Straight White American Jesus

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Allie Beth Stuckey advances a typically xenophobic, right-wing immigration agenda, focused on using misinformation and scare-mongering to justify keeping (primarily) non-White immigrants out of the US. And she says that she does so for “biblical” reasons. But what are these reasons? What biblical rationale does she offer? And how does she deal with the numerous Bible passages that command care for the “foreigner,” the “sojourner,” the “stranger among you”? Listen to this week’s episode as Dan tackles these issues, uncovering a pattern of selective appeals to the Bible that is typical of high-control conservative Christianity.

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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/

In this episode, Brad interviews Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good, about the Democratic Party’s challenges with religious voters. They discuss the results of a major new survey showing that many Christians view the Democratic Party as hostile to religion, and explore the importance of identity, inclusion, and outreach in political organizing.

The conversation covers the need for Democrats to better engage faith communities, the role of narrative and belonging in voter behavior, and the impact of recent changes to the Johnson Amendment on churches’ political activity.

Doug shares insights on how candidate quality, intentional outreach, and building a “big tent” coalition are crucial for future electoral success, emphasizing that both religious and non-religious voters must feel welcomed and valued within the party.

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/

Dan goes solo to unpack a series of stories that reveal how the MAGA movement is working to operationalize a white Christian nationalist vision of America. From the Department of Education’s rollback of guidance meant to support English-language learners, to Trump-era attacks on sanctuary cities like Boston, to rhetoric targeting Native American sovereignty in Tulsa, Dan shows how each of these actions fits into a broader strategy of exclusion and racialized politics.

The episode also highlights how the dismantling of DEI programs on college campuses strips away resources that protected marginalized students, even as discrimination persists. Through historical context, cultural decoding, and contemporary examples, Dan demonstrates how seemingly disparate headlines connect to a single ideological project—and why resistance, vigilance, and collective action matter now more than ever.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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

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In this special edition of Straight White American Jesus, host Dr. Brad Onishi reflects on the harmful legacy of James Dobson, who just passed away. Known as the founder of Focus on the Family, Dobson's teachings on the nuclear family, gender roles, and corporal punishment have left a traumatic impact on evangelical communities. Onishi connects Dobson's work to the broader themes of eugenics and Christian nationalism, noting Dobson's early association with eugenicist Paul Popenoe. The episode discusses how Dobson's views on family structure, purity culture, and authoritarian parenting continue to shape American society and politics today.

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In this first episode examining Allie Beth Stuckey’s chapter on immigration, Dan considers Stuckey’s question “what happened?” to bipartisan support for immigration reform. She suggests that liberals and progressives have become radical on the issue of immigration and drifted far from the American mainstream. But Dan argues that Stuckey, and those on the right like her, have misled Americans for decades about their real positions on immigration, masking a desire to maintain a White America. As this has come more clearly into view, more and more Americans have come to oppose their views. Check out this week’s episode to hear more!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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

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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/

Brad interviews Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, author of "Alt Reich," about the historical and contemporary roots of fascism and white supremacy in Western politics. They discuss the evolution of far-right ideologies from the 1930s to the present, the influence of eugenics and organizations like the Pioneer Fund and Heritage Foundation, and the mainstreaming of racist ideas in both the US and UK.

The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of political disillusionment, the dangers of extremist groups gaining power, and the role of key figures like Steven Miller and Curtis Yarvin in shaping current policy and rhetoric.

Alt Reich book: https://www.nafeezahmed.net/

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 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/

In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad and Dan reunite to break down a tumultuous week in American politics, focusing on the federal takeover of Washington DC, the appointment of a controversial Heritage Foundation economist to oversee jobs data, and Gavin Newsom’s bold trolling of Trump.

Brad & Dan explore the deeper cultural and theological roots of authoritarianism, the weaponization of fear and emotion in right-wing politics, and the chilling implications of ICE and military presence at political events. With sharp analysis, personal anecdotes, and a dash of humor, they offer listeners both a sobering look at the current state of democracy and reasons for hope and resistance.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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

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Why do conservative American Christians and Christian nationalists use the rhetoric of being “attacked” and “persecuted”? Why do they perceive themselves to be “suffering” in the contemporary United States, when they experience pronounced social, cultural, and legal privilege? And how do these ideas link up with the broader valorization of “suffering” within some forms of Christian identity? Dan takes on these issues in this week’s episode.

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,' host Brad Onishi welcomes Leah Litman, a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School , author of "Lawless," and co-host of the podcast 'Strict Scrutiny.' They discuss the political nature of the Supreme Court. Litman highlights conservative grievances, the rise of conspiracy theories influenced by these grievances, and the implications for judicial decisions affecting voting rights, LGBT equality, and reproductive rights. They explore the detrimental impact of originalism and the influence of the Federalist Society on judicial appointments. The conversation concludes with potential reforms to democratize the Supreme Court, including court expansion and ethics codes.

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: ⁠⁠https://axismundi.supercast.com/

Lawless: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lawless/Leah-Litman/9781668054628

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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 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: ⁠https://axismundi.supercast.com/

In this episode of 'Straight White American Jesus', host Brad Onishi dives into the pressing issue of gerrymandering, which has recently taken center stage in national politics. Onishi discusses its widespread impact, from Texas to Illinois, and emphasizes the potential dangers to democracy if these actions continue unchecked. Special focus is given to Texas, where state Democrats have fled to avoid a quorum. The episode also touches on the problematic appointment of a former rioter as an advisor to the Department of Justice. Amidst these challenges, Onishi highlights a forthcoming series aimed at showcasing global resistance to authoritarianism, offering a glimmer of hope and strategies for effective pushback.

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