Best Disarming Leviathan Podcasts (2024)

1
The Spirit of Justice: A Bonus Episode with Jemar Tisby 26:15

3h ago26:15

26:15

On September 3, 2024, author and historian Jemar Tisby's new book The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance officially drops everywhere. Today, I am posting most of the interview I conducted with Jemar for use in my podcast series Telling Jefferson Lies. In this episode, I recreate my questions because of a recording glitch…

1
157. Joel Looper on Another Gospel 48:16

2h ago48:16

48:16

Joel Looper talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity. He also discusses messianic and apocalyptic rhetoric in Trumpism. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, cultu…

1
156. Tripp Fuller of Homebrewed Christianity 55:54

6d ago55:54

55:54

Tripp Fuller of Homebrewed Christianity talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about podcasting, community, and speaking out in public. He also talks about Theology Beer Camp on Oct. 17-19 in Denver. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And …

1
155. Tony Jones on the God of Wild Places 45:59

13d ago45:59

45:59

Tony Jones, a theologian and author, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The God of Wild Places: Rediscovering the Divine in the Untamed Outdoors. He also discusses hunting, death, and ministry. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, a…

1
154. Thomas Jay Oord on Expulsion from Church of the Nazarene 46:10

11d ago46:10

46:10

Thomas Jay Oord, a theologian and author, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about being disciplined by the Church of the Nazarene, which resulted in him losing his preaching credentials and being expelled from membership. He also discusses the church trial process, his defense of affirming LGBTQ+ people, and open and relational theology. L…

1
153. Jenai Auman on Othered 51:00

28d ago51:00

51:00

Jenai Auman, a writer and artist, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized. She also discusses church trauma, the importance of lament, and misuse of Scripture. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witnes…

1
152. Ross Kane on the Good News of Church Politics 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Ross Kane, a professor of theology, ethics, and culture at Virginia Theological Seminary, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Good News of Church Politics. He also discusses local engagement, the biblical word for the church, and the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award…

1
Disarming Leviathan - Bonus Episode with Caleb Campbell 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

On July 2, 2024, Caleb Campbell's new book Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor officially drops everywhere. Today, I am posting most of the interview I conducted with Caleb for use in my podcast series Telling Jefferson Lies. In this episode, I do say I want to smash Christian nationalists, but I hope it is clear that I …

1
151. Andrew Garnett on Christians and the Roman Army 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

Andrew Garnett, pastor Hampton Baptist Church in Virginia, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Christians and the Roman Army: Lessons for Today. He also discusses the impact of the rise of Constantine, differences between leaders and congregants, and Fourth of July services. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning…

1
150. Caleb Campbell on Disarming Leviathan 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

Caleb Campbell, pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. He also discusses Turning Point USA, syncretism, and missionary strategies. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Publi…

1
149. Shirley Mullen on Claiming the Courageous Middle 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

Shirley Mullen, retired president of Houghton College (now University), talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Claiming the Courageous Middle: Daring to Live and Work Together for a More Hopeful Future. She also discusses liberal arts education, listening to others, and embracing middle spaces. Note: Don't forget to subscribe…

1
148. Diana Butler Bass, Adriene Thorne, & Andrew Whitehead on Christian Nationalism & Mainline Protestants 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This episode features the audio from an online book launch for Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. Co-authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood hosted a panel conversation with Dr. Diana Butler Bass, Rev. Adriene Thorne, and Dr. Andrew Whitehead on Christian Nationalism and mainline Protestants. Bass, who w…

1
Ministers of Propaganda - Bonus Episode with Scott Coley 10:29

3M ago10:29

10:29

Excerpts from my interview with Scott Coley, lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University. His new book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right is out this week. In this bonus episode of the podcast series Telling Jefferson Lies, Scott discusses Christo-authoritarianism and the role of justice in over…

1
147. Scott Coley on Ministers of Propaganda 49:22

4M ago49:22

49:22

Scott Coley, a lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right. He also discusses the rhetoric of complementarianism, creation science, and Al Mohler. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our awar…

