Investigative journalist Katherine Stewart returns to Faithful Politics to discuss her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. In this episode, we break down how the religious right has become a central player in an anti-democratic political movement, the role of billionaires like Leonard Leo in funding Christian nationalism, and how religious leaders are being mobilized to push these agendas from the pulpit. We also explore the influence of institutions like the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. Stewart reveals the hidden networks fueling this movement and what it means for the future of democracy in America.
Guest Bio: Katherine Stewart
Katherine Stewart is an award-winning investigative journalist and author specializing in the intersection of religion and politics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, The Guardian, and many other major publications. She is the author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism and her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, offers a deep dive into the financial and ideological forces behind the rise of the Christian nationalist movement. With over 16 years of research in this field, Katherine is a leading voice on how faith is weaponized for political power.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and the Book
02:50 Understanding the Religious Right's Influence
06:25 The Role of Money in Politics
09:10 Immigration and Authoritarianism
12:04 The Abortion Debate and Religious Messaging
15:10 The Role of Religious Leaders in Politics
17:56 The Claremont Institute and Its Impact
20:56 Leonard Leo and the Money Trail
23:46 Billionaires and the Culture Wars
35:34 The Fear of Accountability
36:22 Motivations Behind Wealth and Power
38:53 The Dangers of Destroying Democracy
40:28 The Johnson Amendment and Religious Politics
42:09 Understanding Religious Nationalism
45:25 Project 2025 and the Christian Right
48:00 The Anti-Expertise Sentiment
49:47 Emerging Issues in the Christian Right Movement
51:27 Media Coverage of the Christian Right
53:30 The Trump Administration's Impact on Christian Nationalism
57:29 Key Takeaways from Money, Lies, and God