Matthew Boedy on Turning Point USA and the Politics of Faith

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Dr. Matthew Boedy, professor of rhetoric and author of The Seven Mountains Mandate, about the ideological and strategic framework driving modern Christian nationalism.Boedy explains how the Seven Mountains Mandate evolved from a missionary concept into a coordinated political strategy aimed at gaining institutional control over key sectors of society, including government, education, media, religion, and family. He traces the movement’s theological roots, its connection to the New Apostolic Reformation, and its modern expression through figures like Charlie Kirk and organizations such as Turning Point USA.The conversation explores how Christian nationalism differs from traditional religious influence, how eschatology shapes political urgency, and why the movement represents a shift from persuasion to power. Will and Josh also wrestle with the implications for democracy, religious freedom, and marginalized communities, while asking what responsible Christian leadership looks like in an era of rising populism and polarization.Buy the book: The Seven Mountains Mandate: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780664269210Guest BioDr. Matthew Boedy is a professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia and a scholar of religion, politics, and extremism in American culture. His work focuses on how religious ideas shape political movements and how rhetoric is used to mobilize power in public life.He is the author of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy, which traces the theological origins, political strategy, and institutional networks behind the modern Christian nationalist movement. In the book, Boedy examines how figures such as Charlie Kirk and organizations like Turning Point USA have transformed religious ideology into a coordinated strategy for influencing government, education, media, and other key sectors of society.Boedy’s research bridges theology, political theory, and cultural analysis, offering a framework for understanding how faith-based movements evolve from spiritual influence into organized political power. His work has contributed to broader conversations about democracy, religious freedom, and the future of Christianity in American public life. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast