This week, Katherine Stewart, a distinguished author and journalist, is featured on Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush’s podcast.
Their conversation delves into critical topics, including the rise of Christian Nationalism, the authoritarian tendencies observed in former President Trump, and the ways in which religious beliefs are exploited for political gain.
Together, they analyze the current political climate in the U.S., highlighting the deep divisions within society and stressing the vital need for informed grassroots movements to safeguard democratic principles.
Anticipation for Stewart’s New Book
Anticipation builds for Stewart’s new book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, which is set for release on February 10th.
In this upcoming work, Stewart critically examines the Christian Nationalist movement, suggesting it is fueled by a wealthy elite intent on preserving their fortunes at the expense of democratic ideals.
This book serves as a continuation of her previous exploration in The Power Worshippers, uncovering how powerful actors manipulate faith-based narratives to erode democratic structures.
The Threat of Economic Inequality
Stewart warns that the deepening chasm of economic inequality poses a serious risk to the democratic fabric of the nation.
She reflects on a telling incident during Trump’s inauguration, where some of the world’s richest individuals, including prominent technology leaders, gathered.
To her, Trump’s rhetoric about advocating for the masses starkly contradicted the reality that he was, in fact, serving the interests of affluent donors who subtly influence his policy decisions—often resembling disguised bribery.
Katherine Stewart’s Background and Contributions
With over 15 years of experience investigating the ties between religious nationalism and America’s democratic challenges, Katherine Stewart has made significant contributions to the discourse.
Her earlier book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, received accolades, including first place for Excellence in Nonfiction from the Religion News Association and the Morris D. Forkosch award.
Furthermore, she shares her insights with a wide audience through her writings in esteemed publications like The New York Times Opinion and New Republic, and has appeared on major media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, showcasing her expertise on these pressing issues.
Source: Religionnews
