Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers – "Joyful, Jolly Warriors"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Extremely American
• Host/Author: NPR
• Season: 2
• Episode: Onward Christian Soldiers: Joyful, Jolly Warriors
• Release Date: August 7, 2024
• Description: This episode delves deep into the movement of Christian nationalism in America, exploring its goals, strategies, and the individuals driving its agenda. Through interviews and on-the-ground reporting, NPR examines how this movement seeks to transform American democracy into a theocracy, marginalizing non-Christians and altering societal norms.

Introduction

In "Joyful, Jolly Warriors," NPR's Heath Druzen and James Dawson investigate the rise of Christian nationalism in America. The episode paints a vivid picture of a movement determined to reshape the nation's foundational principles by embedding Christian doctrine into every facet of government and society. The hosts attend the "Fight Laugh Feast" conference in northern Kentucky, a hub for Christian nationalists, to understand their motivations and strategies.

Key Figures and Movements

Gabe Wrench emerges as a central figure in the movement. Described by Heath Druzen as a "proud Christian nationalist," Gabe advocates for a society governed exclusively by Christian principles. At [01:31], he asserts, “I think that the Christian faith is the ideal moral doctrine and principles for a thriving society. And the farther you get away from that, the more in chaos we descend.” Gabe's influence extends through his popular streaming show, Crosspolitik, which blends fundamentalist religion, politics, and a youthful, edgy aesthetic to attract a broader audience.

Toby Sumter, a pastor and co-host of Crosspolitik, emphasizes the need for intensified Christian nationalism: “[07:20] 'We need to do Christian nationalism even harder.'” His speeches often highlight a militaristic approach to enforcing Christian values, as seen in his rallying cry at [07:15], “What are the steps we should be taking right now to restore Christianity to our nation?”

Stephen Wolf, author of "The Case for Christian Nationalism," presents a more uncompromising stance. At [13:07], he counters Gabe's assertion by stating, “No, they’d be less free, actually. Atheists would be, I think, less free because it would be because you wouldn't want an atheist to be in charge of an institution.”

Andrew Whitehead, an Indiana University professor and Christian nationalist critic, provides a scholarly perspective on the movement's implications for democracy. He reveals alarming statistics, noting that "20% of Americans strongly support Christian nationalism and 30% support it to some degree" ([26:59]).

Strategies and Ideologies

The episode highlights the strategic use of media and technology by Christian nationalists to propagate their message. Gabe Wrench’s Crosspolitik utilizes streaming platforms and social media to engage younger audiences, distancing themselves from the conventional image of megachurch pastors. This modern approach is encapsulated in his description of the show as a “faster pace show” with “a little rough around the edges” ([04:09]).

At the Fight Laugh Feast conference, the movement's ideology is reinforced through communal activities and theological discussions. The conference emphasizes themes like patriarchy and the authority of Jesus in governance. For instance, at [11:10], Gabe Wrench declares, “I want the authority of the Lord Jesus to be confessed by the House. And the Senate, and I want the president to sign it.”

Impact on Society

Gender Roles and Voting Rights: The movement advocates for rigid gender roles, where women are expected to “give life, not take life” ([20:39]). The 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote, is viewed unfavorably. Toby Sumter remarks, “That doesn't mean that women or children don't get a vote. It means that they are heard and represented and vote but through the father husband” ([21:32]). This reflects a desire to revert to a household voting model where only the male head of the household participates in elections.

Religious Exclusivity: Non-Christians, including Jews, Muslims, atheists, and others, face disenfranchisement. Heath Druzen, identifying as Jewish, experiences discomfort as Gabe Wrench subtly suggests that non-believers are societal threats. At [24:12], Guebe Wrench states, “If you don't believe in Jesus, then you're at odds you're at war with God,” labeling Heath as “God's enemy” ([24:49]). This rhetoric underscores the movement's exclusionary stance.

Economic and Social Control: The movement seeks to establish a parallel society where Christian-run businesses dominate. Initiatives like Kingdom Come, a LinkedIn-like platform for Christians, and Christian alternatives to various services (e.g., crowdfunding, Netflix) aim to create self-sustaining Christian communities. Heath Druzen observes, “They have Christian crowdfunding and email, Christian Netflix and a Christian hiring site” ([28:02]).

Challenges and Resistance

Despite their efforts, Christian nationalists face significant challenges. America’s demographic shift towards a more diverse and less Christian population threatens their agenda. Andrew Whitehead warns, “Opposition to democracy comes when they realize or when it becomes more clear that democracy may not return results that they've historically desired” ([25:43]). He emphasizes the importance of defending democratic institutions against attempts to marginalize certain voting blocs.

Internal Conflicts and Violence: While the movement publicly promotes a message of joy and community, the undercurrents suggest potential for conflict. William Wolf, a former Trump administration official, hinted at extreme measures: “In such a time, even the God of peace proclaims by his providence to arms” ([32:54]). This reflects a concerning readiness among some members to use force to achieve their goals.

Conclusion

"Joyful, Jolly Warriors" provides an unflinching look into the inner workings of the Christian nationalist movement in America. Through firsthand accounts and expert analysis, NPR exposes the ideology’s far-reaching implications for democracy, gender equality, and religious freedom. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to preserve America's foundational values against movements seeking to redefine them through exclusion and authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes:

• Gabe Wrench ([01:31]): “I think that the Christian faith is the ideal moral doctrine and principles for a thriving society. And the farther you get away from that, the more in chaos we descend.”

• Toby Sumter ([07:20]): “We need to do Christian nationalism even harder.”

• Stephen Wolf ([13:07]): “No, atheists would be, I think, less free because it would be because you wouldn't want an atheist to be in charge of an institution.”

• Andrew Whitehead ([26:59]): “I think the short term game is to recognize the threat to democracy and who has access to the vote.”

• Gabe Wrench ([24:44]): “If you don't believe in Jesus, then you're at odds you're at war with God.”

Produced By:

• Heath Druzen and James Dawson
• Story Editing: Morgan Springer
• Mixing and Sound Engineering: James Dawson
• Fact-Checking: Naomi Barr
• Additional Reporting: Mary Ellen Pitney
• Special Thanks: Madeline Beck, Sasha Woodruff, Rachel Cohen
• Music: Artlist
• Partner: Boise State Public Radio
• Distribution: NPR Network
• Funding: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

Further Listening:

• Season One: "Extremely American" explores armed militias and their impact on mainstream politics.

Note: This summary omits advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions and narratives.