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Separation of Church and Hate

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

LIST PRICE $14.99

About The Book

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 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 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 extremist Christian loved one, coworker, or neighbor on the issues that divide us using actual scripture from that book 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, humor, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American today needs. It’s a rallying cry for compassion and clarity for anyone of any faith who’s sick of the fundamentalists using religion as a cloaking device for hate.

About The Author

Jennifer-Fields Summer

John Fugelsang has been murdered on CSI and picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church. He’s a Drama League–nominated actor, comedian, and broadcaster who’s hosted many TV shows and podcasts, including the acclaimed Tell Me Everything series on SiriusXM Progress. He’s gotten George Harrison to give his final performance on VH1, debated Jerry Falwell and David Duke, and made many appearances on MSNBC, FOX News, and CNN. His epic PBS road trip film on the American Dream, Dream On, directed by Roger Weisberg, was named Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film Festival. Fugelsang lives in New York City with his family.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster (August 19, 2025)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781668066911

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Raves and Reviews

“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 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

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

“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

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