Culture, Faith and Politics with Pat Kahnke

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

Charlie Sykes joins Pat Kahnke on the podcast today to discuss his former life as a conservative talk radio host, the poisoning of the culture under Trump, and Trump's war against Christianity. Follow Charlie's podcast and newsletter, "To the Contrary", on Substack at: https://charliesykes.substack.com/ Charlie's book "How the Right Lost Its Mind" is available here: https://a.co/d/1htfxOO 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

CHAPTER FOUR: The Way of Justice vs the Way of the Oppressor. A Christian Case Against Donald Trump (Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/61dLfJ0)

CHAPTER THREE: The Way of Truth vs the Way of the Deceiver. A Christian Case Against Donald Trump (Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/61dLfJ0)

CHAPTER TWO: The Way of Peace vs the Way of the Demagogue. A Christian Case Against Donald Trump (Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/61dLfJ0)

CHAPTER ONE: The Way of Jesus vs the Way of the World. A Christian Case Against Donald Trump (Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/cEwG5v8)

Audio version of the prologue to my new book "A Christian Case Against Donald Trump," which is available on Amazon.

The "David Barton's False American Gospel" episode. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke continue their discussion of Tim Alberta's new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." In this episode we discuss Alberta's visit to David Barton and Chad Connelly's "American Restoration Tour", where churches are encouraged to get more political in order to save the nation from destruction.

The "A Visit to Hellscape Church" episode.   Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke continue their discussion of Tim Alberta's new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." In this episode we discuss Alberta's experience with Bill Bolin's Floodgate church, where conspiracy theories abound and right-wing diatribes are the new church growth model.

The "True Discipleship and Artificial Persecution" episode. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss chapter 6 of Tim Alberta's book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory," with an emphasis on two main themes from the chapter - the need for good discipleship, and the overblown claims of persecution of the church in America.

The "Robert Jeffress is Making Trump Palatable for Christians Again" episode. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke continue their discussion of Tim Alberta's new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." This episode focuses on Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, and his efforts to rally Christians around support for Donald Trump despite all of the scandals and obvious lack of character Trump exhibits.

The "They always kill the prophets" Episode Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Tim Alberta's new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." In this episode we discuss Chapter 4, which focuses on Russell Moore and his attempts to be a voice for truth within the Southern Baptist Convention.

The "The Falwells are exactly who we thought they were" episode. Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke continue to discuss Tim Alberta's new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." In this episode we discuss Chapter 3,which focuses on Jerry Falwell Sr., Jerry Falwell Jr., the formation of the Moral Majority, and various shenanigans at Liberty University.

The "Giftedness and Dysfunction" Episode Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Tim Alberta's fantastic new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." This is the third in a series of conversations about the book. In this episode we discuss Chapter 2, in which Tim visits the church of Pastor John Torres, who describes the struggles he's had in recent years to keep his church from splintering over politics.

The "Give us Barabbas!" Episode Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Tim Alberta's fantastic new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." This is the second in a series of conversations about the book. In this episode, we discuss Chapter 1, in which Tim Alberta tells the story of a young pastor struggling to serve Jesus in the midst of a congregation that wants him to take a much more MAGA approach to the issues of the day. We deal with two main questions: What does it look like when patriotism becomes almost a worship of your country? How can pastors and church leaders talk about these issues without tearing their churches apart or "politicizing the pulpit"?

Dave Johnson and Pat Kahnke discuss Tim Alberta's fantastic new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." This is the first in a series of conversations about the book. In this episode, we discuss the prologue, and we each share in depth and at length the broad concerns we have about the relationship between evangelicalism, politics, and culture. Just as Tim Alberta describes in the prologue the events that caused him to write the book, so we describe the events and experiences that caused us to speak publicly about the dangers evangelicals face by aligning with Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.