294. TNE TALKS: Introducing the Ministers of Propaganda

The New Evangelicals Podcast

In this episode, Tim sits down with Scott M. Coley, author of the book, Ministers of Propaganda, and they discuss the concept of legitimizing narratives that are used to justify social arrangements that benefit white evangelicals.

Takeaways

• Legitimizing narratives are stories that justify social arrangements and hierarchies.
• White evangelicals have used the Bible as a source of legitimizing narratives to justify social arrangements that benefit them.
• The curse of Ham is an example of a legitimizing narrative used to justify race-based chattel slavery and racial segregation.
• The hermeneutics of legitimization is an approach to biblical interpretation that consistently produces readings of the text that justify the reader's preferred social arrangements.
• Understanding and challenging these narratives is important for promoting justice and equality. Legitimizing narratives are used to justify and perpetuate harmful ideologies.
• The defense of slavery and gender hierarchy are examples of self-defeating narratives that appropriate the very ideals they undermine.
• There is a tension between conservative ideals of family values and fiscal policies.
• Propaganda plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and can be used to manipulate and control narratives.
• It is important to critically examine the narratives we encounter and strive for a more just and inclusive approach to interpreting scripture and engaging in politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcement

04:07 Introduction to Scott M. Coley and His Book 'Ministers of Propaganda'

10:21 How White Evangelicals Justify Social Arrangements

26:43 The Curse of Ham: A Historical Example of a Legitimizing Narrative

29:38 The Hermeneutics of Legitimization

31:05 Challenging Legitimizing Narratives

31:35 Unpacking Legitimizing Narratives and Harmful Ideologies

39:35 The Tension Between Conservative Family Values and Fiscal Policies

55:22 The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion

01:00:43 The Need for Critical Examination of Narratives

01:02:11 Striving for a Just and Inclusive Approach to Scripture and Politics

Scott's Book | Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right

Scott's Instagram | @scott_m_coley

Scott's X | @scott_m_coley

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