Podcast Summary: The Tim & April Show - Episode 2: "How We Became Woke Radical Commies…for Jesus"
Host/Author: The New Evangelicals
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Description: Where we unravel faith, politics, and culture.
1. Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
In this poignant episode, hosts Tim Whitaker and April Ajoy delve deep into their personal journeys from evangelical fundamentalism to embracing progressive Christian beliefs. They aim to provide listeners with an authentic understanding of what propelled them to question and ultimately reject Christian nationalism.
Notable Quote:
Tim Whitaker [02:04]: "Enjoy this episode of me and April's story of how we went from evangelical fundamentalist to radical Marxist commie socialists for Jesus."
2. Personal Backgrounds and Upbringings
Tim's Journey:
Tim recounts his upbringing in a conservative non-denominational Baptist church in New Jersey, heavily influenced by Calvinist theology. Homeschooled for nine years, he was immersed in a strict environment where modern worship was discouraged, and hymns were considered demonic. His father, a passionate drummer, introduced him to drumming within the church, cementing his deep involvement in Christian ministry.
April's Journey:
April shares her experience growing up in a Pentecostal household in Dallas, Texas, where her father and grandfather were prominent preachers. Immersed in a charismatic church environment, she actively participated in mission trips and worship bands, embracing the vibrant and expressive facets of Pentecostalism. Her early years were marked by a strong emphasis on purity culture and strict gender roles.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [14:06]: "I grew up in a very conservative Christian environment... The church I went to, April did not have modern like worship... playing drums in the church."
April Ajoy [22:58]: "I was a pastor's daughter... our church was non-denominational, but my grandfather came from Assemblies of God."
3. Early Influences and Initial Beliefs
Both hosts were deeply entrenched in their respective Christian traditions, which intertwined theology with politics. Tim was active in organizations like Child Evangelism Fellowship, teaching young children about the gospel using tools like the Wordless Book. April, on the other hand, was involved in large-scale evangelistic efforts, believing strongly in America's Christian foundation and the moral imperatives taught by her church.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [17:25]: "I was part of a really beautiful young adult group called 11th Hour... one of the most formative experiences of my life."
April Ajoy [47:02]: "We believe that America was founded as a Christian nation... a well-known name in specific small circles."
4. Recognizing Cracks in Beliefs
Both Tim and April began noticing inconsistencies between their teachings and real-world events. Tim questioned political narratives when conservative media praised Donald Trump despite witnessing behaviors that starkly contrasted evangelical values. April grappled with personal family revelations and observed hypocrisies within her church, especially concerning views on sexuality and leadership.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [08:33]: "Trump has spent 25% of his time in office on the taxpayer dollar, by the way. Golfing."
April Ajoy [33:30]: "I realized how messed up it was when I had said similar things to other people... I just knew I was wrong on other things."
5. Personal Trauma and Its Role in Deconstruction
Tim's father's battle with cancer and subsequent passing profoundly impacted his faith. He struggled with the realization that prayers for healing went unanswered, challenging his foundational beliefs about God's intervention and predestination.
April faced her own crisis when her brother came out as gay, contradicting the rigid doctrines she was taught. This personal revelation forced her to reconcile her love for her family with the intolerant teachings of her upbringing.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [55:25]: "My dad was diagnosed with stage four non-smoker's lung cancer... four months later, he passed... God does not always answer your prayer."
April Ajoy [68:23]: "Six months later, my brother comes out to visit us... 'I've been attracted to the same sex since middle school.'"
6. The Impact of Donald Trump and Political Shifts
The emergence of Donald Trump as a political figure served as a catalyst for both hosts to question the alignment of their faith with the evolving political landscape. Trump's controversial actions and rhetoric, juxtaposed with the evangelical support he garnered, highlighted a dissonance between proclaimed Christian values and political allegiance.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [61:53]: "The moment that Trump gets nominated... his actions were a no-brainer... people started supporting him despite his immorality."
April Ajoy [83:26]: "I was being demonized because I didn't vote for the most antichrist candidate I've ever seen."
7. COVID-19 Pandemic and Further Realizations
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified skepticism towards established evangelical leaders and their responses. Tim observed the shift to online worship, viewing it as unnecessary and conflicting with biblical teachings about the true essence of the church. April witnessed the demonization of protective measures like mask-wearing, challenging the notion of Christian responsibility towards neighborly love.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [72:46]: "I was thinking, 'If Jesus says love your neighbor, why is it tyranny to wear a mask?'"
April Ajoy [87:32]: "I saw firsthand how low my spouse got when they couldn't be themselves... Beecher came out as non-binary."
8. The January 6th Insurrection and Its Aftermath
The January 6th Capitol insurrection was a pivotal moment for both hosts. Witnessing Christians storming the Capitol, waving Christian flags, and praying for their actions to be justified shattered their perception of Christian involvement in politics. This event underscored the dangers of conflating faith with extremist political ideologies.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [81:37]: "I saw a Christian flag, the same one I pledged allegiance to as a child, being paraded around the Senate chambers as a sign of conquest."
April Ajoy [91:16]: "I saw those Jesus flags out there... I realized I had been a Christian nationalist too."
9. Founding the New Evangelicals
In response to the cumulative disillusionment with Christian nationalism, Tim and April founded "The New Evangelicals." Their mission is to expose and resist the intertwining of evangelical faith with extremist political agendas. They aim to foster a community that aligns more closely with the true teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love, inclusivity, and social justice.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Whitaker [103:03]: "The White evangelical Christian nationalism that you see is taking over our country. That's what radicalized us."
April Ajoy [103:58]: "Christian nationalism does not follow the teachings of Jesus... We're going to resist Christian nationalism."
10. Call to Action and Conclusion
Tim and April urge listeners to support their movement by subscribing, liking, and sharing their content. They emphasize the importance of standing against Christian nationalism to preserve both democracy and the authentic Christian faith.
Notable Quote:
Tim Whitaker [104:23]: "They radicalize us to be this way. Now we're going to fight back."
Conclusion:
Episode 2 of The Tim & April Show offers an intimate exploration of two individuals' departures from deeply rooted evangelical beliefs. Through personal anecdotes, critical reflections, and a passionate condemnation of Christian nationalism, Tim Whitaker and April Ajoy illuminate the challenges and necessities of redefining faith in a complex political landscape. Their journey underscores the importance of authenticity, love, and resilience in the pursuit of a faith that aligns with the true essence of Jesus' teachings.
How to Listen:
For those interested in hearing the full conversation, the episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms. Engage with Tim and April by subscribing to their channel and joining their live discussions every Monday and Thursday.
Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it.