Christian Nationalism |
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At first blush, an effort known as “Pennsylvania for Christ” seems like a run-of-the-mill evangelistic campaign. Its stated mission is “to reestablish the kingdom of God in PA with word and action. We create events that help us accomplish the mission of putting Christ at the center of our state.” And they’ve gone about their ministry as one would expect. They held an event with speakers and praise music, announced a special time of prayer and fasting, and put out high-production videos featuring a minister, b-roll footage, and inspirational music.
But if you pay closer attention, you’ll notice Pennsylvania for Christ is doing more than trying to save souls. This movement’s praying for votes in the Republican primary for governor. Their slogans like “reestablishing the kingdom of God in Pennsylvania” and “we will claim Pennsylvania for Christ” mean putting State Sen. Doug Mastriano in the governor’s mansion. His ascension would suggest “an awakening is coming.” -Christian Nationalism as the Keystone 
A professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and a research fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Paul D. Miller contrasts Christianity with Christian Nationalism: “Christianity is a religion focused on the person and work of Jesus Christ as defined by the Christian Bible and the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. It is the gathering of people ‘from every nation and tribe and people and language,’ who worship Jesus (Rev. 7:9), a faith that unites Jews and Greeks, Americans and non-Americans together.”
However, “Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Popularly, Christian nationalists assert that America is and must remain a ‘Christian nation’—not merely as an observation about American history, but as a prescriptive program for what America must continue to be in the future.” In his review of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry, English Professor Dennis McDaniel cites a number of passages that show how far this movement has strayed from the credos of Christianity: “Christian nationalism bears little resemblance to Christianity. Christian nationalism works in a decidedly un-Christ-like manner by supporting policies that marginalize those who, through their beliefs or identity, don’t conform to a biblically ordained order that reverences the traditional family, militarism, closed borders, and white, Protestant supremacy.” -Lloyd E Sheaffer; Penn Capitol Star 
“When it comes to a firmly entrenched Christian nationalist, we do have to remember that we are trying to dispute not only an individual but their favorite TV network and the ever self-reinforcing bubble of opinion fed to them on social media through algorithms sifting through their clicks and likes, and the hundreds or even thousands of members of their church where they just praise Jesus and ask him to save the United States while listening to heart-thumping rock music and indoctrinating sermons,” she said during an April 27 event celebrating the release of her new book, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide. -Jeff Brumly; Baptist News Global
From the beginning, the religious right was the backbone of Trump's Big Lie. As Kathryn Joyce reported for Salon on the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, in the run-up to the riot, "allegations about the 'stolen' election became nearly inseparable from messages of apocalyptic faith." The crowd that turned out that day was largely driven by religious fervor. Popular religious right figures were responsible for sending thousands of people to the Capitol to do Trump's bidding. Since then, the Christian nationalist devotion to the Big Lie has only grown stronger. Six out of 10 white evangelicals claim Biden stole the 2020 election, compared to 37% of white Christians from mainline churches.
The enthusiasm for the Big Lie among white evangelicals comes back primarily to one thing: Racism. -Amanda Marcotte; Salon 
Some of the Christian nationalists who attacked the Capitol Building, according to Jenkins, were followers of White nationalist Nick Fuentes.
“‘Christ is King’ is not controversial in itself: The phrase is rooted in Christian scripture and tradition,” Jenkins notes. “But Fuentes’ supporters have given it a different connotation. They have chanted it at anti-vaccine protests and the anti-abortion March for Life, some of them holding crucifixes aloft. It was heard in March, at an America First conference, where Fuentes delivered a speech saying America will cease to be America ‘if it loses its White demographic core and if it loses its faith in Jesus Christ.’ Fuentes also declared the country ‘a Christian nation.’” -Alex Henderson; AlterNet |
christian national sources: Christian Nationalist Organizations & People:
- A Biblical Worldview - ACLJ - Answers in Genesis (Ken Ham) - Ark of Grace Ministries - Bedford County Patriots - Bible Answers for Daily Living - Caffienated Thoughts - Canada Free Press - Capstone Report - Charisma Magazine - Charisma Podcast Network - Citizens for Renewing America - Ethics and Public Policy Center - Faith Education & Commerce United Faith - Faithwire - Family Research Center - Freedom First Network - My Faith Votes - Pulpit & Pen - The Gatekeepers - The Stream - Truth & Liberty Coalition - US Pastor Council - - Perry Stone - Lance Wallnau - Wallbuilders - WND - 
Articles:
people:- Sean Feucht - Michael Flynn - Wayne Grudem - Scott Lively - Josh Mandel - Eric Metaxes - Lance Wallnau -
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Nationalism...is the multifaceted and contested ideology that forms the vocabulary and imagination of a political community. And religion has always played an important role in the development of nationalism. Sometimes nationalism is harmful, but sometimes it is a necessary part of our collective effort at identifying ourselves and our ideals. In one sense, we are all nationalists. If we look to the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, then we are nationalists of one sort. If we look to America as a New Israel, then we are nationalists of another sort. But not all nationalisms are the same.
Three Kinds of Nationalism
Elie Kedourie, a twentieth-century scholar who taught at the London School of Economics, mapped nationalism’s subtleties and complexities, particularly those introduced by the influence of religious and philosophical ideas. Kedourie wrote or edited over twenty books in his career, and Anthony Smith summarized his work on nationalism by observing that he saw three kinds of relationships between nationalism and religion. First, some nationalistic expressions are secular. Secular, revolutionary nationalism displaces and stamps out traditional religion as a partner alongside the state in securing order and social cohesion. Its key marker is its open hostility to traditional religion. This kind of nationalism is exemplified by eighteenth-century revolutionary France and twentieth-century revolutionary Russia. But even the violently secular revolutionary French and Soviets employed religious rituals, symbols, and behaviors for nationalistic purposes.
Second, some nationalistic expressions find an alliance with traditional religion. In this model, institutional religion subordinates itself to a nation in support of its political agenda. Under this kind of nationalism, acquiescent religions are subsumed into the state and become defined by the nation’s aims rather than by trans-political creedal tenets. An example of this would be the Anglican established church in England, with the monarch as the head of the church. English nationalism, especially as it was manifested in the nineteenth century, was informed by the sacred texts, images, symbols, and rites of the Anglican establishment.
We do not have to look far for examples of Christian nationalism emanating from the right. But equally troubling is the secular nationalism and state-driven civil religion that’s emerging from the left.
Third, nationalism often takes traditional religion and fashions it into a political theology. This kind of nationalism consists in a composite of theological themes that are articulated for a nationalistic agenda. For example, biblical ideas such as mission or election are borrowed from a coherent theological framework and redefined according to political goals. So in the 1840s, American manifest destiny represented a redefinition of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19–20 from carrying the gospel of salvation in Christ to the world to extending the American Union over all North America. This third brand of nationalism takes religious doctrines and perverts them for purposes for which they were never designed, as opposed to the second brand of nationalism, in which traditional religion is not essentially redefined. Such a model seems consistent with how Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry define today’s Christian nationalism in their book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States (Oxford, 2020). -Public Discourse
Three Kinds of Nationalism
Elie Kedourie, a twentieth-century scholar who taught at the London School of Economics, mapped nationalism’s subtleties and complexities, particularly those introduced by the influence of religious and philosophical ideas. Kedourie wrote or edited over twenty books in his career, and Anthony Smith summarized his work on nationalism by observing that he saw three kinds of relationships between nationalism and religion. First, some nationalistic expressions are secular. Secular, revolutionary nationalism displaces and stamps out traditional religion as a partner alongside the state in securing order and social cohesion. Its key marker is its open hostility to traditional religion. This kind of nationalism is exemplified by eighteenth-century revolutionary France and twentieth-century revolutionary Russia. But even the violently secular revolutionary French and Soviets employed religious rituals, symbols, and behaviors for nationalistic purposes.
Second, some nationalistic expressions find an alliance with traditional religion. In this model, institutional religion subordinates itself to a nation in support of its political agenda. Under this kind of nationalism, acquiescent religions are subsumed into the state and become defined by the nation’s aims rather than by trans-political creedal tenets. An example of this would be the Anglican established church in England, with the monarch as the head of the church. English nationalism, especially as it was manifested in the nineteenth century, was informed by the sacred texts, images, symbols, and rites of the Anglican establishment.
We do not have to look far for examples of Christian nationalism emanating from the right. But equally troubling is the secular nationalism and state-driven civil religion that’s emerging from the left.
Third, nationalism often takes traditional religion and fashions it into a political theology. This kind of nationalism consists in a composite of theological themes that are articulated for a nationalistic agenda. For example, biblical ideas such as mission or election are borrowed from a coherent theological framework and redefined according to political goals. So in the 1840s, American manifest destiny represented a redefinition of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19–20 from carrying the gospel of salvation in Christ to the world to extending the American Union over all North America. This third brand of nationalism takes religious doctrines and perverts them for purposes for which they were never designed, as opposed to the second brand of nationalism, in which traditional religion is not essentially redefined. Such a model seems consistent with how Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry define today’s Christian nationalism in their book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States (Oxford, 2020). -Public Discourse
In all of his rhetoric, in all of his efforts to elicit the Christian vote, though, Josh Mandel never once mentioned his own Judaism. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not even know this Ted Cruz-backed candidate’s Jewishness until after the rally, contrary to Flynn, who referenced Catholicism throughout his speech. No one would have doubted that Mandel is a sincere Christian, particularly as he parades through evangelical churches throughout the state. Perhaps his constant reference to his time as a Marine, and thus his scars, make up for any religious insincerity. He gave the nod to Ohio’s new open carry laws as a victory for this Christian church.
Then there is Michael Flynn, the Catholic nationalist people’s general, whom Mandel strategically used as his “Pro-Trump” portion of his campaign. While President Trump did not endorse Mandel, opting for his rival J.D Vance instead, Flynn gave his backing to Mandel. When someone asked why Trump backed Vance despite his anti-Trump remarks in the past, the answer involved the divine mystery of the former President: No one knows what is going on in his head. At the end of the day, the candidate with the “Pro-Trump” campaign did not receive President Trump’s backing and had to rely on Michael Flynn instead. Regardless, Mandel promised the crowd to dismantle the January 6th insurrection on the capital commission and instead create a November 3rd commission to take back Trump’s rightful victory. -Tiffany Hunsinger; Righting America
Then there is Michael Flynn, the Catholic nationalist people’s general, whom Mandel strategically used as his “Pro-Trump” portion of his campaign. While President Trump did not endorse Mandel, opting for his rival J.D Vance instead, Flynn gave his backing to Mandel. When someone asked why Trump backed Vance despite his anti-Trump remarks in the past, the answer involved the divine mystery of the former President: No one knows what is going on in his head. At the end of the day, the candidate with the “Pro-Trump” campaign did not receive President Trump’s backing and had to rely on Michael Flynn instead. Regardless, Mandel promised the crowd to dismantle the January 6th insurrection on the capital commission and instead create a November 3rd commission to take back Trump’s rightful victory. -Tiffany Hunsinger; Righting America
I believe that the single biggest threat to religious freedom in the United States today is Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism is antithetical to the constitutional ideal that belonging in American society is not predicated on what faith one practices or whether someone is religious at all. The political ideology that seeks to merge American and Christian identities is deeply embedded in American society and manifests itself in a number of different ways, some more obviously harmful than others. -Amanda Tyler of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
Apr 26, 2022: Real Clear Religion: What SCOTUS Would Risk by Imposing Christian Nationalism
It is right up front in the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." There is a reason both the establishment and free-exercise clauses start the Bill of Rights. If there was a single driving force behind the founding of the American colonies, it was religious liberty -- the right of non-Anglican "dissenters" to worship a they saw fit. Numerous colonies were founded on that basis. Pennsylvania expressly forbade establishment of a church.
It is right up front in the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." There is a reason both the establishment and free-exercise clauses start the Bill of Rights. If there was a single driving force behind the founding of the American colonies, it was religious liberty -- the right of non-Anglican "dissenters" to worship a they saw fit. Numerous colonies were founded on that basis. Pennsylvania expressly forbade establishment of a church.
