Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

MONEY, LIES, AND GOD: INSIDE THE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY with author and investigative journalist Katherine Stewart

2025-02-17

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 c...

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

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