Some questions for those who throw the term Christian Nationalist around. Direct, specific, relatively concise answers only.
Question 1: What exactly do you mean by Christian Nationalist?
Question 2: Was Martin Luther King Jr. a Christian nationalist?
Question 3: Were the abolitionists Christian Nationalists?
Question 4: Have you ever applied that label to a Democrat (why or why not)?
Question 5: Do you really believe we shouldn't "force our morals" on others?
I personally believe that this is another on of the terms (any of the "ist" or "ism"s) that are used as a weapon against people rather than something that is honestly descriptive. It's one more example of a term that changes meaning as needed and simultaneously means everything and therefore nothing.
3 comments:
Question 1: What exactly do you mean by Christian Nationalist?
From Britannica:
"Christian nationalism, ideology that seeks to create or maintain a legal fusion of Christian religion with a nation’s character. Advocates of Christian nationalism consider their view of Christianity to be an integral part of their country’s identity and want the government to promote—or even enforce—the religion’s position within it. "
That's what I mean. Usually (at least in the US), it is a specifically conservative Christian worldview is what is intended by Christian nationalists.
Question 2: Was Martin Luther King Jr. a Christian nationalist?
No. He was specifically opposed to Christian nationalism doctrine.
Question 3: Were the abolitionists Christian Nationalists?
Not that I'm aware of, not as it is typically defined.
Question 4: Have you ever applied that label to a Democrat (why or why not)?
No. Because it doesn't fit the definition. As a reminder: At least in the US, Christian nationalism is specifically about promoting a specifically conservative Christian worldview by the force of law and a hyper-dominant culture.
Question 5: Do you really believe we shouldn't "force our morals" on others?
No, I don't believe that. I believe it is rational and important to force a respect of human rights so, those who would do harm to others, that should not be allowed. But that is not "christian nationalism" in any way at all.
Agreed?
According to the people at Christians against Christian Nationalism:
Christian nationalism is not the same as Christianity, and it can be defined and understood in a variety of ways. In this campaign, we define Christian nationalism as “a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.”
Some people may conflate Christian nationalism and Christianity because they both use the symbols and language of Christianity, such as a Bible, a cross and worship songs. But, Christian nationalism uses the veneer of Christianity to advance its own aims – to point to a political figure, party or ideology instead of Jesus. At Christians Against Christian Nationalism, we sometimes refer to it as “white Christian nationalism” to emphasize its frequent overlap with white supremacy.
https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/learn-more
I will say that "christian nationalism" is loosely defined with a range of beliefs, not all of which are problematic. Hoping/working for a society that is more loving, welcoming, just and inclusive is working for God's realm on earth... but it's not trying to legislate specific Christian values. The Christian nationalism that people are rightly concerned about is trying to make a "sharia christian" nation (as conservative Christians often speak of Islam).
1. Who is a well known politician who you specifically can you name that is advocating for this formulation?
Do you, or have you , ever used the term "Christian Nationalist" to apply to someone who has not specifically expressed convictions that match your definition?
2. So, when MLK used his position as a pastor, his influence in the church, and scripture to advocate for civil rights, he was not using the tactics used by "Christian Nationalists", is that your position? How was MLK's advocating for rights based in Scripture different?
3. Similarly, the most compelling voices in the abolitionist movement were arguing from a Scriptural/Biblical position for the basis to end slavery. I'm confused as to how specifically this is significantly different.
4. Interesting. Your "definition" does not include this bit of information. I'm confused, are you suggesting that the definition above is wholly incompatible with a progressive christian pushing their view of christian doctrine as the basis for public policy?
I get that you are answering with your personal opinion, but as a general rule excluding an entire option a priori, and without proof isn't necessarily a good idea. I seems as though you've simply constructed an addendum to your definition that fits your personal presupposition and excludes any other possibility.
5. So you do not believe that passing laws is "imposing" the morals of the group in charge on others? Given the simple reality that significant segments of the world do not precisely agree with your opinions about what "human rights" are and which ones should be codified into law, can you see how inconsistent this could appear? Is not "forcing" people to adhere to a law or standard with which they do not agree, exactly what you don't believe in?
So, if certain "Christians" advocate for laws based on their Christian beliefs (For example anti Slavery laws, or laws against prostitution) you would argue that those laws are an example of "Christian Nationalism", correct?
If certain "progressive christians" chose to advocate for laws based on their christian beliefs (unlimited, unfettered immigration or drug legalization), then you would argue that they were not acting as "Christian Nationalists", correct?
When other religions within the US or Europe, establish a parallel "justice system" based solely on their chosen holy text, religious law, or tradition, is this not the practical equal of "Christian Nationalism"?
If leaders of a non Christian religion or sect openly advocated for the replacement of US or European law with the laws of their religion or sect, would that not be the equivalent of "Christian Nationalism"?
Finally, what if there was a "New Jacobin" movement in the US, which advocated the replacement of US law with the laws and rules which flowed out of the secular foundation which underpinned the French Revolution, would that not be the equivalent of "Christian Nationalism"?
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