In the second of a two-part series, we continue to ask: "What is evangelicalism?" American evangelicalism, perhaps more than any other sect or movement within Christianity, is accused of fueling patriotic imperialism, capitalist corruption, pernicious patriarchalism, and white supremacy. Is this a fair accusation? How did we get here? And what might a liberatory evangelicalism look like?

What is evangelicalism? American evangelicalism, perhaps more than any other sect or movement within Christianity, is accused of fueling patriotic imperialism, capitalist corruption, pernicious patriarchalism, and white supremacy. Is this a fair accusation? How did we get here? And what might a liberatory evangelicalism look like?

Today we discuss the contrasting narratives around the capitol insurrection and this summer's uprisings. Are they morally equivalent acts of unacceptable violence? If we affirm the latter, must we have sympathy for the former? Or are they entirely different actions?

Today we discuss the impeachment hearings as an example of pure political theatre. The outcome seems predetermined, yet we engage in theatrics as a sort of catharsis or social entertainment. A performance meant to soothe us into feeling like something is being accomplished whilst accountability and justice are denied.

Tensions grow in a small Alabama town as workers vote on whether to form the first US-based Amazon union. Amazon is the US's second largest employer and has seen a massive increase in profits during the pandemic. Unionization at one Amazon warehouse could not only spark a trend in this massive retailer, but embolden union organizing everywhere. It is no surprise, then, that management has unleashed aggressive anti-union efforts.

A year into the pandemic. Folks are weary and eager to move on. And now, with Biden in office, some have begun to feel optimism that the pandemic is mostly over and are starting a return to "normal." Others just don't give a crap any more and are starting to do whatever they want. Today, we talk about these and other signs of pandemic burnout.

Today we explore the ways leaders invoke symbols of an "American Civil Religion" to unify Americans. The invocation of such symbols (notably displayed in a recent Jeep ad featuring Bruce Springsteen) serves to unify us around a mythic "middle" while leaving many Americans out.

Whenever and wherever folks discuss universal basic income, student debt forgiveness, or single payer healthcare, resentful naysayers emerge. That someone could get something for "free" is morally reprehensible. The vision of a society of mutual aid where all receive essential care and provision is dystopic.

On this edition of "Fascism Friday" we explore the deep-rooted resentment that undergirds the worst impulses of our society.

Today we discuss the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation. These two inter-related ideas have become disembodied and abstracted. Often weaponized. Victims are told that forgiveness is their responsibility, and it comes from the heart. Those experiencing oppression are often told that weepy apologies from white clergy are sufficient acts of reconciliation. When we move from inner catharsis to systemic healing, we understand these ideas differently.

We call folks struggling with mental illness "crazy." We call Trump supporters "crazy." Trump supporters call us "crazy." Descriptors like "crazy" become increasingly meaningless through indiscriminate use. Meanwhile, the Western medical model for mental health has become a catch-all to describe any seeming mental, emotional, or moral deficiencies. Today, we discuss the limits of this model and how to move beyond simplistic "crazy talk."