I joined Americans United a while ago. I did that for a number of reasons, one of which is that as an atheist I would feel a target should these Christian nationalists achieve the power they seek. I firmly believe that morality and religious belief do not necessarily go together.
Jess, thank you so much for replaying this interview! While I was listening, I signed up & donated to Americans United. I also purchased Andrew's books. I can't wait to start reading them! I am so inspired by what he said! This is what I've been railing against for years - morality vs religion. How many times have I encountered unchristian Christians? Remember the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) years? The desks at work with those stickers all over occupied by people who gossiped and worked as little as possible! Don't get me started. Andrew said so much of what I have believed. Thank you! So much of what has happened over the years now makes sense to me - I see where it's been coming from.
Senator Ted Kennedy gave a brilliant speech, Truth and Tolerance in America, to students at Liberty Baptist College when he was inadvertently sent a membership to the Moral Majority owing to a computer error. He talks about the value of a pluralistic society in which no one individual has a monopoly on the truth and no religious faith deserves more respect than any other. It was in 1985, I believe. I used to show it to my public speaking students as an example of how to address a “hostile audience.”
Thank you for having this guest. I had heard of this group and was considering leaving a part of my estate to it. This confirms that this is just the group for me to benefit.
This was a great interview. I took a course in college about world religions and loved it. The different religions are so interesting. I’m definitely going to get my hands on one of Andrew’s books. I just don’t understand why Christian’s want to force their religion on everyone.
If you look at the history of Christianity in its entirety it's been rare that Christians haven't done that. The current Christian nationalist movement is just an extension of things like forced conversions of native Americans that took place here throughout much of our history. And the people who want that now have always wanted a Christian neofascist theocracy. They just didn't have much power until their 'prophet' came along and made a deal with them for votes.
This was absolutely brilliant, start to finish, and I’m so grateful to now know about Seidel and his organization. What a great speaker! A joy to listen to. Wonderful job, Jess, on the interview: THANK YOU for being the beautiful bad girl you are, not reading your bible and all, and for bringing this conversation to us.
Thank you both for this enlightening discussion. I was raised a Catholic and still am one but I’m also a retired teacher. I can see the value of seeing both sides and the value of believing in “and” instead of “or”. Holding opposing ideas in our heads and hearts with and not using or.
The founders of our country knew what they were doing when they put separation of church and state in our constitution.
Thank you, Jess, for this excellent presentation. The information provided by Andrew Seidel turns the ugliest C.N. dichotomies into a jigsaw puzzle that puts together clear and beautiful. Everyone needs to be privy to this kind of diagnostic approach to the disease of Christian Nationalism. I was raised in and educated by this dogma - it's as mind and soul bending as any narcotic and perpetrated by those unwilling, abusive of freedom and addicted to unlawful power of all sorts. Thanks again and again to you and Mr. Seidel!!
Two comments. One is that some of my ancestors were Quakers, and they suffered persecution for not being part of the Church of England. The King was head of the government and also head of the church. The founders knew that was something to be avoided in America. Second, I've noticed the people who proclaim their Christianity most loudly are the ones who act the least according to Jesus' teachings.
Thank you, Jess, for your work and podcast, and for providing this terrific interview to all of us. I just listened to it and will read the book asap. As Andrew points out, America's unique form of government is, of course, secular (a seemingly incomprehensible concept for many, these days anyway). --- I'm almost 80 years old. I think I was in the third grade when "under God" was added to The Pledge. I didn't give it much thought at the time, but it seems evident "they" have been at this Christian-nationalizing business for decades. One more thing: Try reciting the pledge both ways - aloud, to yourself. Doesn't it seem vastly stronger in its original form? Adding "under God" (whatever that means) was a performative, nonsensical gesture that weakened the whole intent of the oath, just knocked the stuffing out of it, IMHO.
I joined Americans United a while ago. I did that for a number of reasons, one of which is that as an atheist I would feel a target should these Christian nationalists achieve the power they seek. I firmly believe that morality and religious belief do not necessarily go together.
Solidarity
Thank you so much for being a longtime member, Bill! You fuel our work.
I recently joined AU as well, and for the same reasons.
Jess, thank you so much for replaying this interview! While I was listening, I signed up & donated to Americans United. I also purchased Andrew's books. I can't wait to start reading them! I am so inspired by what he said! This is what I've been railing against for years - morality vs religion. How many times have I encountered unchristian Christians? Remember the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) years? The desks at work with those stickers all over occupied by people who gossiped and worked as little as possible! Don't get me started. Andrew said so much of what I have believed. Thank you! So much of what has happened over the years now makes sense to me - I see where it's been coming from.
You will love his books. It’s one of those that you fill up the margins. He’s a great author, great speaker, and he is working for such a good cause.
