Not only is Christian Nationalism un-Christian –it’s un-American. Defying the separation of church and state by claiming our country a Christian nation, Christian Nationalism, with its focus on power and control, stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus, which center on love of God and neighbor.
Christian Nationalism is a political ideology advancing the myth that the United States was established as a Christian nation and should continue as such. This belief system intertwines faith with political identity and is deeply rooted in ideologies that run counter to the life and teachings of Jesus. It is crucial for concerned Christians to provide a strong and clear counter-narrative, emphasizing that genuine Christianity is centered on loving God and neighbor, values that often stand in stark contrast to those promoted by Christian Nationalism.
Former UCC General Minister and President, the Rev. John Dorhauer, spoke on the subject in 2023:
“These elected officials are working hard to rewrite the story of America through the lens of a narrow, fringe view of Christianity that will not tolerate any deviance from their narrative that says that America was intended from the beginning to be Christian, white, heterosexual and run by men,” he said. “The attack on wokeness, the attack on critical race theory, the attack on religious pluralism, the attack on secular ideology, the attack on trans children and their parents, the attacks on interracial marriage, the attack on women’s reproductive rights, the attack on the rights to privacy, the attacks on access to birth control, the attacks on drag culture — all staples of a thriving democracy and all critical to the pursuit of one’s happiness without fear of government intervention — are all byproducts of a religious fundamentalism parading its patriotism and known simply as Christian nationalism.”
He warned the audience that these extremists don’t just want to rewrite the history of the United States but its laws, too. “What Christian nationalism wants, what it demands, what it is willing to fight and, yes, kill for is the eradication of any idea inconsistent with its own,” Dorhauer said. “It also espouses the eradication of those who propagate those ideas. It wants written into the Constitution the instantiation of Christian fundamentalism and the recognition of biblical literalism that uses strict — though utterly contradictory — moral codes within their canon as the foundation of law.” (view Dr. Dorhauer's full spech here.)
“THIS is Christianity” is a video-driven social media initiative designed to combat the rise of Christian Nationalism by showcasing the true essence of Christianity: love, compassion, and inclusion. The campaign encourages Christians to share personal stories of encountering God’s love and light in the world. You can participate by submitting a short video that shares your personal story of experiencing God’s love and light.
Your video may be featured on our campaign website and social media channels. Your recording should focus on a personal story that highlights how you have seen or experienced God’s love and light in the world. Aim for a positive, uplifting message that contrasts with the negative rhetoric often associated with Christian Nationalism. Click here to submit your video message to this campaign.