Countdown to After America: The Threat of Christian Nationalism to Democracy w/ Dr. David Gushee

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay
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Can Christian nationalism reshape America? In this episode, I chat with Dr. David Gushee, a leading authority in Christian ethics, to tackle this pressing question and more. We navigate the intertwining paths of faith and politics, examining the alarming rise of authoritarianism within certain factions of American Christianity. We discuss how political figures have amplified the dangerous merging of religious fervor with political power, posing a significant threat to democratic values and equality.
Our conversation delves into the historical and cultural dynamics fueling this phenomenon, exploring whether this radical shift represents a natural evolution or a distortion of Christian teachings. As an ordained minister, Dr. Gushee reflects on how the perceived loss of influence in traditionally dominant Christian cultures has led to a surge in hysteria and demagoguery, both threatening democracy and the essence of Christianity itself. We unpack the ways non-democratic ideologies are being nurtured within homeschool and Christian school settings, raising concerns about the future leaders who may undermine our democratic foundations.
Finally, we explore the intricate relationship between authoritarianism and religion, looking at the historical evolution of Christianity and its struggles with adapting to democratic principles. Our discussion culminates in a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for a recommitment to the values of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity rooted in Christian ideals. Join us as we lay the groundwork for our new series, "After America," and strive to build compassionate communities that honor both our democratic heritage and faith traditions.