My friend, this is so, so well said. So needed. As you know, I am not American, but as you say, these beliefs can and do reach far beyond your shores. But I am watching this unfold around many people that I know and love in the US, and quite frankly, it's all terrifying. Standing with you in His love and grace.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Catherine. It’s a bit of a scary thing to say precisely because of the vitriol and violence that goes hand-in-hand with Christian nationalism.
As a fellow committed Christian (and author), Christian nationalism also baffles me because it so clearly is picking and choosing a handful of pieces of Christian teaching and completely ignoring the rest--welcoming the stranger, caring for widow and orphan and poor, proclaiming liberty to captive, etc. etc. And I resonate deeply with your statement that the poor witness of Christians plays a big part in the shrinking of the church in the west. I am so thankful for you having the courage to say these things.
Bravo for rejecting this insidious thing. As a non-religious person it doesn't terrify me (yet). It sickens me. It is completely against the principals of freedom this nation was founded upon, however imperfectly. A "Christian" nation is not a free one. How Christian nationalists can't see that, I doubt I'll ever know.
I live in Texas where all levels of our government have been infiltrated by “Christian“ Nationalists. It is truly terrifying what happens when they get political control.
Far from an aspiring gardener, your words plant seeds in our minds, inviting us to search our hearts and cultivate a landscape of understanding and beauty.
Regarding Christian Nationalism , you write: “..the United States (and, actually, any country—this movement is alive and well across the globe) should be a nation governed by Christian rules, values, and principles.” that’s right and that’s all Christian Nationalism is. Nothing more, nothing less. When you highlight individuals who would taint that idea, you simply highlight your worldly leanings as much as theirs.
Thanks for joining the conversation. While I agree that the dictionary definition of Christian Nationalism matches that quote, I believe the denotation and connotation of the phrase are very different creatures (as is true with most ideologies). Unfortunately, the current iteration of CN is culturally defined by self-professed Christian Nationalists who espouse radical and often deeply problematic beliefs about gender, race, equality, governance, et. al. that seems to have little in common with the democratic values we profess to uphold. I wish it was as simple and straightforward as the Merriam Webster definition.
Of course, there are “self-professed Christian nationalists who espouse radical and deeply problematic beliefs” about many things. However, I’ve found them to be such a minute minority - I bother not with it.
Very well said. I’ve been thinking about this for some time and preparing for some difficult conversations. Thank you for writing this piece.
You’re so welcome, Connie. I’m glad it resonated with you.
Christianity has thrived through two millennia as wonderful and beautiful as a power of serving others, not a power to be served by others.
Amen.
Thank you speaking difficult truth so openly, and from a loving standpoint. The world needs more of this.
Hard conversations in love are so important to me!
My friend, this is so, so well said. So needed. As you know, I am not American, but as you say, these beliefs can and do reach far beyond your shores. But I am watching this unfold around many people that I know and love in the US, and quite frankly, it's all terrifying. Standing with you in His love and grace.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Catherine. It’s a bit of a scary thing to say precisely because of the vitriol and violence that goes hand-in-hand with Christian nationalism.
As a fellow committed Christian (and author), Christian nationalism also baffles me because it so clearly is picking and choosing a handful of pieces of Christian teaching and completely ignoring the rest--welcoming the stranger, caring for widow and orphan and poor, proclaiming liberty to captive, etc. etc. And I resonate deeply with your statement that the poor witness of Christians plays a big part in the shrinking of the church in the west. I am so thankful for you having the courage to say these things.
Thank you, Kathleen. I think you're right: it's a "choose your own adventure" sort of faith that misses the gospel message entirely.
Yes! I've scheduled this post to share on my Intentional Catholic site on Thursday.
Bravo for rejecting this insidious thing. As a non-religious person it doesn't terrify me (yet). It sickens me. It is completely against the principals of freedom this nation was founded upon, however imperfectly. A "Christian" nation is not a free one. How Christian nationalists can't see that, I doubt I'll ever know.
It defies understanding and is a source of deep sadness for me. Thanks for joining the conversation.
All I can say is...Thank you.
Lovely. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate your candor, and courage, very much.
I live in Texas where all levels of our government have been infiltrated by “Christian“ Nationalists. It is truly terrifying what happens when they get political control.
Far from an aspiring gardener, your words plant seeds in our minds, inviting us to search our hearts and cultivate a landscape of understanding and beauty.
I love this metaphor. Thanks for your encouragement, Kristi.
Preach it, sister!
Thanks, Amy. 🩷
Regarding Christian Nationalism , you write: “..the United States (and, actually, any country—this movement is alive and well across the globe) should be a nation governed by Christian rules, values, and principles.” that’s right and that’s all Christian Nationalism is. Nothing more, nothing less. When you highlight individuals who would taint that idea, you simply highlight your worldly leanings as much as theirs.
Thanks for joining the conversation. While I agree that the dictionary definition of Christian Nationalism matches that quote, I believe the denotation and connotation of the phrase are very different creatures (as is true with most ideologies). Unfortunately, the current iteration of CN is culturally defined by self-professed Christian Nationalists who espouse radical and often deeply problematic beliefs about gender, race, equality, governance, et. al. that seems to have little in common with the democratic values we profess to uphold. I wish it was as simple and straightforward as the Merriam Webster definition.
Nicole:
I appreciate you responding to me.
Of course, there are “self-professed Christian nationalists who espouse radical and deeply problematic beliefs” about many things. However, I’ve found them to be such a minute minority - I bother not with it.
Thank you, again, for getting back to me.
Be well.
Thanks, Dean. I wish you well, too.
Yes! Jesus called us to serve. Thanks for joining the conversation.