Gravity Commons Podcast Michael Austin: Why American Christian Nationalism is Neither Christian Nor American
9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 
Michael W. Austin, a philosophy professor and author focused on humility and religion, explores how Christian nationalism clashes with both Christian virtues and American values. He explains its rise, contrasts it with Martin Luther King Jr.’s inclusive vision, and highlights practical, humble ways believers can engage locally. Conversations also cover why some Christians embrace conspiracies and how to respond with love and curiosity.
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A Personal Faith Journey
- Michael W. Austin recounts shifting from Roman Catholic upbringing to evangelical Young Life in high school.
- His spiritual journey later brought him back to older Catholic and medieval writers influencing his theology.
The Term Is Widely Misapplied
- Definitions of Christian nationalism vary widely, causing confusion and misuse of the term.
- Austin warns that it's wrongly applied to everything from patriotism to any public faith expression.
Identity Fusion Fuels Nationalist Logic
- Fusing Christian and American identities drives other nationalist claims and policies.
- Michael W. Austin argues that identity fusion makes Christian faith unable to critique national wrongdoing.
