Straight White American Jesus

Latest Episodes:

It's in the Code Ep 121: “Reigning In the Beast: Male Sexuality” Nov 06, 2024

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Conservative, high-control American religion conceives of only two genders (male and female), and understands human sexuality as inherently heteronormative—women are sexually drawn to men, and men are sexually drawn to women. But within this overarching understanding, men and women are perceived as expressing radically different sexualities. Within this world, how is male sexuality understood? What are its defining features? And what are the dangers that come with this way of perceiving male sexuality? Take a listen as Dan offers his thoughts on these and other issues in this week’s episode.

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The Most Important Online Movement of the Last Decade Nov 04, 2024

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In this episode, Brad sits down with Blake Chastain, creator of the #exvangelical movement, to explore the growing community of people who have left evangelicalism. They discuss the origins of the #exvangelical hashtag, coined by Blake, and its role in giving voice to those disillusioned with evangelical institutions. Together, they examine the reasons people have left — from issues like sexism and racism to political conservatism — and how these individuals have found solidarity and community in the exvangelical movement. Blake also shares insights from his new book, Exvangelical and Beyond, where he delves into the enduring impact of this movement and what it means for the future. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how former evangelicals are reclaiming their stories and challenging powerful institutions in meaningful ways.

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Weekly Roundup: Election Week is Here Nov 01, 2024

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In this weekly roundup, Brad and Dan prepare listeners for the 2024 election with insights into the latest election security concerns, voter dynamics, and political strategies. They discuss recent FBI and DHS warnings regarding voter intimidation and election-related violence, and examine the protections offered by the Electoral Count Reform Act against election fraud. Focusing on early voting patterns, Brad and Dan analyze key demographics, including female and minority voters, and how they may influence the outcome. They also address the rhetoric and strategies of figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance, whose approaches aim to appeal to specific voter bases. The conversation covers mental preparedness for election week, offering tips for staying safe and resilient. Ending on a hopeful note, the hosts emphasize voter enthusiasm and share positive perspectives on the election’s potential outcomes.

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Spirit & Power Episode 6: Election Predictions for November 5th (and beyond) Oct 31, 2024

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In this episode of Spirit & Power: “Election Predictions for November 5th (and beyond)’” Dr. Leah Payne is joined by Elle Hardy, an independent journalist who has followed the neo-charismatic movement around the globe and documented it in her book, Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is Taking Over the World, and returning guests Dr. Flavio Hickel Jr., Dr. Erica Bryand Ramirez, and Karrie Gaspard-Hogewood. Less than a week away from a highly anticipated election day, how will charismatics and Pentecostals in the United States make their voices known on November 5th and in the days that follow? This week’s guests make their 2024 election predictions.

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Flavio Hickle Jr.

Born-again Christians are less Southern Baptist than they used to be
Some Latinos say immigrants hurt their social status, research shows
“The Future of “Born-Again Evangelicalism” Is Charismatic and Pentecostal,” Fanhao Nie, Ph.D., Flavio Rogerio Hickel Jr., Leah Payne, Tarah Williams, Ph.D. for the Public Religion Research Institute

Erica Ramirez

Elle Hardy

Leah Payne

Karrie Gaspard-Hogewood

Analysis in The Guardian, the Washington Post, and Religion News Service.

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It's in the Code Ep 120: “They Can’t Get Enough” Oct 30, 2024

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High-control Christian communities in America are critical of “secular” society for being sex-obsessed and for creating a culture of lust. And yet, these communities are actually obsessed with issues related to sex, sexuality, and gender. From before people within those communities enter adolescence, all the way through their adult lives, they will be inundated with teachings about these issues. Stated simply, conservative Christians in American simply can’t get enough of talking and thinking about sex. But why? Dan explores this issue in this first episode of a multi-episode series—listen in and check it out!

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Bonus Episode: The Misogyny is Real + AMA Oct 29, 2024

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In this bonus episode of Straight White American Jesus, Dan and Brad discuss the cultural dynamics of young marriages in conservative circles, the appeal of traditionalist religious practices, and various listener insights. They also share personal anecdotes, including the humorous and awkward moments from their past. The episode wraps up with an exploration of how gender expectations shape religious experiences and personal choices in high-control religious environments.

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SUBSCRIBER PREMIUM: White Christian Supremacy vs. Multi-Racial Democracy Oct 28, 2024

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Dr. Liliana Mason is faculty at Johns Hopkins University and author of Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity.

In a new article, Activating Animus: The Uniquely Social Roots of Trump Support, she and her co-authors show that “Trump’s support is thus uniquely tied to animus toward minority groups.”

She provides key takeaways fro this study:

“First, the people who really like Trump in 2018 are the same ones who really disliked Blacks, Muslims, LGBT+, and Hispanics in 2011. It’s NOT THE SAME for the GOP in general, or even for Ryan or McConnell. Trump is drawing on this particular group of people to a unique degree.The new MAGA/anti-MAGA conflict is not an entirely partisan one. It’s about white Christian supremacy versus a fully multi-racial democracy. And it’s not happening for anyone on the Democratic side. Hating Christians and White people doesn’t predict favorability toward any Democratic figures or the Democratic Party. So it isn’t “anti-White racism” (whatever that means) motivating the left. It’s not “both sides.” This means that there is a faction in American politics that has moved from party to party, can be recruited from either party, and responds especially well to hatred of marginalized groups. They’re not just Republicans or Democrats, they’re a third faction that targets parties.

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5 Clips from Trump's Neo-Nazi Rally in New York City Oct 28, 2024

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In this episode, Brad scrutinizes the unsettling rhetoric at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, featuring Sid Rosenberg, Stephen Miller, and Tony Hinchcliffe. The discussion addresses open racism, xenophobia, and ethno-nationalism, and their alignment with Trump's broader campaign strategy. Key topics include Trump's divisive remarks on ethnic demographics, potential election interference hinted at through statements about 'secrets' with the Speaker of the House, and mass deportation policies suggested by Mike Johnson. Additionally, the episode breaks down the Electoral Count Reform Act's implications, stressing the importance of vigilance against efforts to undermine electoral integrity.

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Weekly Roundup: Trump’s Hitler Admiration and Tucker Carlson's Creepy Speech Oct 26, 2024

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As the 2024 elections approach, Brad and Dan discuss Tucker Carlson's remarks at Trump events, portraying him as an authoritative figure, and explores the media's hesitance to endorse Kamala Harris. The episode examines Trump's metaphorical portrayal as a punitive father, the influence of wealthy elites like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk on media and democracy, and recent alarming voter suppression incidents. The conversation also highlights John Kelly's revelations about Trump and the implications for a potential second term. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of staying motivated in the final days before the election and the potential for Kamala Harris to make history.

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Spirit & Power Ep 5: "The Twin Insurrections:" The Charismatic Right in the US and Brazil Oct 24, 2024

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In this episode of Spirit & Power: “The Twin Insurrections’” Dr. Leah Payne speaks with Dr. João Chaves, an Assistant Professor of the History of Religion in the Américas and Co-Director of the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable (BSIR) at Baylor University.

His research focuses on the history of religion in the Américas, the influence of U.S. Protestantism in Latin America, and the development of Latin American/Latinx religious networks in the United States. Along with numerous books, Dr. Chaves has written about the history of Christianity in Latin America for news outlets such as the Washington Post and The Christian Century.

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