News
**Straight White American Jesus**

An in-depth examination of the culture and politics of Christian Nationalism and Evangelicalism by two ex-evangelical ministers-turned-religion professors. If you have ever wondered what social and historical forces led white evangelicals to usher Donald Trump into the White House this is the show for you. As former insiders and critical scholars of religion, Dan Miller and Bradley Onishi have a unique perspective on the Religious Right. Guests have included Chrissy Stroop, R. Marie Griffith, Janelle Wong, Randall Balmer, Katherine Stewart, and many others.

Latest Episodes:

It's in the Code ep 139: “Doctrinal Love-Bombing” Mar 26, 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/

"Subscribe to Red State Religions here"

What is “love-bombing,” and how does it operate to reinforce high-control Christianity? How is it used in an attempt to discredit those undergoing faith deconstruction, whose questions and critiques threaten to undue high-control religion? And how does it operate to insulate preserve the institutions and practices of high-control religion? Listen to this week’s episode to here Dan’s answers to these and other questions.

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 II: You Are Not God Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, we explore the troubling idea—promoted in some evangelical circles—that empathy is a sin. The conversation centers around Joe Rigney’s book The Sin of Empathy, unpacking its flawed biblical and theological claims. We examine how this perspective targets women in particular, framing empathy as a weakness that leads believers astray.

The episode also connects this mindset to broader cultural issues such as feminism, emotional intelligence, and traditional gender roles within Christian communities. Finally, we discuss the implications of this view on topics like transgender rights and abortion—and point out the striking absence of New Testament support in Rigney’s arguments.

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

Bonus Content: Anthea Butler On Trump’s Lack of Empathy Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Brad speaks to Professor Anthea Butler, a captain in the Biden campaign's "Catholics for Biden" initiative, and chair of the Religious Studies department at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the details of Trump's COVID diagnosis and how his recklessness is fueled by four things:

Prosperity Gospel positive thinking,
racism,
capitalism,
hypermasculinity.

These themes ground a conversation that ranges from Trump's lack of empathy for Americans, especially BIPOC, who have contracted the virus, his supporters' call for empathy after telling the nation that it was okay if "grandma dies" to save the economy, the conservative Evangelicals and Catholics who held a superspreader prayer rally at the Lincoln Memorial, and the belief that whiteness is a shield against the iniquities that plague other people.

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: Venezuelan Deportations, Tattoos, and Pete Hegseth the DEI Hire Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad and Dan discuss a range of controversial issues. They start with the ongoing mass deportations of Venezuelan nationals under the Trump administration, ignoring a judge's injunction.

They talk about the use of tattoos as markers for gang affiliation, comparing the treatment of Venezuelan migrants to that of Pete Hegseth, who has Crusader tattoos associated with white nationalism.

The episode also covers the recent removal of historical references, including tributes to Jackie Robinson and the Navajo code talkers, from government websites under Pete Hegseth's directive. Finally, they discuss Trump's latest interactions with Vladimir Putin, highlighting Trump's continued excessively amiable stance.

The guys wrap up with reasons for hope, including a court ruling preventing the deportation of an Indian-born Georgetown fellow and a middle school teacher's brave stand against mandated content-neutral posters in Idaho.

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 3: Mama Bears, Queen Esther, and "Don't Mess w/ Our Kids" Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

On October 12, 2024, tens of thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., answering a call from charismatic activist Jenny Donnelly and pastor Lou Engle. The event, held on Yom Kippur, blended prayer political mobilization as speakers urged believers to take action ahead of the 2024 election. With banners reading #DontMessWithOurKids, the rally tapped into fears about gender and sexuality, echoing similar movements abroad. The results of the 2024 election suggest Donnelly's efforts were effective. With insight from journalists Alice Herman and Elle Hardy, Dr. Leah Payne asks: who is Jenny Donnelly? How did she rise to this unique position of influence in the Trump media-verse? And how is her fusion of faith, activism, and conspiracy shaping the Christian right?

Links and Additional Resources:

“‘Mama bears are rising up’: the rightwing Christian entrepreneur aiming for a takeover of local US government,” The Guardian, Alice Herman
Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, Elle Hardy
“Kamala Harris is being called ‘Jezebel’ – a Biblical expert explains why it’s a menacing slur,” The Conversation, Meredith Warren
“The particularly Pentecostal flavor of Mayra Flores' Christian nationalism,” Religion News Service, Erica Ramirez
Gender & Pentecostal Revivalism, Palgrave Macmillan, Leah Payne

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.

