Christendom and Nation Imperiled: The importance of faith for such a time as this
A Review of
How to End Christian Nationalism
Amanda Tyler
Hardcover: Broadleaf Books, 2024
Buy Now: [ BookShop ] [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]
Reviewed by Karen Altergott Roberts
Christendom has gone through many perturbations, schisms, denominational divisions, and subgroupings. Different worship styles, authority structures, ethnic traditions, and preferred translations of scripture are some sources of division. The relationship of the national government and the church has also varied over time and globally. According to many recent authors, this relationship in American Christianity has been undergoing a shift. Portions of American Christianity are breaking away from our traditional freedom of religion stance and moving toward a stance of interdependence with political power. Is this a new schism?
Americans adhering to Christian Nationalism seem to be following a very different Jesus than the one that emphasizes the love of God and neighbor. How to End Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler addresses a political and societal division that our generation and future generations face. The book is grounded in Amanda Tyler’s understanding of the message of Jesus, her work in law and politics, and her community organizing for religious freedom. Heading the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and organizer of Christians against Christian Nationalism, she is a guide to the actions that are required of us now, if we seek to support freedom of religion in this country. This book is packed with historical and practical insight and is clear in its powerful recommendations.
It is a necessary book to help us understand a new schism that cuts across denominations in Christendom in the United States. White Christian Nationalism is a political stance using Christian terms and symbols to claim power in society and an interpretation of Christianity for political purposes. The current push for the values of white Christian Nationalists to be applied to the legislation, laws, and national political discourse is an ongoing concern. Amanda Tyler and other contemporary critics of Christian Nationalism resist the merger of Christianity’s faith with the power of the state. First, to the extent that the state prefers the interpretation of Christian Nationalism, inequality and repression of other faiths will follow. Second, faith suffers, whether from ‘false idols’ or heresy. There is a risk of losing track of the foundational aspects of Christianity: freedom, love, equality, and helping one’s neighbor. Third, the same faith that has been misused by the powers that be to justify chattel slavery, segregation, and white supremacy continues to be used in service of powerful non-faith-based purposes today such as relegating many Americans to second class status.
ADVERTISEMENT:
This book is dense with historical information and provides powerful straightforward recommendations, with detailed descriptions of options for action. Tyler first helps us understand several important aspects of our national history. The danger of religious superiority is planted deep in our history: the Doctrine of Discovery – supported by the pope of the time – led Europeans to feel free to seize land from non-Christians (28). Tyler takes us deep into history and refreshes our memories of more recent realities of hate-fueled violence as well. She describes the decades-long emergence of the white Christian nationalist identity. She also traces the deep roots of our nation’s commitment to freedom of religion. While early colonies and even some states had religious identities – Quaker, Anglican, etc. – when the nation formed, ‘no religious test’ determined who would hold power or office, and our Constitution was “neutral with regard to religion” (102). How did we get from there to Christian Nationalism, a political ideology supported by religious rhetoric and meaningless use of symbols of faith, with the five key beliefs of “Anti-Black racism, anti-immigrant views, antisemitic views, anti-Muslim views, and patriarchal understanding of gender roles?” (33)
In its various forms, Christian Nationalism has led to violence and hatred toward religious minorities, has provided no objection to racist and antisemitic violence, and has protected those in political positions of power and authority as they profess their prejudices and practice sectarian violence. It has been gaining strength and presents a present danger to our nation and to the Christian faith itself. Considering Tyler’s arguments and weighing the need for action to secure religious freedom in our nation, you will be glad to know that the bulk of the book addresses the question: What, then, shall we do?
As I read her book, I found myself checking my faith. Our personal histories, how our faith impacts us today, how we build relationships with others, and how we are following Jesus in our lives are important questions to consider. How often do I relate to people across political, racial, and religious differences? Do I fall into the heresy that God supports the policies and politicians I like? For people of faith, this may sound so easy, but check your faith. Indeed, this is related to the first recommendation Tyler provides: ground yourself in God’s love.
Tyler deals with the use and abuse of religious practices and symbols by Christian Nationalists. Sacred rituals, stripped of their meaning, are sometimes used for manipulative emotional purposes. Even more extreme, the use of violent, threatening, and militarized rhetoric has led to deaths, destruction, injury, and fear. In response, she reminds us that we must denounce violence. Repudiating violence is necessary, whether physical violence against minorities, violence against religious settings, threats, or psychological violence like discrimination or hateful rhetoric. Violence like this is often linked to Christian Nationalism. A society that is antisemitic, racist, anti-Islamic, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQI, anti-elder, or anti-female cannot reflect the Christian faith.
Since so much confusion comes from applying religious norms in a pluralistic society, we need to recommit to the separation of church and State, according to Tyler. We, the people, are the basis of government, and religious freedom and liberty were promised. In 1790, the declaration that, in this nation, all were “equally free – Jews, Turks, Pagans, and Christians” (106) suggests that there was an early and pervasive commitment to religious freedom. When there are competing claims, Tyler says, actions may be limited with the government civilly negotiating a common solution. While the First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (112), we must protest laws based on religious claims that are controversial.
In her well-organized and carefully documented book, How to End Christian Nationalism, Amanda Tyler presents a clear warning regarding the direction that today’s Christian Nationalists are taking and issues a clear call to action. We can start now, we can take as many of these steps as we feel ready to take. First, understand the threat that faces us as a nation, and to our faith. Second, figure out which Jesus you serve. Third, denounce violence in all its forms – political, rhetorical, physical, spiritual. Fourth, commit to the separation of church and state. Fifth, take on Christian Nationalism close to home. Sixth, organize for change. Seventh, protect religious freedom in public schools. Eighth, find and take your place in the public square. Tyler strongly insists that the Kingdom of God will not come through the dictates of the powerful, but through the persistence of all of us in seeing dignity in others. Only through “brave acts of love” will we build – together – a future of “justice, equity and no fear” (210).
Karen Altergott Roberts
Karen Altergott Robertsis a second generation American, first generation to graduate from high school, and familiar with different sides of inequality. She grew up to be an academic sociologist, a parent of three, and, in her40s, a United Methodist pastor. In retirement, she is a reader, a writer, and an artist. She has always yearned for a more egalitarian world, and celebrates kindness, faith, and faithfulness wherever she finds it. To her grandchildren, she is simply Nana.
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
Understanding Christian Nationalism [A Reading Guide] |
 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall for Christian Readers!
|
 Hilarious One-Star Customer Reviews of Bibles |
