Evangelicals for Harris? The Changing Face of Faith in Politics with Katherine Stewart

We start this conversation with returning guest Katherine Stewart, acclaimed author and journalist, who takes us behind the scenes of the Democratic National Convention, where she moderated a groundbreaking interfaith panel that explored the shifting landscape of faith in American politics. The panel featured prominent Congressman Jared Huffman and Congressman Jamie Raskin, two members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and Professor Khyati Joshi, a scholar and thought leader on the intersecting issues of race, religion and immigration in the United States.

The conversation then turned towards the growing movement of evangelicals who are breaking away from traditional conservative alignments and finding common ground with the Democratic Party’s focus on the common good and social justice. We then shift to explore the diversity within evangelicalism in America and the influence of the religious right on politics and society.

Recent reporting: Anti-Trump evangelical Christians make the case for Harris  

Finally, Katherine gives us a bit of a teaser about her new and upcoming book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" coming out early 2025. In the book, Katherine sheds light on the powerful forces driving the Christian nationalist movement, funded by billionaires with an agenda that extends far beyond religious conviction.

In her deeply reported book, Katherine Stewart explores the alarming rise of anti-democratic sentiment in America by immersing readers in the world of conspiracy theorists, extremist churches, and reactionary political movements. She profiles a diverse array of actors—from reactionary Catholic activists to atheist billionaires, and from pseudo-Platonist intellectuals to militia members—who, despite their conflicting agendas, are united in their efforts to undermine democracy. Through her meticulous reporting and analysis, Stewart sheds light on the authoritarian backlash in the U.S., revealing the moral decline of conservatism and offering insights into how democracy can be safeguarded in the future.

Her previous book, "The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism" was turned into a Rob Reiner Documentary 'God & Country.' We were fortunate to have spoken with the director Dan Portland about the film, you can watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/qNLH7pzNNW4?si=nOKdnd88gQRKjrHV

Links to both of Katherine's books are below: 

• The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism 
• Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (Pre-Order) 
• To learn more about our guest, visit her website: https://katherinestewart.me/about/