Straight White American Jesus

• The Sin of Empathy Part III: Dehumanization is the Goal

  Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this final installment of the series, Brad discusses the concept of 'toxic empathy' as introduced by Ali Beth Stuckey in her book and critiques its impact on empathy within Christian and nationalistic contexts. He explores how empathy is being demonized by figures such as Elon Musk and Joe Rigney, and addresses the broader implications of reducing empathy in society, particularly towards marginalized groups. The episode also highlights the importance of critical thinking and the humanities in fostering a more empathetic and understanding society. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Weekly Roundup: War Plans Group Chat Goes Viral

  Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ This episode of 'Straight White American Jesus' explores recent major political scandals, specifically the SignalGate scandal involving members of the Trump administration inadvertently adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat containing sensitive military information. Brad and Dan analyze the implications of this incident on national security, foreign policy, and Trump's leadership. They also discuss how this reflects broader issues of competence and loyalty within the administration. Additionally, they draw connections between this scandal and themes of Christian masculinity and governance models. The episode concludes with updates on related deportation scandals and reflections on sources of hope amidst current events. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Spirit and Power S2 Ep. 4: Higher Dimensions - Black Wall St., Charismatic Empires, and Divine Media

  On April 16th of 2021, Clay Clark, a far-right conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed "alpha toxic male," from Tulsa, Oklahoma held his first "ReAwaken America" tour—an event that began in Oklahoma as a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and quickly grew into a nationwide platform for nationalism, so-called "patriotic streetfighters," and prophetic politics. In the buckle of the proverbial Bible belt, Clark created a cavalcade of Trumpian support, attracting actor Jim Caviezel, former U.S. national security advisor, Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, son of President Donald J. Trump, and many more Republican luminaries. When you think of international media hubs, you might think of Los Angeles, California, or New York City. When you think of places that are political powerhouses, Washington, DC, is an obvious choice. This week, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with award-winning journalist and professor Caleb Gayle and Dr. Daniel Isgrigg about a media center and political force that may not be top of mind: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Long known for its oil wealth, Black Wall Street, and the 1921 massacre, Tulsa is also an unappreciated epicenter of the global Charismatic and Pentecostal movement. It’s a city where televangelists built empires, where charismatic theology shaped politics, and where spiritual power and political influence are deeply intertwined. But how did a landlocked city known for oil become a transnational hub for charismatic media making and far right political action? Find out on the Season 2 finale of Spirit & Power. Links: We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, by Caleb Gayle Pentecost In Tulsa: The Revivals and Race Massacre that Shaped the Pentecostal Movement in Tulsa, by Daniel Isgrigg “‘I Think All the Christians Get Slaughtered’: Inside the MAGA Road Show Barnstorming America” by Sam Kestenbaum Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free! Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free! Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation. Created by Dr. Leah Payne Producer: Andrew Gill Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto Production Assistance: Kari Onishi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• It's in the Code ep 139: “Doctrinal Love-Bombing”

  Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ "Subscribe to Red State Religions here" What is “love-bombing,” and how does it operate to reinforce high-control Christianity? How is it used in an attempt to discredit those undergoing faith deconstruction, whose questions and critiques threaten to undue high-control religion? And how does it operate to insulate preserve the institutions and practices of high-control religion? Listen to this week’s episode to here Dan’s answers to these and other questions. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• "The Sin of Empathy" Part II: You Are Not God

  Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, we explore the troubling idea—promoted in some evangelical circles—that empathy is a sin. The conversation centers around Joe Rigney’s book The Sin of Empathy, unpacking its flawed biblical and theological claims. We examine how this perspective targets women in particular, framing empathy as a weakness that leads believers astray. The episode also connects this mindset to broader cultural issues such as feminism, emotional intelligence, and traditional gender roles within Christian communities. Finally, we discuss the implications of this view on topics like transgender rights and abortion—and point out the striking absence of New Testament support in Rigney’s arguments. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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