1
146. Joe Ingle on Too Close to the Flame 49:18

4M ago49:18

49:18

Joe Ingle talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Too Close to the Flame: With the Condemned inside the Southern Killing Machine. He also discusses meeting with politicians and his memories of Will Campbell. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, c…

1
145. Grace Ji-Sun Kim & Susan Shaw on Surviving God 45:10

4M ago45:10

45:10

Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan Shaw talk with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about their new book Surviving God: A New Vision of God through the Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors. They also talk about considering new metaphors for God, reading biblical stories of survivors, and the importance of still finding joy. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our a…

1
144. Elizabeth Neumann on Kingdom of Rage 50:25

4M ago50:25

50:25

Elizabeth Neumann talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace. She also discusses terrorism and 9/11, working in the Trump administration, and how to reach those who have been radicalized. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A…

1
143. Aimee Byrd on the Hope in Our Scars 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

Aimee Byrd talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her forthcoming book The Hope in Our Scars: Finding the Bride of Christ in the Underground of Disillusionment. She also discusses addressing misogyny and patriarchy in church life. She writes a Substack newsletter. More information about the book, including a video series, can be found at …

1
What's So Good About Separation of Church and State? 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

Often debates focus on Christian nationalism and the problems which come from blurring the line between church and state. In this episode, I end the Telling Jefferson Lies series with some thoughts and testimony from experts about what is good about separation. Helping me close out the series are: Randall Balmer, John Phillips Chair in Religion, Da…

1
The O'Connor Question 56:54

4M ago56:54

56:54

In 2005, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor asked an important question for those who would erode separation of church and state: "Why would we trade a system that has served us so well for one that has served others so poorly? " I spend much of this episode affirming that we should not trade. Much of this series has been raising alarm about Christian nat…

1
142. Christa Brown on Baptistland 44:36

4M ago44:36

44:36

Christa Brown talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her forthcoming book Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation. She also discusses advocacy for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, family estrangement, and when denominational leaders do not care. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Publ…

1
Losing Our Religion 50:44

4M ago50:44

50:44

In this segment, I argue that Christian nationalism is bad for religion in general and bad for Christianity in the specific case. This segment sets up the finale which argues that separation of church and state is a benefit to the United States and should be strengthened. If you like experts and multiple voices, this is the segment for you. Here is…

1
America is Not a Christian Nation - Bonus Episode with Randall Balmer 11:04

4M ago11:04

11:04

In this short bonus episode, Dartmouth College professor Randall Balmer provides an introduction to reasons why he doesn't see the U.S. as a Christian nation. Dr. Balmer is the John Phillips Chair in Religion at Dartmouth College. He has spoken at numerous colleges and universities, including where I met him, Grove City College. Balmer has publishe…

1
141. Trey Ferguson on Theologizin' Bigger 48:29

4M ago48:29

48:29

Trey Ferguson, a minister and writer, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly. He also discusses biblical interpretation, inerrancy, and Black Panther. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of…

1
140. Derek Kubilus on Holy Hell 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

Derek Kubilus, a Methodist pastor in Ohio, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Holy Hell: A Case against Eternal Damnation. He also discusses translation issues, Wesleyan teachings, and Star Wars. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and…

1
Consequences of Christian Nationalism 54:32

5M ago54:32

54:32

In general terms, I believe Christian nationalism is bad history, bad politics, and bad religion. In prior episodes, I have concentrated on the bad history. In this segment and the next, I focus mainly on the bad politics. Around the world, religious nationalism is associated with state sponsored violence against citizens, use of force to take poli…

1
Sally Hemings Bonus Episode, Whitewashing Jefferson, Part Three 23:14

5M ago23:14

23:14

As promised, here is the completion of my examination of David Barton's whitewashing of Thomas Jefferson. In our book Getting Jefferson Right: Fact-Checking Claims About Thomas Jefferson, Michael Coulter and I assume the position held by most scholars and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation when it comes to the paternity of Sally Hemings children, i.e.…

