A Grave and Growing Threat to our Democracy
State of Belief

A Grave and Growing Threat to our Democracy

Ray Kirstein
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Ray Kirstein
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October 15, 2024

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.

And to get The State of Belief delivered to you every week, please be sure to subscribe at State of Belief.

Hear this week’s episode below:

Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
State of Belief
June 7, 2025

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.

Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
State of Belief
May 31, 2025

Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol

A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
State of Belief
May 24, 2025

Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum

June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community – with attempts to erase trans people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry… as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations.