Straight White American Jesus

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In this episode, Dan considers his look at why Allie Beth Stuckey rejects calls for social justice. He shows how she denies the existence of systemic racism and of racial privilege, and the ways in which she ignores the multiple dimensions of social justice to invalidate the experience of racism by millions of Americans. He also argues that people like Stuckey carefully cultivate their ignorance of the dynamics of race and privilege in America to protect and preserve their own social privilege. Check out this week’s episode to hear more!

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Brad discusses the political and cultural climate surrounding the murder of Charlie Kirk, focusing on the rise of political violence, the Supreme Court's recent decision enabling racial profiling, and the rhetoric of white Christian nationalism.

Joined by Alan Elrod, they explore how online culture and screens have changed the way Americans process violence and empathy, the impact of status anxiety in the heartland, and the dangers of exclusionary ideologies. The conversation highlights the erosion of empathy and civic connection in the digital age, the manipulation of tragic events for political gain, and the urgent need to foster both meaningful social interactions and reflective solitude to sustain a healthy democracy.

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In this episode, Brad and Dan discuss the life, death, and legacy of Charlie Kirk, examining the media and political reactions to his assassination, the narratives emerging from both the right and left, and the broader context of political violence in America.

They explore Kirk’s influence on conservative and Christian nationalist movements, the controversial rhetoric and actions associated with him and his organization TPUSA, and the tendency of mainstream media to valorize divisive figures after their deaths.

They emphasize their opposition to political violence, reflect on the complexities of online radicalization, and critique the use of free speech rhetoric to silence criticism, while also highlighting recent events and ongoing issues related to violence, democracy, and hope in the U.S. and abroad.

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In the final chapter of her book, Allie Beth Stuckey takes on “social justice.” Specifically, she puts forward her argument that demands for “social justice” are not only expressions of “toxic” empathy, but they are actually unjust, and incompatible with Christian notions of justice. But her arguments depend on the idea that White Christians are the real victims of social injustice and on fundamental misperceptions of social reality. In what ways, and why does this matter so much? Check out this week’s episode to find out!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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Brad speaks with Zach Lambert, pastor of Restore Austin and author of "Better Ways to Read the Bible." Together, they explore how the Bible has often been used as a weapon to exclude and harm, but also discuss more inclusive and healing approaches to scripture.

Zach shares his personal journey from being excluded in youth group to leading a church that embraces diversity and affirms LGBTQ+ members. The conversation covers harmful interpretive lenses like moralism and hierarchy, and highlights better alternatives such as fruitfulness and flourishing, emphasizing interpretations that promote love, justice, and community.

They also address the dangers of Christian nationalism and Christo-fascism, offering hope for a more compassionate and just expression of faith.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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Brad and Dan tackle a whirlwind of pressing issues shaping the American landscape. They break down Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s bold stand against Trump’s threats to deploy the military in Chicago, explore the deeper implications of masculinity and political power through viral moments and media narratives, and discuss the targeting of marginalized groups in current policy debates. The hosts connect these events to broader themes of authoritarianism, the myth of the “Lost Cause,” and the ongoing struggle over American identity, all while offering sharp analysis, historical context, and a dose of hope for resistance and community.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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Allie Beth Stuckey tells us that our views on immigrants, immigration, and borders must be shaped by an awareness that God is a god of “order.” But what does “order” mean for her? And how does this shape her understanding of immigrants and immigration? Are there other ways to understand order? And what if god is understood in terms of compassion, or love, or redemption, or justice, rather than “order”? How might these notions shape our attitudes in different ways? Take a listen to this week’s episode as Dan takes us through these issues.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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100 years after the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial, the battle over the separation of church and state in American public life is as heated as ever. Brad is joined by Dan Mach, director of the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, to discuss the enduring legacy of the Scopes trial and its modern-day echoes in courtrooms and classrooms across the country.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 850-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/

This week on Straight White American Jesus, Brad and Dan unpack a heavy news cycle that spans tragedy, politics, and cultural shifts. They begin with the Minnesota mass shooting, examining the familiar “thoughts and prayers” narrative and how political leaders like Jacob Frey, Jen Psaki, and JD Vance framed the conversation. From there, the hosts turn to the shakeup at the CDC, where the removal of its director and the installation of a biotech investor with ties to Peter Thiel signals the increasing replacement of experts with ideologues.

They also trace the troubling reemergence of eugenics in public discourse, especially in rhetoric from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The conversation then shifts to higher education and the military, highlighting the purge of civilian faculty at West Point and the broader attack on the humanities as part of a push toward compliance over critical thought.

Despite the grim topics, Brad and Dan close with reflections on resilience, community, and reasons to hold on to hope.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, co-hosts Brad Onishi and Dan Miller analyze the rise of fascism in the United States, discussing Trump's failing health and the regime's maneuvers to cement control before he exits the scene. They explore how ICE raids and aggressive deportation tactics are undercutting Steven Miller's totalitarian aims, and the notable resistance by Democratic governors who are increasingly emphasizing state rights. The conversation also touches on the shifting narratives around big government, with the Trump administration epitomizing invasive, socialist policies.

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