#1666 The Holy War Against America: The New Apostolic Reformation, Opus Dei, Evangelicals, Christian Nationalists, and the Worship of Donald Trump
Nov 2, 2024
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Kristen Kobes Du Mez, author of "Jesus and John Wayne," uncovers the intertwining of evangelicalism and politics. Brad Onishi discusses the rise of Christian nationalism alongside Matt Lewis' analysis of the Trump-evangelical dynamic. Andy Kroll exposes the secretive Ziklag network’s political maneuvers. Keri Gaspert-Hogwood examines charismatic religions' influence. Ryan Walters advocates Bible education in schools, and John Malcolm highlights constitutional implications. This engaging discussion reveals how faith shapes politics in America today.
The rise of Christian nationalism stems from a reaction to social changes perceived as threats to traditional dominance in America.
Evangelical masculinity intertwined with patriarchal structures perpetuates cycles of abuse and silencing women within conservative communities.
Modern evangelical communities engage in a selective narrative building that obscures their historical issues, hindering meaningful reflection and growth.
Prominent far-right figures are instrumental in merging faith with politics, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in the U.S.
Deep dives
The Cult of Trump: A Historical Context
The movement surrounding Trump extends beyond individual support for him; it represents a broader reaction to social change. Many white conservative Christians perceive historical milestones like the Civil Rights Movement and other advancements as a loss of their dominant position in America. This sentiment has fostered a sense of entitlement over what they view as 'real America,' marginalizing those who diverge from their ideals. Thus, the rise of Christian nationalism is deeply intertwined with this reaction against perceived societal threats and changes.
Personal Narratives and the Foundation of Christian Nationalism
Experiences from individuals who grew up in regions like Orange County showcase how the unique political climate forged a breeding ground for conservative ideologies. As these areas became populated by transplants, their cultural and religious practices shaped the local landscape. The culmination of these influences resulted in distilled forms of white Christian nationalism, which thrived unchallenged by the diverse communities that existed elsewhere. This localized concentration of ideologies spurred a significant shift, firmly establishing Christian nationalism as a powerful political force.
The Toxic Intersection of Gender and Christian Nationalism
There exists a troubling link between evangelical masculinity and the patriarchal structures reinforced by Christian nationalism. This ideology promotes a framework where masculinity is associated with dominance, leading to detrimental consequences for women within these communities. The insistence on women's subservience often results in discouraging them from sharing their truths, especially in instances of abuse. This cycle of power dynamics puts women at continual risk, emphasizing the need for awareness and societal change within faith communities.
The #MeToo Movement and the Church's Response
The #MeToo movement has shed light on the insidious abuse of power and the failures of faith communities to protect victims. Survivors of abuse often find themselves blamed and shunned for speaking out, while perpetrators may receive support and forgiveness from congregations. This pattern reveals a deep-seated prioritization of male authority over the wellbeing of victims, perpetuating cycles of silence and shame. Such experiences underline the critical need for reform within church doctrines and practices to ensure accountability and justice for the marginalized.
Evangelical Narratives and Historical Revisionism
Modern evangelical communities often engage in narrative building that emphasizes a sanitized history of their faith. This process involves selectively highlighting positive aspects of evangelicalism while obscuring darker chapters, such as racism and sexism within their ranks. Many evangelicals feel threatened by external criticisms, perceiving them as attacks on their faith rather than opportunities for growth. This revisionism creates obstacles to confronting the more troubling realities of their history and societal role.
Christian Nationalism and Political Mobilization
In the current political landscape, Christian nationalism is increasingly becoming a rallying point for mobilizing voters, particularly within evangelical communities. Strategies employed by groups like the Ziklag network tap into fears surrounding issues like immigration and gender identity, framing them as existential threats. Targeting these fears allows for the creation of a cohesive narrative that galvanizes conservative voters. As this mobilization intensifies leading up to elections, the influence of Christian nationalism on American politics grows more pronounced.
The Role of Influential Figures in the Far-Right Movement
Prominent figures in the far-right Christian movement, such as Lance Wallnau, play pivotal roles in shaping the discourse surrounding Christian nationalism. Often associated with prophetic claims linked to political leaders, these figures provide a theological justification for contemporary political actions. Wallnau’s rhetoric can effectively galvanize supporters, enabling them to perceive political events through a religious lens. This conflation of faith and politics not only mobilizes grassroots support but also raises concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in favor of theocratic ideals.
The Future of Christian Nationalism in America
There is a clear trajectory toward the institutionalization of Christian nationalism, suggesting that the movement is not merely a transient phenomenon but one with potential long-lasting impacts on American society. The alliances formed between conservative politicians and evangelical leaders strategically forge pathways for legislative changes that align with deeply religious ideologies. As faith continues to intertwine with politics through grassroots efforts and leadership influence, the implications for secular governance become increasingly precarious. Therefore, the rise of Christian nationalism necessitates ongoing scrutiny and broader discussions about its implications for the nation's future.
The cult of Trump isn't just about Trump, it's religion and patriarchy reacting to a moment of global economic and climactic instability. But those organizing the religious right aren't just reacting to their environment, they've also been planning for a very long time.
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