Truce - History of the Christian Church

Chris Staron
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Truce explores the history of the evangelical church in America, from fundamentalism to pyramid schemes to political campaigns. Host Chris Staron uses journalistic tools to investigate how the church got here and how it can do better. The current season follows the rise of the Religious Right, examining the link between evangelicals and the Republican Party. Featuring special guests like Rick Perlstein, Frances Fitzgerald, Jesse Eisinger, Daniel K. Williams, and more.

  1. 3D AGO

    Republicans and Evangelicals | Ronald Reagan's Star Wars

    Give to help Chris make Truce The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), announced by President Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983, was a proposed missile defense system intended to protect the United States from nuclear attacks, particularly those launched by the Soviet Union. Often dubbed "Star Wars" by critics, the initiative aimed to develop a space-based shield that could intercept and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) before they reached U.S. territory. The plan called for the use of advanced technologies, including ground-based interceptors, space-based lasers, and other futuristic weapon systems, many of which were in the early stages of research or purely theoretical at the time. Reagan's vision for SDI was rooted in his desire to shift U.S. defense policy away from the Cold War doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), which relied on the threat of retaliatory strikes to deter nuclear war. Instead, SDI aimed to make nuclear weapons "impotent and obsolete" by providing a defensive solution that would render enemy missiles ineffective. The initiative sparked intense debate, both domestically and internationally. Critics argued that it was technologically unfeasible, enormously expensive, and risked escalating the arms race by undermining existing arms control agreements like the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Despite its ambitious goals, the Strategic Defense Initiative faced numerous scientific and budgetary challenges, and many of its proposed technologies never moved beyond the conceptual or experimental stages. Nevertheless, SDI played a significant role in the strategic dialogue between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the 1980s, influencing arms negotiations and highlighting the role of technological innovation in defense policy. By the early 1990s, after the Cold War ended, the program was scaled back and eventually evolved into the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization under subsequent administrations. Sources: Way Out There in the Blue by Frances Fitzgerald Reaganland by Rick Perlstein JFK Library article about the missile gap PBS article about Reagan's security plans Reagan's "evil empire" speech Article from harvest.org about their predictions for Magog Bill Graham's sermon, which uses the fear of communism to create a sense of urgency Armageddon and the Coming War with Russia pamphlet by Jerry Falwell Bill Bright and Campus Crusade for Christ by John G Turner Discussion Questions: What was the Strategic Defense Initiative? What were its goals? Why did they keep it around even after it was obvious it didn't work? Does Reagan fit the mold of conservatives of his time? Of conservative Republicans through American history? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min

  2. APR 21

    Republicans and Evangelicals I Reagan's Shibboleths

    Give to help Chris make the show! Ronald Reagan was an odd choice for evangelicals. For one, he and his wife regularly consulted a medium. He was a Hollywood actor, which should have put him at odds with fundamentalists. Also, Christians have a long history of charity and compassion, while Reagan's policies cut aid to poor people. But in 1980, a lot of evangelicals turned to the Republican Party to vote for him over the evangelical Jimmy Carter. What happened? Jimmy Carter gave audience to evangelical audiences, though not in the same way as Reagan. Carter told people to conserve, while Reagan's optimistic consumerism played to the rising prosperity gospel. Reagan delivered his famous endorsement of evangelicals at the Religious Roundtable, while Carter was suspiciously absent. Also, evangelicals have built up a strong craving for leaders. They love a strongman leader. So when Reagan showed up and promised to be tough, they went for him. Today, we're examining some of the reasons that Reagan became a favorite of evangelicals. And why... maybe that doesn't make sense. Sources: Article on shibboleths Reaganland by Rick Perlstein The Invisible Bridge by Rick Perlstein The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald A Prophet With Honor by William Martin James Robison's speech at the Religious Roundtable 1980 GOP Platform Reagan's GOP acceptance speech in 1980 Reagan's inauguration speech Discussion Questions: What is a shibboleth? How do you test if someone is really a Christian? What if they're a politician? Does it matter? Why did Reagan seem like an unlikely match for evangelicals? How did Reagan impress evangelicals? What did this make you think about James Robison? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    39 min

