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Separation of Church and Hate

A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds

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Separation of Church and Hate

By: John Fugelsang
Narrated by: John Fugelsang
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 A 2026 Audie Award Winner for Nonfiction and Finalist for Narration by the Author

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * In the spirit of George Carlin and Christopher Hitchens, the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother delivers a deeply irreverent and biblically correct takedown of far-right Christian hatred—a book for believers, atheists, agnostics, and anyone who’ll ever have to deal with a Christian nationalist.

For more than two centuries, the United States Constitution has given us the right to a society where church and state exist independently. But Christianity has been hijacked by far-right groups and politicians who seek to impose their narrow views on government, often to justify oppressive and unequal policies. The extremists who weaponize the Bible for earthly power aren’t actually on the side of Jesus—and historically they never have been. How do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith?

Comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang finally offers the answers. In this informative, perspective-shifting book, Fugelsang takes readers through common fundamentalist arguments on abor­tion, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and more—exposing their hypocrisy and inaccuracy through scripture, common sense, and deeply inappropriate humor. It offers practical tips on how to debate your loved one, coworker, or neighbor on the issues that divide us using that Bible they claim to follow.

But Fugelsang’s message is about more than just taking down hypocrites. It’s about fighting for the love, mercy, and service that are supposed to make up the heart of Christianity. Told with Fugelsang’s trademark blend of radical honesty, comedy, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American needs today. It’s a rallying cry for compassion and clarity for anyone of any faith who’s sick of religion being used as a cloaking device for hate. Bible Study Bibles & Bible Study Christianity Civics & Citizenship Politics & Government Religious Studies Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"Talk show host/comedian John Fugelsang dedicates this important and timely book to his parents, a Carmelite nun and Franciscan monk who left their orders but remained dedicated to the teachings of Christ. Fugelsang’s warm, companionable voice perfectly conveys his concern that right-wing forces are using the Bible as a prop to justify cruelty, hatred, and absolute power—the very opposite of Jesus’s message. He offers Scripture, verse, and humor to help listeners respond knowledgeably to those who are using religion to spread misinformation and pain. His calming voice reminds us of the compassion, kindness, and tolerance in Jesus’s message and offers hope to those who need ways to talk back to the loud, self-righteous voices of anger and hate currently around us."
All stars
Most relevant
Eye opening, and well researched book, with humour and an understanding of human nature. Fugelsang makes a potential very dry subject both entertaining and educational.

Excellent reading of his own book

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I was brought up a UK Catholic, the whole bit, confession, confirmation etc, but can never actually remember a time when I believed in God, it just seemed ridiculous to me.
I enjoyed this book because I have a religious family who find my atheism bizarre.
I am a fan of the teachings of the prophet Jesus generally, although I can remember being appalled by the story of the Gadarene swine, I mean, what had the poor pigs done to deserve that?
I doubt if I will be able to quote chapter and verse, but I will be more confident saying ‘so you don’t have the same view on that subject as Jesus, I fear’.

Atheist, but a Jesus fan here.

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a simply brilliant educational enlightening read, every parent should gift to their kids, particularly their sons

A ray of hope in dark times

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witty, learned- well researched this should be required reading for anyone processing Christian faith.

encourages one to examine and revisit the source material.

10/10

should be required reading

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Following the Charlie Kirk mournathon there could not be a more appropriate book to remind of us of how misguided and hypocritical the Christian nationlists actually are.

A masterpiece

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