April 26, 2022:
I just heard today that Gary North died on February 24, 2022. If you do not know who he is, he was a major player in pushing Christian Nationalism...and dominionism..This is one of his quotes: “Theocracy is government by God’s law--not just civil government, but all government. It is not a top-down imposition of biblical law by an elite of priests, but, in contrast, a bottom-up imposition of biblical standards over every area of life--areas not regulated by civil law for the most part--by those people who are morally responsible for making decisions. As the process of dominion extends the authority of Christians over more and more areas of life, we will see the creation of a comprehensive theocracy. It will not come as the result of some sort of ‘palace revolution.’”
Clearly, the goal was not to take over churches...but instead wanted to see all political leaders to be Christian and create Christian laws. In 1981, Mr. North wrote that “Christians must begin to organize politically within the present party structure and they must begin to infiltrate the existing institutional order.” He joined with the late RJ Rushdoony in the 70s and pushed what has been called "Christian Reconstruction"
R.J. Rushdoony and Gary North have spent their lives outlining a strategy for transforming all of culture in accordance with their understanding of “biblical law,” which they maintain is applicable not only to church life, but family life and civil affairs. The most important components of these efforts were undermining and replacing public education, because they saw Christian education as their most important tool.
What Rushdoony, with his appeal to the right wing evangelicals, provided is a package that included attacking what these fundamentalists hated and feared most in society, often expressed in terms of "This is communist. This is socialist." And remember that when you confront any of them...one of their favorites expression is to call you a a "communist" or a "socialist." It is, in essence a war cry of sorts. Very few, if any, actually would know what a "communist" or a "socialist" would look like or know what they would do if they were really confronting one.
In "Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States," Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry define Christian nationalism as “a collection of myths, traditions, symbols, narratives, and value systems — that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civic life…. It includes assumptions of nativism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity, along with divine sanction for authoritarian control and militarism. It is as ethnic and political as it is religious.”
Rachel Mivka, in an article from the USA Today in Jan 2021, wrote this about Ted Cruz:
The agenda is not always explicit. When Sen. Ted Cruz talks of “restoring” America, he means to recover what he believes is its original identity as a Christian nation. Historian John Fea argues that Cruz’s outlook reflects the Seven Mountains Dominionism of his father — a conviction that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions (religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business). While Cruz is too politically savvy to endorse dominion theology outright, he uses code words like “religious liberty” to sustain Christian privilege and cultural authority.
I just heard today that Gary North died on February 24, 2022. If you do not know who he is, he was a major player in pushing Christian Nationalism...and dominionism..This is one of his quotes: “Theocracy is government by God’s law--not just civil government, but all government. It is not a top-down imposition of biblical law by an elite of priests, but, in contrast, a bottom-up imposition of biblical standards over every area of life--areas not regulated by civil law for the most part--by those people who are morally responsible for making decisions. As the process of dominion extends the authority of Christians over more and more areas of life, we will see the creation of a comprehensive theocracy. It will not come as the result of some sort of ‘palace revolution.’”
Clearly, the goal was not to take over churches...but instead wanted to see all political leaders to be Christian and create Christian laws. In 1981, Mr. North wrote that “Christians must begin to organize politically within the present party structure and they must begin to infiltrate the existing institutional order.” He joined with the late RJ Rushdoony in the 70s and pushed what has been called "Christian Reconstruction"
R.J. Rushdoony and Gary North have spent their lives outlining a strategy for transforming all of culture in accordance with their understanding of “biblical law,” which they maintain is applicable not only to church life, but family life and civil affairs. The most important components of these efforts were undermining and replacing public education, because they saw Christian education as their most important tool.
What Rushdoony, with his appeal to the right wing evangelicals, provided is a package that included attacking what these fundamentalists hated and feared most in society, often expressed in terms of "This is communist. This is socialist." And remember that when you confront any of them...one of their favorites expression is to call you a a "communist" or a "socialist." It is, in essence a war cry of sorts. Very few, if any, actually would know what a "communist" or a "socialist" would look like or know what they would do if they were really confronting one.
In "Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States," Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry define Christian nationalism as “a collection of myths, traditions, symbols, narratives, and value systems — that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civic life…. It includes assumptions of nativism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity, along with divine sanction for authoritarian control and militarism. It is as ethnic and political as it is religious.”
Rachel Mivka, in an article from the USA Today in Jan 2021, wrote this about Ted Cruz:
The agenda is not always explicit. When Sen. Ted Cruz talks of “restoring” America, he means to recover what he believes is its original identity as a Christian nation. Historian John Fea argues that Cruz’s outlook reflects the Seven Mountains Dominionism of his father — a conviction that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions (religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business). While Cruz is too politically savvy to endorse dominion theology outright, he uses code words like “religious liberty” to sustain Christian privilege and cultural authority.
April 15, 2022:
There is a blog called "A Biblical Worldview" that adds to the name this qualification: "The most politically incorrect blog on the internet, devoted to the glory of the LORD Jesus Christ." I thought, well OK, let's see what is here. The latest post was from April 9 and titled "The End is Near." The author writes a bit of history to back his comments and then mentions, BTW, that organizations like BLM can be summarized this way: Money appears to be the goal of this group, and now that they have a lot of it from corporations and private donors alike.. ????????
But the author expands his rhetoric with comments that would make Tucker Carlson proud: Rulers in power making it illegal to buy the very medicine that would cure the ailment, they also closed businesses, caused people to lose their livelihoods, forced medical treatment on free citizens, and forced people to wear face diapers in order to manipulate them and cause psychological damage. {??} Of, course, we know who is responsible for that kind of insane rhetoric and hyperbole.
In the authors next post is titled "Black American Must Do Better" and, of course, he rates the incident with Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars as a major part of his theme that "Black American Must Do Better." He then pontificates on right wing nonsense being sent around the internet. Because, you know, when you are pushing "A Biblical View" of the world..the best place to get the news is from some right wing nutjob pushing propaganda and then adding Bible verses to explain it as racist and how because of the Oscars event "black people need to do better."???really??
I, unfortunately, do have experience in understanding these right wing positions as I used to push them myself not all that long ago. The author (I have to say "the author" because I dont know if its male or female..though my guess would be that it is a white male) likely feels very smug and proud of having addressed the problem with such "Biblical" expertise. The author does use Bible verses but they are kind of a filling. The intent of the verse, in the authors mind, aids the authors worldview...but only in the authors mind. Not in the real world. But, thats how right wingers and Christian Nationalists operate. Racism doesn't count if you use Bible verses to accentuate it.
There is a blog called "A Biblical Worldview" that adds to the name this qualification: "The most politically incorrect blog on the internet, devoted to the glory of the LORD Jesus Christ." I thought, well OK, let's see what is here. The latest post was from April 9 and titled "The End is Near." The author writes a bit of history to back his comments and then mentions, BTW, that organizations like BLM can be summarized this way: Money appears to be the goal of this group, and now that they have a lot of it from corporations and private donors alike.. ????????
But the author expands his rhetoric with comments that would make Tucker Carlson proud: Rulers in power making it illegal to buy the very medicine that would cure the ailment, they also closed businesses, caused people to lose their livelihoods, forced medical treatment on free citizens, and forced people to wear face diapers in order to manipulate them and cause psychological damage. {??} Of, course, we know who is responsible for that kind of insane rhetoric and hyperbole.
In the authors next post is titled "Black American Must Do Better" and, of course, he rates the incident with Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars as a major part of his theme that "Black American Must Do Better." He then pontificates on right wing nonsense being sent around the internet. Because, you know, when you are pushing "A Biblical View" of the world..the best place to get the news is from some right wing nutjob pushing propaganda and then adding Bible verses to explain it as racist and how because of the Oscars event "black people need to do better."???really??
I, unfortunately, do have experience in understanding these right wing positions as I used to push them myself not all that long ago. The author (I have to say "the author" because I dont know if its male or female..though my guess would be that it is a white male) likely feels very smug and proud of having addressed the problem with such "Biblical" expertise. The author does use Bible verses but they are kind of a filling. The intent of the verse, in the authors mind, aids the authors worldview...but only in the authors mind. Not in the real world. But, thats how right wingers and Christian Nationalists operate. Racism doesn't count if you use Bible verses to accentuate it.
“We found that even after we accounted for Americans’ religious, political, and demographic characteristics, those who more strongly affirmed Christian nationalism were more likely to belief false things about religion’s place in American history,” Perry told PsyPost. “They were more likely to believe, for example, that the US Constitution references our country’s obligations to God several times (it does not), that the First Amendment says Congress could make laws privileging Christianity (it does not), or that the Supreme Court made it illegal to pray or read your Bible in public schools (it did not).”
“We also show this isn’t necessarily connected to lack of education or lack of confidence in one’s answers. In fact, we show that the more Americans affirm Christian nationalism, they’re more likely to give confident wrong answers. That suggests there’s something ideological going on here. Americans who believe Christianity should have a more central role in American society today tend to reinterpret history with that in mind.” -Eric W Dolan; PsyPost
“We also show this isn’t necessarily connected to lack of education or lack of confidence in one’s answers. In fact, we show that the more Americans affirm Christian nationalism, they’re more likely to give confident wrong answers. That suggests there’s something ideological going on here. Americans who believe Christianity should have a more central role in American society today tend to reinterpret history with that in mind.” -Eric W Dolan; PsyPost
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Since the American Revolution, we have seen some Christians connect the Kingdom of God with the United States. Based on their interpretation of "Manifest Destiny," some have even called America the "New Israel" because they claim this nation was the only other nation besides Israel that was founded upon a covenant with God. For example, when men signed the Mayflower compact and initiated a covenant with God. However, Abraham, the father of Israel, never initiated a covenant with God. God initiated it with Abraham and the nation of Israel (Genesis 15:7-20; Hebrews 6:13-19).
In recent days, some of the so-called prophets and their followers seemed to connect the Kingdom of God with the political destiny of America, with some even saying that Donald Trump has been crowned as the only recognized U.S. president in Heaven. Connecting any political party, person or secular movement with the Kingdom is unbiblical. The Kingdom transcends all nations and systems and never depends upon a top-down political control to prosecute the will of God. -Joseph Mattera |
March 5, 2022:
Pastor Cary Gordon has an article posted at "The Gatekeepers" titled "Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for how we elect our leaders." In it he lists 9 bullet points which describes how a person should be picked as President. He used Deuteronomy 17 as his framework. His first point is that the leader "Must be chosen by God (Vs. 15) through God's delegated ecclesiastical authority, not by lawless populism." and it goes on in a way any Christian Nationalist would be quite proud of. It does more than erode Democracy but destroys it completely..which may be insight as to why the GOP nationalists dont seem bothers by their anti democratic efforts. I would be curious if Trump is still the one "chosen by God" or many of the other Republican congressmen and governors who seem to be making effort to usurp America as it is and create their own government. His article ends with "American antinomianism has usurped every single one of these immutable and wise plumb-line standards for office-holders. Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for costuming our political and legal foolishness with counterfeit grace arguments to justify disobedience." Though in his mind it is clear he means something else but he is essentially a gospel of fascism.
Pastor Cary Gordon has an article posted at "The Gatekeepers" titled "Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for how we elect our leaders." In it he lists 9 bullet points which describes how a person should be picked as President. He used Deuteronomy 17 as his framework. His first point is that the leader "Must be chosen by God (Vs. 15) through God's delegated ecclesiastical authority, not by lawless populism." and it goes on in a way any Christian Nationalist would be quite proud of. It does more than erode Democracy but destroys it completely..which may be insight as to why the GOP nationalists dont seem bothers by their anti democratic efforts. I would be curious if Trump is still the one "chosen by God" or many of the other Republican congressmen and governors who seem to be making effort to usurp America as it is and create their own government. His article ends with "American antinomianism has usurped every single one of these immutable and wise plumb-line standards for office-holders. Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for costuming our political and legal foolishness with counterfeit grace arguments to justify disobedience." Though in his mind it is clear he means something else but he is essentially a gospel of fascism.
Feb 25, 2022: Right Wing Watch: US Far Right Adores Vladimir Putin’s Christian Nationalism More Than Freedom and Democracy
Lauren Witzke, the Republican Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate from Delaware in 2020, gushed with praise for Vladimir Putin this week after the Russian dictator unleashed a military invasion against Ukraine. While somewhat shocking given the timing, Witzke’s admiration of Putin’s “Christian nationalism” has a long precedent among U.S. Christian right leaders, who embraced Putin as a “savior of Christian civilization” during the Obama administration.
Lauren Witzke, the Republican Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate from Delaware in 2020, gushed with praise for Vladimir Putin this week after the Russian dictator unleashed a military invasion against Ukraine. While somewhat shocking given the timing, Witzke’s admiration of Putin’s “Christian nationalism” has a long precedent among U.S. Christian right leaders, who embraced Putin as a “savior of Christian civilization” during the Obama administration.
| As I understand it, Christian nationalism is an idea now widely accepted within the evangelical church that the U.S. is a Christian nation founded upon Christian principles — no matter what it may say in the Constitution. This commitment to the Christian faith, as a nation, is the reason God blessed the U.S. as the greatest nation that ever existed. God will only continue to bless this nation, however, as long as it remains a Christian nation. As America becomes more progressive and increasingly secular in terms of politics, culture and faith, then in this view God will remove his blessing and protection and great evils will befall our nation.
This remarkable theory has no connection to any of the teachings of Jesus Christ or his followers, and is completely irrelevant to the Christian faith. |
Feb 20, 2022: Alter Net: Evangelical minister: Christian nationalism is a bizarre, misogynist fantasy — and totally un-Christian
When contemporary evangelical leaders push a message around Christian nationalism, I can promise you it always refers back to a time when the "traditional" roles of American households held fast. Making America "great again" is truly about bringing back a time when women were subject to their husbands' wills and whims, and the husbands were lords of the house.
When contemporary evangelical leaders push a message around Christian nationalism, I can promise you it always refers back to a time when the "traditional" roles of American households held fast. Making America "great again" is truly about bringing back a time when women were subject to their husbands' wills and whims, and the husbands were lords of the house.
February 7, 2022:
Freedom of Religion is a cornerstone of American Democracy. Conservative Right wing Republicans think that "Religion" only applies to them. I understand that cuz I also applied it that way once upon a time. Some of my earliest Christian theology came from "dominionism" teachers and authors....and helped to create my early Christian worldview.
I believe, however, that the push for Christian Nationalism is going to have a bad end. These right wingers are conflating God with Country and if they succeed...based on how they interpret their efforts..it will be fascist...and something they seem to be proud of doing "for God, Guns, and Country."
God is not behind any move to subvert any country for Guns, Country or any political party or notion. AND God is not going to share His glory with the Republican Party, nor any other party or political effort. Lots of people thought they were doing things for God and discovered that unless God actually tells you to do it..then they shouldnt have. Clearly the worst thing any human being will ever hear will be to stand before Jesus one day, account for their life and actions..and hear the dreadful "Go away..I never knew you."
"I never knew you" at that point is forever.
Matthew 24: 6-9 states: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
These things have been happening to some degree for quite awhile...but they are only getting more intense. Pandemics, rumors of war (Ukraine, Afghanistan, etc...and, I mean, look what's going on in Canada--of all places one of the most peaceful countries ever..but "kingdom against kingdom."....as we are also seeing here in the USA...and Australia..and others.....world wide inflation and devalue of money.
Matthew 24:9: Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Because of Christian Nationalism, Christians are taking a pretty big PR hit worldwide (some countries--India is one-- can arrest and jail a Christian if they attempt to simply "witness" to someone in hopes of converting to Christianity.....this is because of internal rage within...Add some external world wide hatred from some growing special interest groups...and Christianity becomes the enemy and Matthew 24:9 becomes real. ..and we may not be that far away from it as it continues to grow. Just this morning I heard someone refer to it as "Christian Supremacy" ....and I cannot deny that "supremacy" IS a part of that movement. That's actually what inspired this rant/vent...which I normally do best by writing. It helps me with clarity and understanding.
Freedom of Religion is a cornerstone of American Democracy. Conservative Right wing Republicans think that "Religion" only applies to them. I understand that cuz I also applied it that way once upon a time. Some of my earliest Christian theology came from "dominionism" teachers and authors....and helped to create my early Christian worldview.
I believe, however, that the push for Christian Nationalism is going to have a bad end. These right wingers are conflating God with Country and if they succeed...based on how they interpret their efforts..it will be fascist...and something they seem to be proud of doing "for God, Guns, and Country."
God is not behind any move to subvert any country for Guns, Country or any political party or notion. AND God is not going to share His glory with the Republican Party, nor any other party or political effort. Lots of people thought they were doing things for God and discovered that unless God actually tells you to do it..then they shouldnt have. Clearly the worst thing any human being will ever hear will be to stand before Jesus one day, account for their life and actions..and hear the dreadful "Go away..I never knew you."
"I never knew you" at that point is forever.
Matthew 24: 6-9 states: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
These things have been happening to some degree for quite awhile...but they are only getting more intense. Pandemics, rumors of war (Ukraine, Afghanistan, etc...and, I mean, look what's going on in Canada--of all places one of the most peaceful countries ever..but "kingdom against kingdom."....as we are also seeing here in the USA...and Australia..and others.....world wide inflation and devalue of money.
Matthew 24:9: Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Because of Christian Nationalism, Christians are taking a pretty big PR hit worldwide (some countries--India is one-- can arrest and jail a Christian if they attempt to simply "witness" to someone in hopes of converting to Christianity.....this is because of internal rage within...Add some external world wide hatred from some growing special interest groups...and Christianity becomes the enemy and Matthew 24:9 becomes real. ..and we may not be that far away from it as it continues to grow. Just this morning I heard someone refer to it as "Christian Supremacy" ....and I cannot deny that "supremacy" IS a part of that movement. That's actually what inspired this rant/vent...which I normally do best by writing. It helps me with clarity and understanding.
February 7, 2022:
I read an article posted at American Vision and written by Gary Demar. In an article titled The Private-Zoo Factor Demar makes some pretty major justifications for Christian Nationalism...., though, of course, he does not ever use the word "Christian Nationalist." As a general rule they do not use it because they dont want to claim the title. They just believe they are part of God's army.
He (Demar) interestingly does use the Bible but once he throws up a verse he continually goes on to say that it doesn't really mean what it says and even does it in a way that makes it seem legit. As a foundation of where he is going with the article he mentions a comment made by Theodore Roszak, an academic and author, who wrote books and articles about the counter culture in the late 60s. Demar seems to build his arguments as a springboard against an observation by Roszak who said that Christians are “Socially irrelevant, even if privately engaging.” (Roszak died in 2011). Demar then goes through ten bullet points of things he may have heard Christian leaders say and why he thinks they are wrong. I wont go through all of them as you can read the article.
One of his points is: "Jesus didn’t get mixed up in politics, so why should we?" in which he rationalizes:
"There are many things Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t get married, have children, or own a home. Should we follow His example in these areas?"
Jesus didnt kill anyone either so should we follow His example in that area? Where do you draw the line?
His 5th point is:
"There’s a separation between church and state"
and he explains:
"The Bible teaches that there is a jurisdictional separation between church and state, but there is no separation between God and government, and that includes civil government."
That is a foundation of Christian Nationalist.
Yes, God has no separation, but He also has not greenlighted an effort to subvert the government believing God is on your side. It is very likely that will have a bad end on so many levels. Demar gives another greenlight on his 6th point:
"Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world" and explains:
"God’s kingdom does not derive its power and authority from this world, but His kingdom is in and over this world whether people acknowledge it or not. We are to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 7:10). Doing God’s will is the manifestation of kingdom living."
That is more foundational stuff for Christian Nationalism and a supporter of dominionism would love to hear that kind of stuff. His point ten directly counters what Jesus said when He said "We must render to Caesar what’s Caesar’s." Demar's counter argument to that is:
"We don’t live under Caesar. We live under a constitution, and we can remove and replace elected officials and “petition the government for a redress of grievances”.
Hear that, Jesus? You were wrong about that "render unto Ceasar" nonsense?? He puts (First Amendment) in parenthesis...noting, it appears that the First Amendment trumps what Jesus said.
Demar, by the way, wrote a book titled "Myths Lies and Half Truths" and addresses how Christians have been such failures. It is likely a favorite of Christian Nationalists as it bolsters their confidence in what they think God wants them to do. Based on the article, the answer to the failures so far is Christian Nationalism. Take over America for Jesus...by whatever means possible since we dont live under Caesar.
I read an article posted at American Vision and written by Gary Demar. In an article titled The Private-Zoo Factor Demar makes some pretty major justifications for Christian Nationalism...., though, of course, he does not ever use the word "Christian Nationalist." As a general rule they do not use it because they dont want to claim the title. They just believe they are part of God's army.
He (Demar) interestingly does use the Bible but once he throws up a verse he continually goes on to say that it doesn't really mean what it says and even does it in a way that makes it seem legit. As a foundation of where he is going with the article he mentions a comment made by Theodore Roszak, an academic and author, who wrote books and articles about the counter culture in the late 60s. Demar seems to build his arguments as a springboard against an observation by Roszak who said that Christians are “Socially irrelevant, even if privately engaging.” (Roszak died in 2011). Demar then goes through ten bullet points of things he may have heard Christian leaders say and why he thinks they are wrong. I wont go through all of them as you can read the article.
One of his points is: "Jesus didn’t get mixed up in politics, so why should we?" in which he rationalizes:
"There are many things Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t get married, have children, or own a home. Should we follow His example in these areas?"
Jesus didnt kill anyone either so should we follow His example in that area? Where do you draw the line?
His 5th point is:
"There’s a separation between church and state"
and he explains:
"The Bible teaches that there is a jurisdictional separation between church and state, but there is no separation between God and government, and that includes civil government."
That is a foundation of Christian Nationalist.
Yes, God has no separation, but He also has not greenlighted an effort to subvert the government believing God is on your side. It is very likely that will have a bad end on so many levels. Demar gives another greenlight on his 6th point:
"Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world" and explains:
"God’s kingdom does not derive its power and authority from this world, but His kingdom is in and over this world whether people acknowledge it or not. We are to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 7:10). Doing God’s will is the manifestation of kingdom living."
That is more foundational stuff for Christian Nationalism and a supporter of dominionism would love to hear that kind of stuff. His point ten directly counters what Jesus said when He said "We must render to Caesar what’s Caesar’s." Demar's counter argument to that is:
"We don’t live under Caesar. We live under a constitution, and we can remove and replace elected officials and “petition the government for a redress of grievances”.
Hear that, Jesus? You were wrong about that "render unto Ceasar" nonsense?? He puts (First Amendment) in parenthesis...noting, it appears that the First Amendment trumps what Jesus said.
Demar, by the way, wrote a book titled "Myths Lies and Half Truths" and addresses how Christians have been such failures. It is likely a favorite of Christian Nationalists as it bolsters their confidence in what they think God wants them to do. Based on the article, the answer to the failures so far is Christian Nationalism. Take over America for Jesus...by whatever means possible since we dont live under Caesar.
Feb 6, 2022: Americans United: Christian Nationalists To America: 'Don't Look Up!'
A few weeks ago, I sat down with my family to watch “Don’t Look Up,” currently streaming on Netflix. There’s been a lot of buzz about this movie, so if you haven’t seen it, I recommend you do. Why? Because its message is relevant to the work we do here at Americans United.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with my family to watch “Don’t Look Up,” currently streaming on Netflix. There’s been a lot of buzz about this movie, so if you haven’t seen it, I recommend you do. Why? Because its message is relevant to the work we do here at Americans United.
February 5, 2021:
I saw most of Marjorie Taylor Greene's press conference. She could very well be the next Trump-swamp queen. Trump never knew much about Christianity so he didnt use the language. Greene appears to know something about it.
MTG spouted all kind of Christianese while at the same time demonizing everyone and everything that did not think like she does. Jeremiah came to mind after contemplation on her speech. “From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
when there is no peace.” (Jer 8).
The tongue is a powerful force and when you break it down most of politics is about using and confronting that force. Today she claimed "peace" while, at the same time in the same press conference pushed back against Democrats & socialism and even the press because she didnt like being asked certain questions and pushing her red herring world views.
She is now playing the victim card after she was removed from committees and lashed out against all the Democrats and the 11 Republicans who voted to have her removed.
She may be the new Poster Child for Christian Nationalism.
I saw most of Marjorie Taylor Greene's press conference. She could very well be the next Trump-swamp queen. Trump never knew much about Christianity so he didnt use the language. Greene appears to know something about it.
MTG spouted all kind of Christianese while at the same time demonizing everyone and everything that did not think like she does. Jeremiah came to mind after contemplation on her speech. “From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
when there is no peace.” (Jer 8).
The tongue is a powerful force and when you break it down most of politics is about using and confronting that force. Today she claimed "peace" while, at the same time in the same press conference pushed back against Democrats & socialism and even the press because she didnt like being asked certain questions and pushing her red herring world views.
She is now playing the victim card after she was removed from committees and lashed out against all the Democrats and the 11 Republicans who voted to have her removed.
She may be the new Poster Child for Christian Nationalism.
Jan 31, 2022: Pheonix New Times: Why is a Symbol of Christian Nationalism Hanging in the Arizona House?
The “pine tree flag” is centuries old, once flown during the American Revolution and the early colonial days.
In recent years, though, the banner has been adopted by some evangelicals, becoming an emblem of far-right Christian nationalism.
Pine tree flags, for instance, flew alongside Trump 2020 banners and confederate flags on January 6 last year.
The “pine tree flag” is centuries old, once flown during the American Revolution and the early colonial days.
In recent years, though, the banner has been adopted by some evangelicals, becoming an emblem of far-right Christian nationalism.
Pine tree flags, for instance, flew alongside Trump 2020 banners and confederate flags on January 6 last year.
Jan 28, 2022: Religion News Service: How the Capitol attacks helped spread Christian nationalism in the extreme right
For many in the right-wing extremist fringe, Christian nationalism is becoming a shared language.
For many in the right-wing extremist fringe, Christian nationalism is becoming a shared language.
| |
Jan 28, 2022: Religion News Service: The deadly dogmatism of Christian nationalism
As the nation remembered the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 earlier this month, a deluge of articles highlighted the role of white Christian nationalism and its ongoing threat to democracy. This was absolutely necessary. Yet, white Christian nationalism has been tied to an even greater crisis over the past year, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread reluctance to get vaccinated.
As the nation remembered the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 earlier this month, a deluge of articles highlighted the role of white Christian nationalism and its ongoing threat to democracy. This was absolutely necessary. Yet, white Christian nationalism has been tied to an even greater crisis over the past year, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread reluctance to get vaccinated.
Jan 27, 2022: Berkshire Edge: Christian Nationalism is a danger to religious liberty
At a Texas rally on November 13, 2021, Michael Flynn, a Trump ally, vigorously advocated: “If we are going to have one nation under God, which we must, we have to have one religion, one nation under God, and one religion under God.”
At a Texas rally on November 13, 2021, Michael Flynn, a Trump ally, vigorously advocated: “If we are going to have one nation under God, which we must, we have to have one religion, one nation under God, and one religion under God.”
| Christian nationalism....didn’t necessarily coincide with ignorance. Rather, it reflected a powerful dogmatism that rejected any facts that were inconsistent with cherished narratives. |
Jan 26, 2022: Religion News Service: How the Capitol attacks helped spread Christian nationalism in the extreme right
When supporters of former President Donald Trump rallied near the White House on Jan. 6 of last year, a boisterous pocket of young men waving “America First” flags broke into a chant: “Christ is King!” It was one of the first indications that Christian nationalism would be a theme of the Capitol attack later that day, where insurrectionists prayed and waved banners that read “Proud American Christian.”
When supporters of former President Donald Trump rallied near the White House on Jan. 6 of last year, a boisterous pocket of young men waving “America First” flags broke into a chant: “Christ is King!” It was one of the first indications that Christian nationalism would be a theme of the Capitol attack later that day, where insurrectionists prayed and waved banners that read “Proud American Christian.”
| “Christian nationalism has a deep history in America’s racist right-wing, said Kelly J. Baker, author of “Gospel According to the Klan: The KKK’s Appeal to Protestant America, 1915-1930.” Fuentes’ rhetoric “could have come word for word from a Klan speech in 1922,” she said. “The Klan’s goal here was patriotism and nationalism, but it was combined with their focus on white Christianity.”
Intermingling patriotism and piety has become common even among groups better known for nationalist violence than adherence to a particular faith. The Proud Boys, a chauvinist organization whose members trampled and burned Black Lives Matter banners at Washington, D.C., churches a year ago, were spotted praying together the morning of the insurrection." |
| “"Christian nationalist ideology — particularly when it is held by white Americans — is fundamentally anti-democratic because its goal isn’t 'government of the people, by the people, and for the people.' Its goal is power. Specifically, power for 'true Americans like us,' Christians in an almost ethnic sense, those who belong — the worthy. Stemming from this, the most salient threat white Christian nationalism poses to democracy is that it seeks to undermine the very foundation of democracy itself: voting." |
Jan 19, 2022: Baptist News Global: They spoke out against the Capitol insurrection; one year later, they’re no longer pastors
Brandon Long wanted the doctrine of “redemption” to be the hill he would die on. Instead, the doctrine of evangelical loyalty to Donald Trump was his demise as a pastor.
Brandon Long wanted the doctrine of “redemption” to be the hill he would die on. Instead, the doctrine of evangelical loyalty to Donald Trump was his demise as a pastor.
| |
January 19, 2022:
The mission of American Family Association states it "is to inform, equip, and activate individuals and families to transform American culture and to give aid to the church, here and abroad, in its calling to fulfill the Great Commission. " The problem with AFA, though is that it is pushing Christian Nationalism as it's methodology. Their vision: "is to be a leading organization in biblical worldview training for cultural transformation." There is some truth to that. That is pretty much what they are doing. "In Jesus name" or with the "power of God", are missing in their efforts, for the most part.
The mission of American Family Association states it "is to inform, equip, and activate individuals and families to transform American culture and to give aid to the church, here and abroad, in its calling to fulfill the Great Commission. " The problem with AFA, though is that it is pushing Christian Nationalism as it's methodology. Their vision: "is to be a leading organization in biblical worldview training for cultural transformation." There is some truth to that. That is pretty much what they are doing. "In Jesus name" or with the "power of God", are missing in their efforts, for the most part.
| |
Jan 12, 2022: Freelance Christianity: Throwing Away the Image of God
At the beginning of a recent episode of “Consider This,” NPR’s daily afternoon news podcast, Rev. Jim Wallis, the chair of the Faith and Justice Center at Georgetown University, commented on the fact that many of those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection began their activities with a prayer thanking God for “gracing us with this opportunity to stand up for our God-given unalienable rights.” While part of the motivation for the insurrectionists that day was the “Big Lie” that the November 2020 election had been stolen, Wallis focused his attention elsewhere.
At the beginning of a recent episode of “Consider This,” NPR’s daily afternoon news podcast, Rev. Jim Wallis, the chair of the Faith and Justice Center at Georgetown University, commented on the fact that many of those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection began their activities with a prayer thanking God for “gracing us with this opportunity to stand up for our God-given unalienable rights.” While part of the motivation for the insurrectionists that day was the “Big Lie” that the November 2020 election had been stolen, Wallis focused his attention elsewhere.
Jan 12, 2022: Bills Faith Matters Blog: The continuing threat of Christian nationalism
Even on Jan. 6, 2021, I knew that in some strange way religion was part of the story of the bloody insurrection at the nation's Capitol building.
Even on Jan. 6, 2021, I knew that in some strange way religion was part of the story of the bloody insurrection at the nation's Capitol building.
January 9, 2022:
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism
December 21, 2021:
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM RISING (still): Re: Donald Trump Jr
Donald Trump Jr. told young Republicans attending a conference Sunday that biblical teachings have gotten the party nowhere after damning new texts revealed he was aware of the magnitude of the Capitol riots.
'We've turned the other cheek and I understand the biblical reference, I understand the mentality,' he said. 'But it's gotten us nothing."
Where they go now carrying that kind of religious dogma can be dangerous.
The problem is that they will use the Bible and God as an excuse to continue to push racism and fascism. Similar to what happened in the the 1930s with Hitler. He used the Bible and Christianity to gain followers and then when he had Naziism locked into place...he became a dictator. Granted, it wont gain them anything eternally..but short sighted Christianity never has. Its temporal fruit, though, is a dangerous dogma.
The US is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe”, a member of a key CIA advisory panel has said. The analysis by Barbara F Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego who sits on the Political Instability Task Force, is contained in a book due out next year and first reported by the Washington Post.
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM RISING (still): Re: Donald Trump Jr
Donald Trump Jr. told young Republicans attending a conference Sunday that biblical teachings have gotten the party nowhere after damning new texts revealed he was aware of the magnitude of the Capitol riots.
'We've turned the other cheek and I understand the biblical reference, I understand the mentality,' he said. 'But it's gotten us nothing."
Where they go now carrying that kind of religious dogma can be dangerous.
The problem is that they will use the Bible and God as an excuse to continue to push racism and fascism. Similar to what happened in the the 1930s with Hitler. He used the Bible and Christianity to gain followers and then when he had Naziism locked into place...he became a dictator. Granted, it wont gain them anything eternally..but short sighted Christianity never has. Its temporal fruit, though, is a dangerous dogma.
The US is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe”, a member of a key CIA advisory panel has said. The analysis by Barbara F Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego who sits on the Political Instability Task Force, is contained in a book due out next year and first reported by the Washington Post.
December 16, 2021:
This paragraph is from an article from Charisma News:
As the popularity of the tour grew and the demand for Clark to appear on various media outlets rose, someone sent him the Kim Clement prophecy from April 20, 2013, that seems to have a clear connection to his calling to reawaken America. It mentions a "man by the name of Mr. Clark," and says in part, "You have been determined through your prayers to influence this nation. You're watching me; you're an influential person. The Spirit of God says, 'Hear the word of the prophet to you as a king, I will open that door that you prayed about.'"
In essence, it is Christian Nationalism in its formative stages in the Charismatic movement today. Clay Clark is a part of the "Reawaken America" (being sponsored by Charisma Magazine) tour. To begin with, a prophecy only points to revelation about Jesus Christ. Clark, for the record, is NOT Jesus...though he appears to claim a relationship. Kim Clement is a faux self-proclaimed prophet and has been spewing pro-Trump "prophecies" for a few years now. Don't be deceived. Clark is a grifting charlatan who uses worse from the Bible to meet his end. Good and bad things came out of the Charismatic Movement...but more bad than good...and a lot of hurt people who may have walked away from God forever because of it. Fellow members of Reawaken America include Michale Flynn, Roger Stone, Mike Lindell, Sam Sorbo, Sidney Powell, Alan Keyes, Alex Jones, Lara Logan and Ken Paxton, among others.
The thing that makes people like Cark dangerous is that they believe they are on a mission from God.
This paragraph is from an article from Charisma News:
As the popularity of the tour grew and the demand for Clark to appear on various media outlets rose, someone sent him the Kim Clement prophecy from April 20, 2013, that seems to have a clear connection to his calling to reawaken America. It mentions a "man by the name of Mr. Clark," and says in part, "You have been determined through your prayers to influence this nation. You're watching me; you're an influential person. The Spirit of God says, 'Hear the word of the prophet to you as a king, I will open that door that you prayed about.'"
