Spirit and Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life
Spirit and Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life
Podcast Description
Spirit & Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life is a mixed media podcast that brings religion scholarship into a “This American Life” format. The show explores how Pentecostals and Charismatics—once seen as a fringe movement in American Christianity—are now at the center of religion and public life in the United States and beyond. Whether it’s through shofar blowing prophets or profitable, multinational activist networks, these dynamic Christian communities are shaping politics, culture, and global affairs in profound ways. On this podcast, host Dr. Leah Payne tracks key stories and highlights critical data from journalists and scholars who study the Spirit-driven Christians at the heart of this powerful intersection of faith and politics. She examines how Charismatic and Pentecostal movements influence national and international conversations on power, democracy, and spirituality. Whether you're a scholar, a believer, or just curious about the forces shaping public life, Spirit & Power offers essential insights into one of the most consequential religious and political stories of our time.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into the intersection of Pentecostal/Charismatic faith and politics, focusing on themes such as activism, immigration, and the Prosperity Gospel. For instance, episodes discuss events like the 'Mama Bears' rally influencing electoral politics and the implications of ICE arrests at Pentecostal churches on community and faith.
Spirit & Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life is a mixed media podcast that brings religion scholarship into a “This American Life” format. The show explores how Pentecostals and Charismatics—once seen as a fringe movement in American Christianity—are now at the center of religion and public life in the United States and beyond. Whether it’s through shofar blowing prophets or profitable, multinational activist networks, these dynamic Christian communities are shaping politics, culture, and global affairs in profound ways. On this podcast, host Dr. Leah Payne tracks key stories and highlights critical data from journalists and scholars who study the Spirit-driven Christians at the heart of this powerful intersection of faith and politics. She examines how Charismatic and Pentecostal movements influence national and international conversations on power, democracy, and spirituality. Whether you're a scholar, a believer, or just curious about the forces shaping public life, Spirit & Power offers essential insights into one of the most consequential religious and political stories of our time.
On April 16th of 2021, Clay Clark, a far-right conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed "alpha toxic male," from Tulsa, Oklahoma held his first "ReAwaken America" tour—an event that began in Oklahoma as a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and quickly grew into a nationwide platform for nationalism, so-called "patriotic streetfighters," and prophetic politics. In the buckle of the proverbial Bible belt, Clark created a cavalcade of Trumpian support, attracting actor Jim Caviezel, former U.S. national security advisor, Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, son of President Donald J. Trump, and many more Republican luminaries. When you think of international media hubs, you might think of Los Angeles, California, or New York City. When you think of places that are political powerhouses, Washington, DC, is an obvious choice. This week, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with award-winning journalist and professor Caleb Gayle and Dr. Daniel Isgrigg about a media center and political force that may not be top of mind: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Long known for its oil wealth, Black Wall Street, and the 1921 massacre, Tulsa is also an unappreciated epicenter of the global Charismatic and Pentecostal movement. It’s a city where televangelists built empires, where charismatic theology shaped politics, and where spiritual power and political influence are deeply intertwined. But how did a landlocked city known for oil become a transnational hub for charismatic media making and far right political action? Find out on the Season 2 finale of Spirit & Power.
Links:
- We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, by Caleb Gayle
- Pentecost In Tulsa: The Revivals and Race Massacre that Shaped the Pentecostal Movement in Tulsa, by Daniel Isgrigg
- “‘I Think All the Christians Get Slaughtered’: Inside the MAGA Road Show Barnstorming America” by Sam Kestenbaum
- Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!
Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free!
Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.
- Created by Dr. Leah Payne
- Producer: Andrew Gill
- Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi
- Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto
- Production Assistance: Kari Onishi
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