In this episode we discuss: the brain science behind political/ideological extremism and its connection to dogmatic religious beliefs – specifically looking how QAnon can be contextualized as an “alt religion”; why do so many White Evangelical Christians believe in QAnon and other conspiracy beliefs?; how the Jan 6th insurrection is an expression of America’s repressed trauma over belonging and identity; how does this trauma fuel political polarization tribal ideology, which in turn can lead to radicalization; and how do we heal America’s trauma? What steps can we individually take to address this trauma?

Dr Jay Kumar is the Wellness Director in the  Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University. His TEDx Talk was titled “How to Heal America’s Traumatized Brain” https://youtu.be/Ak1ld-P3ZIs?t=5198

His book is called: Science of a Happy Brain: Thriving in the Age of Anger, Anxiety, and Addiction (available on Amazon, publisher Page Publishing)

He also has a LinkedIn Learning Course: “How to Train Your Brain for Happiness”. Please check it out.

Janice McLean-Farrell teaches at New Brunswick Theological Seminary,  and is the Dirck Romeyn Assistant Professor of Metro-Urban Ministry & Assistant Dean of Doctoral Studies.

Anderson Jeremiah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University  and Deputy Director of the Richardson Institute of Peace Studies.

Kirk Sandvig teaches Religious Studies and Philosophy at Chapman University, San Diego State University, and Saddleback College.

Other books referenced in this podcast:

Amanda Ripley - High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out

Kristin  Kobes Du Mez - Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation

Music by Aiden, Caleb and Kirk Sandvig