Conspirituality: Bonus Sample

Episode Title: Antifascist Christianity: Black Jesus (Pt. 2)
Release Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Matthew Remski
Summary Prepared By: Conspirituality Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode, Matthew Remski continues his in-depth exploration of "Antifascist Christianity" by contrasting the images of "White Jesus" and "Black Jesus," and examining the implications these theological symbols have for political engagement, especially in the context of American religiosity, fascism, and social justice. This second part builds on Part 1 and situates Bonhoeffer’s transformation as a pivotal case for understanding how Christianity can either reinforce systems of oppression or serve as a tool of liberation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap and Framing

• Matthew Remski recalls Part 1, where he examined Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s journey from upholding a vision of "White Jesus" rooted in European empire and order, to embracing "Black Jesus" – a liberatory figure tied to the struggle and solidarity of Harlem churches.
• He links these themes to present-day phenomena such as Christian nationalism and MAGA-aligned movements ([00:03]).

2. White Jesus vs. Black Jesus

• White Jesus: Tied to colonialism and racial capitalism; reassures the powerful and relieves them of a sense of responsibility for justice—"everything is already accomplished, which relieves them of the burden of justice even as systems of oppression continue outside the arena."

  “White Jesus was born from colonialism and racial capitalism while Black Jesus emerges from solidarity with suffering.”
  —Matthew Remski ([02:30])

• Black Jesus: Emerges from oppressed communities as a symbol of solidarity, care, and vulnerability; most powerfully reflected in the Harlem churches that influenced Bonhoeffer.

3. Effect on Christian Music and Ritual

• Remski draws a vivid contrast between the “triumphalist mighty fortress hymns of the Lutheran tradition” and the “trembling grief of ‘Were You There?’” to illustrate theological divergence:

  “The contrast between the triumphalist mighty fortress hymns... and the trembling grief of ‘Were you there?’ really captured Bonhoeffer’s turn towards a faith that was grounded in vulnerability and antifascist hope.”
  —Matthew Remski ([03:10])

4. Typology of Religious-Political Orientations

• Cristofascists: Easily categorized as the extreme right.
• New Age Centrists: Claim to be apolitical but often drift rightwards due to individualism and conspiratorial thinking (e.g., believing Donald Trump as a "lightworker").
• Progressive/New Age Subset: Small group (ex: Marianne Williamson’s followers) who embrace spirituality for social change, but are critiqued for lack of practical political commitment when “the shit hits the fan.”

  “When the shit hits the fan, Williamson doesn't ultimately see politics as a form of conflict, and so she's going to wind up doing very little to mitigate fascism.”
  —Matthew Remski ([04:00])

• Sharply Left-Wing Christianity: Exemplified by the social gospel and Bonhoeffer’s sacrifice, characterized by “care and equality” and authentic engagement with political and social risks for the sake of the oppressed.

5. Challenge of the "Mushy Middle"

• Remski critiques the “mushy middle of religiosity” that resists both the social gospel and socialism, and often enables the status quo, impeding genuine anti-fascist and just action.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “White Jesus was born from colonialism and racial capitalism while Black Jesus emerges from solidarity with suffering.”
  —Matthew Remski ([02:30])

• “The contrast between the triumphalist mighty fortress hymns... and the trembling grief of ‘Were you there?’ really captured Bonhoeffer’s turn towards a faith that was grounded in vulnerability and antifascist hope.”
  —Matthew Remski ([03:10])

• “When the shit hits the fan, Williamson doesn't ultimately see politics as a form of conflict, and so she's going to wind up doing very little to mitigate fascism.”
  —Matthew Remski ([04:00])

Important Timestamps

• 00:03: Episode intro, Bonhoeffer’s journey, White Jesus v. Black Jesus.
• 01:30: Ties between Christian nationalism, MAGA stadium events, and theology enabling oppression.
• 02:30: Citing Reggie Williams, Cedric Robinson, and others on the origins of White and Black Jesus.
• 03:10: Contrast in religious music and rituals highlighting Bonhoeffer's transformation.
• 03:45: Introduction of typologies—Christofascists, New Age centrists, and progressive exceptions.
• 04:00: Critique of Marianne Williamson as insufficiently engaged politically.

Overall Tone & Language

• Analytical and deeply reflective, blending rigorous cultural critique with historical context.
• Direct and unflinching in confronting uncomfortable realities, but also grounded in scholarship and empathy for communities resisting oppression.

Additional Notes

• The episode is part of "The Woodshed" series, in which Matthew collects stories and frameworks for understanding antifascist religious tradition.
• The host invites listeners to his personal TikTok @antifascistdad, signaling ongoing engagement with these themes outside the main podcast feed ([00:40]).

This summary covers all key thematic and analytical material presented in the available segment. For the full deep-dive, listeners are encouraged to access the complete episode via Patreon.