MONEY, LIES, AND GOD: INSIDE THE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY with author and investigative journalist Katherine Stewart
MONEY, LIES, AND GOD: INSIDE THE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY with author and investigative journalist Katherine Stewart  
Podcast: Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other
Published On: Tue Feb 18 2025
Description: In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes investigative journalist and author Katherine Stewart back to the show. Katherine has spent over 15 years researching and reporting on religious nationalism and its impact on American democracy. Her new book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, exposes the deep financial and ideological networks fueling Christian nationalism and the broader anti-democratic movement. This conversation explores how extreme wealth, disinformation, and religious nationalism are being weaponized against democracy—and what we can do about it. 📌 What We Discuss How Katherine Stewart uncovered the deeper connections between Christian nationalism and the assault on democracy. The role of money and misinformation in fueling anti-democratic movements. The reactionary nihilism driving today’s far-right ideologies. The influence of Carl Schmitt’s philosophy on modern authoritarian movements. The connection between Christian nationalism and billionaire-funded political agendas. How we can protect democracy and fight back against these movements. ⏳ Episode Highlights [00:00:00] – Introduction to Katherine Stewart Corey introduces Katherine Stewart, her investigative work, and her new book Money, Lies, and God. [00:03:00] – The Origins of Her Investigation Katherine shares how her research started with Good News Clubs infiltrating public schools and evolved into uncovering a broader movement attacking democracy. [00:12:00] – The Enlightenment Ideals America Was Founded On How fundamental American values like pluralism and democracy are under attack by Christian nationalist movements. [00:19:00] – The Role of Money, Lies, and Christian Nationalism How billionaires, propaganda, and religious nationalism work together to undermine democracy. [00:28:00] – The Psychology of the Movement Stories from inside Moms for Liberty and other right-wing organizations, and how fear and misinformation fuel these movements. [00:32:00] – Carl Schmitt and the Playbook of Authoritarianism How Nazi political theorist Carl Schmitt’s ideas on power, division, and permanent emergency are influencing the New Right. [00:41:00] – Why We Should Be Concerned—and What We Can Do Katherine explains why we should be alarmed, but also how grassroots activism can defend democracy. [00:44:00] – Final Thoughts: How We Can Build a Pro-Democracy Coalition Katherine shares her six key takeaways from Money, Lies, and God and why organization and truth-telling matter now more than ever. 📢 Featured Quotes "They told us they were going to smash the institutions that safeguard democracy—and that’s exactly what they’re doing."  "This movement isn’t just about the culture wars—it’s about power, money, and dismantling democracy itself."  "They want to replace public education with a religious and corporate-controlled system. The culture wars are just a smokescreen."  "Not everybody who wants to go back to the ‘good old days’ is a nihilist. But those who want to smash democracy in pursuit of a mythical past certainly are."  📚 Resources Mentioned Katherine Stewart’s Website: KatherineStewart.me Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy – Available Everywhere Books Are Sold Carl Schmitt’s Political Theories – Learn More   📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Katherine Stewart: Website Bluesky Latest in the New York Times   Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com  🔥 Now go talk some politics and religion—without killin' each other! 🔥