Christian Nationalism Part 2

I'm Rev Jay Stuart Glover, and you are listening to Faith Talk.

The ancient story of Cain and Abel found in the 4th chapter of Genesis  puts on display a sinful act of violence, brother against brother.   

This narrative speaks volumes relative to the current enduring inclination toward violence as a means to an end. Despite our monumental technological achievements, including the ability to launch civilians into space. We are able to move beyond the gravitational pullings experienced on earth, yet  many people remain pulled down and tethered, to a primal predisposition toward violence. 

Todays episode is the second part of a brief series on Christian Nationalism  entitled “The Enduring Sin of Cain and Abel in Modern Society”
We know from the story of Cain and Abel that one brother, driven by    jealousy, anger, and sin,  killed the other. This narrative highlights the destructive power of sin, deception, unchecked emotions and the consequences of failing to control one’s base instincts. The dark truths from the Cain and Abel story still loom over our nation today. This ancient narrative reminds me of the Christian Nationalist movement's deceptive appeal to the base instincts of human nature. Why do I call it a deceptive appeal? Because  it exploits a  predisposition towards violence, disguising it’s malice in the sanctity of religious rhetoric, while completely ignoring the authentic  teachings of Jesus.

When political movements intertwine with religious ideology and flawed theology, such as the call for Christian Nationalism, they dangerously increase the potential for violence.

As a person of faith here is my pastoral recommendation. People who identify as Christians, that embrace the idea of Christian Nationalism, and now find themselves entangled in the trappings of poor theology and social sin, should turn down the heat of their  unchecked emotions and do some theological fact checking against the New Testament  biblical text, to see if this movement lines up with the teachings of Jesus. 

The gospel of Luke tells us: 

“ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” 

And so it is today, we are beginning to repeatedly hear voices hinting at or crying out for civil war. This civil war rhetoric is  coming from many  who identify with this so-called Christian movement. Fundamentally inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, this modern-day cry for civil war is profoundly harmful for several reasons. Those who are striving towards civil war  should be careful of what they ask for. Have you considered the tragedy that comes with civil war? 

1. Human Suffering and Loss of Life: Civil war will  lead to significant loss of life, injury, and trauma. The immediate impact is immense suffering for individuals and families caught in the crossfire.

2. Social and Political Instability: Civil wars destabilize societies, undermining governance structures and eroding trust in institutions, with instability often persisting long after the conflict ends.

3. Economic Devastation: The economic repercussions of civil war are severe, including infrastructure destruction, loss of a productive workforce, disruption of commerce, devaluation of the dollar, declining real estate values, inflation,  long-term poverty, food shortages and other hardships. 

4. Psychological Trauma: The psychological impact on individuals, particularly children, can be profound and long-lasting, hindering societal healing.

5. Erosion of Social Fabric: Civil wars often pit neighbors, friends, and even family members against each other, tearing apart the social fabric of communities, with divisions and animosities taking generations to heal.

6. Violation of Human Rights: Civil wars lead to widespread human rights abuses, including torture, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing, creating an environment where atrocities flourish.

7. Undermining Democratic Processes: Calls for civil war undermine democratic processes and the rule of law, signaling a resort to violence over dialogue and compromise, eroding the foundations of democracy.

8. Global Repercussions: Civil wars can have international ramifications, leading to regional instability, refugee crises, and global security threats, straining international relations and humanitarian resources.

The rhetoric of civil war, infused with religious or nationalist fervor, taps into deep-seated fears and prejudices, fueling division and hatred. In societies with diverse populations and complex histories, such rhetoric will  ignite tensions and lead to catastrophic outcomes.  I don’t think that those who voice this irrational leaning towards civil war have weighed the consequences. 

For people who identify as Christian believers, now is a good time for self examination. Go  before God in prayer and ask God to help you discern whether the principles and practices of this movement match up with the teaching of Jesus?  I propose to you today that  faith in Christ calls the believer to a higher standard of love justice and peace. 

The ungodly propensity toward violence starkly contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for love, peace, and forgiveness. Consider these key points highlighting this inconsistency:

1. Love Your Neighbor: Jesus emphasized loving one's neighbor as oneself, underscoring respect for the dignity and well-being of others, directly opposing violent actions against them (Mark 12:31).

2. Blessed are the Peacemakers: Jesus declared that peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God, highlighting the value placed on those who strive for peace rather than conflict (Matthew 5:9).

3. Forgiveness: Jesus spoke about the importance of forgiveness, instructing his followers to forgive others as God forgives them, encouraging reconciliation and healing over retribution and violence (Matthew 6:14-15).

4. Love Your Enemies: Jesus taught to love one's enemies and pray for those who persecute you, promoting a spirit of compassion over hostility (Matthew 5:44).

Christian Nationalism, or any ideology that uses religious rhetoric to justify violence, fundamentally misaligns with these teachings. Jesus' message is one of radical love, justice and  peace, urging humanity to rise above its base instincts and live in harmony. The disordered attachment to  violence is a betrayal of this message.
In conclusion, our reflection on the story of Cain and Abel underscores a timeless truth: despite our technological and intellectual advancements, humanity remains prone to violence. This dark tendency is intensified when entwined with religious and nationalist rhetoric, as seen in Christian Nationalism. People who identify as Christians must prayerfully discern wether or not this movement lines up and embodies the teachings of Jesus, who called for love, peace, justice  and forgiveness. 
The modern-day cries for civil war are particularly harmful, leading to immense human suffering, social and political instability, economic devastation, psychological trauma, and a breakdown of the social fabric. These conflicts also undermine democratic processes and have global repercussions.

To create a more peaceful and just society, we must reject violence as the solution to our social issues. By adhering to the principles of peace, compassion, and reconciliation, we can transcend our historical cycles of violence and move toward a future that truly reflects the teachings of love, justice and harmony.

I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover and you are listening to Faith Talk. These episodes are available on iTunes Spotify Amazon, I heart radio, you tube and other podcast platforms. Please visit the website at www.revjaystuartglover.com where you can register as a guest for an upcoming episode, or contact me directly by email. Please share with friends and family and thank you for being a part of our global listening community. Amen

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