Episode 107: Helen Paynter - resisting the rise of the Right: the Bible and fascism
The Far Right is on the rise. And, increasingly, fascists and proto-fascists are using Christian language and imagery to justify their position.
What should a Christian response be? Can we really say that our faith is being 'hijacked' by racists and bigots, or is there deeper acknowledgement and repentance to be done in the service of justice? And if fascists are the enemy, what do wee do with the command to love them?
The brilliant Revd Dr Helen Paynter, theologian, Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and Beer Christianity's most regular guest, talks to Jonty and Laura about all this and more.
It's a good one!
Helpful links from the episode
Visit the page for The Church and the far-right claim to Christianity page for a list of events coming up. Specific events on the horizon (at time of publishing) include an event in Birmingham on Englishness and race, a London event on youth radicalisation and a YouTube-based event on the subject with the good people at Modern Church.
You can and should get hold of Helen's books we mentioned (edited and written) at these links:
The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity
Blessed are the Peacemakers: A biblical theology of human violence
And you can also check out a discussion of the dissenting traditions here.
ALSO. We are launching a magazine. You're going to love it. It's called S(h)ibboleth, and you can read all about the new left-leaning Christian magazine at shibbolethmag.com.
You can listen to Episode 107 anywhere: in dialogue with those in danger of radicalisation, on the front lines of the fight against fascism, on the right (that is to say Left) side of history, or right here…
S(h)pecial announcement: S(h)ibboleth magazine launch
S(h)ibboleth - our new magazine for left-leaning inclusive Christians (or the post-post-post evangelical and Christian-adjacent) is available for pre-order now! Find out more at shibbolethmag.com
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