I’ve never been able to understand the utter hypocrisy and the warped interpretation of the bible these so-called Christians have demonstrated throughout the Trump era. Many believe he’s some kind of messiah when in fact he’s as far away from a messianic figure as there could possibly be. That’s why these phonies are so afraid of James Talarico. He quotes, correctly, from the bible that we should all be our brother’s (or sister’s) keeper, that to do otherwise is an abomination. I am encouraged that these religious zealots who have helped put Trump in power and thus driven our country off a cliff will get their day of reckoning—in November and whenever they face their own judgements.
Very well said, Chris. I've never understood how a man who embodies every one of christianity's seven deadly sins is allegedly the role model of [right wing] christianity.
A fascist is a fascist is a fascist, no matter what bumper sticker they paste on their car or what emblematic jewelry they wear around their neck. Studies have indicated that fascism is embraced as a familiar and comforting stance by people raised in authoritarian households, of no matter what stripe. And then, as we can easily see in these days when much that was formerly hidden is being made apparent, including the complete moral vacuity of many of those who claim to be followers of Jesus, while violating all of his teachings. And all in the name of corruption of one kind or another.
I agree with your comments, Chris. Christian Nationalism is not Christianity. It is an ideology based on power. There is nothing about love, peace, kindness or the fact that We are All One. It is joyless, as well.
As a liberal Christian, it does my heart good to see candidates like James Talarico who recognize that Christian nationalism is false teaching. We need to go back to traditional practices such as feeding the poor and welcoming the stranger. What we don’t need is a continuation of the devaluation of human life. People are people, no matter their skin color or gender identity.
Americans have grown weary of the moral rot and corruption which MAGA + Christian Nationalism have shown us. I'm ethnically a Jew, by dint of my Mom's family, but a life-long atheist. And yet I support the courage of these moral leaders stepping into the fray. I believe the majority of Americans are good and decent people and are going to have to step in and put down this era of chaos and amorality.
As a fellow life-long atheist it is nice to see real Christians step up. I'm suspicious that Pastor Matt Shultz's observation about those "hoping to be innocent bystanders" also applies to more than a few not so innocent, guilty bystanders.
Trump is the least Christian person, based on behavior, to ever occupy the White House. He claims to be pro-life, but an actually pro-life person would not remove food aid from women and children, kick poor people off Medicaid, end critical subsidies for medical insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and throw law-abiding immigrants out of the country.
You are correct. These people are not Christian and certainly not pro-life. They have no regard for the child once it is out of the womb and couldn't care less if it starves, is abused and tortured or gets murdered at elementary school. A true Christian would be looking for ways to help those people that are in need. Like everything MAGA, they proclaim very loudly how they have superior morals and patriotism as they act in the most immoral ways and work tirelessly to destroy what has made America a leader among nations.
If the Democratic Party embraces diverse Christian supporters they will be far more successful than the Republican Party that has gone way too far with the Christian nationalist extremism. The only thing that interests the MAGAs is starting a culture war no matter how ridiculous or how patently false it is. Even the momentum is here in Alabama to push Democrat Doug Jones over the finish line in the final stretch.
This is certainly encouraging overall. But the lede that *only* 32% of Americans believe in Christian nationalism suggests how far the Overton window has slid on this once very marginalized ideology.
What a wonderful article. It is refreshing to see religious leaders, and others, stepping up to speak of loving thy neighbor, toleration for individual beliefs, and morality, compassion, and tolerance for all.
Jennifer, well said. Freedom of religion or choice of no structured religion is a basic human right. Not something to be twisted to how any one "religion" wants.
I'd like to see more public acknowledgement (in the US) that one does not need to be Christian to be a good person. By coincidence, I seem to follow Christ's teachings without the supernatural and being "saved" stuff. Somehow I came to invoke the Golden Rule, however imperfectly, without buying the threat of damnation. I do not claim to follow any religion, but it seems I'm more "Christian" than the Christian Supremists.
You can look objectively at the impact of religious beliefs on society, and they all have serious negative impacts. The societies around the world that have the lowest crime rates, the highest rates of equality, and the happiest people are secular. Non-religious. Being religious is a strong predictor of being a bad person. Focusing on Christianity in particular, Christians are much more likely to be rapists, pedophiles, domestic abusers, sexual harassers, child abusers, and committers of hate crimes and petty theft than non-religious people are. Some Christians are good, but it's despite being Christian. The creed itself is evil to the core.
