christian Nationalism
February-March -april 2024
february 2024
First look: Film dives into threats of Christian nationalismA new documentary examines how rising white Christian nationalism in the U.S. could upend democracy and impose theocratic rule at a time when the nation is becoming more diverse and less religious. Why it matters: "God & Country," set to be released in select theaters Friday, arrives as books published recently by former and practicing evangelicals have issued alarms about the Christian nationalism that has increased its presence in churches and Republican politics (Axios 2/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
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Rob Reiner Breaks Down Christian Nationalism on NPR
This week, filmmaker/actor/director Rob Reiner spoke with Here and Now’s Robin Young about his new documentary, God and Country, which follows the rise of Christian nationalism. The film releases today. Reiner came on as a producer after director Dan Partland completed the film, offering assistance to distribute it to a wider audience. Reiner explained that he wanted to be part of the documentary because of his personal interest in the subject matter. (Relevant Magazine 2/16/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
“First of all, Jesus was a Jewish person. And when I went through the roughest time of my life, the dark time of the soul, what I came away with was the core idea of what Jesus taught — which is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That stuck with me. And when I look at the Christian nationalist movement, it doesn’t seem to have anything to do with that,” Reiner told Young. |
Christian-nation idea fuels US conservative causes, but historians say it misreads founders’ intent
The U.S. Constitution doesn’t mention Christianity or any specific religion. The Declaration of Independence famously proclaims that people’s rights come from a “Creator” and “Nature’s God” — but doesn’t specify who that is. Yet large numbers of Americans believe the founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation, and many believe it should be one. Such views are especially strong among Republicans and their white evangelical base. Already such views are being voiced by supporters of Donald Trump amid his bid to recapture the presidency. (Hawaii Tribune 2/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The U.S. Constitution doesn’t mention Christianity or any specific religion. The Declaration of Independence famously proclaims that people’s rights come from a “Creator” and “Nature’s God” — but doesn’t specify who that is. Yet large numbers of Americans believe the founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation, and many believe it should be one. Such views are especially strong among Republicans and their white evangelical base. Already such views are being voiced by supporters of Donald Trump amid his bid to recapture the presidency. (Hawaii Tribune 2/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The threat of Christian nationalism in all 50 states, illustrated in eight charts
I’m pleased to share with you insights from the largest survey of Christian nationalism ever conducted, which was released today by PRRI. The survey was fielded among a sample of more than 22,000 Americans throughout 2023. This large sample size gives us the ability, for the first time, to see levels of support for Christian nationalism in all 50 states. I’m also including the video of the survey launch webinar, which included commentary from three experts in the field (if you don’t have their books, I highly recommend them):
Katherine Stewart, journalist and author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, Jemar Tisby, professor of history at Simmons College of Kentucky and author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, Andrew Whitehead, associate professor of sociology at IUPUI and author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church
(Baptist News Global 2/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
I’m pleased to share with you insights from the largest survey of Christian nationalism ever conducted, which was released today by PRRI. The survey was fielded among a sample of more than 22,000 Americans throughout 2023. This large sample size gives us the ability, for the first time, to see levels of support for Christian nationalism in all 50 states. I’m also including the video of the survey launch webinar, which included commentary from three experts in the field (if you don’t have their books, I highly recommend them):
Katherine Stewart, journalist and author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, Jemar Tisby, professor of history at Simmons College of Kentucky and author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, Andrew Whitehead, associate professor of sociology at IUPUI and author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church
(Baptist News Global 2/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
march 2024
Texas State Rep. Matt Schaefer Provides A Case Study In Christian Nationalism
Texas state Rep. Matt Schaefer appeared on a Christians Engaged livestream last week, where he put his radical Christian nationalist worldview on full display, declaring that every elected official at every level is obligated to “worship God” and ensure that biblical commands are turned into public policy. Schaefer, who insists that every elected official must “really understand what the Bible says” before running for office, proclaimed that any government that failed to use its power to uphold “biblical mandates” is in direct rebellion against God. “The first biblical command for all rulers and all persons in authority is to worship God,” Schaefer said. “It’s all over the Bible. Look at the cycle of Israel and all the kings and the rulers that came along; when they obeyed, they had blessing, and then when they disobeyed, they had curses. The overriding command to every person, and every king, every state representative, every county commissioner—doesn’t matter what level—is to worship God and to love him. If you’re not doing that, then you’re out of his will.”
(Right Wing Watch 3/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Texas state Rep. Matt Schaefer appeared on a Christians Engaged livestream last week, where he put his radical Christian nationalist worldview on full display, declaring that every elected official at every level is obligated to “worship God” and ensure that biblical commands are turned into public policy. Schaefer, who insists that every elected official must “really understand what the Bible says” before running for office, proclaimed that any government that failed to use its power to uphold “biblical mandates” is in direct rebellion against God. “The first biblical command for all rulers and all persons in authority is to worship God,” Schaefer said. “It’s all over the Bible. Look at the cycle of Israel and all the kings and the rulers that came along; when they obeyed, they had blessing, and then when they disobeyed, they had curses. The overriding command to every person, and every king, every state representative, every county commissioner—doesn’t matter what level—is to worship God and to love him. If you’re not doing that, then you’re out of his will.”
(Right Wing Watch 3/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Oh no! Yet another club for far-right Christian misogynists wants a ‘national divorce’
Hey, wanna join an exclusive secret club?
First, you’ll have to answer a few questions. Are you a woman? Are you LGBTQ+? Are you something other than a “real” Christian (i.e., Mormon, Christian Scientist, Jehovah’s Witness, or—White, Hetero, Gun-Totin’, Prosperity-Gospelin’ God forbid—Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or atheist)? Do you have to hyphenate your heritage? Do you lack the wealth and/or clout to help usher in a “U.S. Constitutional order brought much closer to its origins after about a century of ... corruption and undermining by progressivism? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you better move along. Nothing to see here. Go start your own fucking club. But don’t call it the Society for American Civic Renewal; that name’s already taken, chump! You can call your club the Naive Liberal Simps Soon to Be Crushed Beneath the Bloodsoaked Truck Treads of American Civic Renewal.
(Daily Kos 3/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Hey, wanna join an exclusive secret club?
First, you’ll have to answer a few questions. Are you a woman? Are you LGBTQ+? Are you something other than a “real” Christian (i.e., Mormon, Christian Scientist, Jehovah’s Witness, or—White, Hetero, Gun-Totin’, Prosperity-Gospelin’ God forbid—Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or atheist)? Do you have to hyphenate your heritage? Do you lack the wealth and/or clout to help usher in a “U.S. Constitutional order brought much closer to its origins after about a century of ... corruption and undermining by progressivism? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you better move along. Nothing to see here. Go start your own fucking club. But don’t call it the Society for American Civic Renewal; that name’s already taken, chump! You can call your club the Naive Liberal Simps Soon to Be Crushed Beneath the Bloodsoaked Truck Treads of American Civic Renewal.
(Daily Kos 3/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A Christian Nationalist called a Houston radio show. He got nailed for the misuse of the name.
In a recent exchange on the progressive political show Politics Done Right, a conversation unfolded that starkly highlighted the ideological chasm between progressive values and Christian Nationalism, a subject that merits deeper exploration. The dialogue began innocuously with the caller, Bard, criticizing the current state of the union under the Biden administration, particularly focusing on immigration policies. His stance swiftly morphed into a broader critique, revealing his identity as a Christian nationalist and prioritizing America's interests above all else. Christian nationalism, a term Bard aligns with, ostensibly advocates for a fusion of American national identity with a particular interpretation of Christian values. However, as the host skillfully elucidates, this ideology is rife with contradictions when measured against the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom Christians profess to follow. This conversation not only sheds light on the dissonance within the Christian nationalist ideology but also serves as a microcosm of the broader ideological battles being waged across the American socio-political landscape. (Daily Kos 3/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In a recent exchange on the progressive political show Politics Done Right, a conversation unfolded that starkly highlighted the ideological chasm between progressive values and Christian Nationalism, a subject that merits deeper exploration. The dialogue began innocuously with the caller, Bard, criticizing the current state of the union under the Biden administration, particularly focusing on immigration policies. His stance swiftly morphed into a broader critique, revealing his identity as a Christian nationalist and prioritizing America's interests above all else. Christian nationalism, a term Bard aligns with, ostensibly advocates for a fusion of American national identity with a particular interpretation of Christian values. However, as the host skillfully elucidates, this ideology is rife with contradictions when measured against the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom Christians profess to follow. This conversation not only sheds light on the dissonance within the Christian nationalist ideology but also serves as a microcosm of the broader ideological battles being waged across the American socio-political landscape. (Daily Kos 3/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
New docs shed light on 'inner workings' of 'shadowy' far-right Christian nationalist group
In an article published on March 11, The Guardian's Jason Wilson detailed the links between the Claremont Institute — a right-wing think tank — and a "shadowy" Christian nationalist group called the Society for American Civil Renewal (SACR). Claremont, founded in 1979, was once a traditional conservative outfit that championed the ideas of Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona) and President Ronald Reagan. But in recent years, Claremont has taken a decidedly MAGA turn that critics have described as extreme and authoritarian. And Wilson's March 11 article illustrated Claremont's willingness to embrace the far-right fringe. Wilson follows up his March 11 report with another Guardian article — this time, describing newly revealed documents that "shed light on" the "secretive" SACR's "origins and inner workings." (Alternet 3/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In an article published on March 11, The Guardian's Jason Wilson detailed the links between the Claremont Institute — a right-wing think tank — and a "shadowy" Christian nationalist group called the Society for American Civil Renewal (SACR). Claremont, founded in 1979, was once a traditional conservative outfit that championed the ideas of Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona) and President Ronald Reagan. But in recent years, Claremont has taken a decidedly MAGA turn that critics have described as extreme and authoritarian. And Wilson's March 11 article illustrated Claremont's willingness to embrace the far-right fringe. Wilson follows up his March 11 report with another Guardian article — this time, describing newly revealed documents that "shed light on" the "secretive" SACR's "origins and inner workings." (Alternet 3/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Russ Vought, Architect of Trump II, Adopts a Christian Nationalist Vision for America
The political landscape in America has been deeply influenced by figures like Russ Vought, a key architect of Donald Trump’s political agenda, who openly advocates for a radical vision of a Christian nationalist America. Vought’s fervent support for Trump’s policies and his alignment with Christian nationalist ideology underscore the growing influence of this movement within conservative circles. In a speech on Capitol Hill last year, Vought articulated his vision for a “cold civil war,” emphasizing the use of “biblical principles” to shape government policies according to the desires of the MAGA right.
(The Artistree 3/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The political landscape in America has been deeply influenced by figures like Russ Vought, a key architect of Donald Trump’s political agenda, who openly advocates for a radical vision of a Christian nationalist America. Vought’s fervent support for Trump’s policies and his alignment with Christian nationalist ideology underscore the growing influence of this movement within conservative circles. In a speech on Capitol Hill last year, Vought articulated his vision for a “cold civil war,” emphasizing the use of “biblical principles” to shape government policies according to the desires of the MAGA right.
(The Artistree 3/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Because yes, we all need to be educating ourselves about Project 2025 AND the current harms done by precursor rhetoric and policies that have already come about through putting fascistic rhetoric and policies into play in various areas in the past and present. |
WHEN CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS DOWNPLAY CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
This week I saw a Facebook post from an educated right-leaning man that completely downplayed the dangers of Christian nationalism, so I’ve decided to unwrap and respond to that post in this blog post. Hopefully by the end we can all get closer to agreeing on why it’s so important to continue to stand up against the very real dangers of Christian nationalism that has already been resulting in the trauma and deaths of actual human beings. Before diving in too far, this was the comment, specifically (you might want to take some deep breaths as you read this): “Hyperventilating leftists concerned about Christian nationalism should know – folks who can’t agree on what songs to sing for 20 minutes on Sunday are not going to cooperate on a system of government.” The “Reasonable Middle,” This? Ummmm, Not So MuchAs context, before we go further, I want to point out, this person views themselves as white Evangelical but anti-Trump. I’m pretty sure they see themselves as in the “reasonable middle.” (Assertive Spirituality 3/23/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
Why I Can’t Honk for Jesus
I know what you’re thinking: Does it matter? For me, it does. Am I honking for a Jesus who has come to bring good news to the poor? Who has come to release those in prison? Who has come to recover sight for those who cannot see? Who has come to liberate the oppressed? Is this the Jesus who called the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart “blessed?” Is it the Jesus who says, “When you take care of the least of these, you take care of me?” Or the Jesus who tells us the kin-dom of God has come near, existing within us? Is this the Jesus who has come for the poor and poor in spirit? Is this the radical Jesus, God-man from Galilee? Is this the Jesus who was tempted and turned Satan away emptied-handed?
Or is it another Jesus?
One whose 11th Commandment is the 2nd Amendment? One who champions pro-birth legislation but does little to support the lives of the born and even less the lives of women? One who believes the foreigner is less than human? One who came only for the liberals? One who came only for the conservatives? One who would give all power to Caesar? One that shouts, “Amen!” for the razor wire around a country’s border? One who believes in American exceptionalism? Patriot Jesus? John Wayne Jesus? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, Jesus? One whose apathy allows genocide to take place in Rwanda, Darfur and now Gaza. I think it matters. For one of these Jesuses, I’ll praise and follow. The other, I’ll damn until my dying breath.
(Good Faith Media 3/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
I know what you’re thinking: Does it matter? For me, it does. Am I honking for a Jesus who has come to bring good news to the poor? Who has come to release those in prison? Who has come to recover sight for those who cannot see? Who has come to liberate the oppressed? Is this the Jesus who called the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart “blessed?” Is it the Jesus who says, “When you take care of the least of these, you take care of me?” Or the Jesus who tells us the kin-dom of God has come near, existing within us? Is this the Jesus who has come for the poor and poor in spirit? Is this the radical Jesus, God-man from Galilee? Is this the Jesus who was tempted and turned Satan away emptied-handed?
Or is it another Jesus?
One whose 11th Commandment is the 2nd Amendment? One who champions pro-birth legislation but does little to support the lives of the born and even less the lives of women? One who believes the foreigner is less than human? One who came only for the liberals? One who came only for the conservatives? One who would give all power to Caesar? One that shouts, “Amen!” for the razor wire around a country’s border? One who believes in American exceptionalism? Patriot Jesus? John Wayne Jesus? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, Jesus? One whose apathy allows genocide to take place in Rwanda, Darfur and now Gaza. I think it matters. For one of these Jesuses, I’ll praise and follow. The other, I’ll damn until my dying breath.
(Good Faith Media 3/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Alabama’s Confederate God Marches On
Recently, the Alabama Supreme Court escalated the white Christian nationalist war on our constitutionally secular United States. They did so in a peculiar way, falsely arguing—in the decision LePage v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine—that a fertilized egg is a human being.Really? Baby showers and college savings accounts for fertilized eggs? Baby shops and financial institutions would be ecstatic, since more than 60% of embryos never become humans! In reality, fertilized eggs are no more human than architectural plans are houses. Alabama Chief Justice and Christian nationalist Tom Parker, though, is working from a blueprint for theocracy. He knows his embryonic blueprint is false, but that is beside the point. He is determined to transform his far-right extremist ideas into law. (Good Faith Media 3/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Recently, the Alabama Supreme Court escalated the white Christian nationalist war on our constitutionally secular United States. They did so in a peculiar way, falsely arguing—in the decision LePage v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine—that a fertilized egg is a human being.Really? Baby showers and college savings accounts for fertilized eggs? Baby shops and financial institutions would be ecstatic, since more than 60% of embryos never become humans! In reality, fertilized eggs are no more human than architectural plans are houses. Alabama Chief Justice and Christian nationalist Tom Parker, though, is working from a blueprint for theocracy. He knows his embryonic blueprint is false, but that is beside the point. He is determined to transform his far-right extremist ideas into law. (Good Faith Media 3/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
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Michele Bachmann Spreads False Christian Nationalist History
The Christian nationalist program “FlashPoint” has, since its inception, served as a platform for spreading wild conspiracy theories and Christian nationalist disinformation.That pattern continued when “FlashPoint” hosted an event in Oklahoma last week at which former Rep. Michele Bachmann delivered a speech overflowing with falsehoods about the supposedly Christian nature of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. While reminiscing about obtaining her law degree from Oral Roberts University, a right-wing evangelical university located in Oklahoma, Bachmann bragged that her professors required the students to learn about the founding of this nation using “primary source documents.” (Right Wing Watch 3/27/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
“So they had us read what is it that the founders read? Who are the philosophers they read?” Bachmann said. “The number one document they referred to when they were trying to figure out what kind of a country we should be; guess what? The Bible!” |
april 2024
Olasky’s Books For April: Christian Nationalism Fuels Revenues
(REVIEW) How big a threat is “Christian nationalism?” Fear of Donald Trump increased the revenues of big media companies in 2016, and fear of Christian nationalism in 2024 is helping the sale of books screaming about it. Mark David Hall’s “Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?” (Fidelis, 2024) is an even-tempered, even-handed analysis that examines the hype from both sides. Hall’s writing is succinct and often witty. He notes that “Don Quixote mistakenly attacked windmills that he believed were evil giants, but that does not mean that evil giants don’t exist.” He writes that Paul, Augustine and Martin Luther might object to “Trump’s post-presidential claim that ‘nobody has done more for Christianity or for evangelicals or for religion itself than I have,' but of course they wouldn’t, as those men at least attempted to practice the Christian virtue of humility.” (Religion Unplugged 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
(REVIEW) How big a threat is “Christian nationalism?” Fear of Donald Trump increased the revenues of big media companies in 2016, and fear of Christian nationalism in 2024 is helping the sale of books screaming about it. Mark David Hall’s “Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?” (Fidelis, 2024) is an even-tempered, even-handed analysis that examines the hype from both sides. Hall’s writing is succinct and often witty. He notes that “Don Quixote mistakenly attacked windmills that he believed were evil giants, but that does not mean that evil giants don’t exist.” He writes that Paul, Augustine and Martin Luther might object to “Trump’s post-presidential claim that ‘nobody has done more for Christianity or for evangelicals or for religion itself than I have,' but of course they wouldn’t, as those men at least attempted to practice the Christian virtue of humility.” (Religion Unplugged 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
OPINION: Trump’s ‘God Bless the USA Bible’ highlights problematic nature of Christian nationalism
On March 28, following his venture into fashion with the "Never Surrender" gold high-tops, former President Donald Trump launched his latest product: the exclusive "God Bless the USA Bible." This edition of the Christian Bible contains the King James Version of the Bible, a historically inaccurate and misrepresentative version of the Bible, and features foundational documents of the United States including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, it features patriotic elements, including the hand-written lyrics of "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood and the Pledge of Allegiance. The “God Bless the USA Bible” combines the two central themes of the Trump campaign — Christian nationalism and American patriotism.
(North Carolina State University Technician 4/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
On March 28, following his venture into fashion with the "Never Surrender" gold high-tops, former President Donald Trump launched his latest product: the exclusive "God Bless the USA Bible." This edition of the Christian Bible contains the King James Version of the Bible, a historically inaccurate and misrepresentative version of the Bible, and features foundational documents of the United States including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, it features patriotic elements, including the hand-written lyrics of "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood and the Pledge of Allegiance. The “God Bless the USA Bible” combines the two central themes of the Trump campaign — Christian nationalism and American patriotism.
(North Carolina State University Technician 4/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
