A Call to Look in the Mirror
Christian nationalism is the melding of Christian faith to justify nationalistic policies. Christian nationalism is often tied to other forms of oppression and violence such as sexism, white supremacy, and harm to the LGBTQ2+ community. And of course, Christian nationalism targets and harms Christians who reject Christian nationalism as well as atheists, agnostics, and people of different religious faith communities. Christian nationalism also often tends to go hand in hand with authoritarian forms of government.
Christian nationalism is bad news. We see plenty examples of Christian nationalism from the far Right and from segments of Evangelica Christianity: attempts to force public schools to teach the Bible, the denigrating references to Islam and Judaism and other faith traditions (and people who do not have a faith tradition), the idea that God is blessing and ordaining into power one particular candidate despite his long history of racist, sexist, and ableist comments and policies, etc.
Rightfully numerous Christians from across the theological spectrum have called out the political idolatry of Christian nationalism. Which is great and needs to continue...and a gentle reminder: Christian nationalism is not only the purview of the political and religious right, and softer, nicer forms of Christian nationalism are also dangerous. In fact, it is the “nicer” kinder versions of Christian nationalism that arguably set the stage for the more violent and forceful version we see now.
The reality is, that progressives and moderates can and do enforce versions of Christian nationalism. To be sure, the version is often less in your face and appears more benevolent. Additionally, it is a very fine line between arguing that one’s faith inspires one to enact certain policies and to support one party over the other, and arguing that being a Christian means having to support a particular party no matter what.
Additionally, the sad reality is that Progressive and Mainline leaders don’t always see, how say, being invited to lead the prayer during a congressional session when people of other faith or no faith aren’t given the same platform is a problem. Or when a progressive politician is paraded around in a church as being representative of following the gospel. It’s confusing if it’s wrong when the right does it, why is it ok when progressives and moderates do it? Is Christian nationalism defined only as those politics and politicians we don’t like?
Additionally, many Mainline and so self-identified Progressive congregations also enforce Christian nationalism by their uncritical acceptance of militarism and state violence. Despite the million dead as a result of the war on terror and the thousands of civilians killed yearly by US Law Enforcement, some mainline congregations still feel the need to show their support for institutions of violence. Now to be sure, mainline Christian support of these institutions is usually not as in your face as their evangelical counterparts who may compare members of these institutions to Jesus being killed on the cross, but nevertheless it is still problematic.
Christian nationalism rightly needs to be called out in its more explicit and violent forms, and also in its quieter, “nicer” manifestations. Mainline and Progressive Christians need to undergo a process of critical self-reflection and courageously ask themselves, “how are we supporting Christian nationalism? How are we intentionally or not, tying Christian faith to a particular politician or candidate? How are we supporting institutions of violence at the expense of those on the receiving end of said violence?”
It is a delicate balance. As people of faith, we should advocate for policies and candidates that care for the marginalized and that seek to end injustice. There is nothing wrong with our faith informing our politics. But it becomes difficult when we act as if our version of faith is the only correct one. When we act as if we demonstrate true Christianity.
In light of the polarization and the reality that there are those in power who want to implement fascism, I do think it is vital that we say, no to fascism and make it clear where we stand. With that being said, when we face such extremes, it is tempting to want to shut down valid criticism of “our side.” It is tempting to try and silence marginalized voices when they don’t fall in and we use the language of faith to silence them. This is too is a manifestation of Christian nationalism.
The hard work of defeating Christian nationalism isn’t simply about calling out our right-wing peers, but also entails looking in the mirror. When we uncritically endorse military action and use the language of faith to portray our side as “good” all the while ignoring the murder of civilians committed directly or indirectly by our military actions, we are endorsing Christian nationalism. When we use the language of faith to talk about the “calling” of law enforcement, especially in light of the continued murders and violence against Black and Brown people committed by law enforcement, we are endorsing Christian nationalism.
Embracing Christian nationalism doesn’t always look like forcing the 10 commandments to be displayed or public schools to teach a specific understanding of the Bible. It can look like small statements about military force “protecting our freedoms” when the reality is, that it often robs those on the other side of the world of both their freedom and their lives. It can look like holding “Faith and Blue” events whose purpose is ostensibly to build stronger and more inclusive communities, but how can you do that with institutions that refuses to let go of their last grasp of power and domination by violence? And note, I’m not just calling out the institution of law enforcement with that line.
Christian nationalism is a threat because it is being embraced even by those who claim to advocate for justice and equality. Mainline and Progressive Christians, this is a call-in. We need to do and be better.
Image: American flag displayed on a gray surface, text: Mainline and Progressive Christians need to undergo a process of critical self-reflection and courageously ask themselves, “how are we supporting Christian nationalism?”