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Red, White, and Righteous
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The rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on civic life in a diverse democracy

By Clayton Baumgarth

rwr-trailer.mp3

The second-highest-ranking official in Indiana identifies as a Christian nationalist, igniting a fierce debate from the statehouse to the pulpit. Red, White, and Righteous, a four-part series from WFIU, investigates the political actions, theological divisions, and historical context of a movement forcing Indiana residents to confront a fundamental question: What is the proper role of faith in public life?

Reporting and production of Red, White and Righteous was supported by a grant administered by the Poynter Institute's Beat Academy, a program designed to help journalists report on emerging coverage areas - in this case political polarization.

A wooden cross is lying on an American flag
Red, White, and Righteous
Red, White, and Righteous Part 1: One Nation Under God
In this episode, scholars define Christian nationalism and discuss its increasing rise in the public sphere. Lt. Gov Micah Beckwith, an open advocate for Christian nationalism, discusses his views on the separation of church and state and his interpretation of the nation’s founding documents.
Red, White, and Righteous Part 1 Highlights

One Nation Under God

Our first story in this series explains what was in the resolution and how it fared with legislators; defines Christian Nationalism; offers Beckwith’s view on its place in government; and lines that up against the view of a constitutional law scholar. Listen and read the full story here.

Seven Mountains

Our second story in this series will look at one researcher’s more theological approach to talking about Christian nationalism and the many ways different denominations of Christianity and non-Christians are reacting to its rise. It will also discuss one church that says the United States is one of the “beasts of prophecy” as laid out in the Book of Revelation. Listen and read the full story here.

Red, White, and Righteous Part 2 Highlights

A cross atop a mountain
Lady Justice holding the scales
Red, White, and Righteous
Red, White, and Righteous Part 3: "No Preference Shall Ever Be Given"
Red, White, and Righteous Part 3 Preview

"No Preference Shall Ever Be Given"

The third story in this series will look at the history of Christian populism and white supremacy in Indiana. It will also introduce an active player who is connecting Christian leaders with our state legislators in order to bring about social and political change. Listen and read the full story here.

"The Turning Point"

The final part of our coverage of the Christian nationalist movement is about the movement’s connection to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. We take a look at the immediate aftermath of his death and the language his allies used while memorializing him, and speak with professor Matthew Boedy who wrote a book about Kirk’s connection to Christian nationalist rhetoric. Listen and read the full story here.

Red, White, and Righteous Part 4: The Turning Point

A building covered in American flag paraphernalia and caution tape. The building is named "Turning Point USA".
Red, White, and Righteous
Red, White, and Righteous Part 4: The Turning Point
In the final episode, we focus on Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, the immediate aftermath of his death, how his allies memorialized him, and his connection to the Christian nationalist movement.
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