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About Me

My research is predominately in the field religion and social theory, specifically in the field of improvisational conspiracy, the overlapping belief systems of apocalyptic Christian thought and conspiracy theories, and the impact of these beliefs on the American political system. In my doctoral work, my focus has been on the John Birch Society of the 1950s and 1960s and how their form of improvisational conspiracism is linked to contemporary right-wing mobilization. I also have an interest in religion and pop culture, specifically within subversive or marginalized religious movements.

I am currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism, researching and creating policy for Anti-Hate, Anti-Extremism with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Recent Publications

Regular contributor to Religion Dispatches a University of Southern California secular, independent online magazine that stands at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture.

May 2021        “Radical-right Conspiratorial Thinking” in The Right and the Radical Right in the Americas. Dr. Tamir Bar-On and Barbara Molas editors. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield (Invited Chapter)

TBA                God’s Angry Men. Carmen Celestini, PhD. University Press of Kansas. (Manuscript under review.)

TBA                “Conservative Christian Women and Conspiracy Movements” in
War and Social Movements.
Dr. Ronald Van Cleef, editor. Paderborn, Germany: Ferdinand Schöningh.

Jan. 2021         “The 1964 Presidential Election: Goldwater v. Johnson”
“FOX NEWS: From Outfoxed to Hannity and Trump”
“The 2016 Presidential Election: Clinton v. Trump” in
Anti-intellectualism and Elitism in America: An Encyclopedia of Conflict.
Dr. Tim Lacy, editor. Santa Barbara: Praeger.

Sept. 2019       “Billy Graham”
“Religious Political Alliances” in
Religion and Contemporary Politics: A Global Encyclopedia.
Dr. Timothy J. Demy and Dr. Jeffrey M. Shaw, editors. Santa Barbara: Praeger.

May 2019        “Freemasonry and Anti-Masonic Party”
“Skull and Bones Society”
“Televangelists” in
Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History.
Dr. Christopher R. Fee and Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, editors. Santa Barbara: Praeger.

June 2018        “Federal Election Commission v. Christian Action Network”
“National Rifle Association” in
Money in American Politics: An Encyclopedia.
Dr. David Schultz, editor. Santa Barbara: Praeger.

Jan. 2017         “Fighting ‘the System’: The Christian Identity Movement and the Turner Diaries” in Understanding Angry Groups: Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Their Motivations and Effects on Society.
Dr. Susan C. Cloninger and Dr. Steven A. Leibo, editors. Santa Barbara: Praeger.

Winter 2017    “Trump, God, Conspiracy and the End Times” in
The ecumenist: a journal of theology, culture, and society.
Dr. David Seljak, editor. Ottawa: Novalis-Saint Paul University

Aug. 2015       “Cage Fighting for Jesus: The Neo-Muscular Christianity Movement in Mixed Martial Arts” in God and Popular Culture: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Entertainment Industry’s Most Influential Figure (Volume 2).
Dr. Stephen Butler Murray and Dr. Aimée Upjohn Light, editors.
Santa Barbara: Praeger.

Popular Publications

Sept. 2020–Present        Regular contributor to Vista, H-Net – Nationalism – serves as a focal point for informed, moderated discussion and produces diverse academic content including book reviews, interviews, blog series, and bibliographies.

Nov. 2016–Present        Regular contributor to Religion Dispatches, a secular and independent online magazine, published by the University of Southern California, that stands at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture.

• “Don’t Ignore the Role of ‘Christian Values’ in Conservative Conspiracy.” June 2, 2017.
• “Media Hit Hard on Trump’s White Supremacist Appointee, but Which ‘Media’?” November 14, 2016.
• “Running Against the Devil: Trump’s Conspiracy-Laden Fight Against Powers of Darkness.” November 7, 2016.
• “WikiLeaks’ October Surprise: With ‘Spirit Dinners,’ Conspiracy Goes Mainstream.” November 4, 2016.

2010–2014                     “Faith Based Organizations,” a chapter in five consecutive editions of the Report on Civil Society presented at the annual G8 summit by the G8 Research Group.

This group, based at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, is an international network of scholars, professionals and students with an interest in the activities of the Group of Eight (now seven). Its mission is to serve as a leading source of independent research and analysis on the G8, its member states and related institutions in the world.

Media Coverage

Social Media

twitter.com/PhilofWrite

Country Focus

United States

Expertise by Geography

North America, United States

Expertise by Chronology

Modern, 20th century, 21st century

Expertise by Topic

Capitalism, Gender, Government, Politics, Religion, Women