us to wrap the conversation about the importance of building local community and connections in these critical months ahead of the challenging midterm elections.

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jemartisby.b...https://bsky.app/profile/kkdumez.bsky...https://bsky.app/profile/dianabutlerb...https://bsky.app/profile/robertpjones...Follow on Substack: The Convocation- convocation.substack.comRobert P. Jones- www.whitetoolong.netDiana Butler Bass- dianabutlerbass.substack.comKristin Du Mez- kristindumez.substack.comJemar Tisby- JemarTisby.Substack.com

They unpack a recent speech that used dehumanizing imagery and echoed Nazi and scientific racism. Discussion focuses on language that could criminalize dissent and broaden domestic terrorism labels. Historical parallels to COINTELPRO and threats to civil movements are explored. The conversation closes with urgency about turnout and protecting democratic accountability.

They confront recent deadly ICE actions, the lack of body cams, and how anonymity erodes accountability. They trace political support for violent tactics and warn about rhetoric normalizing state violence. They unpack polarized narratives around elections, migration, and national identity. They close with reflections from international conversations and faith-based responses to injustice.

This week, we reflect on the anticlimactic America250 celebrations in Washington, DC, and around the country. We also talked about the tragic, suspicious death of African American 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, whose body was found after he disappeared during a boat trip with a group of white friends on Horn Island over the Fourth of July weekend, and why so many Black Americans are reacting differently than white Americans to this story. Finally, we talk about the mainstreaming of Doug Wilson, an extremist self-described Christian nationalist who leads a small denomination of churches to which Pete Hegseth belongs. In the past year, he's landed high-profile interviews from CNN, New York Times, and most recently NPR. But his rising influence is mostly due to the failure of mainstream white evangelicalism to defend itself from incursions from the far right. Today, mainstream white evangelical leaders are not only failing to condemn his dangerous, illiberal views, they are inviting him into their circles and joining him on his own platforms. If we needed one more piece of evidence of the complete moral and theological collapse of the white evangelical world, the embrace of Wilson is it.Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jemartisby.b...https://bsky.app/profile/kkdumez.bsky...https://bsky.app/profile/dianabutlerb...https://bsky.app/profile/robertpjones...Follow on Substack: The Convocation- convocation.substack.comRobert P. Jones- www.whitetoolong.netDiana Butler Bass- dianabutlerbass.substack.comKristin Du Mez- kristindumez.substack.comJemar Tisby- JemarTisby.Substack.com