In essence, it is Christian Nationalism in its formative stages in the Charismatic movement today. Clay Clark is a part of the "Reawaken America" (being sponsored by Charisma Magazine) tour. To begin with, a prophecy only points to revelation about Jesus Christ. Clark, for the record, is NOT Jesus...though he appears to claim a relationship. Kim Clement is a faux self-proclaimed prophet and has been spewing pro-Trump "prophecies" for a few years now. Don't be deceived. Clark is a grifting charlatan who uses worse from the Bible to meet his end. Good and bad things came out of the Charismatic Movement...but more bad than good...and a lot of hurt people who may have walked away from God forever because of it. Fellow members of Reawaken America include Michale Flynn, Roger Stone, Mike Lindell, Sam Sorbo, Sidney Powell, Alan Keyes, Alex Jones, Lara Logan and Ken Paxton, among others.
The thing that makes people like Cark dangerous is that they believe they are on a mission from God.
December 13, 2021:
The American family Association, based out of here in Mississippi, is looking to establish a center "like a Pentagon" in order to furth er efforts of Christian Nationalism. The announcement with a plea for donations (something Wildmon, the founder, has been doing many many many years) Part of the description says "Like the Pentagon in Washington, the Don Wildmon Center will serve as command central as we combat the forces that seek to destroy Christian influence in America and overthrow the founding principles of our republic."
If you look at other parts of the website the "action alerts" are just a litany of far right wing agendas. They "hold to a form of godliness but deny the power thereof." (II Tim 3) (Which is, in essence, a foundation of what "Christian Nationalism" is) Link is Here: https://www.afa.net/donwildmoncenter?fbclid=IwAR0VA9LSIgBqlxhLxEonnuEfw5bXBimVo6e9vGzP-WCmDVzDTLBiKmm5j9Y
The American family Association, based out of here in Mississippi, is looking to establish a center "like a Pentagon" in order to furth er efforts of Christian Nationalism. The announcement with a plea for donations (something Wildmon, the founder, has been doing many many many years) Part of the description says "Like the Pentagon in Washington, the Don Wildmon Center will serve as command central as we combat the forces that seek to destroy Christian influence in America and overthrow the founding principles of our republic."
If you look at other parts of the website the "action alerts" are just a litany of far right wing agendas. They "hold to a form of godliness but deny the power thereof." (II Tim 3) (Which is, in essence, a foundation of what "Christian Nationalism" is) Link is Here: https://www.afa.net/donwildmoncenter?fbclid=IwAR0VA9LSIgBqlxhLxEonnuEfw5bXBimVo6e9vGzP-WCmDVzDTLBiKmm5j9Y
December 8, 2021:
Found this from an article posted at Wesmont College:
Implying that Americans are blessed by God simply for being Americans cheapens the biblical concept of blessing and often equates it with material prosperity. What about those Christians living and often suffering in other lands? Are we blessed by God and they are not? What about the dirt-poor Pentecostals in Ukraine who in Soviet times suffered because of their faith? Are we blessed by God and they are not? The lyrics of “God Bless America” are not statements of fact. They are, in fact, a prayer. In 1938, that is what Irving Berlin had in mind.
While studying recently I came across this quote: “Treason is in the air around us everywhere. It goes by the name of patriotism.” -Ambrose Bierce (Civil War era). Reminds me of a quote (attributed to several people) that says "when facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
That kind of conflation I mentioned above could easily set a lot of people up for such a person...and I think it is a large part of what drives the hard core Trumplicans for Trump.
Found this from an article posted at Wesmont College:
Implying that Americans are blessed by God simply for being Americans cheapens the biblical concept of blessing and often equates it with material prosperity. What about those Christians living and often suffering in other lands? Are we blessed by God and they are not? What about the dirt-poor Pentecostals in Ukraine who in Soviet times suffered because of their faith? Are we blessed by God and they are not? The lyrics of “God Bless America” are not statements of fact. They are, in fact, a prayer. In 1938, that is what Irving Berlin had in mind.
While studying recently I came across this quote: “Treason is in the air around us everywhere. It goes by the name of patriotism.” -Ambrose Bierce (Civil War era). Reminds me of a quote (attributed to several people) that says "when facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
That kind of conflation I mentioned above could easily set a lot of people up for such a person...and I think it is a large part of what drives the hard core Trumplicans for Trump.
Oct 18, 2021:
Going forward I will use "Religious Nationalism" instead of "Christian Nationalism." Christianity is already taking a big hit via the "Nationalism" and the non religious just see the word "Christian" and there are already many Anti-theism folks ready to pounce on Christianity. The big issue right now is lots of calls for taxing the church because of politics. The condition of the non tax status is to keep church and state separate as per the Constitution. So I am not in favor of taxing all the churches, but I believe the ones that are pushing politics should have their tax exempt status removed. If you havent noticed..the most vocal Religious Nationalists leaders usually come from Mega-churches who push tithing and, hence, always seem to have unending bankrolls of money.
I Came across a great example of Religious Nationalism today while looking at an Iowa newspaper. Written by several Iowa pastors, It states: Whereas, God is the ultimate and highest authority, and his laws are the highest laws; and Whereas, masks cover the image of God by obscuring personal identity and violate the holy law of God by restraining the healthy in place of the symptomatic sick;
Keeping people healthy violates the holy law of God???
And the mask shouldn't be worn because it "covers the image of God??"
This has got to be a horrible revelation if you live on really cold parts of the country...like Iowa, for instance. And what about those sunglasses that covers the eyes of God's creation??? I cant imagine why the logic didnt push itself to its end and start condemning people for wearing any clothes at all because it would cover man who was made in Gods image.
The article goes on and conflates the Constitution on an even level with God's Holy law. There are a lot of people pushing Religious Nationalism ideas who are totally oblivious to the fact they are doing it because they see little to no difference between doing Gods will and pushing a political agenda. As I have stated before, we are seeing the culmination of a generation of Christian Americans who believe that the only way to serve God is through politics.....and the idea is to win political points for Jesus. (however they are scored)
Going forward I will use "Religious Nationalism" instead of "Christian Nationalism." Christianity is already taking a big hit via the "Nationalism" and the non religious just see the word "Christian" and there are already many Anti-theism folks ready to pounce on Christianity. The big issue right now is lots of calls for taxing the church because of politics. The condition of the non tax status is to keep church and state separate as per the Constitution. So I am not in favor of taxing all the churches, but I believe the ones that are pushing politics should have their tax exempt status removed. If you havent noticed..the most vocal Religious Nationalists leaders usually come from Mega-churches who push tithing and, hence, always seem to have unending bankrolls of money.
I Came across a great example of Religious Nationalism today while looking at an Iowa newspaper. Written by several Iowa pastors, It states: Whereas, God is the ultimate and highest authority, and his laws are the highest laws; and Whereas, masks cover the image of God by obscuring personal identity and violate the holy law of God by restraining the healthy in place of the symptomatic sick;
Keeping people healthy violates the holy law of God???
And the mask shouldn't be worn because it "covers the image of God??"
This has got to be a horrible revelation if you live on really cold parts of the country...like Iowa, for instance. And what about those sunglasses that covers the eyes of God's creation??? I cant imagine why the logic didnt push itself to its end and start condemning people for wearing any clothes at all because it would cover man who was made in Gods image.
The article goes on and conflates the Constitution on an even level with God's Holy law. There are a lot of people pushing Religious Nationalism ideas who are totally oblivious to the fact they are doing it because they see little to no difference between doing Gods will and pushing a political agenda. As I have stated before, we are seeing the culmination of a generation of Christian Americans who believe that the only way to serve God is through politics.....and the idea is to win political points for Jesus. (however they are scored)
October 11, 2021:
I believe we are seeing the culmination of an entire generation of American church goers who have been raised their entire life believing that the only productive thing you could do "for Jesus" is to do something with politics.
I think abortion became the topping on that cake. Apparently you could commit many sine but the unforgivable one was abortion..or just not being against it.
The roots of that can be found in the teachings of the late Francis Schaeffer who a few years before he died proclaimed that the most important thing that Christians should be defeating is abortion. Schaeffer carried a lot of weight with the nondeminational/charismatic movements; along with the southern Baptists. That was about 7 years after Roe v Wade. Schaeffer was friends with Dr C Everett Koop who also became a mouthpiece pushing against abortion. Schaeffer died in 1984 but, then, Ronald Reagan made Koop his surgeon general...and voila...the movement began. I was there at the beginning and, at the time, went right along with it. I became a political activist for Jesus. Initially a Democrat... I was told that being a Democrat was not a good Christian witness (by my pastor) and joined the Republicans and the Reagan revolution "for Jesus."
And this is where we are.
I believe we are seeing the culmination of an entire generation of American church goers who have been raised their entire life believing that the only productive thing you could do "for Jesus" is to do something with politics.
I think abortion became the topping on that cake. Apparently you could commit many sine but the unforgivable one was abortion..or just not being against it.
The roots of that can be found in the teachings of the late Francis Schaeffer who a few years before he died proclaimed that the most important thing that Christians should be defeating is abortion. Schaeffer carried a lot of weight with the nondeminational/charismatic movements; along with the southern Baptists. That was about 7 years after Roe v Wade. Schaeffer was friends with Dr C Everett Koop who also became a mouthpiece pushing against abortion. Schaeffer died in 1984 but, then, Ronald Reagan made Koop his surgeon general...and voila...the movement began. I was there at the beginning and, at the time, went right along with it. I became a political activist for Jesus. Initially a Democrat... I was told that being a Democrat was not a good Christian witness (by my pastor) and joined the Republicans and the Reagan revolution "for Jesus."
And this is where we are.
September 15, 2021:
Christ didnt die on the cross to protect my freedom of speech, my right to assemble or bear arms. He died that evil men would be redeemed.
American Christian Nationalists do not believe this.
Franklin Graham accused Democrats of going against the principles of Christianity and wants Christians to move away from the Democratic Party.
Franklin is a poster boy for Christian Nationalism. He learned it from his dad, Billy Graham, who wrote as early as 1954 that "Communism is a religion that is inspired, directed and motivated by the Devil himself who has declared war against Almighty God."
Franklin sees Democrats & Soviet Communists as the same thing and preaches accordingly.
Christ didnt die on the cross to protect my freedom of speech, my right to assemble or bear arms. He died that evil men would be redeemed.
American Christian Nationalists do not believe this.
Franklin Graham accused Democrats of going against the principles of Christianity and wants Christians to move away from the Democratic Party.
Franklin is a poster boy for Christian Nationalism. He learned it from his dad, Billy Graham, who wrote as early as 1954 that "Communism is a religion that is inspired, directed and motivated by the Devil himself who has declared war against Almighty God."
Franklin sees Democrats & Soviet Communists as the same thing and preaches accordingly.
September 10, 2021:
Jesus stood against the politically religious of his day.
Jesus didn't instruct us to try to setup God's kingdom on earth and over take secular systems.
He indicated that we (individually) work out our own salvation with fear and trembling - not that we work out societies salvation with force of religion being inscribed into law.
Jesus stood against the politically religious of his day.
Jesus didn't instruct us to try to setup God's kingdom on earth and over take secular systems.
He indicated that we (individually) work out our own salvation with fear and trembling - not that we work out societies salvation with force of religion being inscribed into law.
September 7, 2021:
John MacArthur believes he was right about his fight against "religious liberty" because he won the case in court. MacArthur believed tyranny was being committed against him because he had a right to ignore any government mandate concerning the pandemic because God was on his side. He won an $800,00 settlement in court. Leading the fight was the Thomas More Society and lawyers Jenna Ellis and Charles LiMandri. These lawyers won an $800,000 settlement from the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. It's interesting that he does not apply that same "logic" on other issues, like Roe V Wade, and all the times that losses were made in court that it wasnt considered a victory.. MacArthur is one of several mainstream pastors who are very much entrenched in Christian Nationalism.
