Separation of Church and Hate in the spirit of George Carlin and Christopher Hitchens, 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.
LitStackers! Get ready to add another title to your “TBR” list! Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang is in presale and generating serious buzz. This irreverent and comedic book from Avid Reader Press | Simon & Schuster set for publication Aug 19, 2025, has early readers buzzing. We’ve sneaked in through the basement to show you what’s on the book cover, from the publisher’s official description to the early reviews that suggest this book is one you want to pre-order today. Here we go!
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In This Spotlight On Separation of Church and Hate
About Separation of Church and Hate
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 Separation of Church and Hate. 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 in Separation of Church and Hate 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.
Praise for Separation of Church and Hate
“John Fugelsang nails this in his book, Separation of Church and Hate: The Bible says in 1 John 4:8 that ‘God Is Love.’ Period…end of story!”—Willie Nelson
“America’s soul needs scrubbing and here is a brush. Is this book the truth and the light? I can’t say, but it is certainly the hypocritical modern Christian’s worst nightmare.”—Nick Offerman
“Potent . . . The author’s blend of theology and humor energizes his thought-provoking talking points [in Separation of Church and Hate]. Christians looking to push back against fundamentalist teachings will find plenty of ammunition in this acerbic and accessible treatise.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Writing as a follower of Jesus steeped in the values of social justice, [in Separation of Church and Hate,] 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
“Separation of Church and Hate is not just an extraordinarily enjoyable read—it is historically important. In an era where we experience seemingly nothing but religious extremism (impossibly all the way to our own Supreme Court!), this book is essential for both Christians and non-Christians to be reminded what Christianity is actually all about.”—Stevie Van Zandt
“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
“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 always thought I grew up very Catholic. Then I met John and realized I was Diet Catholic. Same guilt; half the calories. [Separation of Church and Hate]…is a must read in a time where faith seems to leave many with very little faith. It’s not about religion. It’s a book about beliefs. And John does a fantastic job explaining the difference between the two.”—Cristela Alonzo, author of Music to My Years
About John Fugelsang, Author of Separation of Church and Hate
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.
You can connect with John Fugelsang on his website, on Instagram and on LinkedIn. He’s also on X but at this time we don’t provide links to X.
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
ISBN: Hardcover: 9781668066898
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
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