“Christian nationalism does not want a government for the people by the people. It wants a government for a particular people, by a particular people.” ~ Andrew Whitehead in Time Magazine
Democracy vs Theocracy
In a true democracy, all citizens have an equal voice. No matter their skin color, ethnicity, gender or sexual preference. Be they Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist, there is liberty and justice for all.
Christian Nationalists, however, do not want a democracy. They want a theocracy — a system of government in which their radically fundamentalist interpretation of scripture holds sway. This is liberty and justice for a self-anointed few.
Jurgen Matthesius, founder and lead pastor of Awaken Church of San Diego, preaches a gospel of Christian Nationalism. Of “taking territory” and imposing his will onto communities while demonizing and threatening any who dare oppose him.
According to Dr. Michael Lodahl, Professor of Theology and World Religion at Pt. Loma Nazarene University of San Diego, Christian Nationalism is not Christian… and it poses a serious threat to America.
“No matter how some adherents try to sanitize it, white Christian nationalism is neither mere Christianity nor simple patriotism. It is a dangerous ideology that resembles racist extremist movements of the past such as the Ku Klux Klan.” Jemar Tisby, PhD, “Now We Call It White Christian Nationalism. It Used to Just Be Called the KKK”
Here’s My Take
They call themselves Awaken.
If, one day, they actually do wake up, they will realize that, no matter our gender, ethnicity, spiritual heritage, philosophy, secular beliefs or sexual preferences, we are all created equal.
They will awaken to the importance of liberty and justice for all. Not just for themselves, but for each and every one of us.
They will awaken to the fact that in calling their opponents demons and demoniacs, satanic and vile, they are employing age-old tropes that dehumanize people and promote violence.
They will awaken to the reality that championing theocracy over democracy is profoundly unpatriotic and un-American.
They will awaken to the difficult understanding that what they accuse others of being characterizes their own souls.
They will awaken to what Jesus preached, that loving thy neighbor is paramount.
But wait a minute… then they might be “woke.”
Resources:
What Is the Meaning of Christian Nationalism?
Now We Call It White Christian Nationalism. It Used to Just Be Called the KKK.
What Is Dehumanization, Anyway?
Conspiracies, Crackpots & Crazies
It’s a Far Cry from a Faithful Gospel
Cults, False Gods & Apocalyptic End Times
It's No Big Deal, We Just Want to Take Over the World...