This is disturbing:
New Apostolic Reformation = Christian Nationalism. Al Jazeera called the NAR "America's Own Taliban"
Last April, Rick Joyner, head of Morning Star Ministries in Charlotte, N.C., told Jim Bakker about a revelatory dream from 2018. Joyner urged “true disciples of Christ” to get their weapons ready because, according to Jesus, we are heading for a second American Revolution (or Civil War) in which God-ordained “militias would pop up like mushrooms.” The good news, he said, was that victory was assured.😳😳😳
1. Don’t equate the biblical kingdom of God with any human political party or nation. We must maintain the distinctiveness between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. We must never fuse the two (John18:36; Matt.6:33).
2. Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status. People often falsely think a politician can single-handedly produce supernatural social results. We have one Lord, and we must resist any attempt to exalt politicians to unrealistic heights (Matt.7:15; 1Pet.3:15).
3. Don’t just vote, but pray for the leaders of all political parties. Christians can be tempted to bless the politician of their choice, and curse his or her opponent, but remember, we must pray even for our enemies (1Tim.2:1–2; Matt.5:44).
4. Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs (Heb.12:26–29).
5. Don’t bring the polarization of partisan politics into the family of God. Every Christian has freedom of conscience before God, and we must guard against allowing political perspectives to divide the church (Rom.16:17; 1Cor.1:11–12).
6. Don’t demonize anyone. Every person has been created in the image of God, and Christians must not demonize or dehumanize other people, whether we agree with them politically or not (Col.3:8; James4:12).
7. Don’t engage in angry, hostile confrontation. Present your political convictions through civil debate and rational dialogue instead. Confrontational arguments demonstrate an ugly pride that demeans Jesus Christ (James1:19–20; 2Tim.2:14).
8. Don’t become so intertwined with one political party that you forfeit your independence. When you do, you lose your right to be heard and to speak and clarify biblical truth to all politicians and political parties (1Tim.3:15; Rom.3:4).
9. Don’t allow yourself to support attempts to divide races, male and female, rich and poor, or young and old. Partisan politics often divides society into voting blocks, and separates society instead of uniting it. Christians should function as peacemakers and reconcilers in the public square and should resist every temptation to join the game of dividing people for political gain (Matt.5:9; 2Cor.5:18–19).
10. Don’t simply curse the darkness, but constructively engage it. The cultural and missional mandate of kingdom Christians is not to curse the darkness in our world, but to act as illuminating light and preserving salt. We must share the light of God’s truth and work to maintain the common welfare of our nation by overcoming evil through doing good (Matt.5:13–16).
This list appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 04 (2008).
John MacArthur believes he was right about his fight against "religious liberty" because he won the case in court. MacArthur believed tyranny was being committed against him because he had a right to ignore any government mandate concerning the pandemic because God was on his side. He won an $800,00 settlement in court. Leading the fight was the Thomas More Society and lawyers Jenna Ellis and Charles LiMandri. These lawyers won an $800,000 settlement from the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. It's interesting that he does not apply that same "logic" on other issues, like Roe V Wade, and all the times that losses were made in court that it wasnt considered a victory.. MacArthur is one of several mainstream pastors who are very much entrenched in Christian Nationalism.
This is disturbing:
New Apostolic Reformation = Christian Nationalism. Al Jazeera called the NAR "America's Own Taliban"
Last April, Rick Joyner, head of Morning Star Ministries in Charlotte, N.C., told Jim Bakker about a revelatory dream from 2018. Joyner urged “true disciples of Christ” to get their weapons ready because, according to Jesus, we are heading for a second American Revolution (or Civil War) in which God-ordained “militias would pop up like mushrooms.” The good news, he said, was that victory was assured.😳😳😳
1. Don’t equate the biblical kingdom of God with any human political party or nation. We must maintain the distinctiveness between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. We must never fuse the two (John18:36; Matt.6:33).
2. Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status. People often falsely think a politician can single-handedly produce supernatural social results. We have one Lord, and we must resist any attempt to exalt politicians to unrealistic heights (Matt.7:15; 1Pet.3:15).
3. Don’t just vote, but pray for the leaders of all political parties. Christians can be tempted to bless the politician of their choice, and curse his or her opponent, but remember, we must pray even for our enemies (1Tim.2:1–2; Matt.5:44).
4. Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs (Heb.12:26–29).
5. Don’t bring the polarization of partisan politics into the family of God. Every Christian has freedom of conscience before God, and we must guard against allowing political perspectives to divide the church (Rom.16:17; 1Cor.1:11–12).
6. Don’t demonize anyone. Every person has been created in the image of God, and Christians must not demonize or dehumanize other people, whether we agree with them politically or not (Col.3:8; James4:12).
7. Don’t engage in angry, hostile confrontation. Present your political convictions through civil debate and rational dialogue instead. Confrontational arguments demonstrate an ugly pride that demeans Jesus Christ (James1:19–20; 2Tim.2:14).
8. Don’t become so intertwined with one political party that you forfeit your independence. When you do, you lose your right to be heard and to speak and clarify biblical truth to all politicians and political parties (1Tim.3:15; Rom.3:4).
9. Don’t allow yourself to support attempts to divide races, male and female, rich and poor, or young and old. Partisan politics often divides society into voting blocks, and separates society instead of uniting it. Christians should function as peacemakers and reconcilers in the public square and should resist every temptation to join the game of dividing people for political gain (Matt.5:9; 2Cor.5:18–19).
10. Don’t simply curse the darkness, but constructively engage it. The cultural and missional mandate of kingdom Christians is not to curse the darkness in our world, but to act as illuminating light and preserving salt. We must share the light of God’s truth and work to maintain the common welfare of our nation by overcoming evil through doing good (Matt.5:13–16).
This list appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 04 (2008).
August 28, 2021:
I have read a lot of RJ Rushdoony's books with my favorite being his "Institutes of Biblical Law." My position has changed on this considerable since when I first read them. Now when I look at his writings I see he was really encouraging a battle between Christianity and the state (government)....which is also Christian Nationalism. I was steeped into it much more than I realized. Rushdoonys organization, Chalcedon" is largely a Reconstructionest movement designed to build Gods kingdom on earth.
I have read a lot of RJ Rushdoony's books with my favorite being his "Institutes of Biblical Law." My position has changed on this considerable since when I first read them. Now when I look at his writings I see he was really encouraging a battle between Christianity and the state (government)....which is also Christian Nationalism. I was steeped into it much more than I realized. Rushdoonys organization, Chalcedon" is largely a Reconstructionest movement designed to build Gods kingdom on earth.
August 10, 2021:
In Christendom, conservative humanism is no better than a liberal humanism. It's the humanism that is wrong not merely the political coloration. The First Amendment was enacted that there would be no united church of the 13 colonies and that the state would never interfere with religion. The concept of the "separation of church and state" was to keep the state out of your religion. It did not, however, forbid, religious people from being involved in government.
What is not there (and never was) is an invite for people who call themselves Christian (or any other religion) to take over the state. The Bible makes no case for that either. Even the late theologian Francis Schaffer stated "there is no place this side of the New Testament for a theocracy...there should be no theocracy til the King comes back."
Too many Christians over the span of the last few decades have bought the idea that America is Christian by foundation and gives them license to push theocratic Christianity. Today this is more commonly known in todays vernacular as Christian Nationalism. CN's claim to do it in the name of freedom of religion and "for God," but it is truly fascist and tyrannical at its very nature. ....and would likely be worse as it attempts to implement.
"Religion" per the Constitution, does not give Christianity any special designation. CNs, however, view themselves as the only protected religion and cite books or ill informed blogs or pastors that say that since America was founded as a Christian nation that only Christian religions should be protected. That idea gives them license to hate anyone from any other religion and often race.
Democracy, however, and the Constitutional protections naturally works against that notion. Pushing back against the tyrannical efforts of Christendom, Athiests and even Satanists in recent years have declared themselves religions. I am not endorsing their world view but it is tyrannical efforts by Christian themselves that created that dilemma. What they are doing now could cause unimaginable harm as the events of Jan 6 testify to.
Jesus referred to Christians as the salt of the earth. When salt is mixed with water, the salt dissolves because the covalent bonds of water are stronger than the ionic bonds in the salt molecules. So diluted Christianity eventually destroys itself. As Jesus pointed out "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Christianity and the freedom thereof only works through Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for it.
In Christendom, conservative humanism is no better than a liberal humanism. It's the humanism that is wrong not merely the political coloration. The First Amendment was enacted that there would be no united church of the 13 colonies and that the state would never interfere with religion. The concept of the "separation of church and state" was to keep the state out of your religion. It did not, however, forbid, religious people from being involved in government.
What is not there (and never was) is an invite for people who call themselves Christian (or any other religion) to take over the state. The Bible makes no case for that either. Even the late theologian Francis Schaffer stated "there is no place this side of the New Testament for a theocracy...there should be no theocracy til the King comes back."
Too many Christians over the span of the last few decades have bought the idea that America is Christian by foundation and gives them license to push theocratic Christianity. Today this is more commonly known in todays vernacular as Christian Nationalism. CN's claim to do it in the name of freedom of religion and "for God," but it is truly fascist and tyrannical at its very nature. ....and would likely be worse as it attempts to implement.
"Religion" per the Constitution, does not give Christianity any special designation. CNs, however, view themselves as the only protected religion and cite books or ill informed blogs or pastors that say that since America was founded as a Christian nation that only Christian religions should be protected. That idea gives them license to hate anyone from any other religion and often race.
Democracy, however, and the Constitutional protections naturally works against that notion. Pushing back against the tyrannical efforts of Christendom, Athiests and even Satanists in recent years have declared themselves religions. I am not endorsing their world view but it is tyrannical efforts by Christian themselves that created that dilemma. What they are doing now could cause unimaginable harm as the events of Jan 6 testify to.
Jesus referred to Christians as the salt of the earth. When salt is mixed with water, the salt dissolves because the covalent bonds of water are stronger than the ionic bonds in the salt molecules. So diluted Christianity eventually destroys itself. As Jesus pointed out "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Christianity and the freedom thereof only works through Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for it.
August 8, 2021
Been doing a lot of study on the subject of Christian Nationalism lately. I'm using dozens of sources and last week I had a timeline traced back to Barry Goldwater. Now I'm back to Eisenhower. I am not labeling either of them CN but things they did helped further it. There are people who probably have a timeline but it helps me to understand it better if I do it myself.
Looking at history, It's kind of inevitable that we would be where we are at. I can say that if Trump was a smart person and not such a egomaniacal narcissist we could be in a very different place today. So in a sense we should consider ourselves blessed that Trump needs psychological help. I'll call that God's grace. The danger would be someone who is smart learning from Trumps mistakes in the future. That's why the Jan 6 Commission is so important.
Trump and evangelicals used each other. Trump, who has never exhibited any fruit of being Christian, used Christians to further his agenda (himself manily)...at the same time Evangelicals...fueled by some insane propaganda they devoured which made them fearful after 8 years of Obama, grabbed on to anything they could who they thought would help further their interests and save them from "Communism". Hence, came the dangerous concoction which became Christian Nationalism. Most CN's dont know they are CN. They see their devotion to God as patriotic and believe their patriotic actions have Gods blessings as they attempt to "build God's kingdom on earth." AND they believe God is on their side. God, however, is not an American.
Early in my Christian growth I was introduced to the teachings of JR Rushdoony. If I were to list the most impactful books on my life, for many years it was "The Institutes of Biblical Law" by Rushdoony. Had God not steered me away from CN..it would have been through those teachings that I would have gone full on CN. Rushdoony was only a part of it, but, as a life long culture watcher I have seen the trends the church has taken...and most silly trends fail without doing long lasting damage. Rushdoony's teachings are part of what he called "Reconstructionist" ideology. There are similarities to Calvinism and a lot of Baptist churches share that in their foundations....particularly southern Baptists (which explained a lot of stuff I see down here on that subject). CN combines the energy we give to being patriotic and the energy we give to our Christian duties. That merge becomes a powerful dogma...dangerous...and powerful.
