Religious Freedom is the anchor that every free country in the world allows. If that is taken away by Trump and his obviously extremist ties to White Nationalism, that is plaguing our country at the moment, we have lost our freedom. We are careening towards the type of government that decides what religion is ok, and what is now banned. It is all based on hate, racial and gender prejudice, extremist views that deem certain groups as inferior, and control. We know the countries that use these methods. If we go down that path, then our government is effectively a dictatorship. Our constitution once protected this premise, but the daily shredding of our democracy, shows how little that matters to the party in power. We have one chance to fix this by voting in 2026. Either we live in a functioning democracy, or we adhere to an Authoritarian madman who destroys everything he touches.
I agree with what you're saying about Religious Freedom; but Religious Freedom is far different from "Religious Liberty". Under Religious Freedom persons may choose their religious faith or choose to be free from religion. Under "Religious Liberty" persons of faith are free to impose their religious beliefs on others. Under "Religious Liberty" persons are free to discriminate against those who do not have the same religious beliefs.
With the full support of the Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and GOP Congressional members the Felon is making the United States an authoritarian theocracy, with the Felon as leader and the American oligarchs running the Country.
It's not only the Felon wielding "religious liberty" like a sword. With the full support of the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and GOP Congressional members the Felon is making the United States an authoritarian theocracy, with the Felon as leader and the American oligarchs running the Country (Putin's Russia).
Dan Patrick is about as bad as Greg Abbott. I have heard some of the most ridiculous things out of his mouth. He’s a Christian nationalist alright but I would go a step further and call him a Christian fundamentalist. Push back must come from all sides and directions let them know we’re not going to tolerate their bull crap.
As a resident of Texas, I always feel nauseated when I have to see Dan Patrick's face or hear his voice or read his words. It doesn't surprise me to learn that he is on Trump's supposed "Christian nationalist" committee to force a fake religion on the country.
Thank you Reverend for a terrific piece. I'm an ultra-reformed Roman Catholic, aka "Humanist" who still holds dear the values so clearly articulated by Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. (K-12 Catholic parochial schools) I can't help but continue to hope that the Roman Catholic Church would step up -first on Gaza. I'm in NYC so I wrote to the Archbishop Cardinal Dolan and conveyed my concern of the plight of the innocent Palestinians who were being killed in #s far disproportionate to what happed on Oct 7th. Now remember - for the Vatican the USA is still its largest source of funds, and Archbishop Cardinal Dolan is, arguably the leader of the wealthiest regions in the USA. He has clout. Nothing. 🥺😭. Then Trump II happened. I followed in the Catholic press how Pope Francis was calling out against Trump's inhumane treatment of immigrants - (the vast majority of them are Roman Catholic) while the US Bishops stood silent. Pope Francis wrote a public letter to the US Bishops Conference in which he firmly rebuked them for their conspicuous silence. The good news is that the new pope, Pope LEO XIV has taken up where Francis left off! And shortly after he assumed the papacy the Archbishop of L.A instructed all the priest and nuns in his diocese to escort immigrants to their immigration hearings. Then this same Archbishop, along with the Bishop of San Diego gave their parishioners dispensation if they did not attend Sunday services out of fear of ICE apprehension. LEO XIV has been vocal. But we should expect more.
I am glad to read this post. I have been wondering where the real Christian voices have been. Although in our country every struggle for justice has had enemies among people of faith who find justification for harm and violence in the Bible, there have always been voices from religious people and leaders who are looking at the Gospels. It is notable that this new "martyr" (to the Second Amendment, in my opinion) Kirk tended to quote the Old Testament rather than the new when telling people how to be a Christian. And I see that a lot from these allegedly "Christian" nationalists. I long to hear and see people of faith standing up and pointing out what is quoted in the gospels, such as "what you did to the least of them, you did to me." (roughly, from Matthew 25).
Take a trip to Europe and tour the great "palaces" of high-ranking religious leaders. Pretty awe inspiring in their magnificence. Then, pay attention to the history of that palace, the poverty, the pain and servitude of the peasants who were "conned" into believing that they would be exalted in heaven for their sacrifice.
Seems like a resurgence is happening, but this time tied to an economic system that provides far greater wealth and position. We simply are not educated as to just how horribly the "church" treated the populations that supported them. It's a shame - and a pity.
There may be religious grounds, as in land, but they have no airspace. The sky above them is governed. Religious and political beliefs stay on the ground. Trumps political and religious beliefs don't fly, they walk believers into trouble.
I believe that dictators fear religious communities; diverse religious communities all are empowered by their parish members to resist cruelty, racism, hatred, and division. When interdenominational communities join together, in support of the powerless in our midst, they become a force that is not easily defeated.
With thanks for your informative article and especially the last 3 paragraphs to give us hope and a reason to not let the forcing of Christian nationalism as so-called "religious liberty" on us by a dictator and his followers.
Religious Freedom is the anchor that every free country in the world allows. If that is taken away by Trump and his obviously extremist ties to White Nationalism, that is plaguing our country at the moment, we have lost our freedom. We are careening towards the type of government that decides what religion is ok, and what is now banned. It is all based on hate, racial and gender prejudice, extremist views that deem certain groups as inferior, and control. We know the countries that use these methods. If we go down that path, then our government is effectively a dictatorship. Our constitution once protected this premise, but the daily shredding of our democracy, shows how little that matters to the party in power. We have one chance to fix this by voting in 2026. Either we live in a functioning democracy, or we adhere to an Authoritarian madman who destroys everything he touches.
I agree with what you're saying about Religious Freedom; but Religious Freedom is far different from "Religious Liberty". Under Religious Freedom persons may choose their religious faith or choose to be free from religion. Under "Religious Liberty" persons of faith are free to impose their religious beliefs on others. Under "Religious Liberty" persons are free to discriminate against those who do not have the same religious beliefs.
With the full support of the Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and GOP Congressional members the Felon is making the United States an authoritarian theocracy, with the Felon as leader and the American oligarchs running the Country.
trump is about as religious as a POS
laughing out loud1
It's not only the Felon wielding "religious liberty" like a sword. With the full support of the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and GOP Congressional members the Felon is making the United States an authoritarian theocracy, with the Felon as leader and the American oligarchs running the Country (Putin's Russia).
Dan Patrick is about as bad as Greg Abbott. I have heard some of the most ridiculous things out of his mouth. He’s a Christian nationalist alright but I would go a step further and call him a Christian fundamentalist. Push back must come from all sides and directions let them know we’re not going to tolerate their bull crap.
As a resident of Texas, I always feel nauseated when I have to see Dan Patrick's face or hear his voice or read his words. It doesn't surprise me to learn that he is on Trump's supposed "Christian nationalist" committee to force a fake religion on the country.
Thank you Reverend for a terrific piece. I'm an ultra-reformed Roman Catholic, aka "Humanist" who still holds dear the values so clearly articulated by Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. (K-12 Catholic parochial schools) I can't help but continue to hope that the Roman Catholic Church would step up -first on Gaza. I'm in NYC so I wrote to the Archbishop Cardinal Dolan and conveyed my concern of the plight of the innocent Palestinians who were being killed in #s far disproportionate to what happed on Oct 7th. Now remember - for the Vatican the USA is still its largest source of funds, and Archbishop Cardinal Dolan is, arguably the leader of the wealthiest regions in the USA. He has clout. Nothing. 🥺😭. Then Trump II happened. I followed in the Catholic press how Pope Francis was calling out against Trump's inhumane treatment of immigrants - (the vast majority of them are Roman Catholic) while the US Bishops stood silent. Pope Francis wrote a public letter to the US Bishops Conference in which he firmly rebuked them for their conspicuous silence. The good news is that the new pope, Pope LEO XIV has taken up where Francis left off! And shortly after he assumed the papacy the Archbishop of L.A instructed all the priest and nuns in his diocese to escort immigrants to their immigration hearings. Then this same Archbishop, along with the Bishop of San Diego gave their parishioners dispensation if they did not attend Sunday services out of fear of ICE apprehension. LEO XIV has been vocal. But we should expect more.
I am glad to read this post. I have been wondering where the real Christian voices have been. Although in our country every struggle for justice has had enemies among people of faith who find justification for harm and violence in the Bible, there have always been voices from religious people and leaders who are looking at the Gospels. It is notable that this new "martyr" (to the Second Amendment, in my opinion) Kirk tended to quote the Old Testament rather than the new when telling people how to be a Christian. And I see that a lot from these allegedly "Christian" nationalists. I long to hear and see people of faith standing up and pointing out what is quoted in the gospels, such as "what you did to the least of them, you did to me." (roughly, from Matthew 25).
Take a trip to Europe and tour the great "palaces" of high-ranking religious leaders. Pretty awe inspiring in their magnificence. Then, pay attention to the history of that palace, the poverty, the pain and servitude of the peasants who were "conned" into believing that they would be exalted in heaven for their sacrifice.
Seems like a resurgence is happening, but this time tied to an economic system that provides far greater wealth and position. We simply are not educated as to just how horribly the "church" treated the populations that supported them. It's a shame - and a pity.
There may be religious grounds, as in land, but they have no airspace. The sky above them is governed. Religious and political beliefs stay on the ground. Trumps political and religious beliefs don't fly, they walk believers into trouble.
I believe that dictators fear religious communities; diverse religious communities all are empowered by their parish members to resist cruelty, racism, hatred, and division. When interdenominational communities join together, in support of the powerless in our midst, they become a force that is not easily defeated.
Please stop calling these Pharisees "Christian Nationalists".
They wouldn't know Christ if he kicked them in the ass.
And you tar Bishop Budde and all the others who actually live in Christ.
Call them what they are.
Nazis.
Period.
With thanks for your informative article and especially the last 3 paragraphs to give us hope and a reason to not let the forcing of Christian nationalism as so-called "religious liberty" on us by a dictator and his followers.