Abstract
The relationship between religion and politics and government has been very problematic. This interface has been particularly difficult for democracies. In American this tension began well before the founding of the American republic. The latest manifestation in the United States of this problem is the rise of White Christian Nationalism. This phenomenon is not limited to the United States with variants found in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Spain to name a few. White Christian Nationalism falsely holds that the U.S. is a Christian nation, that Christianity defines what it means to be a true American and that our laws should be based on Christian dogma. It is very similar to sharia law in Muslim countries. White Christian Nationalism’s orthodoxy is authoritarian, exclusive and intolerant of dissent. White Christian Nationalism embraces Great Replace theory, diversity is feared and there is hatred and persecution of minorities and women. White Christian Nationalism is particularly anti-Semitic. Science is looked on with suspicion. As history clearly demonstrates, religion can be used to justify any fanaticism leading the murder and genocide. Religion can and has been weaponized to promote bigotry with the latest version being White Christian Nationalism. “Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.” (Hans Kung—Swiss Catholic theologian) This paper examines the rise of White Christian Nationalism—its origins, harms, extent and causes. Solutions are also considered.
Presenters
John RayProfessor, Liberal Studies/Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Montana Technological University, Montana, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Community Diversity and Governance
KEYWORDS
CHRISTIANITY, NATIONALISM, DEMOCRACY, TOLERANCE
