#111 John Fugelsang: How Religion Was Hijacked

On this episode of the Acid For Squares podcast, hosts Tanya Dahl and Cody Blue sit down with comedian, broadcaster, and New York Times bestselling author John Fugelsang, whose acclaimed book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, takes an irreverent but deeply informed look at religion, fundamentalism, and the people who weaponize faith for power. John shares the personal journey that led him to write Separation of Church and Hate, exploring his own relationship with religion and the experiences that pushed him to examine the growing divide between the higher ideals found within spiritual traditions and the hatred sometimes carried out in their name. Together, John, Cody, and Tanya unpack how religious teachings have been distorted throughout history by extremist fundamentalists and political movements, turning belief systems centered on compassion, mercy, and service into tools for division, discrimination, control, and fear. John breaks down the warning signs of religious fundamentalism, why certainty and extremism can become so dangerous, and how sacred texts can be manipulated to justify ideas that may directly contradict the values they claim to represent. The conversation also explores Christian nationalism, hypocrisy within religious institutions, the relationship between faith and political power, and how ordinary people can challenge extremism without abandoning spirituality altogether. Most importantly, John offers a path toward reclaiming the compassion, love, humility, and humanity at the heart of religion while rejecting those who attempt to use faith as a weapon. This is a provocative, funny, deeply thoughtful conversation about faith, power, hypocrisy, compassion, and what happens when religion becomes less about loving your neighbor and more about controlling them. THIS EPISODE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: VORG - SUPERFOODS Get all of your superfoods in one easy scoop! Use code ACIDFORSQUARES at checkout for 15% off your order! CLICK HERE: https://supervorg.com/?ref=acidforsquares MIDWEST GROW KITS Explore their full collection of sacred plant tools and wellness products using the link below, and use code ACIDFORSQUARES at checkout for 15% off your order! CLICK HERE: https://www.midwestgrowkits.com Hosts: Tanya Dahl & Cody Blue Guests: John Fugelsang More On JOHN IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnfugelsang Website: https://www.johnfugelsang.com/ Buy Book here: https://link.amazon/B0cTFVE0o ACID FOR SQUARES MERCH HERE https://acidforsquares-shop.fourthwall.com/ GET MORE FROM ACID FOR SQUARES at PATREON www.patreon.com/acidforsquares PLEASE FOLLOW, LIKE, COMMENT AND SHARE! Your interaction with our content helps us so much! Follow Acid For Squares: @acidforsquares across all social media And same on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Acid For Squares Podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or affiliated companies. The podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Topics may include mature content, parental discretion is advised. _______ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices