Christian Nationalism in the U.S.
The rising influence of Christian Nationalism has increasingly seeped into U.S. politics threatening the vibrancy and the cultural fabric of U.S. democracy.
Christian Nationalism is defined as a political ideology that seeks to merge Christianity and a particular type of American identity, distorting both the Christian faith and the United States constitution. According to Christians Against Christian Nationalism, “it often overlaps and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation”.
Separation of church and state means no organic union of the two, but it does permit interaction.
United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶164Christian Nationalism is not new. For years, many U.S. faith leaders have warned about the dangers of blending faith and nationalism as a threat to religious freedom and to the separation of church and state as outlined by the U.S. Constitution.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution established the free exercise of religion while also prohibiting any establishment of religion by the state.
The United States’ historic commitment to religious pluralism enables diverse faith communities to live in civic harmony with one another without sacrificing theological convictions.
“We must stand up to and speak out against Christian Nationalism in the U.S., especially when it inspires acts of violence and intimidation—including vandalism, bomb threats, arson, hate crimes, and attacks on houses of worship and religious communities.” (The Christians Against Christian Nationalism Statement)
What the Bible and United Methodist Church Say:
“God shows no partiality but in every nation to anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Book of Acts 10:34-35)
“In participating in the area of public affairs, churches are not inherently superior to other participants; hence the stands that they take on particular issues of public policy are not above question or criticism". (United Methodist Book of Resolutions # 5102,”)
“We assert the right of all religions and their adherents to freedom from legal, economic and social discrimination.” (United Methodist Social Principles ¶162.B)
What Things You Can Do:
Sign the Christians Against Christian Nationalism statement on their website.
Call for legislative policies that strengthen the protection of religious freedom.
Encourage lawmakers to speak out against religious intolerance and discrimination.
Oppose a social climate of fear, mistrust and stereotyping
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