Join Broadleaf Books and Fortress Press for an eye-opening two-part webinar series that explores the history and rise of white Christian nationalism and its profound impact today. For those of us who are troubled by the terrifying appeal of white Christian nationalism and what it means for America’s future (politically and beyond), this webinar series will both help us understand how we got here and offer strategies to counter extremist movements. Register now to be part of a transformative dialogue that can shape our collective future.
Through expert analysis and critical discussions, our panelists and moderators will explain the drivers behind the rise of white Christian nationalism, examining its connections to cultural identity, political landscapes, and societal tensions. Delving into the fears, resentment, and desire for power that fuel this alarming ideology, we confront the stark reality of white Christian nationalism’s impact on society, including its propensity for violence like we saw on January 6, 2021, and the ways it perpetuates racism and xenophobia.
As we approach an election that will likely shape the future of our country, we must be more aware than ever of how this movement works and how it is influencing both people and policy. By examining its history and facing these uncomfortable truths, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of white Christian nationalism and inspire you to take proactive steps to counter its harmful influence.
Part 1
Recorded on August 1, 2024
Panelists: Angela Denker, Greg Jarrell, Brad Onishi, and Amanda Tyler
Rev. Angela Denker is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a veteran journalist. She is the author of Red State Christians: A Journey into White Christian Nationalism and the Wreckage It Leaves Behind and the forthcoming Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. She lives in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian nationalism and its theological and cultural roots.
Greg Jarrell is a cultural organizer with QC Family Tree in the Enderly Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. He works with words and music to impact housing and neighborhood justice issues. Jarrell writes about theology and history and is the author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods.
Dr. Bradley Onishi is a scholar of religion and cohost of the Straight White American Jesus podcast. He is the author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism—and What Comes Next. A TEDx speaker and the author, editor, or translator of four previous books, Onishi teaches at the University of San Francisco.
Amanda Tyler is an attorney, executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Tyler is the author of How to End Christian Nationalism. She lives in Texas.
Part 2
Recorded on August 8, 2024
Panelists: Pamela Cooper-White, John Fanestil, Aaron Scott, and Matthew Taylor
Pamela Cooper-White, MDiv, PhD, LCPC, is Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor Emerita of Psychology and Religion and dean emerita at Union Theological Seminary in New York. An award-winning author, she has published ten books, including Many Voices: Pastoral Psychotherapy in Relational and Theological Perspective and The Psychology of Christian Nationalism.
John Fanestil holds a PhD in American history from the University of Southern California and studied as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. He is the author of several books, including American Heresy: The Roots and Reach of White Christian Nationalism.
Aaron Scott is a church worker, organizer, leader with the Poor People’s Campaign, and co-founder of Chaplains on the Harbor. A second-generation preacher and third-generation organizer, he is the author of the forthcoming book, Bring Back Your People: Ten Ways Regular Folks Can Put a Dent in White Christian Nationalism.
Matthew D. Taylor is a religious studies scholar and expert in independent charismatic Christianity and Christian nationalism. He is the creator, writer, and narrator of the Charismatic Revival Fury audio-documentary series on the Straight White American Jesus podcast. He is the author of Scripture People and The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy.