

Dangerous Dogma
Word&Way
On this show, we challenge dangerous teachings found in various strands of Christianity while also taking seriously Jesus's own teachings that lead us into dangerous places. Hosted by Brian Kaylor, president & editor-in-chief of Word&Way.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2026 • 50min
196. Martha Bardwell on Faith Communities Responding to ICE in Minneapolis
In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Martha Bardwell, pastor of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on how faith communities are responding to ICE violence in the Twin Cities and the ICE killing of Renee Good. Watch a video version of this latest conversation here. The episode includes a discussion on the misuse of Bible verses by the Department of Homeland Security. As this was being recorded, DHS released another propaganda video co-opting a Bible verse. Bardwell is among the faith leaders calling for an economic blackout on Jan. 23. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And order the new book by Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.

Jan 9, 2026 • 47min
195. Attacking Venezuela & Gambling on Jesus
This episode of Dangerous Dogma features a conversation between Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor, Lutheran minister and journalist Angela Denker, and Disciples pastor and author Beau Underwood. The conversation includes consideration of the U.S. attack on Venezuela and how Christians are responding, Pete Hegseth's pledge to change the military chaplaincy program, and how people are now betting on the return of Jesus and pretty much everything else in life. You can watch a video version of the conversation here. Here are a few pieces related to the episode: Brian wrote at A Public Witness about Christian responses to the U.S. attack on Venezuela. The Bulwark unpacked problems with Hegseth's criticism of the military chaplaincy program. Brian documented Hegseth's Christian prayer services at the Pentagon. People have been betting on the return of Jesus. Also, check out the most recent books by the three panelists: Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power Angela Denker, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood Beau Underwood (with Brian Kaylor), Baptizing America How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

Dec 11, 2025 • 48min
194. Dangers of Faith in the Pentagon & AI in Faith
This episode of Dangerous Dogma features a conversation between Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor, Lutheran minister and journalist Angela Denker, and Disciples pastor and author Beau Underwood. The conversation includes consideration of U.S. strikes against Venezuelan boats, Pete Hegseth's Christian prayer services at the Pentagon, the use of AI in churches, and alarms about AI Christian music and books. You can watch a video version of the conversation here. Here are a few pieces mentioned in the episode: Brian wrote a piece for A Public Witness about the prayer services at the Pentagon. Ross Douthat of the New York Times wrote about Hegseth and Christian Nationalism. People can now text with AI Jesus. Christianity Today wrote about a hit AI Christian artist. Brian created a video review of a Noah's ark children's book voiced by an AI Donald Trump. Also, check out the most recent books by the three panelists: Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power Angela Denker, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood Beau Underwood (with Brian Kaylor), Baptizing America How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

Nov 4, 2025 • 43min
193. News Roundup: Elections, Government Shutdown, & Clergy Challenging ICE
This episode of Dangerous Dogma features a conversation between Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor, Lutheran minister and journalist Angela Denker, and Disciples pastor and author Beau Underwood. The conversation includes consideration of religious attacks in elections this week, impacts of the ongoing government shutdown on churches, and clergy protesting against ICE. Watch a video version of this latest conversation here. Here are a few articles related to some of what was discussed: Angela interviewed two Minneapolis mayoral candidates: DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton. Brian wrote about the New York City mayoral race Brian reported on pastors assaulted while peacefully protesting ICE Brian wrote about the Department of Homeland Security co-opting Bible verses Also, check out the most recent books by the three panelists: Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power Angela Denker, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood Beau Underwood (with Brian Kaylor), Baptizing America How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
192. Hannah Kardon, United Methodist Pastor Arrested During Anti-ICE Protest
In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist minister in the Chicago area. Kardon was violently arrested during a protest outside an ICE facility on Oct. 17. Video of the incident can be viewed here. Other issues discussed in this episode include ICE actions at churches, the legal pushback against the Trump administration by various denominations, and the misuse of Bible verses by the Department of Homeland Security. Watch a video version of this latest conversation here. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And order the new book by Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.

8 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 57min
191. William Stell on Evangelicals & Antigay Christianity
In this insightful discussion, William Stell, a religious studies professor at NYU and author of the upcoming book *Born Again Queer*, explores the complexities of evangelicalism and anti-gay sentiments. He shares his own journey from a Black Baptist background to academia and discusses how evangelical culture could have taken alternative paths to acceptance. Stell critiques traditional definitions of evangelicalism and analyzes historical influences shaping its current identity. He also reflects on future challenges regarding inclusion and rising anti-trans narratives.

10 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 47min
190. Angela Parker on Evangelicals, Biblical Interpretation, & White Supremacy
Angela Parker, an associate professor of New Testament and Greek and author, dives into the complexities of evangelicalism and biblical interpretation. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse communities to uncover fresh insights in scripture. Parker critiques the use of inerrancy as a tool for enforcing patriarchal authority and discusses how historical events shape contemporary racism. She advocates for acknowledging race in biblical texts and connects the dots between power dynamics and social justice, while previewing her upcoming book, Faith Unlynched.

Oct 1, 2025 • 47min
189. Randall Balmer on Evangelicals & Church-State Separation
In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Randall Balmer, a historian of American religion and author of the new book, America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State. Kaylor is also joined by guest cohost Jared Burkholder, scholar in residence at Moravian Theological Seminary. This is the first in a three-part series in partnership with Moravian exploring historical and contemporary issues of concerns involving evangelicals. Balmer previously appeared on Dangerous Dogma in episode 25 and episode 124. You can watch a video version of this episdoe here. Burkholder will be giving the annual Walter Vivian Moses Lecture on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. (ET) at the Bahnson Center on the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Campus of Moravian Theological Seminary. It will also be livestreamed for free. Sign up to watch here. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And preorder the forthcoming book by Brian Kaylor ,The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.

Sep 23, 2025 • 44min
188. Brian Kaylor on The Bible According to Christian Nationalists (with guest host Beau Underwood)
In this episode, guest host Beau Underwood interviews Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power. You can watch a video version of this conversation on YouTube. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics.

Sep 3, 2025 • 56min
187. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver on Faith & Politics [Reissue]
In this episode originally recorded in 2021, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) about faith and politics as a United Methodist minister and U.S. congressman. Cleaver also discusses his experience on Jan. 6, attacks on voting rights, and what gives him hope. First released four years ago, this episode is being reissued as Republicans in Missouri are citing Christianity to justify an attempt to gerrymander Cleaver out of office. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And preorder the forthcoming book by Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.


