The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
August 12th, 2008
Host Francesca Rheannon talks with journalist Jeff Sharlet about his bestselling new book, THE FAMILY. It’s about the real “New World Order” of elite fundamentalism that threatens our democracy.
Read an excerpt from THE FAMILY here.
When Senator Sam Brownback ran for president during the recent primary season few people knew that he’s a member of an elite fundamentalist group that’s waging spiritual war in the halls of American power and around the globe. It’s called The Family. It counts not just conservatives but also liberals like Hillary Clinton among its intimates and fellow travelers. When the National Prayer Breakfast is held each year–it’s organized by the Family. When we say “our nation, under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, or we read “In God we Trust” on our greenbacks–that’s because of the Family. Founded during the Great Depression in 1933, the Family preaches a gospel of “biblical capitalism,” military might, and American empire. It’s played a crucial role in the unraveling of the New Deal, the waging of the Cold War, and the harsh economics of globalization. That’s what journalist Jeff Sharlet says in his new book, THE FAMILY: THE ELITE FUNDAMENTALISM AT THE HEART OF AMERICAN POWER.
Jeff Sharlet’s previous book was Killing the Buddha, which he co-authored with Peter Manseau. He’s a contributing editor for Harper’s and Rolling Stone. His Mother Jones article about Hillary Clinton’s cozy relationship with Christian fundamentalists, “Hillary’s Prayer”, can be read here.
This show airs and streams at 5pm ET on 91.1 FM WMUA on Friday, August 22; on 103.3 FM Valley Free Radio on Thursday, August 28 at 8 am, and on NPR Talk Radio 640 AM WNNZ on Sunday, August 31 at 3 pm.
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Tags: bestseller Christian_right democracy Election Season elite Frederick_Clarkson Fundamentalism history Jeff Sharlet Journalism journalist new world order Podcast politics religious_right talk2action Web Extra
August 27th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Excellent topic and interview. Astounding information. This is a must hear interview.
Thank you so much Francesca Rheannon and Jeff Sharlet for the book and the interview.
I heard your program today [Wednesdasy, August 27, 2008] on KAOS – Evergreen State College radio – in Olympia, Washington.
- Wow!
November 10th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Dear Francesca,
Perhaps it is a temporary aberration, but I am writing to inform you that the link to the mp3 of this show appears to be broken.
Can it be repaired?
Thank you!
Bert
January 5th, 2009 at 11:07 am
[...] Jeff Sharlet, THE FAMILY [...]
February 9th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
[...] first talked with journalist and author Jeff Sharlet in August 2008 when he came on Writers Voice to talk about his book, THE FAMILY: The Elite Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. In it, [...]
February 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
[...] first talked with journalist and author Jeff Sharlet in August 2008 when he came on Writers Voice to talk about his book, THE FAMILY: The Elite Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. In it, [...]