Pat Kahnke is the author of the book â€Maga Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience,†which was published before the 2020 election. He was an evangelical church planter and pastor for twenty years before retiring from church ministry in 2016. Planted a church in the inner city of St. Paul, MN - part of the Baptist General Conference (Converge) and Alliance for Renewal Churches. A lifelong conservative Republican until the party left him in 2016. Now a political independent, he has written off the Republican party until it completes 40 years in the wilderness for its capitulation to the MAGA movement. Channel contains political and social commentary related to issues at the intersection of culture, faith, and politics.
What really happened to migrants held at CECOT prison in El Salvador? This epsiode dives deep into a devastating new Human Rights Watch report exposing the brutal treatment of detainees—many of whom were never convicted of a crime. Even more disturbing: these abuses were made possible by policies supported by U.S. Christians who backed Donald Trump.
What made millions of German Christians pledge loyalty to Hitler? And are American Christians walking the same path with Trump today? In this powerful conversation, Pat Kahnke and Christian leader Tihomir Kukolja explore the chilling parallels between Nazi-era Germany and today's Christian nationalism in the U.S. Drawing from historical research, theology, and lived experience.
Pope Leo XIV recently made headlines for challenging the moral inconsistency of Christians who claim to be pro-life while supporting the cruel treatment of migrants. As a former Catholic and longtime evangelical pastor, I found his words striking — and convicting. I unpack what Leo said, especially about the Trump administration's treatment of migrants in Chicago detention centers, and I reflect on the consistent ethic of human life I learned in Catholic school — an ethic that still shapes my worldview today. We'll also look at how Gaudium et Spes (Vatican II) calls out not just abortion, but every form of dehumanization — from torture and deportation to poverty and racism.
In this episode I wrestle with one of the most common questions I hear: “What should we do now?” We reflect on: David French's practical, wise answer to that question (via Russell Moore's podcast), my own struggle with giving application instead of just description, the reality that justice work is long-term, slow, and deeply human, why grace, humor, and conviction still matter in dark times, and how each of us can choose to live out our deepest values, even when “winning” feels out of reach.
I reflect on one of the most foundational scriptures shaping my call to speak out — as a Christian and former pastor — against Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
After a week away, I return to reflect on what may be remembered as the most revealing week of Donald Trump's second term — a week where he pardoned allies, mocked peaceful protesters with AI war porn, escalated military violence without congressional approval, and demolished the East Wing of the White House to build a gilded ballroom. In this episode, I argue that Trump has fully embraced his most dangerous instincts — no longer pretending to serve the nation, but ruling with the boldness of a king gone mad. From authoritarian theater to reality distortion, we're witnessing the unraveling in real time. This is the week Trump chose his legacy. And the rest of us must now choose ours. (October 25, 2025)
In this urgent breakdown, I play key excerpts from Stephen Miller's speech at the Charlie Kirk memorial and explain why it may be the most dangerous political speech since the 2024 election. (October 14, 2025)
Every time I speak out about Donald Trump, someone asks: “Well, who SHOULD Christians have voted for?” This is my comprehensive answer. As a former Republican and evangelical pastor, I've been raising the alarm for years about the spiritual cost of aligning the church with Trump's MAGA movement. Today, I walk through five possible voting choices Christians had in 2024 — and why Never Trump isn't just a slogan, it's a moral imperative.
In this episode, we dig into a chilling speech from right-wing influencer Benny Johnson at the recent Charlie Kirk rally—a moment that reveals just how deeply Christian nationalism can distort Scripture to serve political power. (October 8, 2025)
In this urgent and candid conversation, Pat Kahnke and author Amy Hawk confront the explosive new emails linking Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein — and the deafening silence from many in the American church. With receipts in hand, they ask: How long will Christians keep covering for Trump? When is it enough?
In this episode, we take a hard look at a recent memorial rally clip featuring Rob McCoy — a prominent evangelical pastor and mentor to Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk. What begins as a “basic gospel message” quickly becomes something else: a masterclass in religious manipulation, where Jesus is reduced to a mascot for right-wing politics. (October 6, 2025)
It's my 60th birthday, and I'm taking a break from the headlines—sort of. Today's video is about something more basic… and a little more obnoxious. I'm breaking down the toxic absurdity of MAGA theology, why you can trust your gut when it smells like garbage, and why “debating” Christian nationalism on its own terms is often a waste of spiritual energy.
