News with Nuance: April 11, 2025
Your Friday dose of News with Nuance: the week's biggest stories, unpacked + more ..
Hi Readers,
I’m actually writing this message to you from my home - a place where I haven’t been as much lately, in the midst of a whirlwind book tour/Spring Break since Disciples of White Jesus came out on March 25 (and I also turned 40!)
I’ll share a bit more below, in our Hopeful Evolution section below, because truly the people who I’ve gotten to meet as a part of this recent book travel (including many of you reading this) are truly the best and most encouraging parts of doing this work.
While I do appreciate all the solitary hours I get to spend behind a screen, reading news articles and type-type-typing away, what I’ve gotten to remember in these past few weeks is that words really can make a difference. I mean, I know what difference words can make to urge people toward propaganda, conspiracy, and hatred. But sometimes I need to be reminded that words also have immense power to bring us together, to create community: by telling our own stories and listening to each other’s stories as well.
So from Minneapolis, to New York City, to Laguna Beach, Calif., to Washington, D.C., and finally Hyde Park (Chicago), where I presented just last night: I met people who took time out of your busy and full and stressful lives to attend conversations with me. We had somber conversations about the threat facing America around religious fundamentalism, Christian Nationalism, and violent masculinity. But instead of feeling more afraid by discussing these often-scary and threatening topics, I always feel more encouraged after these events. That’s because there’s so many more of us who want to reach toward love and understanding: from the young California couple who came to my event and are expecting their first child in just a few months, to the group of University of Chicago students, many of them young men, who attended last night, nodded, listened, and even asked some questions. To the grandparents and elders who’ve been willing to share the wisdom you’ve learned over the years, and to acknowledge the deep role of history in what we’re seeing today in America. To my fellow faith leaders and writers and activists and brave community organizers and volunteers all over America: I know we all have seen the underbelly of America’s legacy of racism, hatred, and inequality rise to the surface over the past few months. And at the same time, talking with you - you remind me that the Spirit is also so richly present among us. There’s so much reason to hope.
With that being said, let’s get to the news - with nuance - remembering my original aim for this very newsletter, that we might tell the stories behind the headlines, and bring out the people and narratives we might otherwise miss.
The Headline: “A Wholly Inaccurate Picture”: Reality Cop Show “The First 48” and the Wrongly Convicted Man
Photography by Sarahbeth Maney, ProPublica
In the midst of a crazy news cycle (what else is new?) filled with tariffs, then not-tariffs; economic collapse, then not-economic-collapse - I wanted to highlight this story because it does something I think is so important (and too often lacking) in modern-day journalism. It helps make explicit narratives and trends that shape our understanding of the world, revealing the ways that biases are created - and how money is made by exploiting those biases and injustices.
So much of the media we consume these days we do thoughtlessly. Over the past few weeks I’ve spent a few nights in hotel rooms alone. When doing this, I tend to keep the TV on at a low hum in the background. (Maybe to mimic the constant noise and chaos of a household with two preteen boys and their friends?) I don’t think about the ways that these shows, often “reality” TV shows, are shaping my own understanding of reality.
While now I’m likely to tune the TV to TLC’s Dr. Pimple Popper or HGTV’s House Hunters, like many of us - I grew up with the original “reality” TV shows, like COPS, and similar law-enforcement themed offshoots. In these shows, the narratives are spared back to be simple. Clear lines are drawn: good guys over here, bad guys over here. They depict policing as straightforward and satisfying work, when in reality, policing is often the very opposite. Crime-solving is not typically a straightforward task. And sometimes it’s difficult to discern who the “good guys” and “bad guys” actually are, for myriad reasons.
I think many of us have learned by now how TV shows like these ones retrenched racial stereotypes and also class-based discrimination toward poor people, who are often the majority of folks getting arrested. But this article explains that while the shows have grown more sophisticated and less crass, they still lead to terrible injustice.
