Lunchtime Talk: Steven Foertsch
Lunchtime Talk: “A Blurry Boundary: Exploring Politics and Religion in Christofascism and QAnon”
Lecture: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 1:00pm
Join us for brownbag lunch reception before the lecture at 12:30pm!
Abstract
With the rise of reactionary conservative political movements, where does the line between politics and religion begin and end? In this talk I will explore the boundary of politics and religion using two case studies: Christofascism and QAnon. Ultimately, we can conclude that while there is an active blurring effect found within contemporary American civil society, the telos (or final goal) of a movement can help us determine how to draw the boundary and assist in distinguishing analytic categories. These analytic distinctions will assist scholars in identification, awareness, and democratic resistance during these unprecedented times.
Location: Center for Dewey Studies, Morris Library Basement, Room 0044
Center for Dewey Studies Lunchtime Talks
The Center for Dewey Studies is the home of research, publishing, and outreach focused on the life, work, and legacy of the American philosopher and educator John Dewey. Our Lunchtime Talks feature speakers researching Dewey and related thinkers, work in the pragmatist tradition, and work in a broadly Deweyan spirit.
Information
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Dewey Center Reading Group
The Center for Dewey Studies hosts a Reading Group on works by and about John Dewey and related figures and topics. The meetings are hybrid, in person at the Center and via Zoom. For more info and to join the group, email DeweyCenter@SIU.edu.
The Fall 2026 readings focus on Dewey's political writings from 1903-1927 prior to The Public and Its Problems (1927). We meet Fridays at 1:00pm Central Time.
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You can sign up for our mailing list for announcements by sending an email or by visiting the SIU Listserv website.
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Collection Access
Please consult the John Dewey Research Guide for information about Critical Editions and Archival Collections. For questions concerning access to the SIU Archival Collections, including the John Dewey Papers, Photograph Collection, and Personal Library, please visit the Special Collections Research Center website. The Dewey Center also holds a small number of archival materials.
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Planning to visit the Center?
The Center for Dewey Studies is located in the Morris Library on the Basement Level. After entering the library, head down one level and look for signs pointing towards the Center.
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