Straight White American Jesus

Latest Episodes:

Biden Out + JD Vance’s Postliberal Monarchist Catholicism Jul 22, 2024

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In this episode, we react to President Joe Biden's surprising decision not to seek reelection, focusing on Kamala Harris's rapid emergence as the new Democratic frontrunner after raising $60 million in one day. We examine the implications of a Harris candidacy and explore JD Vance's connections with reactionary Catholic intellectuals and Silicon Valley monarchists. Additionally, the show reviews Patrick Deneen's vision of 'common good conservatism' and Curtis Yarvin's radical political ideas, while touching on the influence of conspiracism in American religion and politics. The discussion highlights how certain religious traditions can prime individuals, especially American evangelicals and Christian nationalists, to believe in conspiracy theories.

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Weekly Roundup: JD Vance, Peter Thiel, and Leonard Leo Jul 19, 2024

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In this episode of the Weekly Roundup, we explore JD Vance's controversial political stance, religious conversion, and influential connections. We discuss Vance's advice for Trump to fire federal workers and install loyalists, his relationships with power players like Peter Thiel and Leonard Leo, and his alignment with the Napa Institute's conservative Catholic ideology. The episode also touches on Eileen Cannon's controversial judicial decision, Trump's political maneuverings, and the significance of Project 2025.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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It's in the Code Ep 106: "Why Do They Support Their Own Oppression?” Jul 17, 2024

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Why do people who are oppressed within high-control religious contexts so often support their own oppression? This is a question that baffles critics of high-control religion, particularly as it relates to such issues as gender relations and sexuality. Dan tackles this question, suggesting that this is a phenomenon that is not limited to religious contexts, but which is especially pronounced within them. He argues that in order for people to recognize their subordination as oppression, they have to encounter alternatives to the institutions, practices, and structures with which they are familiar.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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Special Episode: The Colonized God: Reflections on Christian Nationalism and Jesus by Dr. Matthew Taylor Jul 16, 2024

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In this special episode, Brad introduces an audio essay by Matt Taylor titled 'The Colonized God.' Taylor, known for his work on the New Apostolic Reformation, explores the complex relationship between Christians who are not Christian nationalists and Christian supremacists, who use Christianity to gain power and marginalize others. The essay delves into how different interpretations of Jesus' teachings can divide communities and the impact of Christian supremacy on contemporary American politics, especially in light of events like the January 6th Capitol riot. Taylor also reflects on his personal journey as a Christian amidst these tumultuous times and calls for a return to the core values of humility and compassion epitomized by Jesus.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:00 The Colonized God: An Audio Essay by Matt Taylor

02:06 Christian Symbols and January 6th

05:23 Christian Supremacy and Its Roots

09:59 Theological Reflections on 1 John

13:28 Gnosticism and Early Christian Conflicts

23:47 Modern Implications and Personal Reflections

35:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Mini-Episode: How Christian Nationalists Will Interpret the Attempted Assassination of Trump Jul 15, 2024

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Brad delivers a mini episode analyzing how Christian nationalists are likely to interpret the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. He emphasizes his condemnation of political violence and its anti-democratic nature. Brad references Lauren Kirby's book 'Saving History,' explaining that white Christian nationalists see themselves either as founders or victims. Trump's assassination attempt reinforces their view of him as a victim under attack, legitimizing their call for retribution. He also cites Gorski and Perry's 'The Flag and the Cross,' discussing the idea that white Christian nationalists feel entitled to use violence to impose their vision of America. Brad warns of potential dangerous outcomes and highlights the media's response to normalize Trumpian rhetoric post-attack.

00:00 Introduction and Condemnation of Violence

01:24 Christian Nationalists' Perspective on Trump's Assassination Attempt

01:39 The Founder or Victim Narrative

02:52 Trump as a Victim and Founder

04:10 White Christian Nationalists' Claim to Authority

06:20 Implications of the Assassination Attempt

07:32 Broader Reactions and Media Response

10:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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NAR Watch Episode 3: They Want to Hold Religious Tribunals Jul 15, 2024

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In this third episode of NARWATCH, Brad sits down with Matt Taylor to discuss the increasingly concerning influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) as the 2024 election approaches. They delve into the dangerous concept of tribunals being used as para-government forces by NAR leaders and its troubling traction among militias. The conversation also explores how NAR has become a significant accelerationist force on the American right, paralleling radical far-right militias, and examines the potential electoral outcomes and their implications for the U.S. government structure and societal stability. The episode concludes with a preview of Matt Taylor’s upcoming essay, 'The Colonized God,' addressing the distortions of Christian nationalism.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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Weekly Roundup: Project 2025, NatCon, and the Call for a Christian Nation Jul 13, 2024

Show notes

Brad and Dan dive deep into the controversial Project 2025, which involves figures like Donald Trump distancing himself from its details despite many from his camp being involved in its formation. The conversation moves to the recent National Conservatism conference (NatCon), addressing key speeches by Al Mohler and Senator Josh Hawley, both promoting Christian nationalism. They critique the theological and historical inaccuracies in Hawley's references to St. Augustine and the Puritans. The episode rounds out with a detailed analysis of a stunning political result in France, where the left-wing coalition successfully opposed the far-right, offering a hopeful parallel for similar movements in the U.S. going forward.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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It's in the Code Ep 105: "The Idol of the Bible” Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

What is the idea that the Bible is “inerrant,” that it is without error of any kind, is not a central Christian affirmation? What if it’s actually bad theology, contradicting other core commitments that orthodox Christians hold? What if inerrancy turns the Bible into a tool for high-control American Christianity, detracting from what Christians actually say is the cornerstone of their faith? In this episode, Dan looks at an “immanent critique” of the doctrine of inerrancy, showing why it’s a bad doctrine from within the theological framework of the very Christians who affirm it.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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White Christian Replacement Paranoia w/ Robert Downen Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Brad discusses the alarming rise of white Christian replacement fears and Christian nationalism in Texas. The episode highlights a meme retweeted by the True Texas project, which endorses great replacement theory and Christian nationalism. The podcast features an in-depth conversation with Robert Downen from the Texas Tribune about the True Texas Project's controversial conference, Texas' new school curriculums integrating biblical stories, and the legal battle over Annunciation House, a Catholic charity aiding refugees. They delve into the far-right movements aiming to resist demographic changes perceived as threats to white Christian dominance.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

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Weekly Roundup: SCOTUS Anoints a King Above the Law Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of 'Straight White American Jesus Weekly Roundup,' host Brad Onishi discusses the significance of the recent SCOTUS ruling on presidential immunity and its implications for American democracy. Brad explains the connections to Christian nationalist movements and the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which seeks to reshape the executive branch under a potential Trump presidency. Co-host Dan Miller shares insights on the ruling's legal complexities and its longer-term implications. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in activism ahead of the 2024 election.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC

Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163

00:00 Introduction and Special Offer

00:47 Political Commentary and Encouragement

01:32 Discussion on Military Actions Against Protesters

01:59 Heritage Foundation and Trump's Actions

02:43 SCOTUS Ruling and Its Implications

03:34 Personal Reflections and SCOTUS Analysis

05:55 Justice Sotomayor's Dissent

08:20 Implications of Presidential Immunity

10:54 Historical Context and Legal Precedents

19:03 Final Thoughts and Call to Action