Christian nationalism label draws political backlash
'Be wary of the use of this term' advises one politician
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“Christian nationalism” is a term used to represent a religious and political ideology, one that’s often ascribed to Donald Trump and his supporters.
In today’s top story, reporter and columnist Bobby Ross Jr. covers the rise of the use of the term Christian nationalism — and what that means for the state of politics and religion.
Often, the term is misused, and it’s becoming overused: “even as countless books, news articles and cable TV segments devote intense attention to the subject, the term has become so pervasive that it risks losing any real meaning,” he writes.
What is Christian nationalism really? What happens when the term is used more broadly? Is Trump a Christian nationalist? These questions and more are addressed in this important fact-finding report.
‘Overhyped’ Christian Nationalism Label Draws Political Backlash
Even as countless books, newspaper articles and cable TV segments devote intense attention to Christian nationalism, the term has become so pervasive that it risks losing any real meaning, according to a growing group of scholars both on the left and right. Nonetheless, expect its use to grow as another presidential election nears. by Bobby Ross Jr.
Beach Access Fight Involving Methodist Group May Not Be Resolved In Time For Summer
The religious freedom case pitting a Christian group against local activists over Sunday access to a New Jersey beach may not be resolved in time for this summer. A hearing — originally scheduled for April 17 — has been postponed and a new date of May 16 set, just two weeks before the traditional start of the summer beach season. by Clemente Lisi
Untangling Christian Nationalism (Both Real And Perceived) In The Age Of Trump
“We must fight Christian nationalism. It’s what fueled Jan. 6 and the pews in our churches, every Sunday, are filled with them.” That isn’t the only time I’ve heard that ominous warning offered up by an earnest, well-weaning pastor, non-profit leader or Christian influencer. It’s shaped by a narrative repeated often by the press, echoed in a seemingly unlimited new genre of books and accepted as gospel even by many people of faith. by Daniel Darling
As India’s Elections Draw Near, Bollywood Mobilizes To Promote Hindu Nationalism
With nearly a dozen releases timed strategically around the electoral period, Indian cinema is amplifying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party's Hindu nationalist political agenda. The slew of new films — ahead of the April 19 national elections — are helmed by major production houses that rely on storylines that overtly either promote Modi and his government’s policies or target rival politicians. by Shadab Farooq
How A Small US Evangelical Seminary Is Defying The Odds
In an age of shrinking theological schools, Wesley Biblical Seminary is defying expectations. While many of the largest and prominent evangelical seminaries across the United States — such as Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Fuller Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary — are downsizing, WBS is growing in enrollment. by Clayton Sidenbender
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(REVIEW) The average religious viewer will likely also find little offensively objectionable in the portrayal of the Biblical story. They take the story, with its miracles and supernatural elements, as if they all really happened. The flaws in Moses’s character are all ones that come from the Biblical accounts. by Joseph Holmes
Amid Rubble, Turkish Churches Work Together To Build Foundations
Since a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake last year killed more than 53,000 people and displaced some 3 million residents according to Turkey’s Interior Ministry, recovery has been slow. More than a year later, the city is quiet, often only disrupted by the sound of construction equipment. by Audrey Jackson
How American Catholics View Pope Francis And Church Doctrine
A large majority of U.S. Catholics have a positive view of Pope Francis — although his popularity has slipped since he became pontiff in 2013, a new poll has found. Furthermore, when it comes to whether priests should be allowed to marry, among other hot-button issues, Catholics in the United States remain divided primarily along political lines. by Clemente Lisi
WATCH: The Struggle For Equality Among India’s Dalits
Bhupat Bhai Sekhaliya, a rickshaw driver from Gujarat, a state in western India known for its economic progress and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, faces significant challenges due to his background. He belongs to the Dalit community, which is at the bottom of India’s caste system. by Tej Bahadur Singh
Need For Community: What the Church Should Do About Singleness
Christians are divided on how to address this growing issue. One camp sees this as a problem — something that needs to be solved by helping people get married. The other sees the problem as the privileging of marriage — and that it’s the church that needs to adapt to reflect such societal changes. Here’s what some books are saying about the issue. by Joseph Holmes
Despite Opposition From Bishops, EU Deems Abortion A ‘Fundamental Right’
Despite opposition from Catholic bishops across the continent, the European Union voted on Thursday to enshrine access to abortion as a “fundamental right” in its charter. The proposal — approved 336 votes for to 163 against — was passed in Brussels with support coming primarily from left-wing and centrist members. by Clemente Lisi
Online Jewish Salon Hopes Conversation Has The Power To Heal
When Jews gather around their Passover seder tables on April 22, most will read in the hagaddah prayerbook a simple tale of four children who are tasked with learning of the Jewish exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt: The wise child, the wicked child, the simple child, and the child who does not know how to ask. by Holly Lebowitz Rossi
The Religious Group Behind Shen Yun: Why Do Some Call Falun Gong A Cult?
You’ve seen the train ads and massive billboards for years featuring colorful performers posing with pastel-colored ribbons. You might have even considered buying a ticket to see this dance troupe as they move from one to city to the next. So what exactly is Shen Yun, how do they define their religious ties and why do some even call the group a cult? by Clemente Lisi
🇺🇸 The Complexity Of Defining and Measuring Christian Nationalism: 5 Takeaways 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights five takeaways when attempting to define and measure Christian nationalism. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
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Christian Nationalism could exist hypothetically. They are probably out there. A small insignificant minority group with little influence. Years ago I remember there was somebody named Rushdowney who I think may really have been one. He was not an especially influential figure. As it stands the phrase “ Christian Nationalist “ is little more than a phrase of approbation used to stigmatize anyone who makes vague Christian noises.It’s similar to the use of the term fascist to characterize anyone who is to right of say AOC or the term racist to characterize anyone who may have their doubts about DEI. It’s just a slur designed to shut off discussion.