Inside the NAR and Theo Bros Movements with Kiera Butler, Senior Editor at Mother Jones

This podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Kiera Butler, a senior editor at Mother Jones. The conversation revolves around two significant topics: the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and the influence of "Theo Bros." Butler shares insights from her investigative reporting on the entanglement of Christian nationalism with far-right political movements, specifically the NAR’s role in shaping local communities and its ties to influential figures like Donald Trump. The episode highlights the overlaps between religious extremism and political activism, with a focus on movements like NAR that combine charismatic Christian theology with political goals, such as dominionism and the Seven Mountains Mandate. Butler also explores the rise of the "Theo Bros," a younger generation of militant, conservative Christian men influenced by Calvinist doctrine and figures like Doug Wilson.

To Understand JD Vance, You Need to Meet the “TheoBros”

Christian Nationalists Dream of Taking Over America. This Movement Is Actually Doing It

Guest Bio:

Kiera Butler is a senior editor at Mother Jones and the author of the book Raise: What 4-H Teaches 7 Million Kids—and How Its Lessons Could Change Food and Farming Forever (UC Press, November 2014).

At Mother Jones, Kiera writes and edits stories about the environment, nutrition, health, and agriculture, including her award-winning column, Econundrums. Her piece about a dietitians’ convention sponsored by McDonald’s was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered.

Kiera’s work through the Climate Desk collaboration has been published in the Atlantic‘s CityLab, Wired.com, Slate, and Grist. Kiera lives in Oakland, California. Her favorite ride at the county fair is the Matterhorn.