1
139. Jim Wallis, Brian Kaylor, & Angela Denker on Christian Nationalism 57:21

5M ago57:21

57:21

Angela Denker, a journalist and Lutheran minister, moderates a discussion with Jim Wallis of the Georgetown Center on Faith and Justice and Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about Christian Nationalism and other issues of faith and politics. A written version of this conversation was previously published at A Public Witness. Denker, author of Red Sta…

1
The True Story of the False Origins of the Seven Mountains Message - Bonus Episode 31:18

5M ago31:18

31:18

This supplements episode 10, Still Searching for Christian America, Part Two. You can listen to this first, but I definitely encourage you to go back and catch up if you do. Everybody in Christian nationalism is talking about the seven mountains message. The message is at the root of much violent rhetoric coming from Christian nationalists but acco…

1
138. Brian Kaylor & Beau Underwood on Baptizing America 47:56

5M ago47:56

47:56

Beau Underwood talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about the forthcoming book they co-authored, Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. They also discuss changing U.S. demographics and how the book came together. Underwood previously appeared on episode 43. Save 33% on Baptizing America with the promo …

1
Still Searching for Christian America, Part Two 49:58

5M ago49:58

49:58

Note: Earlier versions of this segment had a low quality version of a speech by Jerry Falwell. The audio problem has been corrected. In this episode, I describe the National Prayer Breakfast movement, right-wing Christian nationalists, Reconstructionists, and non-denominational charismatic Christian nationalists. My guests for this episode are: Jul…

1
137. Paul Raushenbush on Together We Rise 40:02

5M ago40:02

40:02

Paul Raushenbush, CEO and president of the Interfaith Alliance, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Together We Rise - An Easter Story for All of Us. He also discusses Jesus's teachings, visualizing the story, and interfaith work. He previously appeared on episode 74. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-news…

1
Still Searching for Christian America, Part One 44:41

5M ago44:41

44:41

In 1983, Mark Noll, Nathan Hatch, and George Marsden published a book titled The Search for Christian America. They concluded that there was nothing uniquely Christian in the founding of the United States and there is no Christian America to which to return. In this episode, both Drs. Noll and Marsden join me to say they believe today they were rig…

1
136. David Fitch on Reckoning with Power 45:21

6M ago45:21

45:21

David Fitch, a professor of evangelical theology at Northern Seminary and a member of the pastoral staff at Peace of Christ Church in Westmont, Illinois, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When It's on the Wrong Side of Power. He also discusses politics, megachurches, and privile…

1
Wolfe in Wolf's Clothing 49:47

6M ago49:47

49:47

Stephen Wolfe's book The Case for Christian Nationalism ignited a firestorm of controversy when it was released in 2022. In the book, Wolfe calls for revolt against tyranny and for Christians to mobilize at the state and local level to enact self-conscious Christian governments. In principle, according to Wolfe, Christian state's could use violence…

1
The Capitol Tour Explained - Bonus Episode 28:09

6M ago28:09

28:09

SHOW NOTES: This bonus episode is a supplement to Conspiracy of Silence (Episode Seven of Telling Jefferson Lies). It provides the audio of the Family Research Council Capitol Tour led by David Barton followed by the the response of 35 historians and social scientists who, in 2013, asked FRC to remove the video from social media. You can watch the …

1
135. Eric Seibert on Redeeming Violent Verses 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

Eric Seibert, a professor of Old Testament at Messiah College, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry. He also discusses teaching biblical stories to different age groups, issues of divine violence, and the most violent text in Scripture. Note: D…

1
Conspiracy of Silence 48:20

6M ago48:20

48:20

After David Barton's book The Jefferson Lies was pulled from publication in August, 2012, some Christian organizations wrote critical articles and publicly distanced themselves from Barton and Wallbuilders. Other groups some were caught off guard. The leaders of these groups knew they had false and misleading material being offered to their constit…

