Straight White American Jesus

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In this episode of the weekly roundup, Dan and I dig into the recent vice-presidential debate featuring J.D. Vance & Tim Walz. We break down Vance's appeal to 'common sense' and his outright rejection of expert opinions, connecting it to the long-standing Catholic critique of liberalism that’s been around since Vatican II. We also take a closer look at new data showing an unexpected rise in religious affiliation among Gen Z men, particularly when compared to women, and discuss what this trend means in the current socio-political climate. Finally, we reflect on how religious identities continue to play a crucial role in shaping American politics, especially in the context of the MAGA movement. And before we go, don’t forget to check out our upcoming events in Los Angeles and San Diego—hope to see you there!

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

In “"For Such a Time as This," Latinx Charismatics & Pentecostals & the 2024 Election,” Dr. Leah Payne speaks with three scholars who study the intersection of religion, politics, and Latinx communities in the United States. 

Dr. Flavio Hickel Jr. is an assistant professor of American politics at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He was also a fellow with the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) for the last two years. Flavio's current research focuses on the Latinx community and Immigration policy, and he's co-authored hot off the presses analysis of recent polling data about charismatic Christianity at PRRI in The Washington Post, Religion News Service, Axios, and other news outlets.

Dr. Erica Bryand Ramirez  is a sociologist of religion and currently Director of Applied Research at Auburn Seminary in Manhattan. In addition to writing about Pentecostals and Politics for The Washington Post  and  Religion News Service, Erica’s series on Texas Megachurches on The Anxious Bench is a fascinating analysis of charismatic communities and how they envision national politics.

Dr. Lloyd Barba is an assistant professor of religion at Amherst college whose writings include Sowing the Sacred: Mexican Pentecostal Farm Workers in California and an edited volume on the politics of immigration and the Latino faith community entitled Latin American and US Latino Religions in North America which also features Dr. Erica Ramirez.Lloyd has also written about Pentecostals and politics for The Washington Post, Religion News Service, and other news outlets. He currently co-hosts another Axis Mundi podcast called Sanctuary: on the Border Between Church and State

Resources & Links

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

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

In this episode, Dan continues decoding a card from a church bulletin that outlines the features of a particular church, focusing on number five on the list: “young marriages.” The focus here is the church’s ministry to “young married couples,” or “young marrieds.” But what does that mean? And why is this particular demographic so important to the church that they show up on this list? What ideology of gender, sexuality, and family is encoded in “young marriages”? Check this week’s episode to find out!

Church Bulletin photo HERE.

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

In part two of my interview with Dr. Chelsea Ebin, we dig deeper into how radical strains of Catholicism have influenced American politics, particularly through figures like JD Vance and historical activists such as Connie Marschner. Our conversation explores how these groups have long pushed to use government power to enforce conservative Christian values, especially around issues of family and gender. Dr. Ebin and I unpack the strategies that have been deployed over decades to shape societal norms and how these efforts connect to current political movements aiming for a theocratic state.

We also discuss the complexities of single-issue voting, diving into how this dynamic plays out among conservative Catholics and Protestants. Dr. Ebin brings great insights into the potential tensions between these groups, despite their shared goals of enforcing a conservative moral vision. It’s a fascinating conversation that highlights the intersection of religion and politics in shaping the landscape of contemporary America.

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

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

In this week’s roundup, we take on Donald Trump’s latest claim of being the "protector of women" and the outrage it sparked. We dive into the growing threats to women's rights and healthcare in America, with abortion bans and reproductive health restrictions leading to shocking maternal and infant mortality rates. We also discuss how political rhetoric turns into real-world consequences, and they expose recent voter suppression efforts in Oklahoma and Texas. There's a look ahead to Trump’s 2024 campaign strategy and a hopeful note on local support for Kamala Harris.

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

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

In episode one of Spirit & Power, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with Sam Kestenbaum - an award-winning journalist covering religion in America who writes widely for national magazines and newspapers, including Harper Magazine’s, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone. Leah and Sam discuss some of the influential conservative charismatic media makers who are energizing the religious right: pastor Greg Locke, rabbi Jonathan Cahn, entrepreneur Clay Clark, worship leader Sean Feucht, and head of Charisma News, Stephen Strang. 

Resources & Links:

Pentecostals in America by Arlene Sanchez WalshPew Research Center’s 2006 study: Spirit and Power – A 10-Country Survey of Pentecostals“The Future of “Born-Again Evangelicalism” Is Charismatic and Pentecostal,” PRRI by Fanhao Nie, Ph.D., Flavio Rogerio Hickel Jr., Leah Payne, Tarah Williams, Ph.D.Jerry Falwell’s “I love America” rallyEvangelical Leader Lance Wallnau pitches Trump to followers as divinely chosen for presidencyPRRI Data on Gen ZPew Data on Pentecostals and charismatics v. evangelicals

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

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

In this episode, Dan continues decoding a card from a church bulletin that outlines the features of a particular church. The focus this time is the promise of “strong handshakes.” There’s a lot to decode with this idea: What does it express about gender? About sexuality? About the family? About this church’s view of proper social order? Check it out to find the answers to these (and other!) questions.

Church Bulletin Photo HERE

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

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

In this episode, we dive into the influential role of Paul Weyrich, founder of the Heritage Foundation, and his impact on conservative Catholic involvement in American politics. Dr. Chelsea Ebin, author of The Radical Mind, helps unpack Weyrich's reaction to Vatican II, his strategic efforts to unite conservative Catholics and Protestants, and his vision of integrating Catholic morality into the U.S. government. We also explore how Weyrich’s legacy lives on through figures like Leonard Leo and the current political landscape. The conversation delves into the paradox of promoting 'tradition' through revolutionary means and what that means for modern American politics.

Buy the Book: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700636990/

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

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

In this weekly roundup, I dive into the disturbing trend of dehumanizing rhetoric by political and religious leaders. From J.D. Vance's false accusations about Haitian migrants to Mark Robinson’s shocking past statements identifying as a Nazi, we’re witnessing the mainstreaming of harmful ideologies. I unpack how these comments aren’t just isolated incidents—they’re part of a broader movement where Christian nationalists are pushing white nationalist propaganda. I also share details on an exciting upcoming live event at USC, where experts will discuss the vital topic of church and state separation. This episode draws attention to the chilling parallels between today's political discourse and tactics used by fascist regimes, underscoring why it’s critical to remain vigilant and mobilize our communities.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/RC and get on your way to being your best self.

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

This week we continue working our down the eight-part list one church suggests people will encounter when they visit. The focus is the third item on the list, “loud singing.” What does this item tell us about the church? What does it tell us about how they understand worship? And why does it follow the first two items on the list (“smiling wives” and “obedient children”)? What does that mean? Dan explores these issues in this weeks episode.

Church bulletin photo

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

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

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/RC and get on your way to being your best self.

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