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Allie Beth Stuckey insists that gender and biological sex are the same thing, that there are two binary genders, and that gender identity and gender dysphoria are myths. In support of these claims, she offers simplistic appeals to “science” and the story of a woman who “detransitioned” from a transmale identity back to her previous female identity. In this episode, Dan takes a close look at these dimensions of Stuckey’s argument to show that gender and sex are not the same thing and that the story of “detransition” she offers actually demonstrates the opposite of what she thinks. Listen in to hear more!

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It's in the Code ep 152: “All Women Are Women, Pt. 1”

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In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad sits down with Dr. Ruth Braunstein, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of My Tax Dollars. Together, they explore an unexpected question: Can paying taxes be a moral act?

Far from being a dry civic obligation, Braunstein argues that taxation can serve as a collective ritual—one that reflects our values, builds solidarity, and fuels moral debate. The conversation traces the historical evolution of tax narratives in the U.S., from patriotic propaganda during World War II to the rise of anti-tax movements tied to abortion, war, and distrust in government.

They also unpack the cultural shift from taxes as a civic duty to something to be avoided or even bragged about, as seen in Donald Trump’s infamous comment on dodging taxes. Throughout the episode, Braunstein sheds light on how Americans’ attitudes toward taxation reveal deeper fault lines around democracy, governance, and belonging.

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Paying Taxes in the DOGE ERA: Moral Duty, Religious Experience, or Place of Protest?

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In this weekly roundup, Dan begins with the escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel, examining recent airstrikes and the Trump administration’s controversial military decisions.

Dan breaks down the fractured response within the MAGA coalition, uncovering the religious and ideological fault lines behind the debate.

The episode then turns to the Supreme Court’s latest rulings, including:

 * Gender-affirming care for minors

 * Deportation policy limits

 * The reach of nationwide injunctions

 * Parental rights around LGBTQ+ inclusive education

Dan highlights the Christian nationalist undertones shaping public discourse and judicial outcomes. He ends with a rare note of optimism, pointing to a surprising cross-ideological ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act as a sign that compromise is still possible.

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Weekly Roundup: US-Iran Tensions and SCOTUS Rulings on Trans Rights

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Why do conservative American Christians and Christian nationalists use the rhetoric of being “attacked” and “persecuted”? Why do they perceive themselves to be “suffering” in the contemporary United States, when they experience pronounced social, cultural, and legal privilege? And how do these ideas link up with the broader valorization of “suffering” within some forms of Christian identity? Dan takes on these issues in this week’s episode.

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SWAJ Rewind: It's in the Code ep 54: "Suffering and Persecution"

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What does the Supreme Court’s latest ruling mean for trans rights in America?

In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi is joined by Dr. Kelsy Burke, sociology professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, to unpack the Supreme Court’s decision in EDI v. United States. The case—centered on gender-affirming care for minors—has far-reaching consequences for trans healthcare across the country, especially in states like Tennessee.

Brad and Dr. Burke explore how the case originated, the political and religious forces behind the legislation, and the deep influence of conservative Christian groups. They examine shifting public opinion on trans rights and the troubling silence from Democratic leaders in response to this wave of anti-trans policymaking. With clarity and urgency, this conversation brings historical context to one of the most pressing civil rights battles in America today.

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SCOTUS, Trans Healthcare, and Christian Nationalism

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Is Trump Preparing for a Holy War?
In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi examines Donald Trump’s mixed messaging on U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran—through the lens of evangelical influence. He unpacks how Christian nationalist leaders frame the conflict as a cosmic battle between good and evil, and how that spiritualized rhetoric could shape Trump’s future actions.

Brad also investigates the growing signs that the ideology behind January 6th is becoming embedded in U.S. institutions—highlighted by the presence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flag at key government sites. He then turns to the media’s uneven response to recent political violence, comparing coverage of two alleged shooters and what it reveals about race, ideology, and public perception.

The episode wraps with updates on military and judicial developments tied to the Trump era—and what they signal about where we might be headed next.

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Weekly Roundup: Iran, the End Times, and Christian Nihilism + Appeal to Heaven Flag at the SBA

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Allie Beth Stuckey warns her readers to be on the lookout for people passing off lies as facts and appealing to emotion to mask bad arguments. But, as Dan discusses in this week’s episode, her anti-abortion positions are grounded in lies that pass as factual arguments, and are intended to bring others to her position by playing on their emotions. What are the lies she tells? How do we know they’re lies at all? And how does she want to move us through emotional appeals? Check out this week’s episode to find out.

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It's in the Code ep 151: “Abortion Is Healthcare, Pt. 3”

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In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi welcomes back Dr. Andrew Whitehead, sociology professor at Indiana University and co-author of Taking America Back for God. They unpack how Christian nationalism uses ideas about gender, family, and sexuality to shape political identity—especially among white working-class Americans.

Dr. Whitehead shares key insights from public opinion data that reveal a strong link between Christian nationalist beliefs and support for authoritarian leaders. The conversation explores the myth of the “nuclear family,” the politics of fear, and how nostalgia and hierarchy fuel the MAGA movement.

Andrew's Substack: https://andrewwhitehead.substack.com [https://andrewwhitehead.substack.com/]

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New Data About How Issues of Family, Gender, Sexuality Drive MAGA Extremism

In this emergency episode of 'Straight White American, Jesus,' host Brad Onishi discusses the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband by a shooter impersonating a police officer. Brad provides details about the suspect, Vance Boelter, and his background, including his ties to Donald Trump, anti-abortion views, and Christian ministry. Scholar Matt Taylor explains Boelter's connections to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), diving into the history and influence of Christ for the Nations Institute, a significant institution in the independent charismatic Christian world. Their comments contextualize the violent act within the broader landscape of political violence and radicalization in the U.S., highlighting the dire implications of such events.

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The Alleged Minnesota Assassin's Connections to the New Apostolic Reformation

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Brad and Dan reflect on what feels like a historic and ominous week. They unpack the rapidly unfolding events in California and Washington, D.C., including:

 * The shocking treatment of Senator Padilla, who was thrown to the ground and handcuffed

 * Governor Newsom’s response to escalating federal pressure

 * The deployment of Marines and National Guard troops

 * Judge Breyer’s ruling against Donald Trump—and the immediate appeal

 * What a military parade through D.C. could mean for American democracy

 * Widespread protests and what they signal about the weeks ahead

This episode captures a pivotal moment in U.S. political life—one that may mark a turning point for the nation.

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Weekly Roundup: The Military Occupation of Los Angeles - and the USA

An in-depth examination of the culture and politics of Christian Nationalism and Evangelicalism by two ex-evangelical ministers-turned-religion professors. If you have ever wondered what social and historical forces led white evangelicals to usher Donald Trump into the White House this is the show for you. As former insiders and critical scholars of religion, Dan Miller and Bradley Onishi have a unique perspective on the Religious Right. Guests have included Chrissy Stroop, R. Marie Griffith, Janelle Wong, Randall Balmer, Katherine Stewart, and many others.

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Bradley Onishi

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