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San Diego Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christian-extremism-the-2024-elections-tickets-1030505227877?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this episode, we take a closer look at the conspiracy theories circulating around hurricanes Helene and Milton, particularly the claims that the government is controlling the weather for political purposes. We discuss how this kind of misinformation distorts public perception and disrupts emergency responses. From there, we shift to Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign of fear, examining his controversial interactions with Vladimir Putin and his targeted efforts to appeal to disaffected young male voters. We also explore the broader challenge of addressing real crises in a world filled with disinformation, and offer insights on gender dynamics in voting, drawing from Barack Obama’s perspectives.

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In this episode of Spirit & Power: ‘”The Promise of America:” Black Pentecostal and Charismatic Visibility in the 2024 Election.’ Dr. Leah Payne speaks with Dr. Dara Coleby Delgado, Bishop James Mills Thoburn Chair of Religious Studies, an Assistant Professor of History and Religious Studies, and an affiliate faculty in Black Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Allegheny College and a 2024-2025 PRRI Public Religion Fellow, about the rising political visibility of Black Pentecostals and Charismatics this election cycle. 

Resources & Links: 

Books:

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In this episode, Dan continues decoding a card from a church bulletin that outlines the features of a particular church. This week focuses on the promise of encountering “good manners.” Why is this on the list? How do “manners” relate to Christian nationalism and the conservative Christianity at its heart? What is going below the surface of the desire for “good manners”? Listen in as Dan hits these issues in this week’s episode.

See the church bulletin photo HERE.

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Opus by Gareth Gore https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Opus/Gareth-Gore/9781668016145

I sit down with journalist Gareth Gore to dive deep into the shadowy world of Opus Dei, a secretive Catholic organization with a long history of manipulation and control. We talk about his eye-opening book, Opus, which traces the organization’s origins in Franco’s Spain and shows how it’s slowly, but surely, woven its way into the heart of U.S. politics—especially in Washington, D.C.

Opus Dei is often associated with conservative Catholicism, but Gareth explains that their methods go beyond just religious conservatism. We're talking authoritarian strategies aimed at gaining power by targeting influential people to push their agenda of re-Christianizing society. It’s a heavy topic, but incredibly relevant when you consider their rise during the 1980s under Pope John Paul II and the fact that they're still impacting American politics today, with major players like Leonard Leo and Kevin Roberts on board.

We also explore how Opus Dei isn’t just resisting democratic norms—they're actively trying to reshape society and the Church to fit their vision of control. This conversation is a real eye-opener, revealing the organization's lasting and dangerous influence on both religion and politics.

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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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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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