  3. APR 7

    Republicans and Evangelicals | Ronald Reagan's Double Cross

    Give to help Chris make Truce Before he became president, Reagan was the head of the Screen Actors' Guild. When it came down to backing his followers or helping big business, he chose business. The same was true when he fought air traffic controllers. In this way, you can see the influence of Ayn Rand. Reagan grew up as a poor kid, but he later became a famous radio star and movie icon. When his star faded, he became a political guest speaker and found a new path forward. In this episode, we're going to better understand the groundwork for the Reagan presidency. Our special guest is historian and author Rick Perlstein. Sources: Reagan: An American Journey by Bob Spitz US v. Paramount Pictures from Justia article from the Reagan library Reagan: His Life and Legend by Max Boot The Invisible Bridge and Reaganland by Rick Perlstein CNN article on Paul Manafort Reagan's speech at the Neshoba County Fair NPR article on the infamous "welfare queen" Discussion Questions: Why is it valuable to understand Reagan's role in messing with his union? How did his treatment of his union parallel that of his actions against air traffic controllers? What do you think of Reagan and his legacy? Why have some Republicans lifted him up as the ultimate conservative? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min

  4. MAR 24

    Republicans and Evangelicals | Why Christians Didn't Vote for Carter

    Give to help Chris make Truce Boy, the Religious Right did not like Carter, at least by 1980. Some of them, like Pat Robertson, had high hopes for him at the start. But they quickly grew to distrust the man from Georgia. Why? In this episode, Chris goes through some of the top issues that evangelicals had with Jimmy Carter. They include his article in Playboy Magazine that mentions his struggles with sex (but also featured a strong gospel message), his support of the ERA, and his lackluster responses to their questions about abortion. But... It's not as if Ronald Reagan was significantly better. Reagan was not a regular churchgoer like Carter. He consulted a medium for his decisions. He was a divorced former actor in a time when evangelicals didn't like Hollywood. So... how bad was this Carter guy that they didn't vote for him? Our special guest for this episode is historian and author Rick Perlstein. Sources: Today story on Carter's church Tampa Bay Times story on Carter's church Associated Press story on Carter's church Christianity Today article on Carter's 100th birthday Reaganland by Rick Perlstein Document the interview the Religious Right guys did Criswell ad Strom Thurmond ad Playboy Magazine, November 1976 Reagan: An American Journey by Bob Spitz White House Conference on Families: Listening to America's Families. Pamphlet God's Own Party by Daniel K Williams The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald The Surprising Work of God by Garth Rosell Jimmy Carter Library interview with Robert Maddox Carter's speech to NAE (courtesy of Jimmy Carter Presidential Library) Discussion Questions: Why did some evangelicals so strongly oppose the ERA? What did you see in the Playboy article that might be construed as unappealing to Christians? If Reagan engaged in fortunetelling, why did some evangelicals follow him and not Carter? Why have evangelicals become enamored of leaders? What has that done to our witness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  5. MAR 10

    Republicans and Evangelicals | The Many Plagues of Jimmy Carter

    Give to help Chris make Truce President Jimmy Carter's presidency (1977–1981) faced several major challenges, both domestically and internationally. One of the biggest domestic issues was the struggling U.S. economy. Carter inherited high inflation and unemployment, problems that worsened during his term. The country experienced "stagflation" — a combination of stagnant economic growth and high inflation. The energy crisis, marked by oil shortages and skyrocketing gas prices, further fueled economic instability. Though Carter promoted energy conservation and alternative energy development, many Americans viewed his efforts as inadequate or overly pessimistic. Internationally, Carter faced major challenges in foreign policy. One of the most significant was the Iran Hostage Crisis, which began in November 1979 when 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The crisis lasted 444 days and was a major blow to Carter’s administration, especially after a failed rescue attempt. It deeply affected U.S. relations with Iran and damaged public confidence in Carter’s leadership. Though Carter did achieve a major diplomatic success with the Camp David Accords — a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel — the Iran Hostage Crisis ultimately overshadowed much of his foreign policy work. Another major issue during Carter’s presidency was a perceived lack of effective leadership. Carter, known for his integrity and moral outlook, struggled to build strong relationships with Congress and the media. He often took a technocratic, detail-oriented approach to governing, which alienated many political allies. Critics saw his administration as indecisive and overly focused on long-term goals rather than immediate results. These perceptions contributed to a loss of public confidence and were a key factor in his defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election. The special guest for this episode is historian and author Rick Perlstein. Sources: Phyllis Schlafly's debate with Buckley Reaganland by Rick Perlstein Slate story on Chisholm Video showing Carter's opposition to integrated busing Reagan by Bob Spitz The Invisible Bridge by Rick Perlstein These Truths by Jill Lepore Crash Course by Paul Ingrassia C-SPAN clip of Carter's malaise speech Who is Government? by Michael Lewis Discussion Questions: What do you find appealing about Carter? How do voters sometimes use issues that are beyond a politician's control to judge them? Why would Carter and his predecessors choose to give the Panama Canal to Panama? How would an event like the hostage crisis impact an election? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    44 min