There is nothing wrong with being patriotic. But never is it equal with my duty as a Christian to love one another. CN's have long lists of people they hate and demonize. They claim they do not fear...but it is fear that brought them to CN in the first place. Becoming a CN gave the, an energy which repressed their fear. I have held from the beginning the idea that the covid deniers were deniers because they were motivated by fear. Anger gave them a sense of power over their fear. Still does. And that combination with the insane antics of Trump this last year brought us all to Jan 6. AND to where we are now. I am praying and studying over this all. Not sure where we are going from here... should be interesting but maybe also miraculous.
As Christians we have a responsibility: Love the Lord they God with your heart, mind and soul...and love your neighbor as yourself. Keep those tenants and it will take us all home.
On a final note, I will mention I have had many an email and message from people I have been friends, associates and affiliated with in some way who have been bothered that I have switched my "political position" (Ex GOP) and rail against their "dear leader" (aka...apparently their saviour Donald Trump). I have been called a Democrat (I am not, but I dont see it as bad....which also offends them BTW). I have been called a socialist, a person on the wrong side of "this thing", and a whole bunch of 4 letter words that also come from people who both claim to be Christian and "Constitutional Conservatives.") and I have had friends that I have known personally for many years as far back as South Dakota apparently discontinue our "friendship." And they love to throw around the word "prolife" as a weapon or point of guilt..not sure. C'est la vie. I pray for them any way. Prayer is my Christian duty. Storming the Capitol isn't
Been doing a lot of study on the subject of Christian Nationalism lately. I'm using dozens of sources and last week I had a timeline traced back to Barry Goldwater. Now I'm back to Eisenhower. I am not labeling either of them CN but things they did helped further it. There are people who probably have a timeline but it helps me to understand it better if I do it myself.
Looking at history, It's kind of inevitable that we would be where we are at. I can say that if Trump was a smart person and not such a egomaniacal narcissist we could be in a very different place today. So in a sense we should consider ourselves blessed that Trump needs psychological help. I'll call that God's grace. The danger would be someone who is smart learning from Trumps mistakes in the future. That's why the Jan 6 Commission is so important.
Trump and evangelicals used each other. Trump, who has never exhibited any fruit of being Christian, used Christians to further his agenda (himself manily)...at the same time Evangelicals...fueled by some insane propaganda they devoured which made them fearful after 8 years of Obama, grabbed on to anything they could who they thought would help further their interests and save them from "Communism". Hence, came the dangerous concoction which became Christian Nationalism. Most CN's dont know they are CN. They see their devotion to God as patriotic and believe their patriotic actions have Gods blessings as they attempt to "build God's kingdom on earth." AND they believe God is on their side. God, however, is not an American.
Early in my Christian growth I was introduced to the teachings of JR Rushdoony. If I were to list the most impactful books on my life, for many years it was "The Institutes of Biblical Law" by Rushdoony. Had God not steered me away from CN..it would have been through those teachings that I would have gone full on CN. Rushdoony was only a part of it, but, as a life long culture watcher I have seen the trends the church has taken...and most silly trends fail without doing long lasting damage. Rushdoony's teachings are part of what he called "Reconstructionist" ideology. There are similarities to Calvinism and a lot of Baptist churches share that in their foundations....particularly southern Baptists (which explained a lot of stuff I see down here on that subject). CN combines the energy we give to being patriotic and the energy we give to our Christian duties. That merge becomes a powerful dogma...dangerous...and powerful.
There is nothing wrong with being patriotic. But never is it equal with my duty as a Christian to love one another. CN's have long lists of people they hate and demonize. They claim they do not fear...but it is fear that brought them to CN in the first place. Becoming a CN gave the, an energy which repressed their fear. I have held from the beginning the idea that the covid deniers were deniers because they were motivated by fear. Anger gave them a sense of power over their fear. Still does. And that combination with the insane antics of Trump this last year brought us all to Jan 6. AND to where we are now. I am praying and studying over this all. Not sure where we are going from here... should be interesting but maybe also miraculous.
As Christians we have a responsibility: Love the Lord they God with your heart, mind and soul...and love your neighbor as yourself. Keep those tenants and it will take us all home.
On a final note, I will mention I have had many an email and message from people I have been friends, associates and affiliated with in some way who have been bothered that I have switched my "political position" (Ex GOP) and rail against their "dear leader" (aka...apparently their saviour Donald Trump). I have been called a Democrat (I am not, but I dont see it as bad....which also offends them BTW). I have been called a socialist, a person on the wrong side of "this thing", and a whole bunch of 4 letter words that also come from people who both claim to be Christian and "Constitutional Conservatives.") and I have had friends that I have known personally for many years as far back as South Dakota apparently discontinue our "friendship." And they love to throw around the word "prolife" as a weapon or point of guilt..not sure. C'est la vie. I pray for them any way. Prayer is my Christian duty. Storming the Capitol isn't
Aug 4, 2021:
👉As a book collector I was interested in buying a book written by Steve Gallagher called "Walking in Truth in a World of Lies." I had heard a couple of his teachings through Pure Life Ministries. The dueling realities we are now facing is baffling to me.
👉For an example, The other day I posted a quote by HL Mencken. (“It is the natural tendency of the ignorant to believe what is not true.”). I liked the quote and it makes sense but the odd thing about finding it was that it was posted on the profile intro of a a person who is so buried in conspiracies and Maga nonsense it will be a long time before he sees the light of day. But there's that dueling realities problem.
👉I have listened to Gallagher speak a few times and see seemed OK. He made claims he was "conservative" which made my ears perk up but he said nothing about politics. Not that I am anti-conservative but the word "conservative" also has a dual meaning with the rise of the Maga vernacular.
Since I dont really watch TV much I do have my TV set up to watch Youtube. I happened to see a series of videos by Gallagher hyping his book. He said a couple things about Trump but nothing indicating he sold his soul to him..but then he started talking about Democrats and people opposed to Trump and the wreckless socialist course they were going to take us on and other similar stuff. About there I shut it off and unsubscribed to his channel. And will skip the book. Interestingly, normally when I get a sense that I should buy a book I just do it immediately. I did look the book up ...but....I hesitated. Saved me $18. I will likely be doing some more research and study just based off the premise of the title of the book.
👉Demonizing people you disagree with is, unfortunately, the sad nature of American politics...and something I suspect there will not be a cure for any time soon...if at all. But Gallagher is presenting Christianity. I just have a real problem with Christians demonizing anyone that way. Unless it's a real demon....but I havent heard a politician or Christian make a legit case for that yet. There are such things as Christian Democrats. There are athiest Republicans. God is not a member of either party. Lots of non-Christians see Christians as very hateful. In my rightwing days I did not see it. But now its glaring.
👉Jesus never said "Go Ye unto the earth..unless they do not think like you...then judge them and demonize them and go your way." That, however, is the Maga marching orders I seem to see from Maga folks all the time. It's all part of the "Christian Nationalism Syndrome" that has taken over rational Christian thought. One of my favorite theologians, Francis Schaeffer, use to talk about man and his "escape from reason" way back in the 60s. Almost 60 years later, for many "Christians" the escape has been made. It puts people like myself in a precarious spot. How does one reach the Twilight Zone from here?
👉As a book collector I was interested in buying a book written by Steve Gallagher called "Walking in Truth in a World of Lies." I had heard a couple of his teachings through Pure Life Ministries. The dueling realities we are now facing is baffling to me.
👉For an example, The other day I posted a quote by HL Mencken. (“It is the natural tendency of the ignorant to believe what is not true.”). I liked the quote and it makes sense but the odd thing about finding it was that it was posted on the profile intro of a a person who is so buried in conspiracies and Maga nonsense it will be a long time before he sees the light of day. But there's that dueling realities problem.
👉I have listened to Gallagher speak a few times and see seemed OK. He made claims he was "conservative" which made my ears perk up but he said nothing about politics. Not that I am anti-conservative but the word "conservative" also has a dual meaning with the rise of the Maga vernacular.
Since I dont really watch TV much I do have my TV set up to watch Youtube. I happened to see a series of videos by Gallagher hyping his book. He said a couple things about Trump but nothing indicating he sold his soul to him..but then he started talking about Democrats and people opposed to Trump and the wreckless socialist course they were going to take us on and other similar stuff. About there I shut it off and unsubscribed to his channel. And will skip the book. Interestingly, normally when I get a sense that I should buy a book I just do it immediately. I did look the book up ...but....I hesitated. Saved me $18. I will likely be doing some more research and study just based off the premise of the title of the book.
👉Demonizing people you disagree with is, unfortunately, the sad nature of American politics...and something I suspect there will not be a cure for any time soon...if at all. But Gallagher is presenting Christianity. I just have a real problem with Christians demonizing anyone that way. Unless it's a real demon....but I havent heard a politician or Christian make a legit case for that yet. There are such things as Christian Democrats. There are athiest Republicans. God is not a member of either party. Lots of non-Christians see Christians as very hateful. In my rightwing days I did not see it. But now its glaring.
👉Jesus never said "Go Ye unto the earth..unless they do not think like you...then judge them and demonize them and go your way." That, however, is the Maga marching orders I seem to see from Maga folks all the time. It's all part of the "Christian Nationalism Syndrome" that has taken over rational Christian thought. One of my favorite theologians, Francis Schaeffer, use to talk about man and his "escape from reason" way back in the 60s. Almost 60 years later, for many "Christians" the escape has been made. It puts people like myself in a precarious spot. How does one reach the Twilight Zone from here?
July 21, 2021:
Ive noticed a lot of folks on social media who claim both Christianity and Nationalism love to put out the most absurd nonsense and even QAnonsense and then follow it up by posting a Bible verse. Marco Rubio is one of the most notorious ones that do it. Ted Cruz does it.
Before Cruz went off the rails for The former guy he often touted his Christian convictions. But not having any real moral convictions anymore he seems to scream out crazy stuff with a Bible verse on top. Its like an absurd scoop of ice cream with a cherry picked random Bible verse: A cherry-picked Bible verse on top of his nutty "I Screamed."
In my life as a Christian I know very well that there were times (too many times) I did something stupid then tried to justify with a Bible verse but I also know, from experience, that doing that is not a road to maturity by any means....and has no good end.
As a non Christian I self justified stupid stuff by lying about it (wasn't me") or denying I did it...all designed to make me appear better then I knew I was. I think thats why these people like Cruz and Rubio do it:
they know better and throwing out the Cherry picked Bible verse to cover the "I screamed" stuff helps them comfort their guilt.
It is also a hallmark of Trump Evangelicals. They post the most absurd stuff and then throw out a post and a Bible Verse about how God is prolife. It doesnt help their absurdities by any means. But, I suspect it maybe it helps them sleep at night believing that God is so proud of them for standing up for the "prolife" cause while pushing lies simultaneously
Ive noticed a lot of folks on social media who claim both Christianity and Nationalism love to put out the most absurd nonsense and even QAnonsense and then follow it up by posting a Bible verse. Marco Rubio is one of the most notorious ones that do it. Ted Cruz does it.
Before Cruz went off the rails for The former guy he often touted his Christian convictions. But not having any real moral convictions anymore he seems to scream out crazy stuff with a Bible verse on top. Its like an absurd scoop of ice cream with a cherry picked random Bible verse: A cherry-picked Bible verse on top of his nutty "I Screamed."
In my life as a Christian I know very well that there were times (too many times) I did something stupid then tried to justify with a Bible verse but I also know, from experience, that doing that is not a road to maturity by any means....and has no good end.
As a non Christian I self justified stupid stuff by lying about it (wasn't me") or denying I did it...all designed to make me appear better then I knew I was. I think thats why these people like Cruz and Rubio do it:
they know better and throwing out the Cherry picked Bible verse to cover the "I screamed" stuff helps them comfort their guilt.
It is also a hallmark of Trump Evangelicals. They post the most absurd stuff and then throw out a post and a Bible Verse about how God is prolife. It doesnt help their absurdities by any means. But, I suspect it maybe it helps them sleep at night believing that God is so proud of them for standing up for the "prolife" cause while pushing lies simultaneously
April 24, 2021:
👉 As one who used to espouse "Christian Nationalist" ideas unwittingly, I wish to now make it clear that the USA does protect Christians..but so does it protect every other religion.
