Many in the United States have been part of a “war” on religion, especially against Catholicism. There is a talking point from many on the left warning about the “dangers” of Christian Nationalism. As a Catholic Christian, the warnings about what “Christian nationalism” is are nothing like what Christianity is. Let’s take a look.
The Talking Points
It is important to understand what Christianity is all about. No “requirement” exists for everyone to believe and live a Christian life. The Constitution guarantees “Freedom of Religion. Some people interpret that to mean “you can’t bring your religion in here.” In actuality, this means that the government cannot force us to accept a specific religion or interfere with the practice of our faith. Here are the “talking points” related to Christian Nationalism based on an article in Time magazine from 2022:
- Christian nationalism refers to an ideology that asserts all civic life in the U.S. should be organized according to a particularly conservative and ethnocentric expression of Christianity.
- Strict moral traditionalism focused on sustaining social hierarchies.
- Comfort with authoritarian control—exercised by the “right” people—that includes the threat and use of violence.
- A desire for strict ethno-racial boundaries around who is a “true” American, where non-white and non-natural-born citizens are viewed as unworthy of full participation in American civic life.
- It views this particular expression of Christianity as the undisputed framework of the U.S. and wants all levels of the government to preserve that framework.
- This means that Christian nationalism does not want a government for the people by the people. It wants a government for a particular people, by a specific people—namely, politically and religiously conservative white American Christians.
I believe that some of these talking points are aimed at former President Trump and the perception of those on the left that he wants to be a dictator. If you look at some of the “Christian” points, they go against what Jesus teaches.
What is Servant Leadership?
In Mark 10:45, Jesus speaks to His purpose:
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
“Servant Leadership” is defined today as:
It is the focus on the growth of the individual that they might flourish and achieve their full potential and not primarily the growth and potential of the organization that distinguishes servant leadership from other leadership styles. The primary concern of the servant leader is service to their followers.
Jesus is the model for servant leadership:
Jesus submitted his own life to sacrificial service under the will of God (Luke 22:42), and he sacrificed his life freely out of service for others (John 10:30). He came to serve (Matthew 20:28). However, he was God’s son. He was thus more powerful than any other leader in the world. He healed the sick (Mark 7:31-37), drove out demons (Mark 5:1-20), was recognized as Teacher and Lord (John 13:13), and had power over the wind and the sea and even over death (Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 9:18-26).
How is “Christianity” Different from “Christian Nationalism”?
If you look at the main talking points about “Christian Nationalism,” most of the points are counter to what Jesus teaches and is all about:
- Jesus deferred to “civic life” and held the person responsible for following God’s law and will
- Jesus only referred to “hierarchy” in stating that God was above all
- Jesus only spoke of God as being “in control.” Jesus preached peace at all times and never advocated for violence ever
- Jesus came to bring “all” to God, not specific races, while excluding others. True, He came to save Israel first but reached out to the Gentiles in the course of His ministry.
- The United States was established based on Christian principles. That is a fact. The framers were Christians. The Constitution protects the religious freedom of all citizens and does not force Christianity on the people.
- The last talking point cannot be further from the truth as to what Christianity is all about. This is simply race-baiting, in my view.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The First Amendment guarantees your right to speak freely, and I respect that, even if I disagree with what is being said. In this case, the talking points target Christians, especially white Christians. I believe that this is to foster a narrative to spread racism and anti-Christian rhetoric. This is simply another front in the war against Christianity. All comments are welcome and encouraged.
God Bless
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In