The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy w/Matthew Taylor, Ph.D.

The conversation explores the rise of Christian nationalism and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in American politics. The guest, Matthew Taylor, discusses the theological and social shifts within the religious right, the influence of charismatic Christianity, and the role of violence in their beliefs. The conversation also delves into the four quadrant model of American Christianity and the impact of charismatic leaders like Paula White. The chapter titles could include 'The Rise of Christian Nationalism', 'Understanding the New Apostolic Reformation', 'The Theology of Violence', and 'The Paradox of Empowering Women'. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement, led by figures like C. Peter Wagner, has had a significant impact on American Christianity and politics. The NAR combines charismatic worship music with political activism, using worship as a way to insert religion into public debates. This worship music industrial complex has enculturated the far right of America to see themselves as the true worshipers of God, standing against the idolatry and demonic realm that surrounds them. The NAR movement is on the upswing, with its ideas becoming more mainstream among American evangelicals. It has also infiltrated the militia movement and white nationalist scripts.

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Guest Bio:

Matthew D. Taylor, Ph.D., is a Senior Scholar and the Protestant Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam. His book, Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians’ America (Cambridge University Press), offers an introduction to the oft-misunderstood Salafi movement in the U.S. by way of comparison with American Evangelicalism. He is also the creator of the acclaimed audio-documentary series Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation, which details how networks of extremist Christian leaders helped instigate the January 6th Insurrection.

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