Rise of the Religious Right in America

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In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Ismail Arafa for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on religion, power, and global politics.

Together, we explore the complex relationship between faith and statecraft, beginning with discussion of crusader undertones in modern U.S. policy and what this reveals about the role of religious language in shaping political agendas. The discussion then broadens to examine both right- and left-wing trends in the West, questioning whether hostility toward Islam is rooted in belief - or driven by strategy, power, and economic interests.

As the conversation deepens, Ismail Arafa reflects on how religion continues to be instrumentalised in an increasingly secular Western world, and why it remains such a potent force despite declining religious affiliation. We also unpack the important distinction between mainstream Christianity and its more extreme expressions, while critically engaging with historical narratives like the Crusades and their relevance to modern conflicts.

The episode also tackles the dehumanisation of Palestinians and Muslims in Western discourse, alongside a candid discussion on how Muslims view non-Muslims. Is the idea of an inevitable conflict between believers and non-believers real - or constructed?

Finally, we address the rise of right-wing and authoritarian movements across the West, and what this means for Muslim communities navigating an increasingly polarised landscape.

Join us for this nuanced and challenging conversation that encourages deeper reflection on the narratives shaping our world today.

And do comment your thoughts down below!

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