Christian Nationalism is, according to Jesus, a contradiction in terms. “Give unto Caeser’s what is Caeser’s, give unto God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). In short Christian Nationalism is neither Christian nor national. Christian nationalism is dangerous not because Christianity is dangerous, but because it fuses a particular religious identity with national identity and political power. It threatens religious freedom, democratic equality, and the dignity of people who do not fit its vision of America.
And that vision is exceedingly narrow and problematic for most Americans; Christian Nationalists believe that America was founded as a Christian Republic and any religion or identity that does not conform to that falsehood is wrong and should be rejected. On this view racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism are considered acceptable means to a false end.
As Unitarian Universalists, we are called not merely to oppose it, but to embody an alternative: a society where people of many faiths and no faith can live together with equal rights, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
As we head to polls let us remember what is false about this idea and why it is particularly dangerous to us in a time of national backsliding, and for some Christians, apostasy. Its a scary subject.
With Grace and Grit, John