  6. FEB 24

    Republicans and Evangelicals | The Council for National Policy: Dark Money in the Church

    Give to help Chris make Truce Dark money is a problem in American politics and religion. What is it? Untraceable money that often comes from big donors, which is channelled through non-profits to hide the identity of the donor. This money is then able to back causes that may or may not be positive. The Council for National Policy is an organization in the pipeline for Christian dark money. It finances groups like the Heritage Foundation, Focus on the Family, pro-life groups, Turning Point USA, and more. They also coordinate language around denial of climate change, COVID, and election results. Their first president was Tim LaHaye, but he is just the tip of the iceberg. Our guide through this story is Anne Nelson, author of Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right. It is an excellent resource that is critical for anyone interested in how some evangelicals tied themselves to the Republican Party. Sources: Biographical video from Turning Point USA about Foster Friess Shadow Network by Anne Nelson Christian Reconstruction: RJ Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism by Michael McVicar 100 Things to See in the Night Sky Expanded Edition. By Dean Regas Christianity and Oil in US History Article on Nelson Bunker Hunt Birchers by Matthew Dallek The Road to Serfdom (comic version) adapted from Hayek Reaganland and Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein "Information Sheet, Council for National Policy," May 1984 Dark Money by Jane Mayer article on Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education Ponzinomics by Robert Fitzpatrick Justice Department article about Blackwater/ Prince Adams, D. C., Robles, F., & Mazzetti, M. (2025). A Desperate Haiti Turns to Erik Prince, Trump Ally, In Fight Against Gangs. New York: New York Times Company. Census data on Wyoming Pat Robertson: A Life and Legacy by David Edwin Harrell Jr. Leadership Institute website (accessed 8/8/25) Email blast from National Religious Broadcasters titled: “NRB President & CEO to Advocate on Capitol Hill for AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” released July 14, 2025 Salem Media website NRB Article about Bott Radio PRwatch.org article and video about CNP Jackson Hole News and Guide article about Donald Trump Jr.'s visit to Jackson in 2016 New York Times article on Foster Friess Tax documents from Turning Point USA, courtesy of Pro Publica 2017 Jane Mayer profile of Turning Point USA ProPublica article on the Kochs Time article on the Koch's and i360 Article on how many people didn't vote in 2024 New York Times article about Trump's call to the Georgia election rep The Guardian article about Kirk's busing of people to the January 6, 2021, riot EPA article about its origins Discussion Questions: What is dark money? Should Christians participate in it? What are the functions of groups like the Council for National Policy? Who was Foster Friess? Why is it important to include a discussion of dark money when talking about things like Turning Point USA? What is the connection between evangelicalism and oil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    55 min

  7. FEB 10

    Republicans and Evangelicals | The Battle for the Mind

    Give to help Chris make Truce Tim LaHaye wrote different kinds of books. Books on marriage, sexuality, the end times, and those involved in social and political movements. In his young years, Tim LaHaye taught for the John Birch Society. His conspiratorial view of the world carried over into his theology, evidenced by the Left Behind series, as well as the topic of the show today, The Battle for the Mind. Published in 1980, this little book takes a negative view of humanism. He defines humanism as, essentially, everything that has gone with society in the last 2,000 years. It's a very broad, almost useless definition. Humanism is actually a movement that started in Northern Italy around the 1200s, which tries to lift up the value of the human person. That takes a lot of different shapes, from secular or atheistic humanism to Christian humanism. In fact, as we argue in the episode, LaHaye's view misses the positive ways that humanism has shaped the United States and evangelicalism. My guest today is Dr. Darrell Bock. He is the author or editor of over 45 books, including commentaries on Luke and Acts. He is the Executive Director of Cultural Engagement and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He's also a host of DTS' podcast The Table. Sources: The Battle for the Mind by Tim LaHaye (1980) Listen, America! by Jerry Falwell The Oxford English Dictionary Encyclopedia Britannica Francis Schaeffer and the Shaping of Evangelical America by Barry Hankins Fact-checking Chris on the Prohibition thing? Start here. Discussion Questions: Have you read anything by Tim LaHaye? What was it? Are Christian books like this useful? Not useful? Why? What is "humanism"? (it may be helpful to look it up outside the book) Why is it important that LaHaye mischaracterized humanism? What were LaHaye's ideas about education? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    53 min

