In this episode, I chat with Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author, to better understand the rise of Christian Nationalism and its impact on the country.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 16 TO HEAR:

• Katherine’s experience with a Good News Club showing up in her children’s public school, which led her to investigate their attempt to influence children and blur the line between church and state.
• How the Christian Nationalist movement is a political strategy aimed at using religious influence to gain power, including the pro-life movement, which was a political move.
• How Christian Nationalism relies on a combination of fear-based messaging, authoritarian ideals, and anti-democratic principles to attract followers.
• The role of money in Christian Nationalism - both in amassing wealth for leaders and huge donations.
• How public awareness, education, and voter engagement are key to combating the rise of Christian Nationalism and preserving democratic values.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Stewart has covered politics, policy, and religion for over 15 years. Her forthcoming book, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (February 2025) has been praised by Congressman Jamie Raskin as “An indispensable citizen's guide to the anti-democratic MAGA Right in America.” Her last book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, was voted first place for Excellence in Nonfiction Books by the Religion News Association and forms the basis of the documentary feature film God and Country, produced by Rob Reiner. She writes for The New York Times, New Republic, Religion News Service and others. And she also moderated a panel at the Democratic National Convention called “Building an Interfaith Coalition to Combat White Christian Nationalism”. You can find more about Katherine on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter @kathsstewart.

RESOURCES:
Katherine’s Book The Power Worshippers: Inside The Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

God & Country Documentary information and links to many ways to watch (this is the documentary based on Katherine’s Book)

Katherine’s Book The Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on American Children

BOOK: How the Republican Party became Pro-Life by Phyllis Schlafly (Katherine mentions this book in the podcast - understanding how the pro-life movement was a political strategy, not a moral imperative)

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