S3E19 Two Kens: Russia, Rapture, and Changing our Mind

The two Kens ponder the perplexing question: why are many evangelicals enamored with Vladimir Putin and his nationalist vision for Russia? As Russia invades Ukraine this month, Putin has been exposed as an autocrat and brutal, murderous tyrant. Some conservatives, by necessity, are back-tracking. But for years, far-right conservatives, including Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, Franklin Graham, and Tucker Carlson have openly admired the once KGB agent and current President (for nearly twenty years) of Russia.  The roots of evangelicalism (which includes their eschatological worldview, embedded in dispensationalism) make their anti-democratic infatuation with Russian authoritarianism a source of admiration. To their delight, Putin initiated and passed anti-gay and anti-abortion legislation. Along with his populist nationalism, his affirmation of the Russian Orthodox Church makes Russia a preferred alternative for America than the Democratic vision of President Joe Biden, according to the conservative narrative. This week, both Nikki Haley and William Barr, while distancing themselves from Trumpism, both affirm their intent to support Donald T**** if he is nominated by the Republican Party for the 2024 election. According to them both, woke liberals (like the two Kens) are ruining the country. Fong and Kemp ponder the particulars of dispensationalism including the Rapture, the Anti-Christ, the Sign of the Beast and other assumptions that make many particularly susceptible to conspiracy theories and fake news of every sort, including the frightening seduction of admiration for the tyrant Vladimir Putin. They discuss Russell Moore's interview with Adam Kinzinger where they talk about the religious sources and symbols displayed at the January 6 insurrection. The conservative propaganda machine is typified by Tucker Carlson who has challenged Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination, demanding her LSAT scores. In closing, Ken and Ken affirm that they are Exhibit A: it's possible - and good - to change one's mind.

The Asian America Podcast with Ken Fong

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