ASU Event Claiming Christian Right ‘Darkened America’s Political Soul’ Draws Fire

Arizona State University hosted a campus event this month built around the argument that the Christian right has fueled “political hate” in the United States, prompting criticism from one ASU professor who argued the event unfairly targeted Christians and conservative political beliefs.

The April 13 event, “Lessons from the Politics of Hate,” featured University of Manchester politics professor Angelia Wilson discussing her book, The Politics of Hate: How the Christian Right Darkened America’s Political Soul. According to the event description, Wilson argued that organizations on the Christian right have developed a theological rationale for “war talk,” normalized political hate, and mobilized faith communities into political actors. 

The event was hosted by Arizona State University and held in Coor Hall on the Tempe campus. Promotional materials described the event as an “in-depth discussion” of how the Christian right allegedly “darkened America’s political soul.” 

Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor at ASU and a fellow at the university’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, criticized the event in comments to The College Fix and in a Substack post published Monday.

Anderson told The College Fix that the event was “ideological,” “biased,” and “a cheap attempt at censorship.” He argued that describing Christian conservatives as a source of political hate encourages students to dismiss or silence opposing viewpoints rather than engage with them. 

In his Substack post, Anderson wrote that the event sent the message that Christians are “dangerous” and accused ASU of promoting hostility toward Christians and conservative students. He argued that the university would likely respond differently if a campus event portrayed another religious group as inherently linked to hate or political extremism and called out the lack of any counterargument in defense of Christianity at ASU.

Anderson wrote:

“I know what you’re asking. Why is this a presentation at ASU? I can imagine that an ASU administrator would say ‘we are a place for free speech so we welcome different views.’

But notice:

1. The views are always, with few exceptions, from the far left and anti-Christian. The few exceptions are when leftist approved conservatives speak.
2. No alternative view is given either at this event or later. There is no counterpoint. This view is offered as the truth of the matter.

I know that when common sense people read this they roll their eyes and say ‘yep, those universities are crazy.’ And that’s a good first response. But why have we accepted this as the norm?

To be in a profession in our society still requires going to university. And state universities were created to give affordable access to professional education. If you or your child attends a place like ASU, you will be subjected to this kind of bigotry.”

On Substack and social media, Anderson urged readers to contact the Arizona Board of Regents, saying, “Don’t let it continue. Contact ABOR, your state representatives, and ASU. Tell them you are tired of this kind of anti-Christian bigotry and will no longer sit on the sidelines. ASU needs students from Arizona. If they know this kind of programming is driving enrollment to their competitors, they must act or be a sinking ship.”

A recent speaker at ASU wants you to know that Christians are dangerous. The speaker says that Christians are exclusive and spread hate. What should we do about them? Hate them and exclude them. https://t.co/YzSw9eAwPb
I know what you’re asking. Why is this a presentation at…

— Dr Owen Anderson (@dr_owenanderson) April 20, 2026

In a follow-up post, Anderson tagged Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen and wrote, “ASU had a guest speaker to talk about how dangerous Christians are. Imagine if this was done with any other religion such as, well, you know. As usual, ASU offers no alternative perspective.”

ASU had a guest speaker to talk about how dangerous Christians are. Imagine if this was done with any other religion such as, well, you know. As usual, ASU offers no alternative perspective. @CollegeFix @Gabrielletem @votewarren @SteveMontenegro https://t.co/oXSFwiHYVF

— Dr Owen Anderson (@dr_owenanderson) April 20, 2026

Wilson’s book argues that segments of the Christian right see themselves as politically and culturally “exceptional” and believe protecting their interests requires excluding others. According to reporting by The College Fix, Wilson also argues that Christian political organizations claim to promote love while creating what she describes as a political industry built around hate. 

Anderson’s criticism comes amid a series of recent controversies at ASU involving religion, politics, and allegations of ideological bias against conservative or Christian viewpoints on campus.

In 2024, Anderson publicly challenged what he described as discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies at ASU. In interviews and podcast appearances, he argued that university officials had pressured him to revise course materials because of his Christian worldview and had treated Christian faculty differently from other professors. Anderson said the university’s actions reflected broader hostility toward traditional Christian beliefs in higher education. 

ASU has also faced scrutiny over campus incidents involving conservative groups and religiously affiliated organizations. Earlier this year, a planned debate involving Turning Point USA and a liberal activist group was canceled, according to Fox 10 Phoenix, after ASU cited safety concerns and insufficient lead time for security planning, prompting renewed complaints from conservative activists about unequal treatment on campus. 

In March, the U.S. Department of Education included ASU among 60 universities under investigation over allegations of antisemitic discrimination and campus protest activity, as reported by Axios Phoenix, adding to broader scrutiny of the university’s handling of religion and politics on campus.