PODCAST · religion
Disarming Leviathan Podcast
by Caleb E. Campbell
The Disarming Leviathan Podcast features interviews with Christian leaders, authors and scholars that will give you a better understanding of American Christian Nationalism and equip you with tools to reach Christian Nationalists as a mission field. disarmingleviathan.substack.com
Episodes
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God, Violence, and American Power w/ Dru Johnson
The Bible contains disturbing stories of conquest, judgment, and violence. How should Christians make sense of these passages, especially when biblical texts are being paired with images of missiles, military campaigns, and calls to destroy contemporary enemies? In this episode, biblical scholar...
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Christian Nationalism and the Politics of Jesus w/ Matthew Taylor
What does it mean to follow Jesus when political leaders invoke Christianity to justify power, domination, and violence? In this episode, Matthew D. Taylor returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Defying Tyrants. Matthew argues that Jesus was neither politically disengaged nor interested…
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Violent Psalms and the Longing for Justice w/ Trevor Laurence
What do we do with the Psalms that ask God to judge, punish, and even destroy enemies? And what happens when Christians take those prayers and use them to justify violence against political opponents, other nations, or people they believe threaten America? In this episode, biblical theologian...
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Holy War? Reading Joshua in an Age of Christian Nationalism w/ Matthew Lynch
The Bible contains a lot of violence. But what are Christians supposed to do with stories of conquest, divine judgment, and commands to destroy Israel’s enemies, especially when those texts are used to justify American military power or Christian Nationalist politics? In this episode, Old…
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The Narrative Beneath Christian Nationalism w/ Soong-Chan Rah
Note: We experienced some technical difficulties during this recording. We cleaned it up as best we could, but you may hear an occasional echo. What happens after Christian nationalism begins to lose its grip? In this episode, Soong-Chan Rah argues that defeating a political movement is not…
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Biblical Violence & Political Violence w/ Charlie Trimm
Why does the Old Testament contain so much violence, and what does it reveal about the character of God? In this episode, Charlie Trimm helps us wrestle with some of Scripture’s most difficult passages, from Joshua’s conquest of Canaan to the prophetic calls for justice. Rather than presenting a...
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Disarming Revelation w/ David Mathewson
The book of Revelation is often treated as a roadmap for the end times, a justification for violence, or a source of fear. But what if its central message is something entirely different? In this episode, David Mathewson helps us read Revelation through its own imagery, showing how the slain…
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Understanding Violence in the Bible w/ Andy Judd
Violence in the Bible often leaves believers disoriented—how do we reconcile the raw, gritty realism of biblical stories with our understanding of a loving God? Andy Judd unpacks the genre, history, and cultural context behind biblically violent moments, revealing that these accounts depict a…
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How Biblical Conquest Stories Shaped America’s National Myth w/ Dan Hawk
In this conversation, Dan Hawk explores the history and theology behind Manifest Destiny—and why its legacy still shapes American identity today. Drawing a sharp connection between U.S. expansion narratives and the conquest themes of Scripture, Dan argues that confronting the painful truths of...
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Lessons from Northern Ireland: Christian Nationalism, Fear, and the Witness of the Church w/ David Montgomery
What can America’s political and religious polarization learn from the history of Northern Ireland? In this episode, David Montgomery (”Monty”) reflects on decades of sectarian conflict and explains how fear, political identity, and religious symbolism became deeply intertwined in his own…
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The Founding Fathers and Christian Nationalism w/ Warren Throckmorton
Was the United States founded as a Christian nation? In this episode, historian Warren Throckmorton separates popular myths from the historical record, exploring what America's founders actually believed about Christianity, religious liberty, and the relationship between church and state.…
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Reimagining How the Bible Influences Our Politics w/ Michael Rhodes
Most political debates skirt the core question: What does it mean to live as a faithful outpost of God's kingdom today? Michael Rhodes challenges us to root our political engagement in Scripture's vision of justice, love, and humility, emphasizing that biblical teachings expand our options—beyond...
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How Authoritarian Theology Shapes Christian Nationalism w/ Margaret Bronson
What happens when a theology of hierarchy, control, and male authority moves from the margins into the mainstream? In this episode, Margaret Bronson shares her firsthand experience growing up in a patriarchal Christian Nationalist movement that emphasized male dominance, rigid gender roles,...
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Immigrants and American Christian Nationalism w/ John Marc Sianghio
What happens when the symbols commonly associated with Christian Nationalism mean something entirely different to the people displaying them? In this episode, Caleb sits down with Arizona State University professor, veteran, and pastor John Mark Sianghio to explore how Christian Nationalism is...
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Meeting Jesus Among Refugees w/ Clint Leavitt
For many Americans, conversations about refugees happen at the level of politics, policy, and headlines. In this episode, Clint Leavitt invites us into a different starting place: the stories of real people. Drawing from his friendship with a Congolese refugee and the research behind his book...
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How Faith and Community Transform Refugee Resettlement w/ Mary Kaech
In this insightful interview, Mary Kaech from Phoenix Refugee Connections shares the history, current challenges, and opportunities in refugee resettlement in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of community involvement, faith, and understanding. Discover how refugees contribute to local...
