Giving Birth to Christian Supremacy w/Matthew Taylor, Ph.D

In this episode, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Matthew D. Taylor, a senior Protestant scholar, to discuss the recent IVF ruling in Alabama and its ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Christian nationalism. They explore the background of the NAR and its influence on American politics, particularly in relation to abortion. The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, Tom Parker, is examined, highlighting his use of biblical and theological arguments in his concurring opinion.

The conversation sheds light on the NAR's extreme views on abortion and their belief in spiritual warfare. This conversation explores the IVF politics and disagreements among right-wing and conservative politicians. It delves into the implications of IVF politics and the preservation of embryos. The desire for radical change and the theological treatise in Tom Parker's ruling is discussed, along with the extrapolation of the ruling and the desire for societal transformation.

The NAR's approach to biblical interpretation and prophecy is examined, as well as the impact of rulings on different religious communities. The conversation also explores the implications of the ruling on democracy and religious freedom, and the tectonic shift in the religious right and the threat to democracy.

Learn more:

Alabama justice's ties with farright Christian movement raise concern

How the Alabama IVF Ruling Was Influenced by Christian Nationalism

The Right to a Private Life Is Under Attack

Guest Bio:

Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Protestant Scholar at ICJS, focusing on Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, U.S. religious politics, and American Islam. He previously taught at Georgetown University and The George Washington University and is a member of the American Academy of Religion and the North American Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies. Taylor earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies and Muslim-Christian Relations from Georgetown University and an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He authored "Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians’ America" and created the audio-documentary series "Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation," exploring extremist Christian networks' role in the January 6th Insurrection. His upcoming book, "The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian movement that is threatening our democracy," is set for Fall 2024 publication.