Week 1: Naming the Threat: What is Christian Nationalism

This Week’s Readings

• The Psychology of Christian Nationalism - Introduction

• How to End Christian Nationalism - Introduction + Chapter 1-2

Hello, Welcome to Week 1 of August's Resistance Book Club! 

This month, we will be focusing on Christian Nationalism. It's imperative to understand this ideology, the main driver in today's political climate. As Christians, it'll be our job to dismantle this harmful ideology. In September, we will explore how to be more of an activist. In October, we will study propaganda. In November, we will discuss how our parenting style could influence how we vote, and in December, we will discuss abortion. So be sure to subscribe to the Resistance Book Club.

Christian Nationalism is an ideology that many may not even know they subscribe to, so we will ne to educate ourselves on this ideology to understand it better, to dismantle it from within.

What is Christian Nationalism?

According to Amanda Tyler,

"Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that seeks to fuse American and Christian identities. It suggests that "real" Americans are Christians and that "true" Christians hold a particular set of political beliefs. It seeks to create a society in which only this narrow subset of Americans is privileged by law and in societal practice."

Those who hold the following beliefs are seen to embrace Christian Nationalism ideology more easily:

• Approve of authoritarian tactics such as demanding people show respect for national symbols and traditions

• Fear and distrust religious minorities, including Muslims, atheists, and Jewish people

• Condone police violence toward Black Americans and distrust accounts of racial inequality in the criminal justice system

• Believe racial inequality is due to the personal shortcomings of minority groups

• Report being "very uncomfortable" with both interracial marriage and transracial adoption

• Hold anti-immigrant views

• Fear refugees

• Oppose scientists and science education in schools

• Believe that men are better suited for all leadership roles while women are better suited to care for children and the home

White people who identify with Christian Nationalism ideology are more likely to go along with systems that disproportionately affect minority groups through excessive force. We are currently seeing this play out through ICE raids of immigrant communities

The Mythic Past

Christian Nationalism ideology is based on the belief that the United States was formed as a Christian Nation, when in fact, it was not. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that people have the right to practice their religion; therefore, there must be a separation of Church and state.

Living in Kansas, I would say we've probably had some form of Christian Nationalism ideology take over here for quite some time. It was exacerbated even further with Donald Trump getting into politics.

Christian Nationalism - An Expression of White Supremacy

White supremacy and patriarchy are at the root of Christian Nationalism ideology, and will sadly take generations to fix. We will have to draw strength from God as true believers of Christ, as we work on dismantling Christian Nationalism ideology. Christianity is a cover for white supremacy, and Christian Nationalism provides the cover.

Christian Nationalism is the antithesis of Jesus' teachings. It's a perversion of the Christian faith. Jesus teaches kindness and love towards our neighbors who are different than us. Christian Nationalism teaches power, control, and domination over those who are different, leading to the oppression of minority groups.

The Dangers of Christian Nationalism

According to Amanda Tyler in How to End Christian Nationalism:

"Christian nationalism inspires acts of intimidationg and physical violence - including vandalism, bomb threats, arson, hate crimes, attacks on places of worship, and even murders - against religious communities in the United States and abroad. It also threatens the physical safety of Americans in their communities and homes, as well as in the halls of political power.

We've already seen political violence from this dangerous ideology during Trump's second term. We've had the murder of Democratic Senator Melissa Hortman, and the threat of the arrest of Democratic lawmakers in Texas. These have been two of the most prominent forms of political violence seen so far. I am sure that as Trump's term continues, we will see more violence unfold.

With warmth,

Amy

Working Towards Improvement

Next Week's Readings: How Fear and Power Keep Christian Nationalism Alive

• The Psychology of Christian Nationalism - Chapter 1

• How to End Christian Nationalism - Chapter 3-4

Reflections to Consider While Reading:

Have you noticed fear-based narratives in media, faith communities, or politics?

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