Separation of Church and Hate

A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds

By: John Fugelsang

Narrated by: John Fugelsang

A 2026 Audie Award Winner for Nonfiction and Finalist for Narration by the Author

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * In the spirit of George Carlin and Christopher Hitchens, the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother delivers a deeply irreverent and biblically correct takedown of far-right Christian hatred—a book for believers, atheists, agnostics, and anyone who’ll ever have to deal with a Christian nationalist.

For more than two centuries, the United States Constitution has given us the right to a society where church and state exist independently. But Christianity has been hijacked by far-right groups and politicians who seek to impose their narrow views on government, often to justify oppressive and unequal policies. The extremists who weaponize the Bible for earthly power aren’t actually on the side of Jesus—and historically they never have been. How do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith?

Comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang finally offers the answers. In this informative, perspective-shifting book, Fugelsang takes readers through common fundamentalist arguments on abor­tion, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and more—exposing their hypocrisy and inaccuracy through scripture, common sense, and deeply inappropriate humor. It offers practical tips on how to debate your loved one, coworker, or neighbor on the issues that divide us using that Bible they claim to follow.

But Fugelsang’s message is about more than just taking down hypocrites. It’s about fighting for the love, mercy, and service that are supposed to make up the heart of Christianity. Told with Fugelsang’s trademark blend of radical honesty, comedy, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American needs today. It’s a rallying cry for compassion and clarity for anyone of any faith who’s sick of religion being used as a cloaking device for hate.

Critic reviews

"Talk show host/comedian John Fugelsang dedicates this important and timely book to his parents, a Carmelite nun and Franciscan monk who left their orders but remained dedicated to the teachings of Christ. Fugelsang’s warm, companionable voice perfectly conveys his concern that right-wing forces are using the Bible as a prop to justify cruelty, hatred, and absolute power—the very opposite of Jesus’s message. He offers Scripture, verse, and humor to help listeners respond knowledgeably to those who are using religion to spread misinformation and pain. His calming voice reminds us of the compassion, kindness, and tolerance in Jesus’s message and offers hope to those who need ways to talk back to the loud, self-righteous voices of anger and hate currently around us."

I can relate to this book!

The best book I ever read/ heard on the actual teachings of Jesus compared to how people have twisted it & the Bible to serve their own wants & beliefs. I'm going to order a few hard copies too to send to relatives. I'm going to re-listen to this book a few times. Yes, it really is that good and entertaining.And talk about going by fast...It didn't feel long, dry, boring, just interesting and eye opening. Also cause a few laughs and out loud Amens while listening . I'm not a "Bible thumper". I was raised Catholic but ended up with Spirituality and the teaching of Jesus as my north star. I do not think that other religions/ faiths are evil. I believe that the extreme zealots of any religion is the reason there is so much conflict. And I hate how people have twisted religions for power, greed & control. This book will make you feel good. It may inspire you to look things up. It may make you question, think, reevaluate or confirm your own beliefs.

Be like Jesus, flip some tables

Suggested read by Monte Mader, and I couldn't agree more. I have always struggled with Christian-right views, as the Jesus I love preached the opposite of the preaching from the pulpit. This book not only enlightened some fuzzy thoughts, it really let me know I'm not alone. Especially after the "church" jumped on the Trump train.

Saying what all true followers of Christ want is you to know

Loved that someone finally said it out loud. For years I’ve been thinking “why aren’t they reflecting on the teachings of Jesus.” We need to do what Jesus did and call out the Pharisees, I mean Christian Nationalists. Like history repeating itself over and over. Yet it’s so simple, Love one another Ya’ll. Whether you agree with John or not, open up the New Testament and learn about Jesus. I started with Peter then Matthew and read more NT daily. Start with Him!

Love and compassion for ALL

This book is phenomenal! Being raised Irish Catholic with Saturday CCD, I have hated watching what some are turning Christianity into thank you John for giving us the true definition!

Tens across the board

The Separation of Church and Hate is amazing! Powerful in the way it calls out hypocrisy while still inspiring hope. It challenged me, lifted me up, and honestly makes me want to attend the author’s church. A refreshing, honest, and motivating read that I highly recommend.