Read on Twitter
Some of the same people who complain that critics of Critical Race Theory don’t define our terms (we do) use the phrase “Christian nationalism” without the slightest clue about what they’re saying. Honestly, I think I have a better grasp on what it is than most people who use it.
And it’s crazy how many REFUSE to define it! It’s the same Kafka trap we see from White Fragility crowd: if you have to ask, or if you defend yourself, you’re guilty. But here’s what I’ve gathered CN *actually* means vs how people erroneously mean it:
The belief that America is God’s chosen nation, that we are who is prophesied about in the OT, not Israel or the church. That our righteousness is tied to patriotism, &, as of this era, patriotism is tied to Trump support. Therefore part of being a christian is supporting Trump.
The light vs darkness battle to Christian nationalists is patriots vs. globalists, not necessarily Christ & his church vs. Satan. Trump has become the mascot for that, despite his ostensibly not being a Christian himself. So, I think that is CN/“Trumpism.” & it’s 100% wrong.
Now, how I think many progressives, maybe or maybe not unbeknownst to Beth & Russell Moore (no relation ;), is that CN is any Christian who loves their country, believes in a leader prioritizing the needs of their constituents & using the Bible to inform their views of issues.
It’s also used to describe people who are conservative and voted for Trump, whether or not they actually espouse anything close to CN/Trumpism. That all, of course, is silly.
Lots of Christians love their country. Lots of Christians believe that a president should prioritize the welfare of their constituents (just like a good mayor prioritizes the needs of his city). Christians, like all people, allow their beliefs to inform their views.They’re not CN
I’ve also seen a definition that says CN proponents encourage Christian discourse & engagement in politics & culture. Ok, so Christians are supposed to check their views at the door, but secularists aren’t?
Was William Wilberforce a “Christian nationalist” for being motivated by the gospel to lead the way for the abolition of slavery? Were the founders Christian nationalists for declaring all people are created equal by God with certain rights?
I’m afraid when the phrase is used in this way, it’s a tactic to scare Christians away from engaging faithfully in politics and culture. In tricking them into believing secularism is neutral and must be donned before entering the public square. Don’t fall for it.
All this said, define your terms! Critics of CRT have taken PAINS to specifically & consistently define CRT & point out what exactly it looks/sounds like. I sometimes wonder, though, if vagueness is the point, because discussion isn’t the goal for some. It’s self-righteousness.
