Straight White American Jesus

Latest Episodes:

Weekly Roundup: Like Amazon Prime for Human Beings Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

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/

Brad and Dan discuss the chaos unleashed by Donald Trump's recent tariffs and draconian deportation policies. They tie these events to broader themes of Christian nationalism, authoritarianism, and Trump's governing style.

The episode covers Trump's unpredictable tariff policies, the economic repercussions, and the administration's harsh immigration practices, including erasing the social security numbers of migrants and canceling student visas.

Dan & Brad touch on the theological implications, the reaction from right-wing pundits, and the disturbing vision of a dystopian governance model inspired by business efficiencies, culminating in a critique of the Trump administration's approach to ruling without governing.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red State Religions: The Religious Fight for Same Sex Marriage in Alabama Part II Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Gillian Frank continues to explore the progressive religious communities in conservative areas, focusing on the Unitarian Universalist ministers and LGBTQ couples who participated in same-sex marriage ceremonies in Birmingham, Alabama. The episode highlights Reverend Luna Jensen Borad's, detailing the political and religious struggles leading to and following the legalization of same-sex marriage. Personal stories from Kay and Andrew illustrate the impact of finding liberal religious spaces in a conservative environment. The episode examines the intersection of faith and social justice, unraveling the complex history of marriage equality and the enduring presence of liberal religion in the Bible Belt.

Red State Religions is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.

Created by Dr. Gillian Frank
Producer: Andrew Gill
Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi
Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto
Production Assistance: Kari Onishi

For more research-based podcasts and public scholarship visit www.axismundi.us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's in the Code Ep 141: “Deconstructing Some ‘Core Teachings’” Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Partisans of high-control Christianity attempt to insulate their version of the Christian tradition from criticism by arguing that the questions and challenged posed by those experiencing faith deconstruction do not apply to the “core teachings” of the tradition. But even a cursory look at some of the most basic theological tenets of high-control Christianity show this not to be the case. In this episode, Dan looks at two of the “core teachings” within high-control Christianity to show hoe faith deconstruction does, indeed, fundamentally challenge high-control religion.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Radicalization of American Boyhood Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Brad discusses the growing trend of young men, particularly in the 18-35 age group, trending conservative and the impact of radicalization on masculinity and gender roles. He is joined by Reverend Angela Denker, author of 'Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood,' to explore how young men are being influenced by online spaces, conservative churches, and retrograde masculinities.

The conversation includes insights into narratives shaping young men, experiences of radicalization, and the intersection of these issues with Christian nationalism. The episode also touches on personal stories, such as that of Dylann Roof, who committed a white supremacist massacre, and Caleb, a former white supremacist turned pastor, highlighting the complex pathways of radicalization and de-radicalization.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weekly Roundup: Trump Tarriffs. Booker Filibusters. Wisconsin Runs Out Elon. Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Brad and Dan dive into Cory Booker's historic filibuster, analyzed in the context of the Democrats' struggles to regroup, the election of a liberal judge in Wisconsin despite significant funding from Elon Musk, and the broader political landscape. Additionally, personal anecdotes and light-hearted conversations interweave with the heavier topics, offering listeners a mix of economic policies, political strategies, and cultural reflections.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red State Religions: The Religious Fight for Same Sex Marriage in Alabama Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

In the first episode of 'Red State Religions,' host Dr. Gillian Frank explores the progressive religious communities in conservative areas, focusing on the Unitarian Universalist ministers and LGBTQ couples who participated in same-sex marriage ceremonies in Birmingham, Alabama. The episode highlights Reverend Luna Jensen Boad's and Reverend Lne Broussard's roles in these historic events, detailing the political and religious struggles leading to and following the legalization of same-sex marriage. Personal stories from Kay and Andrew illustrate the impact of finding liberal religious spaces in a conservative environment. The episode examines the intersection of faith and social justice, unraveling the complex history of marriage equality and the enduring presence of liberal religion in the Bible Belt.

