Unraveling the Strands of Christian Nationalism - Part 3

Opening Prayer

It is in the depths of life that we find you, at the heart of this moment, at the center of our soul, deep in the earth and its eternal stirrings. You are the Ground of all being, the Well-Spring of time, Womb of the earth, the Seed-Force of stars. And so, at the opening of this day we wait, not for blessings from afar but for You, the very Soil of our soul, the early Freshness of morning, the first Breath of day.

• John Philip Newell, Praying with the Earth – A Prayerbook for Peace, p. 18.

Unraveling the Strands of Christian Nationalism:

What is Christian Nationalism? When did it emerge? What interpretation of scripture regarding the End Times drives Christian Nationalism? How does systemic racism undergird it? Can you be a patriot without being a Christian Nationalist?

What is Christian Nationalism? – Part Two

Prior Reflections

(1) The Most Rev. Michael Curry stated: “It is always a dangerous thing to mix up our priorities, whether on the personal level or on the national level.” Why is it a dangerous thing to mix up our priorities with respect to God and country?

(2) Were you raised in a religious culture or family? How did that benefit you, your character, or your faith in God? Has religious culture ever become an obstacle in your relationship with God?

(3) What is the connection between Christian Nationalism and white supremacy?

(4) Does Christian Nationalism distort our relationship with God? And if so, how?

(5) How would you define American culture? What are the best virtues in American culture? What are the worst?

Report from the House of Bishops Theology Committee [The Episcopal Church] (cont’d)

“To understand what Christian Nationalism is, it is important to understand what it is not. It is not Christian Nationalism if a person’s political values are shaped by the individual’s Christian faith. The problem with Christian Nationalism is not with participation in politics, but rather the belief that there should be Christian primacy in politics and law.”

• The Crisis of Christian Nationalism, 2024, pp. 20.

What Christian Nationalism Is Not

“First, white Christian Nationalism is not ‘Christian patriotism.’ White Christian Nationalism idealizes the power of white Christian Americans. It is rooted in white supremacist assumptions and empowered by anger and fear. This is nationalism, not patriotism. . . . Is it possible for a Christian to be a patriot? Certainly. So long as patriotism is understood in terms of constitutional ideals and democratic institutions and citizenship is not based on racial, ethnic, or cultural identity. But if you pledge allegiance to your own ethno-cultural tribe, and place them above the rights of your fellow citizens, then you have crossed the line into white Christian Nationalism.”

“Second, white Christian Nationalism is not synonymous with white evangelicalism per se, even if there is considerable overlap. . . . White Christian Nationalism has many non-evangelical supporters, including a significant number of mainline Protestants; white Roman Catholics; and, even more, white Pentecostals. Another reason is that a minority of white evangelicals are actively resisting white Christian Nationalism.”

“Third and finally, white Christian Nationalism is not just a problem among white American Christians. There are secular versions of white Christian Nationalism that claim to defend ‘Western Culture’ or ‘Judeo-Christian civilization.’ And there are secular white Americans who know how to leverage white Christian Nationalist language. For such Americans, the ‘Christian’ label simply signals shared tribal identity or veils political values that would otherwise be socially unacceptable. . . . For some white Christian Nationalists, the fight has become more important than faith.”

• Gorski, Philip S., Samuel L. Perry, and Jemar Tisby, The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy, 2022, pp. 8-11.

An Alternate View of Christian Nationalism (carried over from Part 2)

“’Christian Nationalism is a totality of national action, consisting of civil laws and social actions, conducted by a Christian nation as a Christian nation, in order to procure for itself both earthly and heavenly good in Christ.’ The purpose of this book is to show that Christian Nationalism (as defined) is just, the ideal arrangement for Christians, and something worth pursuing with determination and resolve.”

• Stephen Wolfe, The Case For Christian Nationalism, 2022, p. 9.

For this week: For reflection: (1) What is a basic definition of Christian Nationalism? (2) What is Christianity’s relationship to American identity and civic life? (3) What should Christianity’s relationship to national identity and civic life be?

An invitation to our virtual participants: Discussion and comments are very much encouraged and welcomed. Online discussions can be held in the comments section in the upcoming post on Social Media for this week’s Deacon’s Reflection which is part of adult formation at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

Closing Prayer – Prayer of Blessing

May the deep blessings of earth be with us. May the fathomless soundings of sea surge in our soul. May boundless stretches of the universe echo in our depths, to open us to wonder, to strengthen us for love, to humble us for gratitude, that we may find ourselves in one another, that we may lose ourselves in gladness, that we give ourselves to peace.

May the light of God illumine the heart of my soul.

May the flame of Christ kindle me to love.

May the fire of the Spirit free me to live this day, tonight, and forever. Amen.

• John Philip Newell, Praying with the Earth - A Prayerbook for Peace, p. 20.

“Unraveling the Strands of Christian Nationalism,” Deacon Joe Dzugan, St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2025.