Dear Suzanne,

Thanks for the question.  Regrettably, if anything, white Christian Nationalism will be even more of a concern after the election than before.  White Christian nationalists will feel even more emboldened now that the Republicans, along with their right-wing agenda, have won the election.

Christian nationalists are basically insecure people--insecure in their faith and insecure in their national identity.  A more evolved and secure faith would take pride in the diversity of religion in our country.  It would be supportive of other religions.  It would urge a Jew to be the best Jew he/she could be, and it would not be threatened in any way; and it would do the same with a Muslim, a Hindu, or a Buddhist.

Rather than be xenophobic and rush to exclude immigrants who add to the richness of our great nation, a more secure American would be more welcoming of a new neighbor from a foreign land.  He/she would be eager to learn about the culture and history of another nation.

Regrettably, cultural and religious diversity make Christian nationalists uneasy and anxious.  They much prefer everyone to be like them.  In this sense, white Christian nationalism is both anti-democratic and authoritarian.  Worse yet, it is inherently racist.  The privileged status white Christian nationalists believe is their birthright is, distinctly, for white people, not people of color or persons of other faith traditions.  It is riddled with white supremacist impulses.

Christian nationalism has a long history within white evangelical Christianity.  However, since the rise of Trumpism and the "culture wars" it has spawned, white Christian nationalism has spilled over into our politics to where--increasingly--it poses a threat to our democracy.

So, Suzanne, as you can see, we have our challenges before us.  Let's hope the values and the wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) win the day.

~ Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Frantz