  8. JAN 27

    Republicans and Evangelicals | What Scared Tim LaHaye

    Give to help Chris make Truce Tim and Beverly LaHaye were a prominent American evangelical Christian couple known for their influential work in ministry, literature, and conservative activism. Tim LaHaye, born in 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, was a pastor, author, and speaker who gained national recognition through his work in Christian fiction and prophecy interpretation. He served as a pastor for over 25 years before turning to full-time writing and speaking, often focusing on end-times theology and family values. Beverly LaHaye, born in 1929, was a vocal advocate for conservative Christian values and women’s roles in society, founding the organization Concerned Women for America in 1979. Tim LaHaye is perhaps best known as the co-author of the Left Behind series, a best-selling collection of apocalyptic novels written with Jerry B. Jenkins. The series dramatizes a fictionalized version of the Rapture and subsequent tribulation, based on Tim’s interpretation of Biblical prophecy. These books sold over 80 million copies worldwide and sparked renewed interest in eschatology within evangelical circles. In addition to fiction, he wrote numerous nonfiction books addressing topics such as marriage, politics, and spirituality, always with a conservative Christian perspective. Together, Tim and Beverly LaHaye were a formidable force in American evangelicalism, combining their talents in writing, activism, and public speaking to influence both Christian thought and conservative politics. Married for over 60 years until Tim's death in 2016, they left behind a legacy of fervent advocacy for their faith and values. While supporters praised their dedication to scripture and family, critics often challenged their political and theological positions. Regardless, their impact on late 20th and early 21st-century evangelicalism remains significant. Sources: Dreyfuss, R. (2004, Feb). "Reverend Doomsday". Rolling Stone, pp. 46-49. White, G. (2001, Jul 07). "Evangelical power couple authors Tim and Beverly LaHaye, with scores of books between them, rank as four-star generals to many conservative Christians." [home edition]. The Atlanta Journal The Atlanta Constitution God's Own Party by Daniel K Williams PBS article on Comstock Laws "The men from CLEAN". (1966, Sep 05). Newsweek, 68, 23-24. Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein How to Be Happy Though Married by Tim LaHaye Divided We Stand by Marjorie Spruill The Unhappy Gays by Tim LaHaye For a Christian America by Ruth Murray Brown Carlin v. Board of Education Listen, America! by Jerry Falwell With God on Our Side by William C Martin Christianity Today article about Carter's presence at NRB “Tim LaHaye--Waging War Against Humanism” Skelton, Nancy Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Feb 22, 1981 BATTIATA, M. (1987, Oct 03). "Beverly LaHaye leads a powerful force from the right": [CITY edition]. St.Petersburg Times Hacker, K. (1988, Mar 06). "A WOMAN OF ACTION: FUNDAMENTALIST BEVERLY LAHAYE IS BUSY RALLYING HER 'KITCHEN-TABLE LOBBYISTS' TO ALL SORTS OF POLITICAL CAUSES". Philadelphia Inquirer NPR article about Moonies The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald McMahon, M. (1999, Dec). Come, all ye faithful. The Spectator, 283, 18-19 The United States of Paranoia by Jesse Walker Discussion Questions: How have the LaHaye's impacted you? Does it matter that Tim had so many fears? He went on to help found the Council for National Policy, the far-right Christian dark money organization. Why does that feel ironic? How was Tim tied to the battle over segregated academies? How did LaHaye's background with the John Birch Society fit with his other beliefs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    37 min
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Truce explores the history of the evangelical church in America, from fundamentalism to pyramid schemes to political campaigns. Host Chris Staron uses journalistic tools to investigate how the church got here and how it can do better. The current season follows the rise of the Religious Right, examining the link between evangelicals and the Republican Party. Featuring special guests like Rick Perlstein, Frances Fitzgerald, Jesse Eisinger, Daniel K. Williams, and more.

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