The Idols of Christian Nationalism: Power, Fear, and Violence

Christian nationalism idolizes power, fear, and violence. These idols betray the gospel and threaten the American Christian church. Power is idolized as the ability to get others to do what you want, and it serves the group's self-interest. Fear is used to distinguish between the in-group and outgroups, instigating a sense of threat and motivating action. Violence, or the threat of violence, is used to defend the group's boundaries and protect power. These idols blind Christians to the cries of the marginalized and oppressed, hindering their pursuit of justice and embodying the life and teachings of Jesus.