Thank you so much for your donation! Our members fuel our work!
Senator Ted Kennedy gave a brilliant speech, Truth and Tolerance in America, to students at Liberty Baptist College when he was inadvertently sent a membership to the Moral Majority owing to a computer error. He talks about the value of a pluralistic society in which no one individual has a monopoly on the truth and no religious faith deserves more respect than any other. It was in 1985, I believe. I used to show it to my public speaking students as an example of how to address a “hostile audience.”
W😳W! I just love your Stack…thank you for your tenacity, boldness, and dedication!🖐🏼
Rebecca - you’ve “got Jess” 😉
One of many worker bee gems in this hive!
Thank you for having this guest. I had heard of this group and was considering leaving a part of my estate to it. This confirms that this is just the group for me to benefit.
Thank you, friend.
Excellent move Deborah. Thank you from us all!
Thank you so much, Deborah. If you'd like any additional information about our work or the organization, please email americansunited@au.org.
Wonderful note you’ve left here! Leaving money to an organization doing such powerful, democratic work!
Thank You,Jess, for sharing your podcast interview with us this morning ☕ was terrific and will reStack ASAP 💯👍🇺🇸💙🌊🌊
I plan to listen to the interview with Andrew Seidel on Christian nationalism and the separation of church and state but I'm already on board.
https://ffrf.org/
Freedom From Religion Foundation
I love that organization as well
This was a great interview. I took a course in college about world religions and loved it. The different religions are so interesting. I’m definitely going to get my hands on one of Andrew’s books. I just don’t understand why Christian’s want to force their religion on everyone.
If you look at the history of Christianity in its entirety it's been rare that Christians haven't done that. The current Christian nationalist movement is just an extension of things like forced conversions of native Americans that took place here throughout much of our history. And the people who want that now have always wanted a Christian neofascist theocracy. They just didn't have much power until their 'prophet' came along and made a deal with them for votes.
Yes, this is true. The conversion of the native Americans stands out in my mind.
This was absolutely brilliant, start to finish, and I’m so grateful to now know about Seidel and his organization. What a great speaker! A joy to listen to. Wonderful job, Jess, on the interview: THANK YOU for being the beautiful bad girl you are, not reading your bible and all, and for bringing this conversation to us.
Sweet good humor too
Thank you both for this enlightening discussion. I was raised a Catholic and still am one but I’m also a retired teacher. I can see the value of seeing both sides and the value of believing in “and” instead of “or”. Holding opposing ideas in our heads and hearts with and not using or.
The founders of our country knew what they were doing when they put separation of church and state in our constitution.
Thank you, Jess, for this excellent presentation. The information provided by Andrew Seidel turns the ugliest C.N. dichotomies into a jigsaw puzzle that puts together clear and beautiful. Everyone needs to be privy to this kind of diagnostic approach to the disease of Christian Nationalism. I was raised in and educated by this dogma - it's as mind and soul bending as any narcotic and perpetrated by those unwilling, abusive of freedom and addicted to unlawful power of all sorts. Thanks again and again to you and Mr. Seidel!!
Thank you Jess,
You continue to introduce me to people like Andrew that help my understanding of what is happening in America. My list of books to read gets longer!!
PS I have forwarded this podcast to friends I know would want to hear it!
Jess you are my Hero!
Jess, my version of Mr. Seidel's statement:
Neither a state that believes it's a religion nor a religion that believes it's a state is either.
Thank you both!
Two comments. One is that some of my ancestors were Quakers, and they suffered persecution for not being part of the Church of England. The King was head of the government and also head of the church. The founders knew that was something to be avoided in America. Second, I've noticed the people who proclaim their Christianity most loudly are the ones who act the least according to Jesus' teachings.
Thank you, Jess, for your work and podcast, and for providing this terrific interview to all of us. I just listened to it and will read the book asap. As Andrew points out, America's unique form of government is, of course, secular (a seemingly incomprehensible concept for many, these days anyway). --- I'm almost 80 years old. I think I was in the third grade when "under God" was added to The Pledge. I didn't give it much thought at the time, but it seems evident "they" have been at this Christian-nationalizing business for decades. One more thing: Try reciting the pledge both ways - aloud, to yourself. Doesn't it seem vastly stronger in its original form? Adding "under God" (whatever that means) was a performative, nonsensical gesture that weakened the whole intent of the oath, just knocked the stuffing out of it, IMHO.
"Under God" was added during the "Godless Commie" scare promoted by those not liking the "Socialist" policies of FDR.
It was between my 1st grade and 2nd grade that under God was added. It interrupted my memorized recitation of the pledge. Eisenhower was President.
Agee with you.