Author: Racial Justice Team
We’ve all heard the term Christian Nationalism, but do we understand what it means? To some, it may sound innocuous. What could be wrong about holding Christian beliefs and being patriotic (a nationalist)? Well, names can be deceiving. That’s why the Racial Justice Team feels the need to address this topic with the congregation and to expand on the comments made by Pastor Doug during the church service on November 24th.
While definitions vary, generally Christian Nationalists focus on promoting Christian prominence or dominance in political and social life. The nonprofit Public Religion Research Institute’s (PRRI) national surveys identify such believers based on how strongly they agree with five specific statements:
- The U.S. government should declare America a Christian nation.
- U.S. laws should be based on Christian values.
- If the U.S. moves away from our Christian foundations, we will not have a country anymore.
- Being Christian is an important part of being truly American.
- God has called Christians to exercise dominion over all areas of American society.
PRRI findings rank participants along a continuum, from Adherents (agree or completely agree with all five) to Sympathizers (agree with most statements but completely agree with fewer) to Skeptics (disagree with most statements but less likely than Rejecters to completely disagree) to Rejecters (completely disagree with all statements). This year’s survey identified 10% Adherents, 20% Sympathizers, 37% Skeptics, and 30% Rejecters.
Whatever the definition (and scholars disagree), this vocal minority in our country (Note: the phenomenon is not limited to the U.S.) is espousing views and positions antithetical to those of most mainline Christian churches, including the ELCA.
These two pieces of information provide more insights into Christian Nationalism, including the ELCA’s position. If you have not already come across them, you may find them helpful.
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The first is a short video of Elizabeth Eaton, the ELCA Presiding Bishop, about the dangers of Christian Nationalism.
- The other is a written statement (We Are Christians Against Christian Nationalism) about how Christian Nationalism is “contrary to the gospel.” This also provides multiple internal links to other informative resources, including a draft ELCA Social Statement (Shared Participation in our Civic Life, to be considered at the Summer 2025 Churchwide Assembly) that is very clear about why this is a perversion of the true Christian faith.
What Christianity is: “The example of Jesus invites Christians to see people near and far away, people of all races, classes and cultures, friends and strangers, allies and enemies as their ‘neighbor.’”
The Racial Justice Team would very much like your feedback on this topic. Did you find the linked information helpful and useful? Did you learn something new from them? What, if anything, would you like to hear more about? What would you like the Peace RJT to know? Please send any thoughts on this topic to info@sharingpeace.org.
