State of Belief
A Grave and Growing Threat to our Democracy
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:
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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.
A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out:
Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.