Behind the News: Christian Nationalism w/ Kristin Du Mez
Feb 10, 2025
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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.
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.
Historical Roots of Christian Nationalism
The emergence of Christian nationalism is intricately tied to historical alliances between conservative religious groups and corporate interests, dating back to the 1930s. This partnership initially aimed to counter progressive Christianity, which the conservatives viewed as undermining their religious and economic values. The rhetoric of demonizing social gospel activists has persisted for decades, emphasizing a narrative of good versus evil that labels opposing ideologies and movements as threats. Understanding this lineage is crucial to grasp how contemporary developments in Christian nationalism emerged from deep-rooted ideological foundations rather than appearing in a vacuum.
Integration of Catholic and Evangelical Thought
The recent convergence between Catholic and evangelical movements has reshaped the American right, as these groups have found common ground mainly based on shared opposition to issues like abortion. Historically, evangelicals viewed Catholics with suspicion; however, strategic alliances led to an erosion of this animosity, allowing both groups to unite over specific political objectives. Catholic teachings, particularly those rooted in natural law, have influenced evangelical circles, providing a more robust intellectual framework for conservative policies. This collaboration has facilitated a blending of ideas that underlies the current political landscape, where both groups rally around a similar vision of a Christian-influenced government.
The Gender Dynamics of Christian Nationalism
The gendered aspects of Christian nationalism play a significant role in its ideological formation, portraying a hyper-masculine ideal that emphasizes strength and aggression while presenting women in a submissive, supportive role. This model fosters a worldview where men are seen as protectors and leaders, while women are encouraged to embrace vulnerability and traditional femininity. Figures like Pete Hegseth exemplify this aggressive masculinity, often linked with militarism and the defense of traditional family values. Such gender dynamics significantly influence the movement's stance on LGBTQ issues and reinforce societal norms around gender roles, solidifying their ideological framework against anything that threatens this binary understanding.
Kristin Du Mez, author of the book Jesus and John Wayne, looks at the world of Christian nationalism. Jennifer Middlestadt, who wrote a recent opinion piece in the New York Times, speaks about the “sovereigntism” guiding the foreign policy of Trump et al.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html
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