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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.
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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
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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

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. 

Why were these Christian images on prominent display? 
What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? 
How is it continuing to shape our politics? 

In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how the non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. 

Segments to look forward to:

(04:55) Matt’s Background 

(10:42) Why January 6th made him examine this brand of Charismatic Christianity 

(17:00) Why he used “Charismatic Revival Fury”

(21:21) How January 6th intersected with Charismatic Christianity 

(26:19) How independent Charismatic leaders became early Trump supporters

(35:18) Why “Christian Supremacy” is a better than “Christian Nationalism” 

(38:38) How the term “White Christian Nationalism” misses the multi-racial makeup of the movement 
(44:47) The theology that led to an increase in political engagement among Charismatic Christians 

Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb

Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD

Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. 

Why were these Christian images on prominent display? 
What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? 
How is it continuing to shape our politics? 

In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. 

Segments to look forward to:

(01:43) The theological basis for believing Trump being chosen by God to be president 

(06:15) Belief that political leaders are appointed by God 

(11:10) Strategic spiritual warfare at the Capitol on January 6th 

(16:44) The discourse of violence in Charismatic Christianity leading to jan

(24:04) The lack of understanding of Charismatic Christians in American media 

(37:06) Being precise about the threats to pluralism presented by part of Charismatic Christianity

(43:16) What he’s seeing in the subculture as we head to 2024 

Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb

Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD

Email questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com. 

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

Lucy Caldwell  (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) joins host Ron Steslow this week to discuss Donald Trump’s conviction in the New York hush money case, Joe Biden's executive order on border security, and the Wall Street Journal report on Biden's cognitive fitness

Segments this week:
(04:11)  Trump’s conviction
(26:07) Border executive order
(40:25) Biden slipping and Trumpflation

[Politicology+]  Anthony Fauci’s testimony at a  highly contentious hearing about the origins and response to the pandemic, and what looks like an unfolding coverup scandal

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/lucymcaldwell

Related reading:
Segment 1:
NY Mag - Prosecutors Got Trump — But They Contorted the Law
NYT - Trump Guilty on All Counts in Hush-Money Case - The New York Times
NBC - RNC co-chair Lara Trump blasts Maryland GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan for urging the public to respect hush money verdict

Segment 2: 
NBC News - Biden signs executive action drastically tightening border
Politico - Biden issues new executive action: Much of southern border to close at midnight - POLITICO
Politico - Latino Dems are split over Biden's border action - POLITICO

Segment 3: 
WSJ - Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping - WSJ
The Atlantic - Trump’s Plan to Supercharge Inflation - The Atlantic
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