Replay: Counterterrorism & Christian Nationalism w/Elizabeth Neumann

Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary for Threat Prevention and Security Policy in the US Department of Homeland Security, discusses the rise of Christian extremism in the country. She shares her personal experience on 9/11 and how it led her to work in Homeland Security. Neumann highlights the security failures on January 6th and the connection between the Trump administration and the empowerment of extremist movements. She emphasizes the need for the Christian community to address and push back against violence and extremism within their own ranks. Neumann also discusses her faith journey and the importance of aligning her politics with her faith. 

In part two of the conversation, Elizabeth Neumann discusses the solutions to combat Christian extremism. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and examining our own participation in cycles that lead to radicalization. Neumann suggests that changing the media structure and reducing the influence of fear-based news could contribute to a healthier society. She also highlights the need for grassroots efforts within churches and communities to address the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization. Neumann emphasizes the role of the church in providing answers to the unmet needs of belonging and significance, which are key factors in radicalization. She calls for a return to the teachings of Jesus and the practice of love, kindness, and gentleness as a counterexample to the divisive and extremist tendencies in society. 

Neumann also addresses the role of the church in addressing the rise of Christian extremism and the need to establish norms of kindness, patience, and gentleness. She emphasizes the importance of de-escalating hostility and reducing the number of people susceptible to radicalization. Finally, Neumann discusses the potential consequences of another Trump term, including the empowerment of extremist ideologies and the erosion of guardrails in national security and domestic policy.

Buy Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace: https://a.co/d/elWZ4Ib

Guest Bio:
Neumann's tenure spans the George W. Bush administration, initially focusing on the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Education. Transitioning to the White House post-9/11, she joined the Homeland Security Council, collaborating with security agencies to combat terrorism. Serving as executive assistant to Homeland Security Advisor John A. Gordon, she later became associate director of the Domestic Counterterrorism Directorate. Neumann then advised the Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment, contributing to the 2007 White House National Strategy for Information Sharing. Additionally, she assisted businesses with cyber security and risk assessments and aided DHS in threat assessments and regional field office establishment.