The Charlie Kirk memorial wasn't just a tribute—it was a political rally wrapped in worship music. And it revealed everything about the religious right's current direction—and the dangerous future MAGA leaders are planning. I break down what made the event so spiritually and politically troubling. (September 30, 2025)
I reflect on my own past as a soft Christian nationalist — and why Charlie Kirk's memorial service hit me so hard. (September 26, 2025)
I break down a chilling moment from Charlie Kirk's recent memorial service — where Donald Trump explicitly rejects the words of Jesus in front of a cheering, supposedly Christian audience. I wasn't planning to cover this, but what I saw horrified me. This wasn't a memorial. It was a Christian nationalist rally thinly veiled in religious language. (September 23, 2025)
Part three in a serious about the obnoxious ways Christians try to defend Trump. Donald Trump should be mocked, and I explain why here.
If you call yourself a Christian and still support Donald Trump—or the Republicans helping him cover this up—this is your wake-up call. I speak directly to Christians who still support Trump. You're out of excuses. The lines are clear now. And if the visible church doesn't speak up, America will keep believing what they already suspect: that authoritarian abuse isn't a bug of Christian nationalism—it's the feature. (September 3, 2025)
I unpack another argument I hear from well-intentioned Christians—"God chose Trump for a purpose, so opposing him means opposing God." This isn't about politics. It's about the misuse of theological language that enables silence, compromises integrity, and dismisses justice. (August 19, 2025)
What does Romans 13 really say about obeying political leaders—and why are so many American Christians using it to defend authoritarianism? Former evangelical pastor Pat Kahnke breaks down the history, theology, and misuse of passages like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2—passages used to justify everything from slavery to fascism. This is part of a YouTube series exposing how scripture has been weaponized to support corrupt power, particularly in the age of Donald Trump and Christian nationalism. It's time for Christians to grow up, read responsibly, and speak out against injustice.
I tackle a question I hear often: *“If it weren't for Donald Trump, would you still be open to the rest of what the GOP/MAGA movement stands for?”* I used to think *yes*. But after 2016, the marriage between the religious right and MAGA woke me up—especially when I saw even “Christian” leaders abandon their convictions overnight.
I confront the Trump administration's newly proposed 2026 refugee policy, which slashes the U.S. refugee cap to an all-time low--and openly prioritizes white South African immigrants. It's a near "white's-only" refugee policy, and it's not just political...it's spiritually bankrupt. This isn't about border security. It's about white nationalism dressed up as patriotism, and too many white evangelicals are defending it in Jesus' name. As a pastor, I call that what it is: anti-Christian and anti-American.
This week voters across the country showed up and pushed back against Trump's MAGA movement in a big way. And while I don't do political hype, I saw real signs that MAGA is scared—and with good reason. (November 5, 2025)
A huge number of white conservative Christians in America aren't misled -- they're committed. Committed to a dangerous, unbiblical view of authority. Today, I break down a deeply revealing 2024 survey from PRRI that shows how authoritarian beliefs -- not just abortion or party loyalty -- are driving Christian support for Donald Trump.
Join us as Pat Kahnke and Amy Hawk dive into the controversial teachings of Christian nationalist leader Doug Wilson (Moscow, Idaho), exploring his “church network” ties, his public interview with CNN, and what it really means for faith, culture & power. In this episode we cover: Why we're paying closer attention to Doug Wilson — from fringe pastor to movement figure. His representation of the “good eggs” analogy and what it signals about his worldview. How his interview with CNN frames “clown world,” drag‑queen story hours, abortion, and America ruled by Christ. The deeper concerns around domination, obedience, legalism, and authoritarianism in the churches Wilson leads. A preview of our upcoming guest interview with Tia Levings (author of A Well‑Trained Life: My Journey Out of a Patriarchal Church) and what we can learn from her story. Why it matters: This conversation isn't just about one church or one pastor. It's about how religious authority, cultural power, and gender dynamics play out in real life. Link to the Report from Doug Wilson's organization about his handling of the difficult situation we talked about: https://heidelblog.net/crec-presiding-ministers-report-on-the-sitler-and-wright-sex-abuse-cases/
Pete Hegseth, Doug Wilson & the Rise of Religious Nationalism | Conversation with Amy Hawk Is America's defense leadership aligning with an authoritarian Christian nationalist project? Pat Kahnke and author Amy Hawk unpack Pete Hegseth's rhetoric (“FAFO,” “Department of War”), his Moscow-Idaho connections, and Doug Wilson's “All of Christ for All of Life.” Topics We Cover Hegseth's speech to generals: machismo, “war-fighters,” and the “enemy within” “Personnel is policy” and why it matters for civilian control of the military Doug Wilson's Moscow movement: institutions, slogans, and authoritarian theology “All of Christ for All of Life” and culture-war governance Household headship, voting debates, and the rhetoric around “heritage Americans” Why this is not fringe anymore—and why Christians and non-Christians should care
Tihomir Kukolja and Pat Kahnke discuss a Christian response to political violence in light of the Charlie Kirk shooting. We explore patterns of political violence, Christian nationalism, and the spiritual responsibility of truth-telling in these divisive times. Drawing from Tihomir's experience during the Yugoslav wars in the Balkans - and the parallels he sees today in the U.S. - we unpack how rhetoric can spiral out of control, and what it might look like for Christians to respond with love, justice, and courage.
Is our gospel big enough to handle race? In this episode of the Culture, Faith, and Politics podcast, Pat Kahnke sits down with Dr. Karen Johnson, historian and professor at Wheaton College, to talk about her new book, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice. Dr. Johnson's scholarship explores how Christians have both shaped and resisted racial injustice in America. Together, we unpack stories of ordinary believers who stood against systemic racism, examine how evangelicals often struggle to see structures and systems, and wrestle with the question of whether personal salvation alone can carry the weight of Jesus' gospel of the kingdom. Along the way, we explore topics like: Why many white evangelicals reduce racism to individual prejudice while Black evangelicals emphasize systems. How redlining and housing policies continue to shape American life. The fractured history of the “social gospel” vs. “personal salvation” — and why the Bible won't let us separate justice from righteousness. What it means to “do history” with love, humility, and awe. This is a conversation for anyone wondering how faith intersects with race, justice, and American history — and for those tired of being told that seeking justice means you've sacrificed the gospel.
Why are so many Latter-day Saints embracing Christian nationalism—an ideology that once rejected them outright? In this episode, Pat Kahnke sits down with historian Dr. Benjamin Park to unpack the surprising—and troubling—history of how Mormonism became entangled with Christian nationalism and right-wing politics in America. From the Kingdom of Nauvoo to the Cold War era, from Glenn Beck's obsession with The 5000 Year Leap to Trump-era culture wars, we explore how a once-persecuted religious minority became a core part of the religious right. We also discuss dissenters, myths about the Constitution, and why LDS support for Donald Trump is rising, even as the church leadership stays (mostly) silent.
Adam Swenson writes at https://substack.com/@friendlyneighborhoodphilosopher Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ In this episode of Culture, Faith, and Politics, Pat Kahnke and Adam Swenson tackle a loaded label: Trump Derangement Syndrome. Is it a legitimate critique—or a tactic to silence moral and spiritual conviction? Drawing from real-life stories—Facebook fights, global health missions, and encounters with cruelty—they explore how the Trump era is reshaping Christian identity, numbing compassion, and redefining what it means to love your neighbor. They confront the growing cultural pressure to suppress emotion, detach from injustice, and label empathy as weakness. Rooted in James 1:27, they ask: What if caring deeply is actually obedience, not derangement? With political honesty, biblical grounding, and a call to stay tender in a hardening world, this episode challenges listeners to resist authoritarian tactics and reclaim faith as a force for healing—not harm.
In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Pat Kahnke speaks with Reverend Tihomir Kukolja—a Christian leader shaped by war, steeped in reconciliation work, and unafraid to speak hard truths. Kukolja reflects on the collapse of Yugoslavia, the rise of Donald Trump, the horrors of Gaza, and the dangerous theology driving evangelical silence and complicity. Drawing from decades of international ministry and firsthand experience in Sarajevo, he warns that the same forces that tore apart the Balkans are at work in America—and in the church. Together, they explore: • The emotional and political costs of evangelical eschatology • How Christian nationalism mirrors religious extremism • Why “criticizing Israel” is not antisemitism • The model of Jesus vs. the model of Trump • How truth-telling, not niceness, heals division This is not abstract theology. It's about how we lead, how we love, and whether our faith contributes to peace—or war. “Christian nationalism and Islamic jihadism are two sides of the same coin—when faith is used to justify violence, it's no longer the faith of Jesus.” – Tihomir Kukolja If you've been searching for faithful resistance and global Christian perspective, this episode is a must-listen.
Tihomir Kukolja's Substack page: https://substack.com/@tihackuk25 My Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ For too long, I've stayed silent about what's happening in Gaza—not because I didn't care, but because I felt inadequate to speak. In this episode, I open up about that silence, the fears that kept me quiet, and the theology that I believe is fueling real harm in the region. I'm joined by Rev. Tihomir Kukolja, a global Christian leader shaped by the war in the Balkans, who brings wisdom and moral clarity to this urgent conversation. Together, we talk about the role of American evangelicals, the danger of dispensationalist eschatology, and why criticizing Israel's government is not anti-Semitism. If you're a Christian struggling to know how to talk about Israel, Palestine, or Gaza—or you've been afraid of saying the wrong thing—this episode is for you. It's a beginning, not an end.
Welcome to Culture, Faith & Politics with your host, Pat Kahnke. In this special interview, Pat sits down with Will Wright and Josh Burtram of the Faithful Politics Podcast to unpack their journey of friendship across ideological divides. Discover: How a conservative pastor who once voted for Trump in 2016 and a progressive Christian built genuine trust rooted in Christian faith Their approach to modeling civil disagreement and “disagreeing without dehumanizing” How Will reconciles progressive political identity with biblical conviction. Josh's pastoral perspective on theology, voting, and cultural engagement The core rules of respectful political conversation they've learned through hosting tough guests—from conservative podcasters to LGBTQ advocates—to freethinkers and even the co‑founder of the Satanic Temple
Corey Nathan is the host of "Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other." In this episode, Corey and Pat talk about Corey's faith journey from an Orthodox Jewish upbringing to Christianity. We also talk about his political background, and what led him to start his podcast. We talk about the difficulty - and the necessity - of having real conversations during the Trump years.
Chris Volpe's Website: http://www.volpeforamerica.com Pat Kahnke interviews Chris Volpe, Democratic candidate for the 2026 special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by JD Vance in Ohio. Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ In this episode, Chris Volpe discusses his candidacy for the Senate seat in Ohio, sharing his unique background in healthcare and technology. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the disconnect between young voters and political messaging, and the need for a focus on healthcare as a fundamental right. Volpe also addresses the implications of AI on the workforce and the importance of a social contract in society. He advocates for a vision of a better future that prioritizes stability and imagination in political discourse. In this conversation, Chris Volpe and Pat Kahnke explore the complexities of modern politics, emphasizing the need for empathy, trust, and serious leadership. They discuss the exploitation of vulnerable communities, the role of government in economic progress, and the importance of restoring trust in institutions. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by young men and the necessity of finding common ground in faith and politics.
Amy Hawk's book: "The Judas Effect" https://a.co/d/3H0y3sB Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Amy Hawk and Pat Kahnke discuss Adam Serwer's key 2018 Atlantic article "The Cruelty Is the Point" now that the second Trump term is proving to be even more cruel than the first. We discuss Kristi Noem as the "face" of MAGA cruelty, selling the twisted and demented ideas of Stephen Miller. We analyze these issues through the lens of scripture, and call followers of Jesus to something better.
