We have free speech in America, and people can call themselves whatever they like.
But facts are facts, and calling yourself a “Christian” doesn’t make you one. Many self-described “Christians” aren’t real Christians, especially those immersed in rightwing politics. Among this group are Christian nationalists. A new survey (here) by the Brookings Institution, a think tank, shows 40% of them support political violence (read story here). Jesus didn’t advocate violence, even against Roman oppression; he preached the opposite.
An article here delves into their thought process. Basically, they’re rattled by loss of influence, a more tolerant and diverse social culture, and a flight from organized religion.
I don’t care about their grievances. Violence is wrong, and their anti-democracy ideology — which includes violently overthrowing our government — threatens our basic freedoms.
Christian nationalists were behind the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people, including 19 children; the 2017 “Unite the Right” ne0-Nazi rally in Charlottesville that ended with a car terrorism attack; and Christian nationalism was on prominent display during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol to stop certification of the 2020 election (see article here).
Mainstream Christian denominations and ministers vehemently oppose Christian nationalism. Hundreds of evangelical leaders call it “heresy” (see story here). That’s because Christian nationalism is antithetical to Christian principles, even satanic.
Photos: Real Christians don’t blow up buildings, murder babies, or slam cars into crowds
