How about love and prayers for church discipline? Interlopers of an irreligious bent have evolved to abscond with the faith, to operate outside the way of Christ, dishonoring His name. Christian nationalists are living in a manner inconsistent with the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. Their immoral behavior negatively impacts the perception of God and the Christian faith. Christian nationalists are central to the deliberate destruction of democracy and the march to end-times war. So, what to do?
Christendom, indeed civilized society at large, needs discipline to confront the sins of Christian nationalism. So, pray for the church. Pray for the lives and souls lost to nationalism. And pray for the people who work to stop the ways of nationalism.
Nothing in the Christian nationalism behavior or expected outcomes is authentic faith or justifiable on a humanity basis. They call for a racist religious state where women have a reduced social role, etcetera. The America-first nationalism they deliver is a key element of the common definitions of fascism, along with authoritarianism and militarism. That’s their love and prayers.
Trump and Christian nationalism are on the same trajectory, constantly aggressively pushing to see how far they can go. Unchecked, Christian nationalism is the means and the end state of tyranny.
Christian nationalism is a world phenomena. These leaders all play variations of the Christian manipulation game.
Love and prayers are the first responses
From the Sermon on the Mount, we know to encourage a non-violent response to aggression. Jesus says “turn the other cheek” when struck, and to offer assistance to those who would harm you.
Christians emphasize love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation.
However, there is at least one additional option – confrontation
In fact, it is a Christian obligation. Like love and prayers, it is powerful. It requires bravery and overcoming fear.
When the aggression is so destructive and unhearing as that waged by Christian nationalism, one must confront. To be sure, Christians are to confront those who sin against them or others, with the goal of reconciliation and restoration.
The confrontation recommended here, so sorely needed, is Christendom standing in organized resistance. Christendom needs to be a key (if not leading) participant in an organized plan to stop Christian nationalism. This would be easier said than done. But, it is eminently do-able, in my learned opinion.
People are challenged to comprehend what is happening, much less to do something about it. Still, everyone is precious and must be brought along. Consider this example. The Minnesota political killer is a product of Christian nationalism. Should this not be called out, confronted? If we are Christians against Christian nationalism, how can we not confront this?
Lastly, here is a sad side note from this evening’s start of war with Iran. It is not unrelated to the Christian nationalism scourge. Indeed, war chief Hegseth is an avowed Christian nationalist. When Trump says “any Iran action will be met with even greater American force”, it means he is assuming another unending, unwinnable, genocidal war. Somehow, give this your love and prayers too.