Pastor Dave's Blog

Refute and Resist White Christian Nationalism

“Who do you say that I am?” 

Jesus asks his followers that question in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus asks that question of we who would follow him today. 

White Christian Nationalist respond to that question by declaring that Jesus is the one who ordains that White Christian men should be in charge of America, and are willing to use violence to achieve that.

And that is an idea that demands refutation and resistance by all Christians of goodwill. 

But let’s back up a pace or two…

We’ve spent the last three weeks in a sermon series I called “The Jesus Wars” because there is no true consensus among Christians over Jesus’ identity. In many ways that’s ok! The very idea of God as Trinity shows us that diversity is part of who God is. The canonization of four distinct gospels shows us that there is no one, singular story or understanding of Jesus. 

But, as we saw over the course of the sermon series, there is room for a plethora of ideas about who Jesus is—but not all answers are acceptable. In the gospel story Peter (serving as our proxy as he often does) demonstrated this pretty clearly. Jesus was so disturbed by Peter’s idea of Jesus’ identity, he famously yells at Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!”

One way to frame Jesus’ identity that has grown in usage and popularity over the last six years or so is Christian Nationalism. Also known as White Christian Nationalism. Based on some of the comments, questions, and (frankly) blank looks I received in response to the sermon series, I’m convinced some of us haven’t previously encountered White Christian Nationalism. 

I would go so far as to say it seemed some weren’t really sure what the heck I was talking about. While that is not exactly a new phenomenon for me, it seems worth further exploration and explanation. One of the great attributes of this blog space is it allows us to do just that. So what follows are quotes from sources that informed my sermon series—along with links to those sources so you may read and learn further.

Drew Strait, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, writes in Sojourners,

Christian nationalism is a form of political idolatry that distorts our knowledge of God and neighbor through a xenophobic, racialized and militarized gospel that is at odds with the life and teachings of Jesus.

Also in Sojourners, Amanda Tyler, executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, writes: 

Christian nationalism often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. This racism is painfully obvious when a shooter targets non-white worshippers and openly espouses hate rhetoric, but what about when the myth is repeated that America was founded as a so-called “Christian nation”? That false statement implies that the founders wanted the government to advance Christianity, especially in a way that limits the rights of others. The idea of a “Christian nation” also suggests that this country is supposed to be a “promised land” for Christians, a myth that downplays the contributions of non-Christians, as well as Native Americans.

For a truly in-depth study of White Christian Nationalism, you’ll want to spend some time with this report sponsored by Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) and Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). Here’s a taste from Jemar Tisby on how to counter White Christian Nationalism as a Christian:

“The Black church tradition, however, presents another version of patriotism. In contrast to white Christian nationalism, Black Christians have historically tended to embrace a kind of patriotism that leads to an expansion of democratic processes, the inclusion of marginalized people, and a call for the nation to live up to its foundational ideals.”

Back in Sojourners, Stephen Mattson writes, “Christian nationalists don’t just want prayer in schools, they want only Christian prayer in schools. They don’t just want freedom of religion, they want the state religion to exclusively be Christianity — and their specific brand of it.”

Before dismissing this as just a small problem among a small group of people, consider that we have a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives openly calling herself a “Proud Christian Nationalist” and calling for Republicans to be Christian Nationalists. 

One comment from part three of this series, “The Jesus Wars Get Loud”, that drew the most confused looks was when I quoted Michael Emerson:
“White practicing Christians are twice as likely as other whites to say “being white” is important to them and twice as likely as other whites to say they feel the need to defend their race. Through extensive statistical analyses, we found that two-thirds of practicing white Christians are following, in effect, a religion of whiteness.” 
Emerson, professor of sociology just down the road at UIC (U of IL at Chicago) wrote that in Sojourners.

Seems pretty clear that Sojourners is leading the way on refuting and resisting White Christian Nationalism! But they are not alone. 

Robert P. Jones and Eboo Patel provide another statistic I shared in part three:
“According to a 2021 PRRI survey, while only 30% of Americans agree that “God intended America to be a new promised land where European Christians could create a society that could be an example to the rest of the world,” that number rises to dangerous levels among groups comprising the conservative base in U.S. politics, including majorities of Republicans (53%) and white evangelical Protestants (52%).

Even scarier is the willingness—maybe even desire—to resort to violence to get their way: 
“White Americans who embrace this white Christian nationalist version of history are more than four times as likely as those who disagree to believe that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence to save the country” (43% vs. 10%)

Here’s some good news from Jones and Patel though!
“Today, there are as many Muslims in the United States as Lutherans, and twice as many Buddhists as Episcopalians. Moreover, the median age of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists is some twenty years younger than the median age of white Christians.”
Further, “A recent PRRI survey demonstrate that most Americans embrace these differences. Fully seven in ten Americans say they are proud to live in a religiously diverse nation."

What can you do right now to refute and resist White Christian Nationalism?

Don’t be silent. Add your name to this statement by Christians Against Christian Nationalism.