The Quote:
Story by Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica
The Headline: More billionaires than ever ranked in Forbes' annual list. Here are the top 10
I often write in this newsletter about how important it is to understand the “grift” element of Christian Nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and America’s right-wing flirtation with authoritarianism. So very much of politicians’ and religious leaders’ otherwise inexplicable actions, statements, and beliefs can be explained by their naked pursuit of wealth and profit.
Therefore, I wanted to share this article with you - to demonstrate just the gross and ever-rising level of American inequality, which just further retrenches these wealth-seeking and hoarding behaviors. Not that Jesus spent most of his time warning about greed and worship of money, did he?
“Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” - Luke 18:25 (parallels in Mark 10 and Matthew 19).
PS: Notice anything this list of billionaires has in common? Any sort of common trait these folks have? Maybe a good reason to, I don’t know, read a book on the problems of popular American depictions of masculinity!
The Quote:
Story by A Martinez and Obed Manuel, NPR
A few more must-read stories since our last News with Nuance …
Trump funding cuts target programs for children and the poor
A tax proposed on social media companies gets pushback … but why?
Ukraine captures two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia
Here Are the Places Where the Recession Has Already Begun
Supreme Court requires noncitizens to challenge detention and removal in Texas
This may be the most lead polluted place on Earth. Is there any hope?
What Are the Rights of Nature?
Higher prices are likely for these 10 grocery items if tariffs hit (again?)
Anti-trust enforcement is important to competitors and consumers, but don’t forget workers
Update: Minnesotans are more prosperous than our lower taxed neighbor states
Disciples of White Jesus: Tracking down those who are weaponizing radicalization and a masculine identity that’s dangerous for men and boys
Every edition in this section of the newsletter, we’ll look at stories from around the U.S. and the world that lift up the ways in which this trend of hawking radicalization and violence to young white men and boys (often in the guise of Christianity and conservative politics - with dog whistles of white supremacy) is leading to anger, chaos, disenfranchisement, and fear for everyone. You’ll notice that many of the storylines and main characters here overlap with my previous research (and this newsletter’s previous focus) on Christian Nationalism. You’ll also read stories of the impacts of this kind of messaging on ordinary men and boys who can’t measure up to this fabricated ideal: especially financially, in a global economy that’s emphasizing massive inequality and greed.
But don’t worry - because after this section - we’ll focus on stories of hope, ways masculine identity for young men and boys is being found in compassion, care, diversity, and - when it comes to Christianity - a story closer to the gospel of Jesus himself, rooted in truth, kindness, justice, and love.
This Edition:
Every single part of this movement rests upon a central questioning of one’s own reality, a technique of gaslighting that causes people to seek reassurance in authoritarian, violent leaders. So that we get headlines like this one:
Minnesota elected Republicans call Jan. 6 insurrection a ‘hoax’
And also note the fragile reliance on asserting hierarchy to secure your own superiority - and dehumanizing others who aren’t like you: J.D. Vance comments on “Chinese peasants”
And now, a trilogy of stories on how hyper-femininity coexists alongside hyper-masculinity in a MAGA fundamentalist worldview:
"Girls Gone Bible": Spicy Christian podcast sells young women on MAGA. Will scandal hurt or help?
The Conservative Women’s Magazine With Big Ambitions, and Sex Tips for Wives
Boom boom culture: fashion’s flashy, sleazy and sudden vibe shift
Thankfully,
is here to help us sort through the influencer lens of it all:
(I also was thrilled to join Jo on her podcast, Under the Influence, which I’ve been a big fan of for years now)
As you’ll read more about below, I spent a few days in D.C. last weekend. Part of my time was spent visiting reps’ offices, and this article was a handy guide to sorting through the influence and imagery of Christian Nationalism:
A visual guide to the elected officials who fly Christian nationalist flags at the Capitol
I didn’t agree with all the theology in this article, but I am always here for a Catholic takedown of convert J.D. Vance:
And the endgame of conspiracy theories is, sadly, death and suffering of vulnerable people: RFK Jr.’s unsound ideas are a threat to my mental and physical health — and yours, too
But, oftentimes, masculinity and strict adherence to its power must protect its own - even at the cost of lying to the American public: In a new book, top Biden aide describes ‘out of it’ president before Trump debate (can we please agree to stop rewarding these people with big book deals?!)
