Why do many Christian nationalists think Trump is chosen by God to lead the country? We talk with Bradley Onishi about the ties between Christian nationalism and political and judicial leaders. Onishi became a Christian nationalist and a youth minister in his teens and then left the church. He is the author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism — and What Comes Next, and he cohosts a podcast about religion and politics called Straight White American Jesus. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted radio hour, linguist Ann.
Curzan says she gets a lot of.
Complaints about people using the pronoun they.
To refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is.
The history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
This is FRESH AIR.
I am Terry Gross.
Christian nationalism, including an extreme version advocated by the group the new apostolic reformation, the NAR has become influential in american government and parts of the judicial system.
The NAR advocates for christian dominion over government, religion, family, business, education, arts and entertainment, and the media.
According to the NAR, some of its opponents are afflicted by demons which must be cast out through exorcism.
The NAR has aligned itself with Donald Trump in efforts to overturn the election.
Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, has said hes been profoundly influenced by Dan Cummins, a christian nationalist activist.
A flag associated with the NAR hangs outside Johnsons office.
An Alabama Supreme Court decision just made it illegal to destroy frozen fertilized embryos that are used in infertility treatments because those embryos are people.
The chief justice of the court wrote a concurring opinion that says even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory.
My guest, Brad Onishi, not only studies christian nationalism, he used to be part of that movement.
He left after studying theology at Oxford University.