One of the discussion threads making renewed rounds is the definition of \u201cChristian nationalism\u201d \u2014 specifically, what it is and why it raises concern. Note that the term is most frequently employed by those who either are not adherents of the faith or have some apprehension related to Christians or aspects of Christianity. It\u2019s also a new term and one not typically employed by those who adhere to it. Hence, let\u2019s unpack what Christian nationalism is and first, what it is not\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not patriotism.<\/em> Patriotism is the love of country. It\u2019s expressing devotion to<\/em> and support for <\/em>one\u2019s country. We saw such oft on display at the XXXIII Olympiad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not nationalism. <\/em>Nationalism is an identification with one\u2019s country. Yes, it\u2019s supporting the country\u2019s interests but to the potential exclusion and detriment of other nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not popular. <\/em>According to Newsweek, <\/em>only 5% of American adults have ever called themselves \u201cChristian nationalists.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, it\u2019s not synonymous with Republicanism.<\/em> Also according to Newsweek,<\/em> of the minimal who identify as adherents of the ideology, half believe the GOP is an actual threat to the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what is it and what\u2019s the concern?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In simplest form, Christian nationalism is the belief that the US is defined by Christianity and the government should govern that way. The idea is that our laws should be based on and reflect Christian values and there is no intentional separation of church and state. Far less prominent factions may be extreme, and as we see via the louder, political gamesmanship on both the left and the right, the extremes are typically highlighted more by critics than adherents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are a nation, no less, that was built on individual freedom; our government was designed to promote and protect that freedom, meaning we can live primarily as we choose save we harm no one else. Such leads to two very logical conclusions. One, the government does not and cannot dictate morality (as too many partisans on too many sides too conveniently seem to dismiss). <\/em>And two, to be or not to be<\/em> a Christian \u2014 or any <\/em>organized religion \u2014 is the choice of the individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do need to be prudent in acknowledging the historic role Judeo-Christian values have played in our governance, as pending the state one lives in, 3 to 4 of the Ten Commandments are actually articulated in the law. Hence, Christian values have long been an influence on the law; they are just not the determiner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allow me here, therefore, a bit of a significant relevant tangent, if you will\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the challenges of this conversation, especially as emotions run high and fears get deep, is that we sometimes lose sight of what specific things really mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am a Christian. Let me say it better. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. When Jesus walked this planet and physically interacted with the people, he didn\u2019t invite them to come join some new, hip organized religion. He invited people to follow <\/em>him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What does that mean and what does it not?<\/em> To follow Jesus means to spend time with him and become more like him, embracing what he thought, taught and did. He consistently implores two primary things: to love God and love other people. No matter what. There is indeed more \u2014 being humble and kind, empathizing, providing care, offering generous grace and ceaseless truth in ways people can hear it \u2014 but those first, two primary things are never compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what is following Jesus not?<\/em> It\u2019s not arrogant. It\u2019s not selfish. It\u2019s not oppressive. Nor is it ever free license to play someone else\u2019s Holy Spirit \u2014 meaning I can\u2019t nor am I even capable of making the decision of what\u2019s best for everybody else. It\u2019s also never selective of love or honor. Perhaps that\u2019s one thing that most disturbs me; we keep choosing who we will love and who we will not. We withhold love and honor when we think another doesn\u2019t deserve it or if they disagree with us just a little too much. Friends, I am not Jesus. I simply strive to become more like him. But the more I learn, the more it\u2019s clear selective love and honor do not emulate him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I suppose that then reveals the reality of what Christ followers most practically are: very imperfect. <\/em>No doubt that\u2019s why sometimes it\u2019s felt like Christians are judgmental, hypocritical or worse. There\u2019s too much of that on this planet, in organized religion and elsewhere. But the other radically true reality is that our imperfections do not accurately reflect what Jesus thought, taught and did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps that\u2019s why some of this gets so hard. A follower of Jesus or not, an adherent of Christian nationalism or not, a believer in some other left\/right fringe ideology, we are each so very imperfect. Which means none of us will ever corner the market on wisdom. And there will always be need to be humble and kind.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n God be with us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One of the discussion threads making renewed rounds is the definition of \u201cChristian nationalism\u201d \u2014 specifically, what it is and why it raises concern. Note that the term is most frequently employed by those who either are not adherents of the faith or have some apprehension related to Christians or aspects of Christianity. It\u2019s also … <\/p>\n