142 | Star-Spangled Jesus: Deconstructing Christian Nationalism & Reclaiming Faith with April Ajoy

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What happens when faith, politics, and culture become so intertwined that questioning one means unraveling them all? In this powerful episode of Gather in Growth, I sit down with April Ajoy, content creator, speaker, and author of Star-Spangled Jesus, to unpack her journey out of Christian nationalism and into a faith rooted in love, curiosity, and truth.

Growing up in a deeply conservative evangelical family, April was immersed in a world where faith and patriotism were inseparable. From singing on the Jim Bakker show to traveling the country in a “Jesus Bus” spreading the message of reclaiming America for God, she wholeheartedly believed she was fulfilling a divine mission. But as she started asking hard questions—about politics, theology, and the way faith was being used as a tool for power—her entire worldview began to shift.

In this conversation, April and I dive into how Christian nationalism has shaped modern evangelicalism and American politics, the fear-based messaging that keeps people from questioning their beliefs, and what it really means to deconstruct faith while holding onto a deep love for Jesus. We explore the impact of misinformation, culture wars, and political agendas on religious spaces, and how to navigate difficult conversations with family and friends who see faith and politics differently. April shares her experience of rebuilding her faith outside of fear, control, and rigid ideology, offering hope to anyone who has ever felt the tension of questioning long-held beliefs.

Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply curious about the intersection of faith, culture, and politics, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all: faith should be about love, not fear.

Meet April Ajoy:

April Ajoy is the author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. She is also a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, Newsweek and more. She’s been married to Beecher for 10 years and they have two daughters together.

In this episode, Star-Spangled Jesus: Deconstructing Christian Nationalism & Reclaiming Faith with April Ajoy, we cover:

• April Ajoy’s journey from America-first Christianity to a faith rooted in love, inclusion, and critical thinking
• How Christian nationalism has quietly shaped evangelical culture, church teachings, and even public policy
• The fear-based messaging that keeps people from questioning their faith—and why stepping outside the box can feel terrifying
• The real reason so many churches equate Republican politics with Christianity (hint: it’s not just about faith)
• Why questioning what you’ve been taught doesn’t mean losing your faith—it might actually strengthen it
• The role of misinformation, culture wars, and political agendas in shaping religious beliefs
• How Christian nationalism influences conversations around abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s autonomy
• Why some faith leaders are pushing for a government controlled by Christian ideals—and what that really means
• The emotional, relational, and spiritual toll of leaving behind rigid belief systems—and how to find community after deconstruction
• What the Seven Mountain Mandate is and why it’s influencing today’s political landscape
• How to engage in meaningful, productive conversations with family and friends who see faith and politics differently
• Finding peace, freedom, and joy after shedding a belief system built on fear and control

If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your people. Your support helps more people step into curiosity, ask hard questions, and reclaim a faith rooted in love, truth, and authenticity. Let’s shift the conversation—together.

Connect with April Ajoy:

Follow April for more thought-provoking conversations, satire, and insights on faith and culture:

• TikTok: @aprilajoy
• Instagram: @aprilajoy
• YouTube: @April_Ajoy
• Facebook: @aprilajoy
• Threads: @aprilajoy
• Bluesky: @aprilajoy.bsky.social

Find her book, Star-Spangled Jesus, wherever books are sold!

Connect with Emily:

Stay connected and keep up with my latest updates, podcast episodes, and personal growth insights:

• Instagram: @emilyreuschel
• Facebook: Emily Reuschel
• LinkedIn: Emily Reuschel
• Email List: join here
• Website  www.EmilyReuschel.com

Related Gather in Growth Episodes You’ll Love:

If you found this conversation insightful, check out these related episodes on somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and deep inner work:

• Episode 139 | Unraveling & Rebuilding: My Journey Through Faith, Politics, and Personal Growth
• Episode 137 | Breaking Out of Black-and-White Thinking
• Episode 131 | Going Beyond the Pale
• Episode 124 | Coming Home: Politics, Purpose, and the Ripple Effect
• Episode 112 | The Lost Art of Using Your Brain Box: The Unshakable Calling for Diverse Perspectives, Empathy, and Critical Thinking

Resources & Links:

• Sign up here to get the inside scoop to my book writing journey!
• Interested in sponsoring Gather in Growth? Apply here
• Book me as a speaker for your next event – email inquiries to emilyreuschel@gmail.com or schedule a call here
• Gather in Growth Podcast – Produced by Jill Carr Podcasting | Learn More

More about the Gather in Growth podcast: 

Gather in Growth is more than a podcast—it’s a sacred space for women to come home to themselves and each other. A place where we expand our horizons, embrace vulnerability, and live unapologetically in alignment with our truest selves.

Hosted by Emily Reuschel, Gather in Growth is for the dreamers, the seekers, and the action-takers who crave deep conversations, meaningful change, and a life rooted in intuition, purpose, and connection.

Imagine women gathered around a fire, sharing their stories, supporting one another, and stepping boldly into who they are meant to be. That’s the spirit of Gather in Growth.

If you’re ready to move beyond limits and labels, cultivate radical self-trust, and rewrite the rules on your own terms—welcome home.

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