Texas is one of the most deeply churched states in America—67% of adults here identify as Christian. So understanding how to navigate the entrenched evangelical culture that shapes so much of Texas politics is at the heart of today’s episode.
Kate and Alex sit down with Brian Recker—writer, creator, and former evangelical pastor—whose book Hell Bent is reshaping the national conversation about the intersection of faith, fear, and political power in America.
Brian explains how teachings centered on fear, exclusion, and “in-group vs. out-group” thinking have fueled modern Christian nationalism—and how that dynamic shows up in Texas in the form of entrenched Christian-right supremacy.
Together, we dig into:
• How fear-driven theology helped create today’s right-wing political culture
• Why some conservatives say “the government shouldn’t feed the poor”—and what Jesus actually taught about poverty, compassion, and justice
• The Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms and what it reveals about Christian-right supremacy
Follow Brian Recker on Instagram @berecker
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