Last week I asked if there was a war against religion in America. I think there is, in some areas of the larger culture, but I wrote that Christianity isn’t being singled out. And it isn’t – sort of. I have decided to amend this idea; there is a war against Christianity and other religions, but it isn’t coming from the government or secularism or some deep state commie agenda. This war is being waged by right-wing fake Christianity. It is an attempt to create a Christian Nationalist Theocracy that ignores Jesus and worships violence. The soldiers in this war care nothing about anything Jesus said, in fact, they make things up and chastise preachers who quote Him. Think I’m kidding or overdoing it? Consider this:
1. Laws controlling women’s bodies are in process all over the country. And no, I am not pro-abortion – I am pro-women. The point is that no group of people should be controlled by another based on their religious agenda. And abortion isn’t in the Bible anyway.
2. Restrictions on LGBTQ folks – especially people who are transgender – are being formulated in the same way, focusing on youth and young adults and attacking parental rights.
3. Read about Project 2025 Conservatives aim to restructure U.S. government and replace it with Trump’s vision | PBS NewsHour. An important part of its foundation is to establish America as a Christian Nation. That is, of course, against the Constitution.
4. There’s more, but I don’t have the space here.
This war against Jesus-centered Christianity is not theoretical; it is being legislated and instituted in state governments and courts all over the country. It isn’t new either; it began when the Moral Majority reared its ugly head in the wake of Roe V. Wade. and it has its roots in pre-Civil War Christianity. It is not about the Christian faith – it is only about power and control. It has nothing to do with real Christianity – it has nothing to do with Jesus. And while the Mainline Protestant Church practiced its own form of Christian Nationalism for 200 years, the demise of that sector has opened the door to fringe groups filling the gap of “moral” influence.
If you want to stop this movement, get involved. Speak up for minority groups whose rights are being infringed upon by this misappropriation of religion. Vote for equal treatment under the law and encourage others to do the same. Our nation is founded on the principle of freedom of religion, which includes having a government that is free of religious control. And remember what Dr. King said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The only way to confront the lies of Christian Nationalism is with the truth.
Prayer – Holy God, give us the courage to speak out against the misuse of Your name, and embolden us to stand with those who are under attack by those who pervert our faith. Amen.
Today’s art is “Spiritual Freedom” by Lalo Gutierrez.