Tag: Christians

US Christians Speak Out Against Christian Nationalism

Christian leaders in the U.S. are speaking out against Christian nationalism, joining an initiative spearheaded by BJC and signing on to a statement of opposition.

“Christian nationalism harmfully suggests that to be a good American, one must be Christian or that to be a good Christian, one must be American,” said Amanda Tyler, BJC’s executive director. “BJC recognized an urgent need for a strong response from the Christian community to denounce Christian nationalism as a gross distortion of our faith and a dangerously divisive movement for our body politic.

“Working with a number of other Christian leaders, we have developed a statement for any self-identified Christian to associate with as a way to take a stand against Christian nationalism. We hope to have a robust response from a broad diversity of Christians.”

The statement calls Christian nationalism “a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy” and “a damaging political ideology,” asserting that it distorts “both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.”

View the July 29 commentary by the EthicsDaily.com staff on their website here.

Reverend warns Christians against adopting religion according to Trump: ‘Praying for a man preying on many’

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II afforded Politics Done Right a great conversation on those practicing religion according to Trump. I asked the reverend how do we best reach those who are being led astray by their religious leaders, pastors, and shepherds. His answer was quite clear.

Barber points out that those with good hearts should be “conspicuous in the public square.” In other words, do not allow the Pharisees to dictate Christianity or faith.

Barber called what those who can only be called faux-Christians, a false modern narrative of religious nationalism. He said they fear the challenge from others. Barber said it is necessary to expose them along with their contradictions.

View the complete June 10 article by Egberto Willies from Daily Kos on the AlterNet website here.

Trump’s immigration order means bureaucrats have to decide who’s a “real” Christian

The following article by Elizabeth Shakman Hurd was posted on the Washington Post website February 8, 2017:

People protest President Trump’s travel ban order at Washington Dulles International Airport on Jan. 28. (Yeganeh Torbati/Reuters)

President Trump’s executive order on immigration has a clause that is supposed to protect religious minorities. Trump has made clear he has in mind primarily Christians from the Middle East. If implemented, individuals who can show evidence of being persecuted as Christian will qualify for a fast lane into the United States.

It would also mean that immigration officials would have to hone their theological skills — because they will be in charge of determining who belongs to what religion. Many commentators have noted the constitutional problems with administering a “religious test.” But the practical and theological problems are equally daunting.

Would U.S. definitions for “real” membership in each religion violate the Establishment Clause?

The order says that the United States will “prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual’s country of nationality.” Continue reading “Trump’s immigration order means bureaucrats have to decide who’s a “real” Christian”