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Jacobin Radio

Behind the News: Christian Nationalism w/ Kristin Du Mez

Feb 10, 2025
Kristin Du Mez, a history professor and author of "Jesus and John Wayne," delves into the complexities of Christian nationalism and its entanglement with American politics. She examines how theological justifications influenced the political landscape during the Trump era. Alongside Jennifer Middlestadt, who specializes in U.S. history, they explore concepts of sovereignty in foreign policy, the evolution of American nationalism, and the intersections of faith and politics. Their insights reveal the gender dynamics and historical fears shaping today's political discourse.
53:01

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Christian nationalism is deeply rooted in historical alliances between conservative religious groups and corporate interests, influencing contemporary political dynamics.
  • The movement's hyper-masculine ideology fosters a worldview that reinforces traditional gender roles, impacting its stance on various social issues.

Deep dives

Theology of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalists often frame their beliefs around a strict us-versus-them worldview, positioning themselves as defenders of God and righteousness against perceived evil forces. This reaction, particularly towards messages like that of Bishop Marion Buddy, highlights a powerful disruption of their narrative, as her insistence on compassion, empathy, and humility clashes with the hardened, militarized image of Jesus that they promote. The refusal to recognize the complexities of faith, including one's own flaws and sin, creates a theology that lacks humility and instead fosters a sense of entitlement to power and control over others. This aggressive stance leads to targeting even fellow Christians whose interpretations deviate from their authoritarian views, further entrenching divisions within the faith community itself.

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