Episode Details

48. John Fugelsang –  (Aspiring Christian) Separation of Church and Hate: Reclaiming Jesus from Christian Nationalism

John Fugelsang returns to The Sacred Slope for a deeper conversation about the book Alexis named the very first Sacred Slope Book of the Year: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.

Together, they explore why so many Christians and non-Christians alike have embraced the book, what it means to distinguish the teachings of Jesus from Christian nationalism, and why reclaiming Christianity from fear, power, and authoritarianism matters now more than ever.

John reflects on growing up with faith, writing a New York Times bestselling book that speaks to believers and skeptics alike, and why he believes Jesus remains one of history’s most radically compassionate voices. Alexis and John also discuss biblical literacy, Matthew 25, Christian resistance throughout history, and how ordinary Christians can push back against the weaponization of faith without becoming consumed by hatred themselves.

Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, politically exhausted, or simply longing for a Christianity that looks more like Jesus than power, this conversation offers hope, humor, and practical ways to engage difficult conversations with compassion and courage.

📚 Listeners outside the U.S.: Separation of Church and Hate is now available internationally!

💬 In This Episode

• Why Separation of Church and Hate became The Sacred Slope’s first Book of the Year
• What surprised John most after the book became a New York Times bestseller
• Why Christians, atheists, and agnostics are embracing the book
• Christianity versus Christian nationalism
• Following Jesus versus simply following the Bible
• Matthew 25 and the teachings Jesus actually emphasized
• Why Jesus challenged power, wealth, and religious coercion
• Christian resistance throughout history—from the abolitionists to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Christian nationalism, fear, power, and authoritarianism
• How to respond to difficult conversations using scripture with compassion rather than contempt
• Why reclaiming Jesus matters for believers and non-believers alike

Congratulations to This Year’s Book of the Year Nominees!

📖 Braving the Truth – @rachelheldevans & @sarahbessey
📖 Hell Bent – @berecker
📖 We Can Be Brave & I Can Learn to Be Brave – Bishop @mariannbudde
📖 Live Laugh Love – @kkdumez
📖 The Small and the Mighty & We Are Mighty – @sharonsaysso
📖 Separation of Church and Hate – @johnfugelsang
📖 American Idolatry – @ndrewwhitehead
📖 Queer & Christian – Rev. @brandanrobertson
📖 Awake – @jenhatmaker
📖 Wonder – Pastor @meredithannemiller

🏆 The Sacred Slope Book of the Year

John Fugelsang
Separation of Church and Hate

Congratulations, @johnfugelsang, and thank you to every author who shared your wisdom with The Sacred Slope community this year.

👥 People & Resources Mentioned

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani – @zohrankmamdani & @nycmayor
 • Simon Moya-Smith – @simonsaidtakeapic
 • Julie Francella – @juliefrancella
 • Jordan Klepper – @jordanklepper
 • The Daily Show – @thedailyshow

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Where the slippery slope becomes sacred ground.
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