Welcome back to the second part of of Nancy’s conversation with Dr. Matthew Taylor, a leading expert on Christian nationalism, religious extremism, and the role of religious pluralism in defending democracy. At the end of Part 1, Nancy and Matt had just finished speaking about the theology, symbols and culture of independent charismatic Christianity and the huge role this played on January 6th.
In Part 2, Matt and Nancy discuss whether Christian nationalism can ever be compatible with a pluralistic society; how we need to build a big tent to unite with what Matt calls the “persuadable middle”; the Christian supremacists at the highest level of power in our government; Christian Zionism, anti-semitism; and where to look for inspiration and hope. At the end of Part 1, Nancy and Matt had just finished speaking about the theology, symbols and culture of independent charismatic Christianity and the huge role this played on January 6th. For those of us who value a diverse and pluralistic society, this expert and clear-eyed take on what we are up against is a must listen.
Matthew D. Taylor is a visiting scholar at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University and the author of The Violent Take It by Force and, forthcoming, Defying Tyrants. A public-facing theologian and religious studies scholar who specializes in American Islam, Christian nationalism, and Christian extremism, he is also the creator of two limited podcast series–American Unexceptionalism and Charismatic Revival Fury. You can also follow him on his Substack, “Matthew D. Taylor’s Reckonings”. Dr. Taylor holds a PhD from Georgetown University and an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary.
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