Maybe we just need a good sports analogy to combat CN: Stop Flopping
And finally, in deep seriousness, the victims of violent masculinity are beginning to pile up. The rule of law is sacrificed on the altar of displays of power and superiority:
Video shows Tufts graduate student grabbed off the street by federal immigration officials
Hopeful stories of a more excellent way forward for boys, men, and all of us:
As I mentioned at the top, it has been such a moving experience to meet so many of you out and about at events for Disciples of White Jesus. Here are a few photos to share from Laguna Beach, Calif., Washington, D.C., and Hyde Park (Chicago):
I’ve continued to record several podcasts. Since our last News with Nuance, I’ve appeared on:
Straight White American Jesus with
Under the Influence with
The Ken Harbaugh Show (also on YouTube)
More of these coming soon …
A huge thank-you to those who have written reviews and shared excerpts since our last News with Nuance! Including the amazing
, who has paved the way for so many of us to write about Christian Nationalism and violent masculinity
Englewood Review of Books named Disciples of White Jesus a pick of the week!
Upcoming Events
I’ll be staying closer to home for the next several weeks, especially as we move into Holy Week and Easter next week. But I do want to invite local MN readers to upcoming events:
APRIL 23, 6:30 p.m.
Forum
Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church
Minneapolis, MN
APRIL 27, 10:45 a.m.
Preaching and Book Signing
Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church
Minneapolis, MN
APRIL 30, 6:30 p.m.
Twin Cities Presbytery Event
Disciples of White Jesus
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church
Bloomington, MN
MAY 18, 9:30 a.m.
Preaching + Forum
Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
Minneapolis, MN
Find a full list of upcoming events (adding more every day) at https://www.angeladenker.com/upcoming-events
Now more (non-book-focused) encouraging developments …
I wanted to remind readers that this past Wednesday, April 9, was the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s execution by the Nazis at Flossenberg Concentration Camp. It probably seems strange to mention this somber anniversary in a list of encouraging developments. The reason I do so is that Bonhoeffer is such a powerful witness and example of the theology of the cross, even against the most difficult and dangerous odds. I was so encouraged to see my social media feeds fill up with remembrances and honoring of Bonhoeffer’s work and legacy - and the legacy of all those who stood and stand with him against the weaponization of Jesus’ Gospel for power, money, and hate.
I got the chance a few months ago to interview some of Bonhoeffer’s family members. It was a great honor to do so. I shared the piece I wrote then again here:
I always appreciate Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg’s pieces:
It Was Never "Just Us" Resisting Xenophobia in the Seder Narrative
Satire is an incredibly powerful tool:
And then these stories …
Faith Leaders Push Back After EPA Head Disparages Climate Action as ‘Religion’
This muggy city keeps cool with minimal AC. Here’s how.
Arkansas Religious Leaders Fight Ten Commandments Bill Rushing Toward Governor’s Desk
A Historic Black Church Took the Proud Boys to Court. Now It Controls Their Trademark
As Lutheran bishops we stand for religious liberty and against Christian Nationalism
Wisconsin voters elect Susan Crawford in rebuke of Trump, Musk
‘These are not normal times,’ Sen. Cory Booker says in marathon Senate speech
A Rising Democratic Star Is Ready for New Leadership — Without Chuck Schumer
Jimmy Carter’s Church Removes Flags From Sanctuary
Baylor grad seeks to hold the line against Trump’s executive overreach
'Every church should be doing this': A sanctuary church refuses to close its doors to migrants
We’re talking to our neighbors in Greater Minnesota about the MAGA rampage, and people are listening
Must-Reads on Substack
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(look out for a Substack collaboration with the two of us coming soon!)
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(who I finally got to meet in person last weekend!)
This was a special FREE edition of News with Nuance to help give new readers a taste of what this newsletter has to offer. Most editions will be paywalled for paid subscribers. Please consider supporting the independent journalism represented by this newsletter - if you don’t already!
Thanks for reading,
Angela
A Few Notes:
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