Would you recognize Christian Nationalism when you saw it?

“As followers of Jesus, his command to love our neighbors means neighbors of every type, of every faith, not just our own. Through our baptism and in our democracy, we are called to a way of love that creates a community in which the dignity of every human being is recognized and respected, and where all can have an equal say in the governing of our civic life. The violence, intimidation and distortion of scripture associated with “Christian nationalism” does not reflect the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, and so I stand with fellow leaders in the Christian community and call for a better way.”

- The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church

There has been a concerted effort to spread Christian Nationalism teachings through churches across the United States, often by targeting parishioners who, unfamiliar with its goals, are drawn in by discussions of “biblical citizenship,” prayer and the Bible, and patriotism. They may not know that much of the "historical scholarship" of these groups has been denounced by a wide consensus of historians, theologians, and biblical scholars.

But what is "Christian Nationalism", and how can we identify it - especially when Christian Nationalists usually deny being any such thing? Here are some resources to help answer this question:

• The National Council of Churches explains what Christian Nationalism is and the implications of its teachings in an April 2021 policy statement.
• Time Magazine discusses the impact of Christian Nationalism on politics and policy in the United States in a May 2021 article.
• A January 2021 article from the Episcopal News Service quotes Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on Christian Nationalism and includes a link to a recorded webinar on the topic.
• Want to know more? Here are links for additional reading.