Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism With Dr. Drew J. Strait
Nov 6, 2024
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Dr. Drew J. Strait dives into how faith communities can confront the challenges of Christian nationalism. He explores the historical roots of nationalism within Christianity and the complexities that arise in today’s polarized society. A focus on peace and nonviolence underscores the message as congregations are encouraged to mobilize for justice. The discussion highlights the importance of countering radicalization through Jesus' teachings and fostering dialogues that promote social justice while adhering to peace theology.
Christian nationalism intertwines faith with political power, prompting the necessity for open church discussions to build understanding and resist divisive ideologies.
Preaching the complete life of Jesus serves as a counter-narrative to Christian nationalism, emphasizing a holistic gospel that transcends political partisanship.
Deep dives
Defining Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism is characterized as a movement among certain Americans that seeks to institutionalize Christian values in governance. The concept has gained traction in recent years, especially post-2020, as evidenced by significant events such as the January 6th insurrection, which prompted many to examine the relationship between Christianity and American identity. It embodies a belief that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and should continue to operate as one, often intertwining political power with expressions of faith. Key terms associated with this phenomenon include Christian supremacy and Christian dominionism, indicating a broader ideological landscape that connects various expressions of faith with political aspirations.
The Role of Silence and Anger
Silence in the face of theologies of oppression is termed as complicity and calls for action among Christians who wish to resist divisive ideologies. The second key step involves harnessing the anger against injustice through lamentation, which allows individuals to channel their frustrations into constructive dialogues rather than retaliatory actions. Open discussions in churches about the definitions and implications of Christian nationalism invite dialogue and create understanding among congregations that hold diverse political beliefs. This process of engagement facilitates communities to build goodwill and foster a more informed and faith-centered approach to tackling societal tensions.
Preaching a Counter-Narrative
Preaching the complete life of Jesus is emphasized as a powerful counter-narrative to the influences of Christian nationalism. This approach advocates for a fuller understanding of Jesus' teachings, extending beyond mere justification to encompass a holistic view of the gospel. By focusing on the complete teachings of Christ as a narrative in contrast to prevailing nationalistic ideologies, the church can provide a more compelling alternative. This allows congregants to internalize a gospel message that transcends political partisanship and emphasizes the mission and teachings of Jesus in a faithful manner.
Strategies for Engagement
Developing strategies to counter Christian nationalism involves practical steps that encourage believers to actively engage with their communities. Breaking silence around oppressive theologies, creating discussions within churches, and educating congregations about political idolatry are essential. Equally important is building a movement that can effectively challenge structural violence, as congregations work together to seek justice and public good. Mobilizing church communities to act against injustice, while ensuring that political engagement remains aligned with the teachings of Christ, creates a pathway towards a healthy involvement in democracy.
In this episode Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett talk with Dr. Drew J. Strait about his recent book, Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism.
Drew J. Strait was baptized Catholic, raised United Methodist, discipled as an Evangelical through Young Life, Reformed through Whitworth College, and became a convinced Anabaptist after a transformative re-reading of the Gospels after the Iraq war. This ecumenical background energizes Strait’s passion to bring together diverse coalitions of Christians to bear witness to God’s mission of reconciliation—to reconcile humans to God and humans to one another. Perpetually overwhelmed by how much he doesn’t know, Strait loves to cultivate engaging spaces to learn alongside his students and listeners.
Forthcoming Publications
Drew J. Strait,“Dominionism in the Trumpocene: Toward a Biblical Hermeneutic of Resistance.” In On Christian Nationalism: Critical and Theological Perspectives. Routledge Studies in Fascism and the Far Right. Edited by Joan Braune and David M. Gides. New York: Routledge, projected 2025.
Human Animalization and Fascist Politics: Toward a Homiletic of Resistance against the Dehumanization of Immigrants (this is an essay I wrote during my sabbatical on the Canaanite woman in Matt 15, animal metaphors in the Trumpocene, and animal metaphors for dehumanizing people in Greco-Roman antiquity).
Next book project will focus on biblical interpretation and human security–reclaiming biblical interpretation as a site for peacebuilding through the church.
Ethereal Vistas by Denis Brodovskyi
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