Spirit and Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life

On April 16th of 2021, Clay Clark, a far-right conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed "alpha toxic male," from Tulsa, Oklahoma held his first "ReAwaken America" tour—an event that began in Oklahoma as a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and quickly grew into a nationwide platform for nationalism, so-called "patriotic streetfighters," and prophetic politics. In the buckle of the proverbial Bible belt, Clark created a cavalcade of Trumpian support, attracting actor Jim Caviezel, former U.S. national security advisor, Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, son of President Donald J. Trump, and many more Republican luminaries. When you think of international media hubs, you might think of Los Angeles, California, or New York City. When you think of places that are political powerhouses, Washington, DC, is an obvious choice. This week, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with award-winning journalist and professor Caleb Gayle and Dr. Daniel Isgrigg about a media center and political force that may not be top of mind: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Long known for its oil wealth, Black Wall Street, and the 1921 massacre, Tulsa is also an unappreciated epicenter of the global Charismatic and Pentecostal movement. It’s a city where televangelists built empires, where charismatic theology shaped politics, and where spiritual power and political influence are deeply intertwined. But how did a landlocked city known for oil become a transnational hub for charismatic media making and far right political action? Find out on the Season 2 finale of Spirit & Power.Links:We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, by Caleb GaylePentecost In Tulsa: The Revivals and Race Massacre that Shaped the Pentecostal Movement in Tulsa, by Daniel Isgrigg“‘I Think All the Christians Get Slaughtered’: Inside the MAGA Road Show Barnstorming America” by Sam KestenbaumJoin Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.Created by Dr. Leah PayneProducer: Andrew GillExecutive Producer: Dr. Bradley OnishiAudio Engineer and Music: R. Scott OkamotoProduction Assistance: Kari Onishi

On October 12, 2024, tens of thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., answering a call from charismatic activist Jenny Donnelly and pastor Lou Engle. The event, held on Yom Kippur, blended prayer political mobilization as speakers urged believers to take action ahead of the 2024 election. With banners reading #DontMessWithOurKids, the rally tapped into fears about gender and sexuality, echoing similar movements abroad. The results of the 2024 election suggest Donnelly's efforts were effective. With insight from journalists Alice Herman and Elle Hardy, Dr. Leah Payne asks: who is Jenny Donnelly? How did she rise to this unique position of influence in the Trump media-verse? And how is her fusion of faith, activism, and conspiracy shaping the Christian right?Links and Additional Resources:“‘Mama bears are rising up’: the rightwing Christian entrepreneur aiming for a takeover of local US government,” The Guardian, Alice HermanBeyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, Elle Hardy“Kamala Harris is being called ‘Jezebel’ – a Biblical expert explains why it’s a menacing slur,” The Conversation, Meredith Warren“The particularly Pentecostal flavor of Mayra Flores' Christian nationalism,” Religion News Service, Erica RamirezGender & Pentecostal Revivalism, Palgrave Macmillan, Leah PayneJoin Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation. Created by Dr. Leah PayneProducer: Andrew GillExecutive Producer: Dr. Bradley OnishiAudio Engineer and Music: R. Scott OkamotoProduction Assistance: Kari Onishi

One Sunday morning in Georgia, a family walks into their Pentecostal church ready for worship. They're unaware that outside something life changing is about to unfold. During the service, ICE arrests a man just outside the church doors while his family sits inside. A moment of worship and community suddenly turns into a moment of fear and uncertainty. This is the reality for many facing immigration enforcement in unexpected places today. This week on Spirit and Power: Apocalypse Now - how Pentecostal and charismatic Christians are making sense of the Trump administration's long promised mass deportations. For some families torn asunder, it feels like the end of the world. For others, it's just the beginning. Dr. Leah Payne does a deep dive into stories of immigration and deportation with Dr. Jonathan Calvillo and Dr. Lois Olena. This episode features contrasting interpretations of the Pentecostal faith, and who is on the side of good and evil when it comes to deportations, family, and public policy. Resources & Links:“Fear grips immigrant communities as ICE ramps up arrests; community journalist responds,” 11 Alive News“Tenía un proceso de asilo: detienen a inmigrante hondureño al salir de una iglesia en Georgia,” Univision“When ICE Comes to Church,” Christianity Today, by Andy OlsenMigrating Faith: Pentecostalism in the United States and Mexico in the Twentieth Century, by Daniel RamírezWhen the Spirit is Your Inheritance: Reflections on Borderlands Pentecostalism, by Jonathan E. CalvilloThe Saints of Santa Ana: Faith and Ethnicity in a Mexican Majority City, byJoin Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement.Created by Dr. Leah PayneProducer: Andrew GillExecutive Producer: Dr. Bradley OnishiAudio Engineer and Music: R. Scott OkamotoProduction Assistance: Kari Onishi

Gabriel Raeburn, a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard known for his insights into the prosperity gospel, delves into its surprising ties to Donald Trump. The conversation reveals how prosperity preaching intertwines wealth with divine favor, influencing both politics and public perception. Raeburn highlights the historical roots of this theology and its evolution, examining how charismatic leaders mirror tech moguls in their anti-government rhetoric while benefiting from state support. Together, they explore the glitzy intersection of faith, wealth, and power in contemporary American life.

Season 2 debuts March 6 2025!