THREAD: How can we spot #ChristianNationalism in the wild?
In our studies we rely on survey questions to measure CN's distribution & impact among Americans. But since folks can't pass around surveys, here's a diagnostic.
TOP 10 INDICATORS YOU'RE SEEING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM: 1/
In our studies we rely on survey questions to measure CN's distribution & impact among Americans. But since folks can't pass around surveys, here's a diagnostic.
TOP 10 INDICATORS YOU'RE SEEING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM: 1/
1. US VS. THEM.
Dead giveaway. If a professing Christian clearly sees non-Christians as enemies to be defeated, controlled, or kept separate rather than SERVED, LOVED, BEFRIENDED, etc., they're thinking as CN culture warrior. The idea of dying for the unworthy is repellent. 2/
Dead giveaway. If a professing Christian clearly sees non-Christians as enemies to be defeated, controlled, or kept separate rather than SERVED, LOVED, BEFRIENDED, etc., they're thinking as CN culture warrior. The idea of dying for the unworthy is repellent. 2/
2. CULTURE VS. PERSON
When a Christian talks about the "Christianity" people need, does it sound like they're talking about a "culture" (values, morals, worldviews, behaviors) or a person (Jesus). CN isn't about folks meeting Jesus; it's about white conservative dominance. 3/
When a Christian talks about the "Christianity" people need, does it sound like they're talking about a "culture" (values, morals, worldviews, behaviors) or a person (Jesus). CN isn't about folks meeting Jesus; it's about white conservative dominance. 3/
3. CONTEMPT FOR THE CROSS
Christians don't take up their cross in #ChristianNationalism. Because real Christians don't lose in this life. They win. Laying down one's rights for one's enemies is like surrendering. It's un-American; for losers. Therefore it's also unChristian. 4/
Christians don't take up their cross in #ChristianNationalism. Because real Christians don't lose in this life. They win. Laying down one's rights for one's enemies is like surrendering. It's un-American; for losers. Therefore it's also unChristian. 4/
4. OT ISRAEL = AMERICAN CHRISTIANS
If a Christian's telling you how Jesus-followers should live as Americans & their theological paradigm is how Israel was instructed to live in Canaan, you've got CN (ethnic conquest, blood & cultural purity, theocracy) not NT Christianity. 5/
If a Christian's telling you how Jesus-followers should live as Americans & their theological paradigm is how Israel was instructed to live in Canaan, you've got CN (ethnic conquest, blood & cultural purity, theocracy) not NT Christianity. 5/
5. NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS = "PURITY."
This one piggybacks on the previous one. If someone's operating with OT Israel in Canaan as their paradigm, they'll be very concerned with America's "faithfulness" which boils down to religious & sexual purity, NOT justice, fairness, etc. 6/
This one piggybacks on the previous one. If someone's operating with OT Israel in Canaan as their paradigm, they'll be very concerned with America's "faithfulness" which boils down to religious & sexual purity, NOT justice, fairness, etc. 6/
6. AMERICA = CENTRAL TO GOD'S PLANS
Even if they warn God will withdraw his hand from America for impurity, they still believe God has a special relationship w/the USA cuz we're "founded on Biblical principles," etc. Thus, it's always AMERICA FIRST & God wants it that way. 7/
Even if they warn God will withdraw his hand from America for impurity, they still believe God has a special relationship w/the USA cuz we're "founded on Biblical principles," etc. Thus, it's always AMERICA FIRST & God wants it that way. 7/
7. CULTURE OF DEATH
This one's tricky cuz CN will be strongly anti-abortion. But CN will also be pro-guns, pro-military, pro-death penalty, anti-mask, anti-precautions, and anti-healthcare for the poor. The abortion stance is authoritarianism, not concern for the vulnerable. 8/
This one's tricky cuz CN will be strongly anti-abortion. But CN will also be pro-guns, pro-military, pro-death penalty, anti-mask, anti-precautions, and anti-healthcare for the poor. The abortion stance is authoritarianism, not concern for the vulnerable. 8/
8. SELECTIVE BIBLE QUOTING
Like any heresy, CN selectively quotes the Bible. Favorite Bible quotes will be:
-Jesus expelling money changers.
-Romans 13: submitting to authority.
-Patriarchy stuff
-Stuff about forgiveness & judging (only when their leaders are immoral idiots.) 9/
Like any heresy, CN selectively quotes the Bible. Favorite Bible quotes will be:
-Jesus expelling money changers.
-Romans 13: submitting to authority.
-Patriarchy stuff
-Stuff about forgiveness & judging (only when their leaders are immoral idiots.) 9/
9. LACK OF CONCERN FOR "WITNESS"
This goes back to "us vs. them." When "they" (infidels, non-whites) are the enemy, who cares what they think? Of course they'll hate you. And you hate them. Screw them. Better to dominate them & then it really doesn't matter what they think. 10/
This goes back to "us vs. them." When "they" (infidels, non-whites) are the enemy, who cares what they think? Of course they'll hate you. And you hate them. Screw them. Better to dominate them & then it really doesn't matter what they think. 10/
10. CONSPIRATORIAL VICTIM MINDSET
When your whole reality is culture war & "us vs. them," you must constantly be vigilant that everyone in power (media, scientists, non-CN politicians) are lying & out to get you. So everything is conspiracy & everyone is screwing you over. 11/11
When your whole reality is culture war & "us vs. them," you must constantly be vigilant that everyone in power (media, scientists, non-CN politicians) are lying & out to get you. So everything is conspiracy & everyone is screwing you over. 11/11
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