“Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality.‘” – Acts 10:34 (NRSV)
A couple of words I have become familiar with in recent years are “Christian Nationalism.” The words are often lifted up in the news media and the areas in which we live and work. For the most part, Christian nationalism might be defined as a “belief that our country is a Christian nation and, therefore, we should be ruled by a form of government that fully embraces Christian principles.” Christian nationalists believe the government should maintain and promote Christian identity. Adherents are frequently against religious diversity and believe church and state should come together.
One of the harsher sides of this belief system is that it can easily marginalize non-Christians. It also hinders religious freedoms and brings further divisions in our polarized country. Because of this, The United Methodist Church has spoken out against Christian nationalism. Bishop Tracy S. Malone, the President of the UMC Council of Bishops recently wrote, “Nationalism is a political identity that defies God’s love by pitting the interests of one group of people against others.” Malone and other bishops further believe the pressures of international crises, such as climate change, economic disparity,
and global migration, enhance the appeal of authoritarian leaders who spread division.
Now an opposition to Christian nationalism doesn’t mean we can’t be patriotic. Christian nationalists believe that God originally had a vision for the United States to be solely Christian. The American who is patriotic loves our country and believes one of our country’s greatest blessings is the freedom of religion. There is a difference between these two perspectives.
Additionally, I might lift up the idea of “choice.” The Christian religion should never be forced on anyone. Embracing the Christian religion should always be a choice. Each of us needs to make our own choice to love God, follow the teachings of Jesus, participate in the life of the church, and put our faith into action.
I hope and pray our country can move forward in a positive way as we work together for a common good!
Grace and peace, Scott