Conspirituality Podcast Episode 268: Rogan’s Christian President

Introduction and Media Landscape

The episode begins with the hosts, Derek Barris, Matthew Remsky, and Julian Walker, delving into the current state of mainstream media and its challenges. Kristen Bell outlines the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show, attributing it to the looming $8 billion merger between CBS's parent company, Paramount, and Skydance Media. Bell notes, “[...] this merger will create a behemoth worth $28 billion” (04:15), highlighting concerns about media consolidation and the potential suppression of diverse voices.

Derek Barris emphasizes the alarming trend of local journalism being severely underfunded, pointing out, “some of our local affiliates here get up to 90% of their funding from NPR or PBS” (03:21). This underfunding threatens the sustainability of local news outlets crucial for informed communities.

Bari Weiss and Media Manipulation

The discussion shifts to Bari Weiss, a prominent figure in the media landscape, whose trajectory the hosts scrutinize. Kristen Bell describes Weiss’s rise from a Substack blog to founding The Free Press, seeking a valuation of up to $250 million (05:58). The hosts express skepticism about Weiss’s independence, suggesting that her substantial funding from conservative and libertarian investors like Marc Andreessen and Paul Marshall may influence her editorial stance. Bell asserts, “the very accusations of audience capture ideological bias and collaborating on censorship that Weiss and her outfit, cosplayed as opposing, are now openly for sale to the highest bidder” (16:03).

Derek Barris adds, “she is going to be beholden to whoever is writing those checks” (08:41), underscoring the potential conflict between financial backing and editorial independence. The conversation underscores the strategic alliances formed between media figures and oligarchs, raising concerns about the integrity and objectivity of independent media voices.

RFK Jr. and Conspiracy Theories

The episode also touches upon Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) and his controversial stance on vaccines and public health. Kristen Bell highlights a lawsuit filed by Children's Health Defense against RFK Jr., accusing him of failing to establish a task force for safer childhood vaccines (26:04). The hosts critique this move as a tactic to further distrust in vaccines, with Derek Barris noting, “Kennedy has never seemed to want to answer things he doesn't want to address” (28:19). This aligns with a broader pattern of leveraging legal actions to advance anti-vaccine narratives, exacerbating public health challenges.

Matthew Remsky criticizes the lawsuit, stating, “it looks like a way to give political cover to something the Secretary may want to do anyway” (29:03), suggesting that the lawsuit may be more about political maneuvering than genuine concern for vaccine safety.

James Talarico: Rogan’s Christian President

A significant portion of the episode focuses on James Talarico, a 36-year-old Texas state representative and Presbyterian pastor, who recently appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast. The hosts explore Talarico’s influence and the implications of his dual role as a legislator and religious leader.

Talarico's Sermons and Theology

James Talarico is portrayed as a charismatic figure challenging Christian nationalism. In his sermons, Talarico emphasizes the importance of consent and critiques the misuse of religious authority in politics. At 42:35, Talarico states:

“There is a cancer on our religion. Until we confess the sin that is Christian nationalism and exorcise it from our churches, our religion can do a lot more damage than a six pack of Lone Star.”

This statement sets the tone for his advocacy against intertwining religion with political power. The hosts commend his eloquence and passion, noting, “[...] his delivery in general in these sermons is very powerful” (41:51).

Appearance on Joe Rogan

During his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Talarico made a compelling case for running for president, which Rogan endorsed by saying, “you should run for president” (38:25). The hosts analyze this endorsement, suggesting that Rogan’s platforming of Talarico signals a shift towards integrating progressive Christian values into mainstream politics.

Kristen Bell reflects on the potential impact of such figures, stating, “If you want to know who’s going to break that [cognitive dissonance],” referring to Christians grappling with reconciling faith and modern societal values (47:16).

Impact and Implications

The hosts discuss the broader implications of Talarico’s rise. Derek Barris warns, “This means that conspiracy theories, anti woke talking points, pseudoscience peddlers, Christian nationalists and other reactionary voices at the heart of dismantling our democracy right now will continue to be legitimized” (17:48). They express concern that Talarico’s theological arguments might blend religious authority with legislative power, potentially undermining the separation of church and state.

Matthew Remsky, however, presents a more nuanced view, acknowledging Talarico’s progressive legislative efforts while critiquing his theological justifications. Remsky notes Talarico’s active engagement in legislative reform, such as pushing for school reform and banning reality TV policing, suggesting that his political actions align with his sermons against Christian nationalism.

Theological Debates and Criticisms

A heated debate unfolds among the hosts regarding Talarico’s use of biblical narratives to justify pro-choice politics. Kristen Bell criticizes Talarico’s approach, arguing that he’s “shoehorning pro Choice politics into what? The Holy Spirit asking the Virgin Mary's consent for the immaculate conception of Jesus” (57:28). Derek Barris and Dax Shepard engage in a back-and-forth, debating whether Talarico appropriately contextualizes biblical metaphors within modern political discourse.

Dax Shepard contends that Talarico is engaging in a “theological formation” aimed at ministerial and legislative training, emphasizing that his arguments are rooted in liberative theology rather than authoritarian religious dogma. Conversely, Derek Barris insists that Talarico’s presentation remains grounded in literal metaphysics, undermining purely metaphorical interpretations (60:25).

Concluding Insights and Analysis

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the complexities of integrating religious beliefs with political action. They acknowledge Talarico’s potential as a progressive force within the Christian community while maintaining caution about the dangers of religious authority influencing legislative processes.

Derek Barris summarizes the crux of the issue:

“He is not doing what you think he's doing. [...] He is putting God in a role as if it's something real. [...] he is putting God in a role as if it's something real” (62:47).

Kristen Bell echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of separating religious metaphysics from political morality to prevent compromised governance based on theological interpretations.

Notable Quotes

• Kristen Bell on media consolidation:

  “This merger will create a behemoth worth $28 billion” (04:15).

• Derek Barris on local journalism funding:

  “some of our local affiliates here get up to 90% of their funding from NPR or PBS” (03:21).

• Bari Weiss’s influence:

  “the very accusations of audience capture ideological bias and collaborating on censorship that Weiss and her outfit, cosplayed as opposing, are now openly for sale to the highest bidder” (16:03).

• James Talarico’s stance on Christian nationalism:

  “There is nothing Christian about Christian nationalism. It is the worship of power, social power, economic power, political power in the name of Christ” (42:35).

• Talarico on consent in creation:

  “Creation has to be done with consent. You cannot force someone to create. Creation is one of the most sacred acts that we engage in as human beings.” (57:10).

Conclusion

In this episode, "Conspirituality" navigates the intricate web of media consolidation, the rise of influential media figures like Bari Weiss, and the emergence of religiously motivated political leaders like James Talarico. The hosts critically examine how conspiracy theories and spiritual ideologies intertwine, potentially undermining public health and democratic principles. Through nuanced discussions and insightful critiques, the episode underscores the importance of safeguarding independent journalism and maintaining a clear separation between religion and politics to preserve societal well-being.