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

It's in the Code ep 138: “Are you mad at God?” Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

“Are you mad at God?” This is a question that will almost certainly be posed to anyone undergoing faith deconstruction. It might come from someone who means well and who cares about the person deconstructing. Or it might come from a partisan advocate of high-control religion. What is happening when someone poses this question? Even if it comes from a place of care, how does it express the dynamics of high-control religion? And why, if it’s a question, does it so often feel like an attack, like a dismissal? Check out this week’s episode to hear Dan’s reflections on these and other issues related to this question.

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 I + How to Consume News Productively Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brad breaks down the troubling rhetoric from Christian nationalist pastors—and even figures like Elon Musk—who claim that empathy is a sin and a societal weakness. He critically examines Pastor Joe Rigney’s book, The Sin of Empathy, which argues that empathy is particularly dangerous for women and should be rejected in Christian teachings.

Also joining the discussion is Dr. Jill Richardson, who offers practical strategies for consuming news without feeling overwhelmed. She shares small, actionable steps to stay informed while maintaining hope, joy, and humor in the fight against authoritarianism.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on why empathy matters—and why some want to erase it.

Jill's Substack Not Crying Wolf: https://jilleileenrichardson.substack.com/p/about-this-substack

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: The Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil is an Extension of Project of 2025 Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

When The Wolves Came / Series Description

Over the last decade, large swaths of evangelicals in the U.S. have embraced an extremist politics that threatens to turn our democracy into a theocracy. Through the eyes of one pastor in Phoenix, WHEN THE WOLVES CAME shows how some evangelicals are banding together to fight back – and how their efforts can fit into a bigger movement to defend democracy in the U.S.

Links

Brad and Dan discuss the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder, by the Trump administration. They dissect comments by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and delve into the Christian nationalist connections to Khalil's arrest, notably through Project Esther by the Heritage Foundation. The discussion expands to related educational issues, focusing on actions by the Trump administration to undermine the Department of Education and how these moves align with broader Christian nationalist agendas. Additionally, there's an analysis of Democratic responses to recent events and what they signify for the future political landscape.

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

SPECIAL EPISODE: Trump Spiritual Adviser Robert Morris Indicted for Molesting a Minor Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Straight White American Jesus' Brad and Dan delve into the recent indictment of Robert Morris, a former evangelical leader and advisor to Donald Trump. They discuss the intersection of patriarchy, purity culture, and the disturbing allegations against Morris, reflecting on previous coverage and interviews related to the case.

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

Spirit and Power S2: E2: Apocalypse Now: ICE, Immigration, and Latino Churches Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

One Sunday morning in Georgia, a family walks into their Pentecostal church ready for worship. They're unaware that outside something life changing is about to unfold. During the service, ICE arrests a man just outside the church doors while his family sits inside. A moment of worship and community suddenly turns into a moment of fear and uncertainty. This is the reality for many facing immigration enforcement in unexpected places today.

This week on Spirit and Power: Apocalypse Now - how Pentecostal and charismatic Christians are making sense of the Trump administration's long promised mass deportations. For some families torn asunder, it feels like the end of the world. For others, it's just the beginning. Dr. Leah Payne does a deep dive into stories of immigration and deportation with Dr. Jonathan Calvillo and Dr. Lois Olena. This episode features contrasting interpretations of the Pentecostal faith, and who is on the side of good and evil when it comes to deportations, family, and public policy.

Resources & Links:

“Fear grips immigrant communities as ICE ramps up arrests; community journalist responds,” 11 Alive News

“Tenía un proceso de asilo: detienen a inmigrante hondureño al salir de una iglesia en Georgia,” Univision

“When ICE Comes to Church,” Christianity Today, by Andy Olsen

Migrating Faith: Pentecostalism in the United States and Mexico in the Twentieth Century, by Daniel Ramírez

When the Spirit is Your Inheritance: Reflections on Borderlands Pentecostalism, by Jonathan E. Calvillo

The Saints of Santa Ana: Faith and Ethnicity in a Mexican Majority City, by Jonathan E. Calvillo“Fear grips immigrant communities as ICE ramps up arrests; community journalist responds,” 11 Alive News

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.

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