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The Hidden Costs of U.S. Immigration Policies w/ Matthew Soerens
In this in-depth interview, Matthew Soerens discusses the global refugee crisis, U.S. immigration policies, and the biblical perspective on caring for refugees and immigrants. He highlights recent policy changes, the economic and moral implications, and offers practical ways for evangelicals and...
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The American Church and Global Refugees w/ Daniel Yang
Daniel Yang discusses the significance of Refugee Day, the history and current state of refugee resettlement in the U.S., and the role of the church in welcoming and supporting refugees. He shares personal stories, historical context, and practical ways for individuals and churches to engage...
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A special series for June 2026
This June, we will publish a special series of interviews related to World Refugee Awareness Month. Please consider rating and reviewing the Disarming Leviathan podcast. It helps others find our work! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe
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An update and an invite.
Who do you want to see on the pod?We are recording the next season of the Disarming Leviathan podcast! Let us know who you want to see on the pod in the comment section. Use the contact form at disarmingleviathan.com. Calling all Pastors! Join us for the J29 Coalition Cohort, starting August…
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Special Episode: Interview with Surge Network
We are in between seasons of the Disarming Leviathan podcast (mainly so I can finish my Doctoral project at Fuller Seminary), but I wanted to post this episode I did with the Surge Network. My friend Aaron Dailey and I talk about a variety of things, including how we have seen pastoral ministry...
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A Revival of What Kind?
In this episode of Disarming Leviathan, Caleb sits down with Pastor David Ruybalid Ruybalid to examine the growing narrative that a “revival” is underway—especially among young men returning to church. While acknowledging real shifts in generational engagement, David offers a careful theological...
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From Conquest to the Cross: How the Bible Transforms Violence
Many Christians struggle with the violence and conquest language of the Old Testament—especially texts like Joshua that seem at odds with the way of Jesus. In this episode, biblical scholar Helen Paynter helps us read these passages within the unfolding story of Scripture, showing how themes like...
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The Differences Between Biblical Law and American Law w/ Dru Johnson
In this episode of the Disarming Leviathan podcast, biblical scholar Dr. Dru Johnson pushes back against the misuse of Old Testament law by culture warriors and partisan tribalists who treat the Torah as a ready-made tool for coercive governance. Instead, he presents biblical law as a formational...
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Reclaiming Scripture from the Culture Wars w/ Zach Lambert
In this episode, pastor and author Zach W. Lambert confronts the weaponization of Scripture in American public life and church culture. Drawing from his book Better Ways to Read the Bible, he outlines how harmful interpretive “lenses” have been used to justify everything from Christian…
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Unafraid and Unhurried: Faithful Presence In a Divided World w/ Tara Beth Leach
In this episode, pastor and author Tara Beth Leach reflects on how the work of preaching and pastoring has changed in a time of political division, cultural anxiety, and social media outrage. She names the temptation pastors face to use the pulpit for venting or applause, and instead offers a...
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Patriarchy, Authoritarianism, and the Church w/ Rachel Darnall
In this episode, writer and researcher Rachel Darnall shares her firsthand perspective on the rise of patriarchal theology in American Christianity and its connection to Christian nationalism. Drawing from her new video series It’s a Man’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect, Rachel explains how...
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Gesturing Toward the Kingdom: Public Faith in a Pluralist Age w/ Vincent Bacote
In this episode, Dr. Vincent Bacote offers a thoughtful and theologically grounded vision for civic engagement shaped by the character of Christ. He challenges listeners to reject both Christian triumphalism and political withdrawal, advocating instead for a kingdom-oriented public witness that...
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The Justice of Jesus: Restorative, Not Retributive w/ Joash Thomas
In this episode, Joash Thomas challenges Western Christians to recover a holistic vision of justice rooted in the way of Jesus. Drawing from his new book The Justice of Jesus, Joash contrasts retributive and restorative justice, highlights the global church’s theological depth, and critiques the...
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Christmastime Announcements (and an invitation)
The Disarming Leviathan podcast returns with a new season focused on helping Christians navigate political discipleship and civic engagement in a polarized world.In this preview episode, host Caleb Campbell introduces upcoming guests—including Dr. Carmen Imes, Dr. Vince Bacote, and Joash…
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From Culture War to Communion w/ Carmen Imes
In this episode of Disarming Leviathan, biblical scholar Dr. Carmen Joy Imes joins Caleb Campbell to unpack her latest book, Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Together, they explore how the Bible casts a radical vision of the church as a true spiritual family—one that defies…
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An Evangelical Guide to Christian Nationalism - Crossover Episode
In this special crossover episode, Caleb joins a conversation with scholars Paul D. Miller, David Koyzis, and Michael W. Austin to help the church understand and respond to Christian Nationalism. Together they unpack what Christian Nationalism is, how it differs from patriotism, and why it poses...
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Special Episode: DACA Family Support w/ Bodies Behind the Bus
In this special episode, Caleb joins the team from Bodies Behind the Bus for a conversation about faith, justice, and compassion in the face of political division. Together, they share a joint fundraiser supporting a DACA recipient fighting to stay with their family in the U.S. As we enter this...
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Immigration and Christian Nationalism w/ Matthew Soerens and Eric Costanzo (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Disarming Leviathan at...
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Fear, Anxiety, and the Psychology of Christian Nationalism w/ Phil Herndon (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe In this episode, Phil Herndon examines how...
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From the Mission Field to D.C.: Reckoning with Evangelical Power w/ Holly Berkley Fletcher (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Disarming Leviathan, Caleb...
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The History of American Christian Nationalism and the Church w/ Jemar Tisby (Rerelease)
Caleb joins Dr. Jemar Tisby for a joint podcast that explores the history of American Christian Nationalism and the church and ways that we can engage those who are imbibing this harmful ideology. About Jemar TisbyJemar Tisby (BA, University of Notre Dame; MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) s…
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The Rise of Charismatic Christian Nationalism w/ Matthew D. TaylorThe Rise of Charismatic Christian Nationalism w/ Matthew D. Taylor (Rerelease)
Matthew D. Taylor stops by the pod to discuss the recent rise of independent charismatic leaders promoting American Christian Nationalism. Matt helps us understand some of the movement’s more prominent […] The post The Rise of Charismatic Christian Nationalism w/ Matthew D. Taylor first appeared…
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Cultivating Healthy Conversations About Politically Charged Topics w/ Katharine Hayhoe (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe Dr. Katharine Hayhoe shares her experience as a...
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Racism, Tribalism, Nationalism, and the Unity of the Church w/ David Swanson (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe — Pastor and author David Swanson joins us for a...
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Your Jesus is Too American w/ Steve Bezner (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe Pastor Steve Bezner joins us to discuss how...
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How the New Testament shapes our understanding of power w/ Tim Gombis (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe — Bible scholar Dr. Timothy Gombis joins Caleb…
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How the New Testament Can Shape Our Political Imagination w/ Dennis Edwards (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe — Dr. Dennis Edwards guides us in exploring how…
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Christian Nationalism & the False Promise of Power w/ Tim Alberta (Rerelease)
This is a rerelease of an earlier episode featuring Tim Alberta. Stay tuned to the Disarming Leviathan Podcast. New Episodes coming in a few weeks! Get full access to Disarming Leviathan: Missionary to Christian Nationalists at disarmingleviathan.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to…
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Quick Update: Summer 2025
Hey friends, I hope you’re having a great summer. I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update on both the Disarming Leviathan podcast and the broader ministry. Podcast Update First, the podcast. I’m pretty much doing this on my own — no production team, no fancy strategy. If we did have...
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Misenchanted: Why America’s Culture War Isn’t Just About Politics w/ Laurie Johnson
Political theorist Laurie Johnson joins Caleb Campbell to unpack the deeper forces driving America’s culture wars and ideological divisions. Drawing from her book The Gap in God's Country, Laurie shares her own political and spiritual journey—from Fox News conservative to a more reflective and...
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The Killing State: Redemption, Justice, and the Death Penalty w/ Corinna Lain
In this episode of Disarming Leviathan, death penalty scholar and former prosecutor Corinna Lain joins Caleb to discuss her groundbreaking book Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. With a blend of research and personal reflection, Lain uncovers the history, flawed...
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Off-Ramps and Open Doors: Peacemaking in a Polarized Church w/ John Thielepape
In this episode of the Disarming Leviathan podcast, Caleb Campbell talks with John Thielepape, a pastor and community leader from North Texas who now works with the Multifaith Neighbors Network and LocalNet. John shares how his team is helping churches and local institutions respond to political...
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The Way of the Dragon and the Way of the Lamb w/ Kyle Strobel
In a time when influence is currency and spiritual leaders are often shaped by worldly ambition, Kyle Strobel invites us to consider a different path: the cruciform way of the Lamb. Drawing from his book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb and years of spiritual, theological reflection,...
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Here Are Your Gods: Political Idolatry and the Way of Jesus w/ Chris Wright
Episode note: Apologies for the sound quality. We had some technical difficulties and recorded this on a sub-par recording platform (the free kind ;-) Huge thanks to Chris for being so gracious and adjusting to make this interview happen! In this compelling conversation, Old Testament scholar and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Disarming Leviathan Podcast features interviews with Christian leaders, authors and scholars that will give you a better understanding of American Christian Nationalism and equip you with tools to reach Christian Nationalists as a mission field.
disarmingleviathan.substack.com
HOSTED BY
Caleb E. Campbell
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Disarming Leviathan Podcast have?
Disarming Leviathan Podcast currently has 129 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Disarming Leviathan Podcast about?
The Disarming Leviathan Podcast features interviews with Christian leaders, authors and scholars that will give you a better understanding of American Christian Nationalism and equip you with tools to reach Christian Nationalists as a mission field. disarmingleviathan.substack.com
How often does Disarming Leviathan Podcast release new episodes?
Disarming Leviathan Podcast publishes regularly with 129 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Disarming Leviathan Podcast?
You can listen to Disarming Leviathan Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Disarming Leviathan Podcast?
Disarming Leviathan Podcast is created and hosted by Caleb E. Campbell.
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