Politicology Politicology

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?

What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”

How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?

In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.

Segments to look forward to in part 2:

(02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century  

(07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues 

(13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization

(18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities

(32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition

(35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies

(40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms.

For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/

Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬.
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus

This week we discuss the recent viral videos of President Biden, deceptive editing, and spin. Then we talk about the report from Columbia University on antisemitism on its campus and the implications of GenZ’s struggle with conflict resolution. Then, we look at President Biden's executive order to give undocumented spouses of American citizens easier access to green cards and a pathway to citizenship. Finally, in Politicology+ we talk about the MAGA trend to deny that America is a democracy.

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN)

Olivier Knox (Senior National Political Correspondent at U.S. News & World Report)

Segments this week:

(03:18) The Biden videos 

(27:05) Columbia anti-Semitism Report

(50:10) Immigration Executive Order 

[Politicology+]  MAGA’s obsession with saying America is a republic and not a democracy

Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.

Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬


Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/HagarChemali

https://x.com/OKnox

Related reading:
Segment 1:
CNN- Right-wing media outlets use deceptively cropped video to misleadingly claim Biden wandered off at G7 summit | CNN Politics
NY Post - Biden appears to freeze up, has to be led off stage by Obama at mega-bucks LA fundraiser
CNN - Video: White House pushes back on GOP claims Biden froze during fundraiser | CNN Politics

Segment 2: 
Haaretz - Columbia Task Force Reveals Full Extent of Antisemitism on Campus Since Oct. 7, by Students and by Faculty - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
CNN - Man arrested in New York City with a gun, 8 loaded magazines, an NYPD vest and other weapons, police say
NYPost - Suspected NYC jihadist was caught near major airport as new details of averted 'disaster' are revealed

Segment 3: 
NYT- Biden Gives Legal Protections to Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens - The New York Times
Newsweek - Majority of Hispanics Now Favor Mass Deportation - Newsweek
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivier Knox, Hagar Chemali, and Ron Steslow discuss MAGA’s obsession with saying America is a republic, the erosion of democratic norms, the rise of authoritarianism globally, and the importance of citizen engagement and skepticism in protecting democratic principles.



Related reading:

CNN - WATCH: Trump supporters say America is a republic, not a democracy | CNN Politics
Briefing Room- "Where do you get your news?"

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?

What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”

How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?

In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David’s book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.

In part 1:

(04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he’s had on Ron’s journey  

(07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career 

(13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values 

(16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it

(22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it’s a better term for what we’re seeing  than Christian Nationalism 

(28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values 

(34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions 

For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/

Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

Email your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.

This week we discuss the discrepancy between the positive headlines and the reality of people struggling with part-time jobs and rising prices, Israel rescuing hostages, and new Russian sanctions. 

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director)

Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare)

Segments this week:

(03:46)  Jobs numbers and economic concerns

(21:09) Israel hostage rescue 

(32:08) Russia

[Politicology+]  What could happen if Trump wins?

Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.

Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬


Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

 https://x.com/MollyMcKew

https://x.com/ZackCz

Related reading:
Segment 1:
Reuters - The 'good' and 'bad' news inside the US jobs report | Reuters
CNBC - Jobs report May 2024: U.S. job gains totaled 272,000 in May
NYT - Trump Vows to Lower Prices. Some of His Policies May Raise Them.
FT - Joe Biden cuts Donald Trump’s lead on handling of US economy

Segment 2: 
WSJ - How Israel Saved a Hostage Rescue Mission That Nearly Failed - WSJ
WSJ - Gaza Chief’s Brutal Calculation: Civilian Bloodshed Will Help Hamas - WSJ
NBC - U.N. Security Council passes Gaza cease-fire proposal drafted by the U.S.

Segment 3: 
Axios - U.S. expands sanctions against Russia
NYT - At the G7, Biden Will Push for Frozen Russian Assets to Help Ukraine - The New York Times
AP - Russian warships conduct Atlantic drills en route to Cuba. New hypersonic missiles are on board | AP News
NYT - 46 Children Were Taken From Ukraine. Many Are Up for Adoption in Russia. - The New York Times
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack Czajkowski, Lucy Caldwell, and Ron Steslow discuss what Donald Trump’s planning to do if he gets elected again and set the stakes for this November.


Related reading:
NYT - If Trump Wins - The New York Times
The Hill - Donald Trump calls for Jan. 6 committee members to be indicted
HuffPost - 'Unfit For Office': Paul Ryan Torches Trump In Scathing Fox News Interview