American Evangelicalism

Ah, Biscuits.

There’s a recent opinion article over on Glenn Beck’s platform “The Blaze” that takes issue with Bandit Heeler, the dad from the wildly popular children’s show, Bluey. When I say “popular” I mean “phenomenon.” Bluey accounts for over 25% of total streaming hours on Disney Plus. Take that, Marvel. If you haven’t seen the show, that’s ok. ItContinue reading “Ah, Biscuits.”

“Just Asking Questions”

This piece reflects on suspicion, propaganda, and disinformation. The catalyst is the current (and dangerous) propaganda laid by JD Vance on the Haitian community in Ohio, who now find themselves at the center of the election news cycle. Before we dive in, I will add: I’m wary of always commenting on every single thing. I’m preferringContinue reading ““Just Asking Questions””

The Contagion of Violence and Conspiracy

Yesterday’s failed assassination attempt might have shocked, but it did not surprise. I am glad former President Trump is relatively unharmed. And it’s fitting we pray for him, and the families who—today—are holding out for loved ones to recover. And pray for those mourning permanent loss. How did we get here? Elected officials and scholarsContinue reading “The Contagion of Violence and Conspiracy”

The Shock of Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Maybe you’re like me and grew up with the Sunday School version of Palm Sunday. You might have flashbacks to palm fronds, a donkey, and yelling “HOSANNA” as loud as you could — to be sure, these are elements of the story. But the meaning—or let’s say shockContinue reading “The Shock of Palm Sunday”

Why The Big Lie Won’t Die

The Failure of Facts and the Power of Story Across the early primaries, I’ve watched two particular sets of data: self-identified white evangelicals and the stolen election narrative. After South Carolina this weekend, not much has changed: Now, some will say “which evangelicals?” and I address that question here. Basically, questions about who is in/out ofContinue reading “Why The Big Lie Won’t Die”

Who are the Real Evangelicals?

Evangelicals in America can’t stop voting Trump. So it seems. Trump is walking away from the Iowa caucus with a dominating win. He is the leading contender for the GOP Presidential nomination. A few notable exit polls worth mentioning from CNN: These exit polls aren’t dogma. They’re fluid and can be massively unreliable. Still, theyContinue reading “Who are the Real Evangelicals?”

Being Damned and Damning

On the public rage and reactions to my dissertation on January 6 I am thrilled to share I submitted my dissertation last week under the title: Theological Paranoia: American Evangelicalism, Conspiracy Theory, and a Public Theology of January 6. Since sharing on my socials, I’ve watched the title stir up plenty of public conversation, rangingContinue reading “Being Damned and Damning”

What We’re Missing With Musk

Elon Musk is now the self-proclaimed “chief twit”. His acquisition of Twitter has sparked strong reactions on the right and left. One question concerns both sides: will Donald Trump tweet again? I’ve been researching conspiracy theories and disinformation, particularly in the American church. And I’ve seen these two responses to Musk: elation and caution. ButContinue reading “What We’re Missing With Musk”

“Was Jesus Nice?” Is The Wrong Question

Asking if Jesus was “nice” or “mean”, whether he mocked his opponents or was winsome, is a proxy war. We are trafficking in baptized concepts of male domination and female domestication which themselves must be dismantled and reimagined in light of the gospel. In an interview this week Ken Harrison, who is the CEO ofContinue reading ““Was Jesus Nice?” Is The Wrong Question”

What Bonhoeffer Said When Hitler Survived

Today marks 78 years since the failed 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler. 78 years ago, and nearly 500 miles away, Dietrich Bonhoeffer sat in Tegal prison. He was waiting for news. He knew his suspicious associations (which had landed him in prison) would turn treasonous if the plot failed. When no news came, BonhoefferContinue reading “What Bonhoeffer Said When Hitler Survived”