Since Detroiters Against Christian Nationalism is a new local group, it was a good sign for them to be at Roosevelt Park on May 1st. We rallied with fifteen or more other social justice advocacy groups, and about twenty (wow!) labor organizations. A tip of the hat to the May Day Detroit! coalition for all the work that went into the peaceful event.

The overall May Day theme was People’s Needs Not Billionaire Greed. If you resist Christian nationalism, you are basically “on the same page” as all the groups fighting for rights and freedom.

Did you know that nationalism is a key ingredient of fascism? When it gets right down to it, Christian nationalism is powering the right-wing extremists. So, it matters what people are saying about this Christianity challenge in the streets.

The times they are a changing. And people are speaking their minds.

People at the marches and rallies have a fighting spirit and common-mindedness. So, it is a good chance to make the case against Christian nationalism. There is the occasional protest sign that quotes a Bible verse, or somebody says somebody can go to hell. But Detroiters Against Christian Nationalism was alone in taking aim at Christian nationalism.

In general, participation in the rally showed a couple of things. Christian nationalism is a topic of interest and there is at least a vague awareness of the scourge that it is. Most people have heard of it. However, many people cannot make the distinction between Christianity and Christian nationalism. By bringing it up, some show a bit of startled surprise, like maybe it is taboo or worrisome. They might say it is interesting, even important, and then “keep up the good work”, or give a fearful/skeptical “good luck with that”. And a few want to learn more.

So, what did Detroiters Against Christian nationalism hear at the May Day rally?

Here is a list of things heard during May Day discussions with people.

• Christians are too wishy-washy.
• You need to do something interesting or profound to get people to listen.
• Christians, where is your fire like the Bible calls for?
• You Christians are going to make or break us, so do something!
• It’s hard to accept that Christians are letting this happen.
• You have the standing, what are you waiting for?
• You must channel/rally the liberal churches.
• Nationalism is a bad look, so Christianity is losing followers.
• Christians have the power and they’re just sitting on it.
• How can you (Christians) just be silent?
• Have to channel all this into a loving Christian voice. Need a winning message of hope, optimism, and love.
• This problem has similarities with the politics; just like GOP versus DEM.
• Need to call out the fakes. Why not?
• Stop calling the idolaters Christians.

I did not agree with everything I heard, but I learned something from everything I heard.

Detroiters Against Christian Nationalism is affiliated with an important national organization, which follows rock-solid principles. I hope you might tell me what you think.