Amanda Tyler & Christians Against Christian Nationalism
From September 17th to September 20th, the LAMA office hosted our nation-wide State Public Policy Office retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree! Monday, September 18th, was devoted to our retreat’s theme on Christian Nationalism, led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler. Tyler is the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), leading the organization as it works to uphold the historic Baptist principle of religious by defending the free expression of religion and protecting against its establishment by government. She is the lead organizer for BJC’s Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign and in 2022, she testified before congress on the ways in which Christian nationalism provides cover for white supremacy (watch her testimony here). Tyler spoke to our gathered staffers and Hunger Advocacy Fellows about the ways Christian nationalism functions and the way that we as advocates can combat it.
Amanda Tyler (left), speaking about christian nationalism
What is Christian Nationalism?
Christian nationalism is a term we are hearing more frequently these days, but it can be difficult to grasp what exactly it means; in short, Christian nationalism is the fusion of religious and national identity and goals. Proponents of this ideology argue that in order to be a good American, one must be Christian and that Christianity ought to be privileged in American society. Christian nationalism relies on the mythology that the United States was founded as an explicitly Christian nation, and in many cases, argues that the federal government should officially declare America a Christian nation. Christian nationalism also dictates what is and is not an acceptable expression of Christianity. We see this in the arguments that one must condemn LGBT folks, support a certain fiscal policy, or vote in a certain way in order to be a “real Christian,” for example. Christian nationalism also adheres strongly to an exaggerated sense of American exceptionalism, implying or outright arguing that the United State’s success is a directive from God. This leads people to actions as extreme as ignoring and obscuring complex historical facts from the founding and growth of this nation. While anyone can espouse Christian nationalistic views, there is a large overlap between Christian nationalism and white supremacy; the believe that in order to be a good and true American, one must be a white, native born Christian nationalist is known as White Christian nationalism. These ideas harness talking points that are familiar to most Christians and use them to push for the marrying of church and state, both in an official policy sphere, and within our cultural sphere.
Christian nationalism fundamentally warps both Christianity and American ideals. Freedom of religious expression is a key part of our country’s democratic foundation. Our Christian faith calls us not to put our trust in earthly kingdoms nor to make idols of them. We are called to liberate the oppressed and work for justice on behalf of the downtrodden, not bolster our own privilege or seek salvation through the powers that be. Several of the beliefs that we hold in the ELCA, from affirmation of queer marriages to women’s ordination, would not be accepted under the Christian nationalist framework. We see Christian nationalism in things like Don’t Say Gay bills, the push to require Christian prayer in public schools, the refusal to engage in dialogue with anyone who is not considered a “real Christian,” book bans, and so on. Christian nationalism is a driving force behind many policy decisions on both the state and federal levels, and it is exposing many vulnerable members of society, such as those belonging to religious or racial minorities, to harm.
What can we do to fight Christian Nationalism?
According to Tyler, it is imperative that Christians speak out against Christian Nationalism. In a system that privileges Christians over others, it isn’t always safe for people of other religious traditions to offer criticism. It is the responsibility of all Christians to examine the ways our lives and communities interact with Christian Nationalism.
The BJC’s Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, formed in partnership with ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and others, seeks to educate Christians about Christian Nationalism and the ways this ideology is shaping our country. The campaign’s website features endorsements from faith leaders who have partnered with the campaign; in them, they speak to the real and present need to address this crisis within American Christianity. In her endorsement, the Presiding Bishop says, “The ELCA is committed to strengthening public space as a just place for all regardless of religion or worldview and will defend the full participation of all in our religiously diverse society.” The website offers resources to help us do this, from educational materials and reading lists, to discussion topics focused on helping churches explore this topic.
The central part of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign is the signing statement. The statement argues that because of our Christian faith, not in spite of it, we are obligated to oppose Christian Nationalism. All Christians who oppose Christian Nationalism are encouraged to sign; your name joins an open list of signers from many different denominational traditions across the country. The more Christians that show their opposition to Christian Nationalism, the less ground the ideology holds. Signing the statement and expanding the number of people in support of the campaign pushes back on the idea that any one president, party, or political ideology automatically speaks for all Christians. Join our State Public Policy Officers and sign the pledge below, find more resources to continue learning about Christian Nationalism, and discover action calls for specific issues around the country:
