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ACROSS THE LINES
My abiding interests are in history, religion and politics, with special emphasis on matters of life and death and on matters of nationalism (as shaped by my work on the US-Mexico border).
These interests may appear unrelated, but they don't feel that way to me.
How do we come to embrace different identities for ourselves?
What are the deep and abiding passions that unite us - and divide us - from one another?
For more, visit this archive of my published writing.
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A WORD FOR THIS MOMENT
It has been some time since I have posted to this blog. I have been biding my time, and biting my tongue, trying to find a meaningful...
John Fanestil
May 32 min read
Jimmy Carter's Crowning Achievement
Early generations of Americans were commonly captivated by the manner and meaning of their Presidents’ deaths. This tradition was rooted...
John Fanestil
Dec 31, 20243 min read
IS TRUMP AN AUTHORITARIAN? OR JUST VERY AMERICAN?
Liberal Americans struggling to account for Donald Trump’s enduring political appeal seem to be settling on an explanation....
John Fanestil
Nov 2, 20245 min read
Donald Trump's Final Campaign Strategy -- Playing the Martyr
After surviving another assassination attempt last Sunday, Donald Trump tweeted : “I will NEVER SURRENDER!” Kamala Harris cannot afford...
John Fanestil
Sep 19, 20243 min read
In Memoriam - Darrell Dean Fanestil
We will memorialize my father, Darrell, this Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 am at La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla...
john383957
Sep 3, 20246 min read
WHAT JOE BIDEN CAN LEARN FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS
As he ponders the fate of his reelection campaign, Joe Biden would be wise to consider the example of George Washington. Washington’s...
John Fanestil
Jul 20, 20244 min read
Countering Donald Trump's Electoral Appeal Requires Taking Religion Seriously
Donald Trump’s enduring electoral appeal is no surprise. While not religious himself, Trump consistently taps the shadow side of a...
John Fanestil
Feb 23, 20245 min read
A Book Club Study for Election Year
What will your book club read this election year? As a Biden-Trump rematch comes clearly into view, the temptation will be great to steer...
John Fanestil
Jan 29, 20242 min read
UNDERSTANDING MIKE JOHNSON -- The (World)View from the Chair of the Speaker of the House
Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in a party-line vote last month. But when he looks...
John Fanestil
Nov 30, 20237 min read
AMERICAN HERESY -- a Short Audio Introduction
I wrote AMERICAN HERESY because we need to contend frankly with the origins of the United States if we are to understand what is...
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Sep 27, 20231 min read
The Deep Roots of American Violence ... and Why the Border Wall Works as a Political Brand
My new book, American Heresy: The Roots and Reach of White Christian Nationalism, will be released by Fortress Press two months from...
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Jul 26, 20235 min read
"What Were They Thinking?" Let Me Tell You
In 2013, for reasons I am not sure I fully understand today, I decided to return to school in my 50s, to pursue a Ph.D. in American...
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Jun 25, 20232 min read
What if that is who we are?
TWO YEARS AGO TODAY, as I watched the chaos unfold at the US Capitol, a strange thought crossed my mind: "That looks very American," I...
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Jan 6, 20231 min read
Who We Are: Oppositional, Conspiracy-Minded & Prone to Violence
Despite concerted attempts to minimize it, the unprecedented attack on the U.S. Capitol one year ago tomorrow has turned January 6 into...
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Jan 5, 20224 min read
Soon, Victory! Year-End Reflections on Life & Death ... and Basketball
In its year-end review of stories from California, the New York Times included this article, written by Soumya Karlamangla, about the San...
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Dec 27, 20212 min read
White Christian Nationalism in Larger Context
The Deep Roots of Our Current Discontent by John Fanestil (copyright 2021) Standing out among the crowds ransacking the U.S. Capitol on...
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Oct 12, 20219 min read
Nathan Hale - the Inside Story of an American Revolutionary
Two hundred forty-five years ago today, Nathan Hale was killed by hanging in New York by British troops under the command of General...
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Sep 22, 20214 min read
Reviews ... and you?
Dear friends: I hope you will enjoy, as I did, this full-page review of my new book in Saturday's San Diego Union-Tribune. Below my...
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Sep 7, 20211 min read
WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS
Yesterday I gifted my parents a copy of my new book, ONE LIFE TO GIVE: Martyrdom and the making of the American Revolution. In this book...
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Jul 19, 20211 min read
THE SOLDIERS' DECLARATION
How did soldiers who fought in the American Revolution experience the Declaration of Independence? Few would have read it, but most...
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Jul 6, 20211 min read
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