Separation of Church and Hate - by John Fugelsang (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A deeply irreverent and Biblically correct takedown of the far-right and their co-opting of religion, and guide to engaging them in effective conversational combat, in the spirit of Bill Maher and Christopher Hitchens.

For over two centuries, the United States constitution has given us the right to live in a society where church and state exist independently, and without conflict. So why is it that, suddenly, Christianity is being co-opted by far-right groups, politicians, friends, and family members to justify oppressive and unequal policies? And how do we fight back against those acting--literally--in bad faith?

Separation of Church and Hate, a new and critical book from comedian and TV and radio host John Fugelsang--who himself is the child of a former Catholic nun and Franciscan brother--finally offers the answers.

In this informative, perspective-shifting guide, Fugelsang takes readers through common talking points and arguments--God condemns abortion, gay marriage is a sin, guns are an ordained right, and more--and exposes their hypocrisy and overall inaccuracy through scripture, philosophy, and plain old common sense.

Told with Fugelsang's trademark blend of radical honesty, relevant humor, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American today needs. It is a return to civility, a rallying cry for compassion and clarity, and a reclamation of the values and truths we hold dear, for anyone who was raised Christian but has become disillusioned with organized religion; for Democrats, progressives, liberals, and moderates who are tired of the right wing pretending to own Christianity; for atheists, agnostics, and any one of any faith who's sick of the fundamentalists using religion as a cloaking device for hate; for everyone who's realized you don't necessarily need organized religion to be a good person.

Review Quotes

"Separation of Church and Hate is a bracing, hilarious repudiation of how far American Christian nationalism has strayed from the teachings of the guy it is literally named after. Many non-Christians like myself hear the pronouncements of evangelical leaders and think, 'Welp, they're the experts on Christianity, so this must be what Jesus laid down.' Turns out, the man himself had very different ideas. Fugelsang gets into the specifics with razor-sharp wit as well as tremendous empathy for those for whom Christianity has given life-changing meaning. It's a tour de force comedic repossession of biblical Christianity from those who would twist it into unrecognizable ugliness." --Jon Cryer

"John Fugelsang nails this in his book, Separation of Church and Hate: The Bible says in John 4:8 that 'God Is Love.' Period...end of story!" --Willie Nelson

"This is probably the last book I would ever pick up, being an atheist who believes in spirituality, the golden rule, and that we will all see our dogs again in heaven. But being a huge fan of John's I wanted to read it. I could not put it down. I don't argue with brick walls but just having the knowledge this book provides has buoyed my spirits and belief that Christianity indeed was not meant to be used as a political cudgel. This is such an enlightening read.

Separation of Church and Hate is the windswept saga of one woman's determined gumption to overcome--wait. Sorry. Wrong book. Separation of Church and Hate is the best (and only) book you will ever read that restores biblical quotes to the people who actually said them, putting a halt to the current crop of political 'religious' activists using Jesus' alleged sermons to support their own intolerance and campaigns of hate. I learned so much. No, Jesus never said 'The New York Mets are a good young team.' That was Thomas Aquinas. Read this book." --Elayne Boosler

"As John Fugelsang irreverently documents, that Christian Deity has yet to declare affiliation to, and/or affinity for, any political party! And yet, throughout history and the present day, Christian principles of faith, hope, and charity are being co-opted and weaponized to erroneously represent fear and justify hate. In keeping with Christian principles, John welcomes all to this conversation. But, as always, he suffers ZERO FOOLS." --Anita Baker

"Fugelsang, drawing on his personal experience and careful research, emphasizes the love that Jesus Christ had for all God's people in a way that's both funny and informative. He deftly excoriates the arguments of the bigots that seek to divide us while injecting humor into a discussion of faith. The Separation of Church and Hate is like attending bible study in a comedy club. It appeals to Christians, atheists, and agnostics. Nuggets for all." --Bonnie Watson Coleman, member of Congress

"This knife-sharp book speaks to everyone, regardless of what you know about Christianity--but what elevates it to something truly special is its commitment to love and empathy. John Fugelsang is tired of religion being used as a cover for meanness. He's not alone. An important, illuminating work that proves no one owns religion and faith." --Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author of Make Magic and The JFK Conspiracy

"Writing as a follower of Jesus steeped in the values of social justice, Fugelsang's rebuttal to the depravity at the heart of the Christian nationalist project deftly exposes its leaders' cynical exploitation of faith for politics and power. An absorbing call to action, and much needed at this perilous moment." --Katherine Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of Money, Lies, and God

"Fugelsang has discovered the Kryptonite to use against Christian fundamentalists--a deep, intelligent knowledge of the Bible." --Patton Oswalt

"I don't recognize the hateful version of 'Christianity' a lot of people have sold to the masses. John has written a necessary, HILARIOUS book that breaks down all the ways the hateful have gotten it wrong, while simultaneously giving those of us who believe that Jesus is LOVE the needed reminder that we aren't crazy. Thank you, John!" --Yvette Nicole Brown

"If there is one thing John Fugelsang is going to do, that is cut through all of the BS and speak truth, whether you like it or not. And he does that in this book. Repeatedly." --Roland S. Martin, author of White Fear: How the Browning of America Is Making White Folks Lose Their Minds

About the Author

John Fugelsang has been murdered on CSI, interviewed two Beatles on separate continents in the same week, and famously once got Mitt Romney's advisor to call Governor Romney an "etch a sketch" on CNN. He is an actor, comedian, and broadcaster who hosts Tell Me Everything weekdays on SiriusXM Insight #121. He recently performed in The Bill of Rights Concert alongside Lewis Black and Dick Gregory, which aired on AXS, and has also appeared at Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival, HBO's US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, hosted America's Funniest Home Videos for ABC and Bill Maher called him "one of my favorite comedians." His new film Dream On, a road trip in search of the American Dream, was named Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film Festival.