00:00 Introduction to Red State Religions
00:51 A Historic Day in Alabama
05:30 The Path to Marriage Equality
15:53 Personal Stories of Love and Struggle
25:27 Finding Community in Unitarian Universalism
33:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Red State Religions is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.

Created by Dr. Gillian Frank
Producer: Andrew Gill
Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi
Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto
Production Assistance: Kari Onishi

For more research-based podcasts and public scholarship visit www.axismundi.us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's in the Code ep 140: “The Bait-and-Switch” Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Practitioners of high-control Christianity present the “core” teachings of the tradition as being about God’s unconditional love and acceptance of human beings. This is the “public-facing” presentation of high-control Christianity. But when we take a deeper look within high-control Christianity, we encounter a bait-and-switch. This accepting, affirming Christian vision is replaced by one focused on obligation structured around emotions like fear and guilt. How does this take place? And how does this serve the purposes of high-control Christianity? Take a listen to this week’s episode to find out!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sin of Empathy Part III: Dehumanization is the Goal Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this final installment of the series, Brad discusses the concept of 'toxic empathy' as introduced by Ali Beth Stuckey in her book and critiques its impact on empathy within Christian and nationalistic contexts. He explores how empathy is being demonized by figures such as Elon Musk and Joe Rigney, and addresses the broader implications of reducing empathy in society, particularly towards marginalized groups. The episode also highlights the importance of critical thinking and the humanities in fostering a more empathetic and understanding society.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weekly Roundup: War Plans Group Chat Goes Viral Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

This episode of 'Straight White American Jesus' explores recent major political scandals, specifically the SignalGate scandal involving members of the Trump administration inadvertently adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat containing sensitive military information.

Brad and Dan analyze the implications of this incident on national security, foreign policy, and Trump's leadership. They also discuss how this reflects broader issues of competence and loyalty within the administration.

Additionally, they draw connections between this scandal and themes of Christian masculinity and governance models. The episode concludes with updates on related deportation scandals and reflections on sources of hope amidst current events.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spirit and Power S2 Ep. 4: Higher Dimensions - Black Wall St., Charismatic Empires, and Divine Media Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

On April 16th of 2021, Clay Clark, a far-right conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed "alpha toxic male," from Tulsa, Oklahoma held his first "ReAwaken America" tour—an event that began in Oklahoma as a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and quickly grew into a nationwide platform for nationalism, so-called "patriotic streetfighters," and prophetic politics. In the buckle of the proverbial Bible belt, Clark created a cavalcade of Trumpian support, attracting actor Jim Caviezel, former U.S. national security advisor, Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, son of President Donald J. Trump, and many more Republican luminaries. When you think of international media hubs, you might think of Los Angeles, California, or New York City. When you think of places that are political powerhouses, Washington, DC, is an obvious choice. This week, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with award-winning journalist and professor Caleb Gayle and Dr. Daniel Isgrigg about a media center and political force that may not be top of mind: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Long known for its oil wealth, Black Wall Street, and the 1921 massacre, Tulsa is also an unappreciated epicenter of the global Charismatic and Pentecostal movement. It’s a city where televangelists built empires, where charismatic theology shaped politics, and where spiritual power and political influence are deeply intertwined. But how did a landlocked city known for oil become a transnational hub for charismatic media making and far right political action? Find out on the Season 2 finale of Spirit & Power.

Links:

We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, by Caleb Gayle
Pentecost In Tulsa: The Revivals and Race Massacre that Shaped the Pentecostal Movement in Tulsa, by Daniel Isgrigg
“‘I Think All the Christians Get Slaughtered’: Inside the MAGA Road Show Barnstorming America” by Sam Kestenbaum
Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!

Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!

Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.

Created by Dr. Leah Payne
Producer: Andrew Gill
Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi
Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto
Production Assistance: Kari Onishi

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Straight White American Jesus

Links:

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected