Christianity is not monolithic. There is a diner-sized menu of denominations for the believer to choose from. However, for unabashed bigotry, nothing beats reactionary evangelicalism. And it is in this dismal fundamentalist perversion of Christianity that aspiring autocrats find the fuel to power their political ambitions. All you need is a cause.
Tyrants thrive with catchy slogans and by demonizing an imaginary enemy. The Nazis dehumanized the Jews and promised Lebensraum. Fundamentalist Christians dehumanize immigrants, LGBTQ, pregnant women, feminists, and Democrats. And their catchy slogan is “Christian nationalism.“
But there is the other half of the American Christian experience. These are the humble humanitarians who Jesus would celebrate for carrying on his work. They are not blind to the danger of Christian nationalists. One of them, Paul Raushenbush, a Baptist Pastor, has been particularly vocal in his warnings and condemnation of the danger of this unAmerican philosophy. And he is not shy in telling liberal Christians that their faith demands they fight against this cancer.
In a video posted to Twitter by Proud Navy Veteran, Raushenbush starts by calling Christian nationalism:
”an ideology, a quest for power, and a lens, through which a growing number of Americans view their roles in society.”
He points out that while Christian nationalism has been around for a while, it is just now getting wide attention as an anti-democratic force
“It is not new. But it has drawn recent mainstream attention after Christian symbols, flags, and Bible verses were ubiquitous during the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6.”
Raushenbush adds that, like so much conservative thought, Christian nationalism is based on a lie.
“Christian nationalism has its roots in the dangerous myth that we were founded as a Christian nation. And that Christianity holds a privileged place in our nation, that must be preserved.”
He adds that not only is it a lie, but it is grounded in bigotry.
“They use the rhetoric of a Christian nation, with its underpinnings of white supremacy, xenophobia, patriarchy, and authoritarianism to dictate who is a true American and who will be relegated to perennial outsider status.”
Raushenbush points out that these bigots aren’t in it just for fun. They have a dystopian aim.
“The goal of Christian nationalism is the consolidation of power in the hands of an exclusive religious and political movement. And it is using the churches, the courts, and increasingly electoral politics to gain power over the majority of the American people.
The goal of Christian nationalism is the establishment of a theocracy conveniently made in their own image.”
And he warns that Christian nationalism is no longer a fringe belief.
“A poll released last year indicates that close to 30% of Americans are either adherents or sympathetic to Christian nationalism, and among white evangelical protestants, that number jumps to nearly two-thirds.
One in four Americans believes America should declare itself a Christian nation.”
Raushenbush does offer some hope.
The good news, as of now, is that Christian nationalism continues to be unpopular - 70% of Americans reject calls to make America a Christian nation. Close to 75% of Americans say they prefer to live in a country made up of diverse faiths - and not just Christianity. 80% of Americans reject the idea that Christians should exercise dominion over all areas of American society. And Christian nationalist views on race and gender, and immigration, and LGBTQ people are also unpopular and out of step with the American public.”
however, if the GOP wins the election what the majority believes or wants, won’t matter.
In another video posted on TikTok, Rauschenberg demands that Christians fight the threat
Right now, at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it matters that we as individuals, but also we as faith and spiritual communities of all kinds show up and stand up against Christian nationalism
He goes on to challenge his congregation to support the religious victims of Christian nationalism.
“If a local temple, mosque, or other community has been targeted with bigotry and violence, as is increasingly the case, congregations like this one, can bring out people to show up to offer solidarity and support.
And vote with others for a diverse and equitable America.
“In addition to moments of crisis, congregations have the power to mobilize diverse people of religious and spiritual backgrounds, from a range of traditions, to show up, side-by-side in public forums, community rallies, to the voting booth, to the school council, to send a clear signal to our elected officials, and our neighbors, that we reject the exclusive claims of Christian nationalism and demand that this community be a place where all people, of all faiths and backgrounds are treated equally and respectfully under the law.
Raushenbush decries the campaign to dumb down the citizens. And demands his listeners not succumb to ignorance.
We are in a moment of disinformation campaigns, but reading books together, watching films together, educating ourselves about our country’s history and the experience of diverse peoples is very important in this moment, when so many people want to restrict the learning that happens in our schools.”
He slams the book burners and celebrates the war against dumbassery.
“Christian nationalists are attempting to erase our history with book bans and restriction of what is taught. We need to mobilize to reverse these efforts. And some people are having banned book brunches in their churches. Some people are stocking the library’s banned books.”
Raushenbush then reveals he is a prime target for the heartless bastards — and not just because he is a true Christian.
As a gay man with a husband and two children, I hear the words they used to talk about me, and I fear what they would do to my family. We are in a dangerous situation. And we need to be heads up about the threat.
I spent 10 years in religious boarding schools (Anglican/Church of England). Divinity (Bible studies) was a mandatory part of the curriculum. Never did any teacher, religious or secular ever tell me to hate anyone.
I did have issues with some of the other stuff. And by 16, was no longer a person of faith. But even without God in the equation, I can subscribe to the Bible’s point of view on love, charity, and not being a shit.