Straight White American Jesus

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! In the final SWAJ weekly roundup of the year, Brad and Dan discuss the motivations behind Donald Trump's actions and the shadow influence of Elon Musk. They highlight the ongoing struggle against the emerging oligarchy and emphasize the importance of hope and resilience in 2024. The episode covers topics such as political messaging, government shutdown threats, the consequences of Republican dysfunction, and the rise of diverse representatives in the coming Congress. Brad and Dan call for strategic action and finding joy as means of sustaining the fight for a better future. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! In this episode, Dan takes on the “design argument” that the purpose of human sex is procreation. Here’s how the argument goes: If God created human beings, and therefore human sexuality, this means that the purpose of sex is procreation, because this is God’s intended purpose. But does the argument work? Dan argues that even if we presuppose human beings and their sexuality as a direct creation of God, the idea that the purpose of sex is procreation is STILL not compelling. Human sexuality is so ineffective at bringing about procreation that it is implausible to suggest that this is its “design.” Check out this week’s episode to hear more! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! Brad discusses the controversial tattoos of Pete Hegseth and their implications with Spencer Kunz, a PhD student at Florida State University. The conversation covers the history and modern context of Crusader symbols, their usage among alt-right groups, and the concept of sacred hierarchies. The episode also addresses concerns about Hegseth's affiliations with radical far-right ideologies and their potential impact on American society, especially in positions of power like the Department of Defense. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan critique Donald Trump's grocery store anecdotes and his failed claims on food prices. They then explore the concept of coalition-building to counter Trump's administration, touching upon current events including Luigi Mangione's radicalization by pain and the killing of CEO Brian Thompson, dissect a Adrienne LaFrance's article in the Atlantic on societal violence and 'de-civilization,' and analyze Pete Hegseth's controversial beliefs about the military. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! If we accept that the human species is the end result of a long process of evolution, rather than the result of a unique act of divine creation, does it make sense to claim that the “purpose” of human sex is procreation? In this week’s episode, Dan makes his case (again!) for why a naturalistic, evolutionary account of human origins makes the claim that the purpose of sex is procreation non-sensical. Give this week’s episode a listen to find out why. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ American Heretics: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300241303/american-heretics/ Brad is joined by Dr. Jerome Copulsky, author of American Heretics, to discuss radical Catholic and Protestant movements that challenge democracy. The conversation spans from the colonial era to today’s political landscape, shedding light on influential figures like Doug Wilson and JD Vance. The episode also dives into current Catholic intellectual trends inspired by thinkers like Bozell and Deneen, unraveling the complex interplay between orthodoxy and America’s religious-political sphere. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! This episode of the Straight White American Jesus weekly roundup, sponsored by the American Humanist Association, tackles critical issues including the nomination of Kash Patel as FBI director, SCOTUS hearings on trans discrimination, and the historical parallels to the current threat to democracy posed by Donald Trump. Brad and Dan discuss whether the current political climate is unprecedented or if similar struggles have been faced by marginalized communities throughout American history. The episode also highlights recent events, such as federal judges deciding not to retire to prevent Trump from filling their seats, and reflects on how to strategize against a potential decline into illiberalism. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! “The purpose of sex is procreation.” This assertion has been a dominant Christian position for centuries, and plays a central role in the ideologies of sex, sexuality, and gender within contemporary high-control American religion. But is it actually plausible? In this episode, Dan argues that if we think about how we actually talk about and experience sex and sexuality, and if we consider the natural sexual and gender diversity of the human population, it simply doesn’t make sense to define the procreation as the “purpose” of sex. Listen to this week’s episode to hear more! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enter code “SWAJ40” for $40 for an entire year of premium! Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Matt Taylor, an expert on the New Apostolic Reformation and author of 'The Violent Took It By Force,' joins this episode of SWAJ. Speaking at an event in San Diego, Taylor discusses the implications of MAGA—a populist authoritarian movement fueled by Christian nationalism—on America's liberal democracy. The episode emphasizes the need to look beyond American history for comparisons and learn from global instances of populist regimes. Taylor elaborates on the societal divisions and the potential threats MAGA poses to democracy, while Brad encourages strategic resistance and community mobilization in anticipation of new political challenges. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad gives a preview of his new book by discussing how some of Trump's tactics and myths are comparable to what Hitler used to gain power in Germany. Brad is careful to point out that his comparison is just that - a comparison. He is not arguing that Trump and Hitler are identical. Rather, his argument is that Trump's Big Lie and the myth that the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago was unconstitutional and illegal are resonant with the Stab-in-the-Back myths Hitler used in Germany to convince his followers that their country had been stolen from them and only he could return it to glory. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ What does it mean to “believe” something? What is distinctive about religious belief? Is it different from other kinds of belief? In this episode, Dan interviews philosopher Neil Van Leeuwen to discuss his book, Religion as Make Believe: A Theory of Belief, Imagination, and Group Identity, which opens up a provocative and illuminating account of religious belief. Check it out as Dan and Neil explore these and other questions. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad speaks with Amanda Tyler, head of the Baptist Joint Committee and organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. They discuss Amanda's new book, 'How to End Christian Nationalism,' and explore effective strategies for fighting Christian nationalism, focusing on local involvement and long-term commitment. Amanda shares her journey, the importance of separating church and state, and the damaging impacts of Christian nationalism on democracy and faith. The conversation also covers how to advocate for religious freedom and the critical role of public schools. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad goes solo this week to discuss the overlap between tech elites like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Christian nationalists, examining their shared vision and the implications for American society. The episode also explores Elon Musk's involvement with Donald Trump's inner circle, including attempts to influence cabinet picks, and the vision of tech moguls wanting to create sovereign 'freedom cities' on federal land. Brad gives a critical view of Musk's transformation from admired innovator to perceived supervillain and how these powerful figures aim to transcend historical limitations. He also highlights the long-term strategies of radicalized Christian nationalists attempting to build a theocratic society in Jackson County, Tennessee, drawing parallels between their goals and those of the tech oligarchs. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ The concept of “sexual immorality” plays a HUGE role within the world of high-control American Christianity. But if we take a closer look, we find that it’s not clear what exactly “sexual immorality” even is. And if we think about it, those outside of high-control religious contexts don’t link issues of sexuality and gender together with “immorality” or “morality” is the ways that are typical of high-control religion. Why is that? What’s really going on when adherents of high-control Christianity appeal to “sexual immorality”? Listen to this week’s episode to hear what Dan has to say about these questions and more. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator Resource: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300253184/immigration-and-apocalypse/ In this episode, Brad interviews Dr. Yii-Jan Lin, Associate Professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School, about her book 'Immigration and Apocalypse: How the Book of Revelation Shaped American Immigration.' They discuss the historical and enduring influence of biblical metaphors, such as the 'city on a hill' and the 'new Jerusalem,' on American identity and immigration policies. The conversation spans from Ronald Reagan's farewell address to the formation of the Border Patrol and the symbolism behind the border wall, culminating in insights about the exclusionary rhetoric expected in the upcoming second Trump term. The episode also touches on the historical context of Chinese exclusion and the problematic aspects of apocalyptic literature used in justifying modern immigration policies. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad and Dan discuss Trump's controversial cabinet nominations, focusing on Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel. They explore the implications of these picks, particularly in the context of Christian nationalism, and caution against the dangers of bypassing Senate confirmations. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator This episode continues our deep dive into understanding sex and sexuality within conservative, high control American Christianity. This week we look at women’s sexuality. Within this world, how is women’s sexuality understood? What are its unique features? How does it differ from, and complement, men’s sexuality? And what are the unique burdens and dangers that these understandings place on women? Listen to find out what Dan has to say about these topics and more in this week’s episode. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator Brad reflects on the significance of Trump's return to the White House and its implications. He recounts the 2017 Women's March and the rise of the Me Too movement, juxtaposed with the 2024 'Men Too' election where young men played an unexpected role in Trump’s victory. Brad discusses the impact of bro culture, the role of influential podcasts, and the shifting dynamics among Catholic and Latino voters. He further examines the strategic outreach by Trump's campaign to young men and how shifting media consumption patterns influenced the results. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad and Dan dive deep into the ramifications of the 2024 elections. They explore how religion and nationalism shape political behavior and examine the powerful draw of fascist ideologies in today’s climate. Tune in as they analyze voter trends across diverse demographics and offer practical strategies for maintaining hope and resilience. Whether you’re feeling disillusioned, overwhelmed, or simply curious about what lies ahead, this episode provides guidance and solidarity in uncertain times. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Los Angeles Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1027970416187?aff=oddtdtcreator San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator In this episode of Spirit & Power: “Post Election Insights: What We Know One Day Later” Dr. Leah Payne is joined by returning analysts Dr. Dara Delgado, Dr. Erica Bryand Ramirez, journalist Sam Kestenbaum, and first-time guest Bishop Mark Chironna. 24 hours after Election Day, how did charismatics and Pentecostals in the United States make their voices known on November 5th? This week’s guests share their post-election thoughts. For more analysis of transnational charismatic and Pentecostal networks: God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music by Leah Payne, or join her at Candler School of Theology’s Summer Institute, May 21-23, which will explore the theme “Songs of the Spirit: Music and the Making of Global Pentecostalism.” Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices