Understanding Christian Nationalism: An invitation to explore the movement shaping American politics
Diana Butler Bass's three-essay exploration of the history, theology, and social movement that has brought us to where we are, today. Read all three. Study with others. Discussion questions are included in this post.
April 03, 24
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April 11, 2024
Evangelical Wreckage ...Again: Sarah McCammon Brought This to Mind
by DIANA BUTLER BASS /
by DIANA BUTLER BASS / FEBRUARY 24, 2022
by DIANA BUTLER BASS / MARCH 11, 2022
The Religious Landscape is Undergoing Massive Change. It Could Decide the 2024 Election, Ryan Burge, Politico Magazine:
The new decennial Religion Census offers cause for hope — and alarm — for both parties.
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/
What does a Christianity look like that is not deeply tied to racial injustice and White Christian nationalism, forces captured in the images of the January 6, 2021 insurrection? How might Christians live into a richer narrative that underscores the nonviolent legacy of Jesus?
Progressive Christianity hosted an online conversation with three experts on the Christian faith and the role it can play for those committed to democracy, peace, and social justice. Click here to sign up for the free link to the recording of the panel.
Texas State Senator, the Rev. James Talarico's sermon on The Separation of Church and State is a must-view for Christian Nationalism discussions.
"Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire"
Dr. Lori Brandt Hale is the President of the International Bonhoeffer Society - English Language Section, and a professor of religion at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.
Her work will deepen participant's understanding of how Bonhoeffer's theology helps us eschew ready answers and inspires us to ask more faithful questions as we live at the intersection of faith and civic life together.
The facilitator's guide, participant workbook, and accompanying slides for each week can be found here and accessed for free. The core curriculum is a four-week module, with additional modules and resources to extend and adapt to your context and community. Sign up here to receive any follow-up resources and information about future Bonhoeffer events.
LAMPa and the International Bonhoeffer Society - English Language Section offer this curriculum as a gift to the Church. While this curriculum is free to use, a $200 donation is suggested to honor the scholarship of Dr. Brandt Hale and the work of the IBS-ELS in crafting this curriculum; though any amount your congregation or community can give is welcome and appreciated.
Let LAMPa know if you are using the curriculum by tagging them @LAMPaAdvocacy on social media or emailing them at LAMPa@Lutheranadvocacypa.org.
The free webinar series, Breaking Point: Tracing the Roots of White Christian Nationalism and How We Can Resist includes expert analysis and critical discussions, panelists and moderators exploring drivers behind the rise of white Christian nationalism and confronting the stark reality of its impact on society, including its propensity for violence and the ways it perpetuates racism and xenophobia.
As we approach an election that will likely shape the future of our country, we must be more aware than ever of how this movement works and how it is influencing both people and policy. By examining its history and facing these uncomfortable truths, these resources aim to foster a deeper understanding of white Christian nationalism and inspire individuals and congregations to take proactive steps to counter its harmful influence.
We've got a Great Idea/a mini toolkit for utilizing Wallis', The False White Gospel, and a Sermon from James Talarico (on the importance of the separation of church and state) to Interrupt the False White Gospel.
July the Fourth is NOT a Liturgical Holiday... So Why Do So Many Congregations Treat It Like One?
In their book, Baptizing America, authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood suggest actions congregations can take to combat the growing threat of Christian Nationalism.
1. Learn Your Congregation’s Story
2. Educate Your Church and Community
3. Preach a Prophetic Word
4. Stop Flying the Flag
5. Pay Attention to Language and Liturgy
6. Urge Institutional Responses and Repentance
Christian Nationalism and who is a 'real’ American
In her video addressing Christian nationalism, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good".