Guns, Jesus, and the Trump Conundrum

July 14, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

In light of recent events involving gun violence and former president Donald J. Trump, it is imperative to focus our reflection on the broader implications for American society. The incident discussed in the recent Heretic Happy Hour podcast episode—a shooting that involved a young, affluent, and ideologically driven individual—serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between politics, violence, and societal values. This article aims to dissect these themes, drawing on Christian teachings and the challenging rhetoric of Trump,... Read more

Faith, Politics, and Sanity: Navigating with The God Squad

July 12, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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In the evolving landscape of American faith and politics, the intersection of these domains has never been more contentious. In the latest episode of the brand new The God Squad Podcast, which streams live every Thursday at 5 PM PST, and features hosts Dillon Naber Cruz, Desimber Rose, and Keith Giles, the Squad dives into these turbulent waters with a keen focus on the pressing issues of our time, particularly the rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy... Read more

The Handmaid’s Tale Is Coming To A State Near You

July 8, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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In a recent installment of “Sunday Matt” on the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, I reflected on the eerie parallels between our present-day socio-political climate and the dystopian world depicted in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. This reflection isn’t merely an exercise in dramatic comparison but a sober realization of the rapid trajectory we’re on—a trajectory that should alarm anyone who values freedom, equality, and justice. When my wife and I started watching “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I knew it would be... Read more

Women’s Empowerment and Patriarchy

July 4, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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My wife and I just started watching “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu, and let me just tell you that if you haven’t seen it, it’s f*cking terrifying and uncomfortable to watch. However, in dire times like these, sometimes you have to do uncomfortable things to prepare yourself for the world that may be coming your way. Let me also just say: thank God for people like Sheila Wray Gregoire, April Ajoy, and my partner in crime, Keith Giles, for the... Read more

Christian Nationalism: A Critical Discourse

July 3, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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Christian nationalism has been a contentious and increasingly prominent topic in contemporary American discourse. In a recent panel discussion on the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, we brought together activists Lisa Sharon Harper and Shane Claiborne to explore this phenomenon, its implications, and its potential threats to both democracy and authentic Christian faith. The discussion is rich with insights, historical perspectives, and passionate critiques, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between Christianity and nationalism in the United... Read more

The Bible and Politics: A Match Made in Hell

July 2, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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During a recent episode of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, I, along with Keith Giles, Desimber Rose, Eve_wasframed, and John Fugelsang, shed some light on the complex and often contentious intersection of politics and the Bible in modern American society. This panel discussion, anchored in recent Pew Research findings, delves into the implications of intertwining religious values with legislative processes, and critically examines how contemporary interpretations of Christian values align (or rather, misalign) with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The... Read more

How Christians Can Make America Great

June 14, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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In the ’80s, Ronald Reagan said he wanted to make America great again. No, really … he did. Decades later, “make America great again” became the mantra of one Donald J. Trump, the Wish.com version of an already problematic individual (don’t shoot me, conservatives). Now, this phrase is the battle cry of most all Christian Nationalists, who see the United States of America as a once great Christian nation that will one day be made great again (for whom? We... Read more

Why We Love STARDEW VALLEY

June 12, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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For those not familiar with the title, Stardew Valley is a cozy farm simulator that has been played and enjoyed by millions of adoring fans across multiple gaming systems since 2016. Not unlike Harvest Moon which came decades prior, Stardew Valley puts the character in charge of a farm that has seen better days, but one still brimming with potential. Over time, the player can decide how they will imagine their new home and how much (or little) to interact... Read more

Trump and MAGA: A Story of Unrepentance

June 10, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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The other day, the Heretic Happy Hour podcast received a voicemail on our hotline, and the caller made a brilliant point about how Donald Trump is, among other things, unrepentant. And while it is true that he is also a convicted felon–something that should disqualify him from holding public office–we shouldn’t demonize other felons in our critique of Trump. A great rebuke… one that did not go unnoticed by Team HHH. The wild thing about this realization is that Christians... Read more

This Is Who The Conservative Right Are

May 17, 2024 By Matthew Distefano

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Just this week, two events took place that best summarize the conservative Right. First, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a commencement speech for the ages, where he literally told graduating women that their greatest achievements are in front of them–so far, so good–becoming homemakers, wives, and mothers. Wide right, Harrison. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you … How... Read more