1
Whitewashing Jefferson, Part Two 47:38

6M ago47:38

47:38

This is a continuation of last week's episode on whitewashing Jefferson. Today, we specifically take on Barton's contention that Jefferson was a civil rights hero for African Americans and was a strong anti-slavery advocate during his entire life. In fact, after 1784, Jefferson's promising beginning as an opponent of slavery faded away. While he co…

1
134. Janet Kellogg Ray on the God of Monkey Science 53:01

6M ago53:01

53:01

Janet Kellogg Ray, a university biology professor, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book The God of Monkey Science: People of Faith in a Modern Scientific World. She also discusses COVID-19, science denialism, and science education. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps…

1
Whitewashing Jefferson, Part One 45:09

6M ago45:09

45:09

Why did Thomas Nelson pull David Barton's book The Jefferson Lies from publication in 2012? Last week, we started to answer that question. This week we continue to provide specific illustrations of the historical errors which triggered that unprecedented move by Thomas Nelson. In this episode, we focus on the errors regarding race and slavery. We s…

1
133. Michael Wear on the Spirit of Our Politics 47:41

6M ago47:41

47:41

Michael Wear, president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life. He also discusses Dallas Willard, gentleness, and the Buffalo Bills. He previously appeared on episode 22. Note: Don't forget…

1
God's Honest Truth - Bonus Episode 25:25

7M ago25:25

25:25

Since the founding era, Christian nationalists have told and believed myths about the founders and their religious views. Paul Matzko, historian and researcher with the Cato Institute and Anna Berkes, librarian at Monticello's Jefferson Library talk to me about the persistence of these stories throughout the history of the U.S. Then, I fact-check a…

1
132. André Gagné on American Evangelicals for Trump 52:53

7M ago52:53

52:53

André Gagné, a theology professor at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times. He also discusses biblical interpretation and Neocharismatic-Pentecostal leaders like Lance Wallnau and Paula White-Cain. Note: Don'…

1
Getting Jefferson Right 44:24

7M ago44:24

44:24

What was so wrong with The Jefferson Lies that Thomas Nelson decided to pull the book from publication? In this episode, Michael Coulter and Warren Throckmorton start answering that question by pulling material from their book, Getting Jefferson Right. In this episode, we take long looks into Barton’s handling of the Danbury Baptist letter to Thoma…

1
131. Tara Culp-Ressler of Mennonite Action 38:16

7M ago38:16

38:16

Tara Culp-Ressler talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about Mennonite Action, a group that formed to push for an end to the war in Gaza. The group has led multiple public vigils, including one on Capitol Hill that led to arrests as Mennonites peacefully sang hymns in a congressional building. Lean more about Mennonite Action on their website…

1
The Cataclysm 56:52

7M ago56:52

56:52

In 2012, only four months after release, publisher Thomas Nelson removed David Barton's book The Jefferson Lies from publication. Many people blamed or credited a book by Warren Throckmorton and Michael Coulter titled Getting Jefferson Right for moving the publisher in that direction. What happened? Building on the foundation of the first two episo…

1
Where's Waldo the Anointed? 43:27

7M ago43:27

43:27

"You know, he is the where's Waldo of the movement. He's a little bit everywhere." Katherine Stewart, author of Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Christian Nationalism. "He's managed to create a kind of brand in a way for himself through Wallbuilders of being a trusted authority on the American past." Randall Stephens, professor of Am…

1
America's Premier Historian: Origin Story 51:09

8M ago51:09

51:09

In April 2012, Thomas Nelson published The Jefferson Lies, a book about Thomas Jefferson written by David Barton. By August of the same year, the publisher had removed the book from publication. What happened? This series tells that story and so much more. Just over a decade later, the Speaker of the House of Representatives declared his thanks to …

1
130. Ryan Andrew Newson on the End of Civility 48:45

8M ago48:45

48:45

Ryan Andrew Newson, assistant professor of theology and ethics at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book The End of Civility: Christ and Prophetic Division. He also discusses Roger Williams, the civil rights movement, and Quaker activist Benjamin Lay. Listen to an earlier conver…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Disarming Leviathan Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide