Money, Lies, and God: Katherine Stewart Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy

To start off this week’s episode of The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush reflects on the growing list of alarming attacks on religious freedom that the Trump administration is executing. A foundational right enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution, the essence of religious freedom is how universal it is - and certainly not meant to elevate one set of beliefs above all others!

Paul is then joined by journalist and best-selling author Katherine Stewart. Her important new book comes out on Tuesday, February 18th, and is available for pre-order. The title is Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, and this deeply-researched and brilliantly-written book couldn’t be more timely.

Here are three key takeaways worth reflecting on:

• The Power of Money in Politics: Katherine emphasizes that this movement is not grassroots; it is heavily funded by wealthy individuals and organizations with a clear agenda. These funders, from various religious backgrounds, are united in their goal to undermine democratic institutions for their own benefit. Understanding the financial backing behind these movements is crucial for recognizing how they operate and influence our political landscape.

• Weaponization of Disinformation: One of the most striking points Katherine makes is about the role of disinformation in mobilizing support for extremist agendas. The spread of false narratives—like the idea that Christians are under attack—serves to rally individuals around culture war issues, distracting them from the real economic challenges they face. This manipulation of information is a powerful tool that we must be aware of to combat effectively.

• The Importance of Organization and Community: Katherine calls for action, urging us to recognize that we are in the majority and that we must organize to protect our democracy. She highlights the need for a big tent approach, where diverse groups can come together to fight against the forces threatening our democratic values. Building community and finding our lanes in this fight is essential for creating a united front.

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Ray Kirstein is the Producer of the State of Belief podcast.