How Evangelicals Betrayed Jesus for Power – A Conversation with Amy Hawk

In this episode, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Amy Hawk, author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a hyper-patriotic evangelical leader, Amy shares her journey of disillusionment during the 2016 election when Donald Trump became the Republican nominee. She opens up about her father’s legacy as a Vietnam War hero, her evolving faith journey, and the painful decision to step away from the white evangelical church. Hawk discusses how Trumpism has infiltrated the evangelical community, drawing parallels between Judas’ betrayal and how evangelical leaders have sacrificed integrity for political power. Amy also details how her faith was renewed through studying the life of Jesus and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ultimately leading her to a spiritual community outside traditional evangelical circles.

Guest Bio:
Amy Hawk is the author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power. Once a devoted evangelical leader, Amy experienced a profound faith crisis during the 2016 election when she witnessed the rise of Trumpism within the evangelical church. Now, she speaks out against the manipulation of Christianity for political gain and offers daily Bible teachings on her YouTube channel and social media.

CC: ‪@amyhawk9‬

Resources & Links:

The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betray Jesus for Power by Amy Hawk – Purchase Link on her website for signed copies: https://www.amyhawk.com


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amy Hawk and Her Journey
02:00 From Hyper Patriotism to Faith Crisis
06:51 The Impact of Trump on Faith and Politics
14:05 The Judas Effect: Betrayal in the Church
18:58 Understanding the Title: The Judas Effect
22:56 Navigating the Church's Response to Trumpism
27:58 Stepping Away from White Evangelicalism
28:53 Navigating Faith and Politics
35:28 The Cult of Trumpism
41:47 Shifting Political Identities
46:36 Misuse of Scripture in Politics
51:45 Finding Community and Support