Loving Haters In the Trump Era - With the Artist Formerly Known as Mona - 124

Irenicast - A Progressive Christian Podcast

How does loving haters work in the Trump era? A year and a half into Donald Trump’s presidency, what do we see when we look across the aisle? Jeff and Allen welcome back Mel (The artist formerly known as Mona) to revisit episode 90, in which they resist cheap peace, struggle with the tension of loving those who vilify the vulnerable, and wonder aloud about the lack of practical vision for the beloved community. Inside you’ll hear about Narcissism, conflict resolution, neuroscience research on political motivation, protest, the Christian Right, neoliberal shortcomings, and, to cap it all off, a round of Sound Charades.

This episode was inspired by Irenicast listener, Deena, who writes,

“Hi! I just listened to episode 90 and I'm curious if you plan on doing a second episode as a follow up to it. I know you were really trying to maintain an even keel and make room for all sides. I think for many of us, at this point in time, are struggling with the command to love our neighbors when our neighbors are vilifying vulnerable people in our society. How are we to heap love on a president that lies and looks out only for himself?”

Conversation on Loving Haters in the Trump Era (04:08)

Sound Charades Segment (53:07)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Loving Haters in the Trump Era

• Why Christian Hegemony is Bad News for Christianity – Mona Drops By For a Visit – 110 (Last Irenicast episode with Mel, aka the Artist Formerly Known as Mona)
• Atmosphere of Fear – Action, Motivation, Control – 090 (Irenicast episode we revisit in this episode)
• Gamergate controversy (Wiki)
• Study Predicts Political Beliefs With 83 Percent Accuracy (Article)
• NPD Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Wiki)
• Does Trump Suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder? (Article)
• The biblical story the Christian right uses to defend Trump (Article)
• New data shows US hate crimes continued to rise in 2017 (Article)

From Our Sound Charades Segment

• Word Generator

Keep in Touch With Mel

• Impasse Project - an interactive set of resources that helps groups practice skills of courageous dialogue.
• Yes Commander - Mel’s Rock band

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IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [e-mail]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O’Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff’s other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O’Brien | co-host | [e-mail]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen’s brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

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CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

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