Robert Jeffress is only one of many "pastors" who've gained power for themselves by supporting Trump and his unchristian policies. But he's a good case study. Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Angela Denker and Pat Kahnke discuss her new book "Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood". Purchase Angela Denker's books: Disciples of White Jesus: https://a.co/d/c76jyw7 Red State Christians: https://a.co/d/0elpRSo
Amy Hawk is a writer, a Bible teacher, and a YouTuber. She discusses why she chose to stand up to Donald Trump's corruption of the White Evangelical church. Purchase Amy Hawk's books: The Judas Effect: https://a.co/d/9xXOWnp Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton: https://a.co/d/4VKIKdp Pat Kahnke's Substack page: https://culturefaithandpolitics.subst... Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Subscribe to Culture, Faith, and Politics on Substack at https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Chapter 4 of Matthew Taylor's outstanding book "The Violent Take it by Force: The Christian Movement that's threatening our democracy." Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Dave Johnson's books are also available on Amazon, including "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": https://a.co/d/d17eDNy
Subscribe to Culture, Faith, and Politics on Substack at https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Subscribe to Culture, Faith, and Politics on Substack at https://culturefaithandpolitics.substack.com/ Adam Swenson writes at https://substack.com/@friendlyneighborhoodphilosopher Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
After I made a video criticizing Kristi Noem's gross and vile antics at a prison in El Salvador, a listener asked this question: “Can someone please tell me what is ‘wrong' with the video she did? I honestly would like to know. Standing up for the law? That's not ‘Christian?'" Here's my answer.
The episode where Pat tries (and fails) to not be mean. This one is about Cindy Jacobs and other supposed "prophets" and spiritual warriors who ended up supporting Trump all the way through January 6th and beyond. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Chapter 3 of Matthew Taylor's outstanding book "The Violent Take it by Force: The Christian Movement that's threatening our democracy." Taylor's book is an in-depth study of the New Apostolic Reformation. Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Dave Johnson's books are also available on Amazon, including "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": https://a.co/d/d17eDNy
Kristi Noem made a propaganda video from an El Salvador prison where Venezuelan migrants have been sent by Donald Trump, without due process. Most are probably gang members, but some appear not to be. As a Christian, I have some serious issues with all of this.
C. Peter Wagner was the genius behind the NAR - the New Apostolic Reformation. Although he may have had good intentions, he got a ball rolling that is still leaving destruction in its wake. Pat Kahnke and Dave Johnson discuss Chapter 2 of Matthew Taylor's outstanding book: The Violent Take it by Force. Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Dave Johnson's books are also available on Amazon, including "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": https://a.co/d/d17eDNy
Chapter one dives into not only the background of Donald Trump's personal pastor, Paula White, but goes in-depth into the theological milieu from which she sprang. "The Violent Take It By Force" is one of the most important books of the year. It studies the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) - and exposes some of the links between that movement and the MAGA movement, including their involvement in the Jan 6 riot. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke will discuss it chapter by chapter. Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Dave Johnson's books are also available on Amazon, including "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": https://a.co/d/d17eDNy
Recorded in February, 2025. This is one of the most important books of the year. It studies the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) - and exposes some of the links between that movement and the MAGA movement, including their involvement in the Jan 6 riot. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke will discuss it chapter by chapter. Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ Dave Johnson's books are also available on Amazon, including "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": https://a.co/d/d17eDNy
Adam Swenson writes at https://substack.com/@friendlyneighborhoodphilosopher Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Adam Swenson writes at https://substack.com/@friendlyneighborhoodphilosopher Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
Adam Swenson and Pat Kahnke discuss a mutual friend who FINALLY rejected Trump - we discuss his reasons, and how we can help others in that process. Subscribe to Adam Swenson's Substack https://substack.com/@friendlyneighborhoodphilosopher Read his article "What Might Cause the MAGA Faithful to Lose Faith in Trump?" https://substack.com/home/post/p-158437597 Pat Kahnke's books are available on Amazon: "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump" (2024): https://a.co/d/iVSTqny "MAGA Seduction: Resisting the Debasement of the Christian Conscience" (2020): https://a.co/d/1KNX3uQ
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