Well stated. Thanks for a clear message. We have been studying Catholic Social Teaching at our church. Basically it is our duty to vote. We are using excellent information from “See, Love, Vote” put out by NETWORK which started out as “Nuns On The Bus” years ago. We need to push for social justice and get out the vote.
Why is this good? I don't want ANY flavor of Christianity in government. I want a complete wall between religion and state. I would NEVER vote for a pastor or priest of any religion. And you need to keep firmly in mind that there are no types of Christianity that support equal rights for women. All forms of Christianity want to turn women into reproductive slaves with no rights at all and all forms of Christianity are opposed to everyone except standard heterosexuals.
What I don't understand is why "Christianity"--of whatever flavor--is thought to be normative. Like you, I don't want ANY flavor of Christianity--or any other religion--to have a part in government. The Constitution is clear there is a right to be free of religion, just as there is a right to practice religion of one's choice.
The important thing to me and millions of other non-religious Americans is that the Democratic believers running for public office are all in favor of the separation of church and state as our Constitution intends. It's wonderful if their faith inspires them to run for the purpose of doing good for their fellow Americans while, at the same time, respecting the rights of others who don't share their religious beliefs. There's no God in the Constitution, no mention of christianity, and it's good to see religious folks running for office who acknowledge that fact.
Our book club of five Lutheran church churches is currently meeting to discuss the book “Separation of Church and Hate” by John Fugelsang addressing this issue. Thanks for this update Jen!
What is called "Christianity" in these emails, blogs, and written utterances is, in fact, "morality." It needs no religion to be moral. Religion seems to be just one more way to divide ourselves.
My personal experience is that truly religious pious people eschew outward flaunting of their faith and good works, hoping instead to lead by example and better the world without calling attention to their own deeds. This communication vacuum
has made some people think that those on the liberal side of the aisle are less fervent in their faith, which is a grave mistake.
I think in The MidWest and West, using this type of discussion will resonate.
I’ve never been able to understand the utter hypocrisy and the warped interpretation of the bible these so-called Christians have demonstrated throughout the Trump era. Many believe he’s some kind of messiah when in fact he’s as far away from a messianic figure as there could possibly be. That’s why these phonies are so afraid of James Talarico. He quotes, correctly, from the bible that we should all be our brother’s (or sister’s) keeper, that to do otherwise is an abomination. I am encouraged that these religious zealots who have helped put Trump in power and thus driven our country off a cliff will get their day of reckoning—in November and whenever they face their own judgements.
Well said.
I long for the days of my liberal Catholic upbringing, where service to others, humility, and the embrace of pluralism were the overriding messages.
It tied in well with my dad's "lead by example" adage.
Very well said, Chris. I've never understood how a man who embodies every one of christianity's seven deadly sins is allegedly the role model of [right wing] christianity.
A fascist is a fascist is a fascist, no matter what bumper sticker they paste on their car or what emblematic jewelry they wear around their neck. Studies have indicated that fascism is embraced as a familiar and comforting stance by people raised in authoritarian households, of no matter what stripe. And then, as we can easily see in these days when much that was formerly hidden is being made apparent, including the complete moral vacuity of many of those who claim to be followers of Jesus, while violating all of his teachings. And all in the name of corruption of one kind or another.
I agree with your comments, Chris. Christian Nationalism is not Christianity. It is an ideology based on power. There is nothing about love, peace, kindness or the fact that We are All One. It is joyless, as well.
As a liberal Christian, it does my heart good to see candidates like James Talarico who recognize that Christian nationalism is false teaching. We need to go back to traditional practices such as feeding the poor and welcoming the stranger. What we don’t need is a continuation of the devaluation of human life. People are people, no matter their skin color or gender identity.
Americans have grown weary of the moral rot and corruption which MAGA + Christian Nationalism have shown us. I'm ethnically a Jew, by dint of my Mom's family, but a life-long atheist. And yet I support the courage of these moral leaders stepping into the fray. I believe the majority of Americans are good and decent people and are going to have to step in and put down this era of chaos and amorality.
As a fellow life-long atheist it is nice to see real Christians step up. I'm suspicious that Pastor Matt Shultz's observation about those "hoping to be innocent bystanders" also applies to more than a few not so innocent, guilty bystanders.