👉"Christian Nationalism" (faux christianity) was at the forefront and a driving force of groups like the KKK. That can only come by a poor interpretation of the words of Jesus and other Biblical authors who said clearly: Love One Another. No one said "Love One Another unless they are different then me."
👉My grandparents migrated from Poland to the US in the 30s. I have foreign blood in my line as do most Americans. And the OT declares: "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land..." And we are all strangers in the thing called life who are here but for a season. Why use that time to hate and defame anyone or everyone that does not think or look like you do?
👉Last note: the word "prolife" is batted around like its a special designation from God to Christians. But its become a meaningless political term used by political candidates to gain support. "Christian Nationalists" use it to pat themselves on the back for doing Gods work and give themselves a sense of "godliness" in their politics. Ive seen people support evil and vile candidates and sugar coat it with "prolife" language to give them some sense of "Christian" identification.
I accept the word prolife but only if it is actually applied to ALL things life:
👉gun violence (if you need an AR to hunt youre doing it wrong),
👉a pandemic (NOT "just a flu"),
along with lots of folks worldwide that used to look to the USA as a beacon.
......but now see us a fragile & maybe failing democracy. Jesus said love one another. Dont Pretend you do.
👉 As one who used to espouse "Christian Nationalist" ideas unwittingly, I wish to now make it clear that the USA does protect Christians..but so does it protect every other religion.
👉"Christian Nationalism" (faux christianity) was at the forefront and a driving force of groups like the KKK. That can only come by a poor interpretation of the words of Jesus and other Biblical authors who said clearly: Love One Another. No one said "Love One Another unless they are different then me."
👉My grandparents migrated from Poland to the US in the 30s. I have foreign blood in my line as do most Americans. And the OT declares: "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land..." And we are all strangers in the thing called life who are here but for a season. Why use that time to hate and defame anyone or everyone that does not think or look like you do?
👉Last note: the word "prolife" is batted around like its a special designation from God to Christians. But its become a meaningless political term used by political candidates to gain support. "Christian Nationalists" use it to pat themselves on the back for doing Gods work and give themselves a sense of "godliness" in their politics. Ive seen people support evil and vile candidates and sugar coat it with "prolife" language to give them some sense of "Christian" identification.
I accept the word prolife but only if it is actually applied to ALL things life:
👉gun violence (if you need an AR to hunt youre doing it wrong),
👉a pandemic (NOT "just a flu"),
along with lots of folks worldwide that used to look to the USA as a beacon.
......but now see us a fragile & maybe failing democracy. Jesus said love one another. Dont Pretend you do.
January 13, 2021:
👉Some people are suggesting we might be seeing a civil war. I don't know that its escalated to that point yet, but the similarities are there if compared to our first Civil War.
👉The Confederacy was largely Christian Nationalists (the faux Christian belief that God and Country are same thing). It was also an insurrection of southern states. If you've paid attention to where a lot of the people involved in the Jan 6 Capitol insurrection who have been arrested were from, it is mostly from southern states.
👉Christian Nationalism was alive and well before & during the Civil War and they viewed their battle against the Northern states as their Christian duty to defend. Slavery was, to them, a Christian right. Though Slavery was a central theme, one could also argue that money was also a motivation. If they lost their slaves they would have to pay a wage to other people to do their work. I am not saying Magas are pro-slavery...but there is a strong connection with White Supremacy groups.
👉Christian Nationalism never died in the south and is now making a comeback in the Maga Movement. I am not saying all southerners are that way, but it is here amongst us (I live in Mississippi).
👉Christian Nationalism still has money as motivation somewhat as many of the Maga crowd will tell you that under Trump they made more money and are sure that under Democrats they will lose that. It is also why many of the prosperity preachers became supporters of the Magas: prosperity preachers thrive in capitalist driven countries because God is not really blessing their methods they are just playing the economy...and living off the donations of unsuspecting Christians who are actively contributing to the economy with their labor.
👉Christian Nationalism and Maga are pretty much the same thing. It is why they can be involved in a seditious move on the US Capital where Police officers were beaten and carry Christian and Confederate flags with them. They see no contradiction in their philosophies. It is why the social media Magas can suggest killing elected officials while decrying abortion simultaneously. It is why you can look at one of their FaceBook profiles and see many hateful posts about Democrats and other enemies while they mix in Bible Verse memes in between.
👉They do not see contradiction or contradictions to their contradictions. They watch only news they agree with and are otherwise uninformed about what is going on in the world or even their own country. Science means little. They have created their own reality. Whatever they do they see as God ordained and is what makes them dangerous. Donald Trump, who actually knows very little about the Bible or the Constitution (and if he did he wouldn't care). In fact, his niece, Mary Trump , says Donald Trump does not read anything. Mary Trump has not been wrong about anything she has written about her uncle but too many people didn't pay attention.
👉And now he has become their leader. To many he is actually elevated to Messiah.
👉I dont know how this is all going to end. I pray that it will end well. Sanctions against any and all, including Trump, is a good start. But it will not end the fact that they think they are doing Gods will and if you mix that with political ideology it makes you think you are the smartest person in the room. Mix that with a gun and you have a very real danger. "God, Guns & Liberty" are the battle cry of the Magas, along with Trump2020...though now they have to find flags and signs that dont include Mike Pence.
I may be adding more to this as I think about it more....or fix grammatical errors (Its hard to edit your own material😉)
👉Some people are suggesting we might be seeing a civil war. I don't know that its escalated to that point yet, but the similarities are there if compared to our first Civil War.
👉The Confederacy was largely Christian Nationalists (the faux Christian belief that God and Country are same thing). It was also an insurrection of southern states. If you've paid attention to where a lot of the people involved in the Jan 6 Capitol insurrection who have been arrested were from, it is mostly from southern states.
👉Christian Nationalism was alive and well before & during the Civil War and they viewed their battle against the Northern states as their Christian duty to defend. Slavery was, to them, a Christian right. Though Slavery was a central theme, one could also argue that money was also a motivation. If they lost their slaves they would have to pay a wage to other people to do their work. I am not saying Magas are pro-slavery...but there is a strong connection with White Supremacy groups.
👉Christian Nationalism never died in the south and is now making a comeback in the Maga Movement. I am not saying all southerners are that way, but it is here amongst us (I live in Mississippi).
👉Christian Nationalism still has money as motivation somewhat as many of the Maga crowd will tell you that under Trump they made more money and are sure that under Democrats they will lose that. It is also why many of the prosperity preachers became supporters of the Magas: prosperity preachers thrive in capitalist driven countries because God is not really blessing their methods they are just playing the economy...and living off the donations of unsuspecting Christians who are actively contributing to the economy with their labor.
👉Christian Nationalism and Maga are pretty much the same thing. It is why they can be involved in a seditious move on the US Capital where Police officers were beaten and carry Christian and Confederate flags with them. They see no contradiction in their philosophies. It is why the social media Magas can suggest killing elected officials while decrying abortion simultaneously. It is why you can look at one of their FaceBook profiles and see many hateful posts about Democrats and other enemies while they mix in Bible Verse memes in between.
👉They do not see contradiction or contradictions to their contradictions. They watch only news they agree with and are otherwise uninformed about what is going on in the world or even their own country. Science means little. They have created their own reality. Whatever they do they see as God ordained and is what makes them dangerous. Donald Trump, who actually knows very little about the Bible or the Constitution (and if he did he wouldn't care). In fact, his niece, Mary Trump , says Donald Trump does not read anything. Mary Trump has not been wrong about anything she has written about her uncle but too many people didn't pay attention.
👉And now he has become their leader. To many he is actually elevated to Messiah.
👉I dont know how this is all going to end. I pray that it will end well. Sanctions against any and all, including Trump, is a good start. But it will not end the fact that they think they are doing Gods will and if you mix that with political ideology it makes you think you are the smartest person in the room. Mix that with a gun and you have a very real danger. "God, Guns & Liberty" are the battle cry of the Magas, along with Trump2020...though now they have to find flags and signs that dont include Mike Pence.
I may be adding more to this as I think about it more....or fix grammatical errors (Its hard to edit your own material😉)
January 10, 2021:
👉God has and is using Trump to expose the stupidity and evil hearts of those who call Him Lord. "Christian Nationalism" is not of God. God demands devotion to love Him with all your heart your mind and your soul. Then to love your neighbor as yourself (even if you disagree with your neighbor).
👉The kingdom of God focuses on the advancement of the gospel. Nationalism focuses on the advancement of the politics of the nation. Politics and economics are vital and, to an extent, can represent biblical ethics. But Jesus made it clear that being committed to making disciples and seeing humanity change was more important, and a change that would be real and lasting.
👉It is also possible for a committed Christian to be a faithful witness for Jesus while serving in public life as an elected official. But anything that potentially distracts my energy and focus away from advancing the Gospel should take a backseat in my personal life and ministry.
1️⃣The kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Nationalism produces loyalty to the nation above all else.
2️⃣The kingdom of God produces martyrs for the cause of Christ. Nationalism produces citizens who are willing to die for their nation based simply on a political ideology.
3️⃣The kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Nationalism raises the national flag above all else...or based on what we saw this week, the Trump flag and even, more sadly, the Confederate flag.
4️⃣The kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Nationalism promotes the interests of the nation above the kingdom.
👉Christian Nationalism is a very dangerous dogma. When you think God is on your side and your politics is from Him...you see yourself as the smartest and the strongest person in the room. It is a dangerous faux humility.
▶️“His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalm 11:5). Solomon instructed us, “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31).◀️
👉God has and is using Trump to expose the stupidity and evil hearts of those who call Him Lord. "Christian Nationalism" is not of God. God demands devotion to love Him with all your heart your mind and your soul. Then to love your neighbor as yourself (even if you disagree with your neighbor).
👉The kingdom of God focuses on the advancement of the gospel. Nationalism focuses on the advancement of the politics of the nation. Politics and economics are vital and, to an extent, can represent biblical ethics. But Jesus made it clear that being committed to making disciples and seeing humanity change was more important, and a change that would be real and lasting.
👉It is also possible for a committed Christian to be a faithful witness for Jesus while serving in public life as an elected official. But anything that potentially distracts my energy and focus away from advancing the Gospel should take a backseat in my personal life and ministry.
1️⃣The kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Nationalism produces loyalty to the nation above all else.
2️⃣The kingdom of God produces martyrs for the cause of Christ. Nationalism produces citizens who are willing to die for their nation based simply on a political ideology.
3️⃣The kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Nationalism raises the national flag above all else...or based on what we saw this week, the Trump flag and even, more sadly, the Confederate flag.
4️⃣The kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Nationalism promotes the interests of the nation above the kingdom.
👉Christian Nationalism is a very dangerous dogma. When you think God is on your side and your politics is from Him...you see yourself as the smartest and the strongest person in the room. It is a dangerous faux humility.
▶️“His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalm 11:5). Solomon instructed us, “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31).◀️
| A badly-outnumbered police officer asked them to leave the Senate Chamber because “this is like the sacrediest place.” The insurrectionists ignored his plea and instead lined up behind the podium. “Jesus Christ, we invoke your name! Amen!” one of them shouted with a hand raised upward. Others also shouted “amen” as Chansley, suddenly inspired, added, “Let’s all say a prayer in this sacred space.” So, he set down the American flag he’d been carrying and picked up a bullhorn to pray. He started, paused for everyone to take off their Trump hats (or furry horns), and then started again. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this opportunity to stand up for God-given unalienable rights,” he offered. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being the inspiration needed to these police officers to allow us into the building, to allow us to exercise our rights, to allow us to send a message to all the tyrants, the communists and the globalists that this is our nation, not theirs.” (Rom. 12:9). .” ~ Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood; A Public Witness |
January 9, 2021:
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism.
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism.
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