I recently saw a Youtube interview with a man who claimed Kamala Harris’ debate performance was enhanced by demonic spirits. He made other equally outlandish claims, and ordinarily, I would have rolled my eyes and moved on – but the man’s name, Lance Wallnau, had featured prominently in a chilling interview with Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, a leading religion scholar, we had just recorded for The State of Belief.
Dr. Taylor presents reams of evidence in his thoroughly-researched new book, The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement Threatening Our Democracy, that a well-organized, decentralized movement called the New Apostolic Reformation is preparing right now for the kind of spiritual warfare that the January 6th insurrection only hinted at. And government is only one of the “seven mountains” self-proclaimed prophet Wallnau (and many like him) preach must be dominated by Christians with their specific beliefs.
Dr. Taylor comes from an evangelical background, and really understands the kind of argument that works with the millions of Americans who identify as evangelical, Pentecostal and charismatic. And host Paul Brandeis Raushenbush asks all the questions I think you’d want to ask if you had some face time with this brilliant, self-described “egghead” who nonetheless feels called to sound the alarm about this grave and growing threat.
Don’t listen to this interview before going to sleep. But do listen to it, read Dr. Taylor’s book, and heed his advice to engage in conversations across ideological lines now, and prepare to defend our democracy soon.
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Hear this week’s episode below:
Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck about the threat to the constitutional Establishment Clause posed by the Supreme Court case St Isidore, and the hope for bringing people together across lines of division around shared values and priorities.
Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ inclusion, environmentalism, and compassionate leadership
Explore the lasting legacy of Pope Francis through the eyes of Father James Martin. From LGBTQ+ inclusion and environmentalism to his compassionate leadership, reflect on what made Pope Francis a transformative figure.