Trump is the least Christian person, based on behavior, to ever occupy the White House. He claims to be pro-life, but an actually pro-life person would not remove food aid from women and children, kick poor people off Medicaid, end critical subsidies for medical insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and throw law-abiding immigrants out of the country.
You are correct. These people are not Christian and certainly not pro-life. They have no regard for the child once it is out of the womb and couldn't care less if it starves, is abused and tortured or gets murdered at elementary school. A true Christian would be looking for ways to help those people that are in need. Like everything MAGA, they proclaim very loudly how they have superior morals and patriotism as they act in the most immoral ways and work tirelessly to destroy what has made America a leader among nations.
Who said it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for Trump to enter heaven?
If the Democratic Party embraces diverse Christian supporters they will be far more successful than the Republican Party that has gone way too far with the Christian nationalist extremism. The only thing that interests the MAGAs is starting a culture war no matter how ridiculous or how patently false it is. Even the momentum is here in Alabama to push Democrat Doug Jones over the finish line in the final stretch.
This is certainly encouraging overall. But the lede that *only* 32% of Americans believe in Christian nationalism suggests how far the Overton window has slid on this once very marginalized ideology.
1% is too many.
What a wonderful article. It is refreshing to see religious leaders, and others, stepping up to speak of loving thy neighbor, toleration for individual beliefs, and morality, compassion, and tolerance for all.
Jennifer, well said. Freedom of religion or choice of no structured religion is a basic human right. Not something to be twisted to how any one "religion" wants.
I'd like to see more public acknowledgement (in the US) that one does not need to be Christian to be a good person. By coincidence, I seem to follow Christ's teachings without the supernatural and being "saved" stuff. Somehow I came to invoke the Golden Rule, however imperfectly, without buying the threat of damnation. I do not claim to follow any religion, but it seems I'm more "Christian" than the Christian Supremists.
Like many an agnostic or atheist!
You can look objectively at the impact of religious beliefs on society, and they all have serious negative impacts. The societies around the world that have the lowest crime rates, the highest rates of equality, and the happiest people are secular. Non-religious. Being religious is a strong predictor of being a bad person. Focusing on Christianity in particular, Christians are much more likely to be rapists, pedophiles, domestic abusers, sexual harassers, child abusers, and committers of hate crimes and petty theft than non-religious people are. Some Christians are good, but it's despite being Christian. The creed itself is evil to the core.
Well stated. Thanks for a clear message. We have been studying Catholic Social Teaching at our church. Basically it is our duty to vote. We are using excellent information from “See, Love, Vote” put out by NETWORK which started out as “Nuns On The Bus” years ago. We need to push for social justice and get out the vote.
Tell it to Pope Bob, an American citizen.
Why haven't anti DEI Catholics been excommunicated?
Why is this good? I don't want ANY flavor of Christianity in government. I want a complete wall between religion and state. I would NEVER vote for a pastor or priest of any religion. And you need to keep firmly in mind that there are no types of Christianity that support equal rights for women. All forms of Christianity want to turn women into reproductive slaves with no rights at all and all forms of Christianity are opposed to everyone except standard heterosexuals.
What I don't understand is why "Christianity"--of whatever flavor--is thought to be normative. Like you, I don't want ANY flavor of Christianity--or any other religion--to have a part in government. The Constitution is clear there is a right to be free of religion, just as there is a right to practice religion of one's choice.
The important thing to me and millions of other non-religious Americans is that the Democratic believers running for public office are all in favor of the separation of church and state as our Constitution intends. It's wonderful if their faith inspires them to run for the purpose of doing good for their fellow Americans while, at the same time, respecting the rights of others who don't share their religious beliefs. There's no God in the Constitution, no mention of christianity, and it's good to see religious folks running for office who acknowledge that fact.
Thank you for this
Our book club of five Lutheran church churches is currently meeting to discuss the book “Separation of Church and Hate” by John Fugelsang addressing this issue. Thanks for this update Jen!
What is called "Christianity" in these emails, blogs, and written utterances is, in fact, "morality." It needs no religion to be moral. Religion seems to be just one more way to divide ourselves.
My personal experience is that truly religious pious people eschew outward flaunting of their faith and good works, hoping instead to lead by example and better the world without calling attention to their own deeds. This communication vacuum
has made some people think that those on the liberal side of the aisle are less fervent in their faith, which is a grave mistake.
I think in The MidWest and West, using this type of discussion will resonate.