Join others from our Conference in learning more: 
Our Northern IL Conference is addressing racism and the church. Maybe you’re read the announcements. Maybe you skipped over them. Here it is again: The Conference offers: Race, America, and the Church: A Speaker Series on the History, Causes and Effects of Racism and the Role of the Church in America“Journeying together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism.”

This 4-part series that extends into December and includes a 6-week book study in the fall, we will journey together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism.

The journey continues with:
UNDENIED: NO LONGER WILLING TO BE UNHEARD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Rev. Chebon Kernell, UMC Native American Comprehensive, shares insights and learning related to indigenous communities’ history, present work being done, and how we can be in solidarity as we prepare for the future. In-person and via Zoom

CALLED: DOING GOD'S WORK FOR THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Dr. Hart addresses what the local church can do to combat the continuation of racism in the church and in society. In-person and via Zoom

Whew! That’s a lot! Now, what questions do you have? What actions are you taking? Leave your ideas in the comments below!

Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting

I'm sure you, like me, are devastated by the news of the latest mass shooting, this time in Uvalde, Texas. This time involving elementary school children. I'm sure you, like me, are sick and tired of political leaders offering "thoughts and prayers" but refusing to take any other action. 

Still, as people of faith, prayer is important. As Diana Butler Bass wrote this week, prayer can be "an act of defiance, lament, and empowerment. Thoughts and prayers can really mean something — if those thoughts and prayers reveal the extent of evil and break our hearts with the love and sorrow of God."

Her essay also pointed me to this project by Bishops United Against Gun Violence. They wrote the Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting "to commemorate the dead, to comfort their loved ones, and to honor survivors." They also offer this vital note: 

One does not pray in lieu of summoning political courage, but in preparation for doing so. Bishops United Against Gun Violence invite you to join in this litany and our commitment to take action so that our country can be freed from the epidemic of gun violence.

Amen and amen. Praying through this list I notice it is horrifically, mind-bogglingly, heart-wrenchingly long. The list is offered in chronological order. I'm ashamed to say that I don't even remember most of these incidents, so I cannot verify that it is complete. But really, how could it be?

Mass shootings -- in which four or more people are killed, not including the shooter -- are so common. We must pray and we must work to end our culture's addiction to guns -- here in the USA we have over 393 million guns! We only have 327 million people. We have many more guns than people.  

We must also work to end our addiction to gun violence as a way to solve problems. I hope this Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting can help us do so. Will you pray with me?

God of peace, we remember all those who have died in incidents of mass gun violence in this nation’s public and private spaces.

Fifteen dead at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them. 

Six dead at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Twelve dead at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Twenty-eight dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead at Santa Monica College, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Seven dead at a Hialeah, Florida apartment complex.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Thirteen dead at the Washington Navy Yard.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at Fort Hood, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Seven dead in Isla Vista, near UC Santa Barbara.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Washington.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Nine dead at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Sixteen dead at a San Bernardino, California office.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at Umpqua Community College, Oregon.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a Hesston, Kansas office.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at a Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania backyard party.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Fifty dead at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at Cascade Mall in Burlington, Washington.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead in Fresno, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Eight dead in Lincoln County, Mississippi.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at an Eaton Township, Pennsylvania supermarket.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Nine dead at a Plano, Texas football-watching party.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Fifty-nine dead at a Las Vegas, Nevada concert.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Twenty-seven dead at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Seventeen dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at the Veterans Home in Yountville, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a Nashville, Tennessee Waffle House.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at Santa Fe High School, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at the Capital Gazette Newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at the Fifth Third Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a Rite Aid distribution center in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Eleven dead at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Thirteen dead at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at a bank in Sebring, Florida.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at their homes in Ascension and Livingston parishes, Louisiana.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a home in Clinton, Mississippi.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead in Solon Township, Michigan.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Thirteen dead at a municipal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Twenty-two dead at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at the Oregon District of downtown Dayton, Ohio.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Eight dead on the road between the cities of Odessa and Midland, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead in their home in Elkmont, Alabama.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a bar in Kansas City, Kansas.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at a backyard football watch party in Fresno, California
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead at a cemetery and kosher market in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead at the Molson Coors complex in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at a convenience store in Springfield, Missouri.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead in the northeast side of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Eight dead at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at an office complex in Orange, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead at a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Nine dead at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Seven dead at a birthday party in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at a rail yard in San Jose, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Four dead at Oxford High School in Oxford Township, Michigan.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead in Lakewood and Denver, Colorado.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Five dead at The Church in Sacramento, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Six dead in downtown Sacramento, California.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Ten dead at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Twenty-two dead at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Give to the departed eternal rest
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

All those who have died in any incident of gun violence.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

For survivors of gun violence.
Grant them comfort and healing.
Hear us, Lord.

For those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
Grant them peace.
Hear us, Lord.

For those first responders who care for victims of gun violence.
Protect and strengthen them.
Hear us, Lord.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.