Episode 016: Christian Nationalism and Finding Hope in the Margins with Andrew Whitehead

How many of us know someone who talk about holiness and righteousness, then in the same breath can be found cursing out their opposing political party or candidate?

For many of us, the disconnect of faith and politics (or is the over-connection?) has caused much tension and conflict. For some, it’s led to questioning our faith, deconstructing why we believe what we do, and leaving our churches.

Seeing signs declaring Jesus Saves from those who violently marched into the Capital building on January 6 was a moment of startling confusion and clarity for many. So what is Christian Nationalism? And what do we do with it?

Join me as I talk to expert Andrew Whitehead about his book, American Idolatry, why he chose to write it as a cis white man who claims faith in Christ. Hear how he responds to critics who may accuse him of liberalism or wokeness, and how and why he holds on to hope.

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Episode Resources and Links

• Jesus and John Wayne by Kristen Kobes du Mez on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  The Myth of a Christian Nation by Greg Boyd on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  Start With Hello by Shannan Martin on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  Sacred Belonging by Kat Armas on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  White Too Long by Robert P. Jones on Bookshop.org | on Amazon
•  The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby on Bookshop.org | on Amazon

Guest Spotlight

Andrew Whitehead is Professor of Sociology at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States. He is the author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church which was awarded the 2024 Gold Medal Book Award from Foreword Reviews and the 2024 Midwest Book Award. He is also the lead author of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States.

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• Get your copy of American Idolatry at Bookshop.org | on Amazon
• Listen to Andrew’s 4-part podcast on Christian Nationalism