Decoding Christo-Authoritarianism, Ideology, and Propaganda w/ Dr. Scott Coley

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ “Why so angry?” That’s the question many people have when confronted by Christian and social conservatives who have different views on politics, religion, or policy than they do. We understand the differences. We understand that in a large, complex society there are bound to be significant differences. We understand that those differences can stir powerful emotions. But the vitriol those conservatives aim at their political and social opponents still feels like it’s out of all proportion to the issues at hand and the task of living together. In this episode, Dan reflects on this question, arguing that conservative Christian theology effectively demands that they demonize their opponents to justify what they view as God’s commands for society. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this month's bonus episode, Brad and Dan discuss the impact of June's personal happenings and analyze Pew data on religion, gender, and politics. The hosts examine trends in young men veering right, potential influences of Russ Vought in a Trump administration, and the implications of Project 2025. They examine a narrative on societal shifts in LGBTQ acceptance during the 2010s and the contemporary backlash against gender norms, connected through new Pew research. The episode also features reflections on the moral grounding of non-religious Americans and the enduring presence of Christian nationalist beliefs among Biden voters. Finally, Brad teases a humorous story about Election Day 2008. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:23 Family Matters and Episode Overview 01:02 Pew Data on Religion, Gender, and Masculinity 02:23 Teaching Anecdote and Changing Social Norms 05:07 Discussion on Morality and Social Influence 08:59 Pew Data on Gender Issues Among Young Men 11:09 Humorous Interlude: Home Alone and Aging 13:54 Back to Pew Data: Gender Norms and Voting Patterns 31:12 Religion's Role in Public Life 34:46 Conclusion and Subscriber Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad discusses with author Mark Green about his new book, 'The Inflection Election: Democracy or Fascism in 2024'. They explore the critical choice facing the U.S. in the upcoming election, with paths leading either towards continued democratic freedom or increased authoritarianism under Donald Trump's influence. The conversation highlights Representative Jamie Raskin's forward in Green's book, emphasizing the stark differences between defending democratic principles and the potential rise of a fascist regime. They also touch on issues of violence and corruption within the political landscape, the role of Trump’s rhetoric, and the impact of fascist ideologies in certain American communities. Buy the Inflection Election: https://www.powells.com/book/the-inflection-election-9781510780835 00:00 Introduction: The Crossroads of Democracy 00:58 Guest Introduction: Mark Green 03:24 Historical Context: Inflection Elections 04:09 Trump's Authoritarian Threat 06:53 Hypothetical Future Under Trump 16:56 Violence and Corruption in Politics 30:41 Hope and Action: The Path Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad Onishi and Dan Miller delve into several critical issues in this week's Straight White American Jesus Weekly Roundup. They start with a vigorous discussion on the constitutionality of Louisiana's new law mandating the Ten Commandments in classrooms, highlighting the religious and historical contradictions in the proponents' arguments. They move on to address the disturbing allegations against Robert Morris, former pastor of Gateway Church, scrutinizing the broader systemic issues within Christian evangelical circles. Finally, they examine recent incendiary comments by Steve Bannon and Roger Stone, exposing plans for revenge and grievance should Trump secure a second term. The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of these events on the American socio-political landscape. On the SBC with Robert Downen: https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/special-episode-the-southern-baptist-conventions-apocalypse-with-robert-downen/ 00:00 Founding Fathers and Secularism 00:39 The Debate on 'In God We Trust' 01:00 Introduction to House Bill 71 01:40 Historical vs. Moral Significance of the Ten Commandments 01:50 Christian Nationalism and Legal Contradictions 02:31 Robert Morris Scandal 02:47 Steve Bannon and Roger Stone's Vision for a Second Trump Term 03:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 04:25 Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law 06:34 Legal and Theological Implications 11:05 Evangelical Perspectives on the Ten Commandments 23:46 Symbolism and Authority of the Ten Commandments 26:56 Historical Injustices in Plain View 27:30 Robert Morris and Gateway Church Scandal 31:48 The Rot of Patriarchy in Religious Culture 35:36 Political Hypocrisy and Abuse in Evangelical Circles 45:47 Roger Stone's Chilling Election Strategy 48:17 Steve Bannon's Call for Retribution 53:38 Reasons for Hope Amidst Political Turmoil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ “Where the Bible speaks, we speak.” Maybe this phrase is coming from your pastor, maybe it’s coming from Uncle Ron at the family cookout, maybe it’s coming from a Christian friend or coworker. No matter who is saying this to you, it almost certainly communicates their defense of the their religious and social views on the grounds that they have their origins in the Bible. But is this always the case? Is this how Christian identity actually takes shape? In this episode, Dan argues that it’s not, and looks at what this claim to “speak where the Bible speaks” is really doing. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad and Matt Taylor discuss recent flag controversies and the dishonest ways leaders have dismissed the Appeal to Heaven symbol as innocuous. They explore the historical and political influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in U.S. presidential elections since 2000, detailing their involvement in George W. Bush's and Donald Trump's campaigns. The conversation shifts to the current strategies of the NAR and its coordination with Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk in swing states for the 2024 election, particularly targeting Latino and African American communities. The episode emphasizes the growing political impact of the NAR and the urgency for broader awareness and media coverage. Buy Matthew Taylor's book, The Violent Take It By Force: https://icjs.org/the-violent-take-it-by-force/ Spiritual Warriors NAR Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ev0P92-fqs Charismatic Revival Fury: https://icjs.org/charismatic-revival-fury/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad Onishi converses with Dr. Scott Coley, author of 'Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right.' Coley discusses the concepts of ideology, propaganda, and legitimizing narratives within conservative evangelical communities. They explore how these elements create and maintain social hierarchies, such as those based on race and gender, and the role of 'Christo authoritarianism.' Coley emphasizes how religious resources are used to justify and perpetuate these hierarchies. The episode also addresses how questioning or resisting these beliefs is often suppressed within these communities. Buy Ministers of Propaganda: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466004/ministers-of-propaganda/ 00:00 Introduction to Civil Rights Movement and Passive Resistance 00:51 Critique of Civil Rights Movement's Approach 01:43 Introducing Dr. Scott Coley and His Book 03:53 Understanding Ideology and Propaganda 07:48 Legitimizing Narratives and Social Hierarchies 17:26 Christo Authoritarianism and the Hermeneutics of Legitimization 25:03 Explicit and Implicit White Supremacy in Evangelicalism 35:08 Gender Hierarchies and Patriarchy in Evangelicalism 39:06 Conclusion and Premium Content Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad Onishi and Dan Miller examine the shocking comments by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito caught on tape and contrast them with Chief Justice John Roberts' more measured approach. The hosts also delve into the Southern Baptist Convention's recent resolution condemning in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its implications for reproductive rights and the 2024 elections. Lastly, they discuss Georgia as a testing ground for voter suppression tactics designed to benefit Trump and the GOP in upcoming elections. 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Polarization 01:19 Supreme Court Controversies: Alito's Shocking Comments 01:55 Analyzing Alito and Roberts: Trust in the Supreme Court 02:04 Southern Baptist Convention and Reproductive Rights 02:22 Georgia's Voter Suppression Tactics 02:55 Meet the Hosts: Brad and Dan 04:43 Supreme Court Justices Undercover: Alito and Roberts 30:48 Reflecting on Political Discourse and Integrity 31:11 Supreme Court Controversies: Then and Now 34:34 Southern Baptist Convention's Stance on IVF 38:24 Political Implications of the SBC's IVF Resolution 50:00 Georgia: The MAGA Movement's Testing Ground 51:06 Election Integrity and Voter Suppression Tactics 59:32 Hope Amidst Political Turmoil 01:01:01 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ If you’ve encountered today’s right-wing culture warriors, you have heard them lambast efforts at LGBTQ+ inclusion, police reform, combatting climate change, and myriad other issues as reflecting the “spirit of the age.” But what do they mean by this? Where does this phrase come from? Is it specifically Christian, or does it have broader meanings? And most importantly, once we decode this phrase, what do we find people doing with it? Dan tackles these questions in this week’s episode. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get full access to this episode, bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 500-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad Onishi discusses with Eric Klinenberg the long-lasting social and political effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, framing it as a form of 'social long COVID.' The conversation highlights how the events of 2020 intensified distrust in government and deepened societal divisions, setting the stage for challenges in the 2024 elections. They also explore the symbolic role of face masks in these divisions and the impact of local mutual aid networks. Looking ahead, they assess how unresolved issues from 2020 continue to influence American civic life and political attitudes. 00:00 Introduction: The Lingering Effects of 2020 01:25 The Social Disease of Long COVID 02:04 Reflecting on the Pandemic's Impact 02:12 Interview with Eric Kleinberg 04:07 The Symbolism of Masks 07:49 America's Unique Pandemic Response 25:38 Mutual Aid Networks and Community Resilience 31:49 The Structural Isolation Crisis 36:25 Looking Ahead to the 2024 Election 43:31 Conclusion: The Future of American Democracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices